Prospero.
If I have too austerely punish'd you,
Your compensation makes amends; for I
Have giv'n you here a third of mine own life;^{6 note}

Or that for which I live; whom once again
I tender to thy hand: all my vexations
Were but my tryals of thy love, and thou
Hast strangely stood the test.^{7 note} Here, afore heaven,
I ratify this my rich gift: O Ferdinand,
Do not smile at me, that I boast her off;
For thou shalt find, she will outstrip all praise,
And make it halt behind her.

Fer.
I believe it,
Against an oracle.

Pro.
Then as my* ^note gift, and thine own acquisition
Worthily purchas'd, take my Daughter. But
If thou dost break her virgin-knot, before
All sanctimonious ceremonies may
With full and holy Rite be minister'd,
No sweet aspersions shall the heav'ns let fall
To make this contract grow: but barren hate,
Sour-ey'd disdain, and discord shall bestrew
The union of your bed with weeds so loathly,
That you shall hate it both: therefore take heed,
As Hymen's lamps shall light you.

Fer.
As I hope
For quiet days, fair issue, and long life,
With such love as 'tis now; the murkiest den,
The most opportune place, the strong'st suggestion
Our worser Genius can, shall never melt
Mine honour into lust; to take away
The edge of that day's celebration,
When I shall think or Phœbus' steeds are founder'd,

Or night kept chain'd below.

Pro.
Fairly spoke.
Sit then, and talk with her, she is thine own.
What, Ariel; my industrious servant, Ariel— Enter Ariel.

Ari.
What would my potent master? here I am.

Pro.
Thou and thy meaner fellows your last service
Did worthily perform; and I must use you
In such another trick; go, bring the rabble,^{8 note}
O'er whom I give thee power, here to this place:
Incite them to quick motion, for I must
Bestow upon the eyes of this young couple
Some vanity of mine art; it is my promise,
And they expect it from me.

Ari.
Presently?

Pro.
Ay, with a twink.

Ari.
Before you can say, Come, and go,
And breathe twice; and cry, so, so;
Each one, tripping on his toe,
Will be here with mop and mow.
Do you love me, master? no?

Pro.
Dearly, my delicate Ariel; do not approach,
'Till thou dost hear me call.

Ari.
Well, I conceive. [Exit.

Pro.
Look, thou be true; do not give dalliance
Too much the rein; the strongest oaths are straw
To th' fire i'th' blood: be more abstemious,
Or else, good night, your vow!—

Fer.
I warrant you, Sir;
The white, cold, virgin-snow upon my heart
Abates the ardour of my liver.

Pro.
Well.
Now come, my Ariel; bring a corollary.
Rather than want a spirit, appear; and pertly—

^{9 note}No tongue; all eyes; be silent. [To Ferdinand. [Soft Musick.

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