Prospero.
If I have too austerely punish'd you,
Your compensation makes amends; for I
Have giv'n you here a (a) ^note thread of mine own life;
Or that for which I live; whom once again
I tender to thy hand: all thy vexations
Were but my tryals of thy love, and thou
Hast strangely stood the test. 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 gift, and thine own acquisition
Worthily purchas'd, take my Daughter. But
&wlquo;If thou dost break her ^{3 note}virgin-knot, before
&wlquo;All sanctimonious ceremonies may
&wlquo;With full and holy Rite be minister'd,
&wlquo;No sweet aspersions shall the heav'ns let fall
&wlquo;To make this contract grow: but barren hate,
&wlquo;Sour-ey'd disdain, and discord shall bestrew
&wlquo;The union of your bed with weeds so loathly,
&wlquo;That you shall hate it both: therefore take heed,&wrquo;
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—

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