Alonso. I am hers: But, O, how oddly will it sound that I Pros. There, sir, stop: Let us not burden our remembrance with Gonzalo. gone. I've inly wept, Or should have spoke ere this.-Look And on this couple drop a blessed crown! Should become King of Naples! O, re- Beyond a common joy! and set it down In a poor isle; and all of us, ourselves, Alonso. [To Ferdinand and Miranda.] Give me your hands: Let grief and sorrow still embrace his heart Gonzalo. Be't so! Amen ! Then Prospero embraced his brother, and again assured him of his forgiveness; and said that a wise, over-ruling Providence had permitted that he should be driven from his poor dukedom of Milan, that his daughter might inherit the crown of Naples, for that by their meeting in this desert island, it had happened that the king's son had loved Miranda. VI HS. PROSPERO now told them that their ship was safe in the harbour, and the sailors all on board her, and that he and his daughter would accompany them home the next morning. "In the meantime," says he, "partake of such refreshments as my poor cave affords; and for your evening's entertainment I will relate the history of my life from my first landing in this desert island." He then called for Caliban to prepare some food, and set the cave in order; and the company were astonished at the uncouth form and savage appearance of this ugly monster, who (Prospero said) was the only attendant he had to wait upon him. Before Prospero left the island, he dismissed Ariel from his service, to the great joy of that lively little spirit; who, though he had been a faithful servant to his master, was always longing to enjoy his free liberty, to "Where the bee sucks, there suck I; There I couch when owls do cry. On the bat's back I do fly After summer merrily. Merrily, merrily shall I live now Under the blossom that hangs on the bough." Prospero then buried deep in the earth his magical books and wand, for he was resolved never more to make use of them. In noble words he bade farewell to the magic art he had used so wonderfully and so well: * |