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,
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 heav'n
I ratifie 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.
If thou dost break her virgin-knot before
All sanctimonious ceremonies may
With full and holy right be minister'd,
No sweet aspersion 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.

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