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No Fear Translations
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Enter ALONSO , SEBASTIAN , ANTONIO , GONZALO , ADRIAN , FRANCISCO , and others
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Enter ALONSO , SEBASTIAN , ANTONIO , GONZALO , ADRIAN , FRANCISCO , and others
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GONZALO (to ALONSO)
Beseech you, sir, be merry. You have cause,
So have we all, of joy, for our escape
Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe
5 Is common. Every day some sailor’s wife,
The masters of some merchant, and the merchant
Have just our theme of woe. But for the miracle—
I mean our preservation—few in millions
Can speak like us. Then wisely, good sir, weigh
10 Our sorrow with our comfort.
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GONZALO (to ALONSO)
Beseech you, sir, be merry. You have cause,
So have we all, of joy, for our escape
Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe
Is common. Every day some sailor’s wife,
The masters of some merchant, and the merchant
Have just our theme of woe. But for the miracle—
I mean our preservation—few in millions
Can speak like us. Then wisely, good sir, weigh
Our sorrow with our comfort.
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ALONSO Prithee, peace.
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ALONSO Prithee, peace.
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SEBASTIAN (to ANTONIO) He receives comfort like cold porridge.
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SEBASTIAN (to ANTONIO) He receives comfort like cold porridge.
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) The visitor will not give him o'er so.
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) The visitor will not give him o'er so.
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SEBASTIAN Look he’s winding up the watch of his wit. By and by it will strike.
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SEBASTIAN Look he’s winding up the watch of his wit. By and by it will strike.
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GONZALO (to ALONSO) Sir—
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GONZALO (to ALONSO) Sir—
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SEBASTIAN |
SEBASTIAN |
GONZALO When every grief is entertained that’s offered,
Comes to th' entertainer—
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GONZALO When every grief is entertained that’s offered,
Comes to th' entertainer—
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SEBASTIAN A dollar.
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SEBASTIAN A dollar.
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GONZALO Dolor comes to him, indeed. You have spoken truer than you purposed.
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GONZALO Dolor comes to him, indeed. You have spoken truer than you purposed.
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SEBASTIAN 20 You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should.
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SEBASTIAN You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should.
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GONZALO (to ALONSO) Therefore, my lord—
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GONZALO (to ALONSO) Therefore, my lord—
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) Fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue!
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) Fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue!
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ALONSO (to GONZALO) I prithee, spare.
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ALONSO (to GONZALO) I prithee, spare.
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GONZALO Well, I have done. But yet—
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GONZALO Well, I have done. But yet—
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SEBASTIAN |
SEBASTIAN |
ANTONIO Which, of he or Adrian, for a good wager, first begins to crow?
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ANTONIO Which, of he or Adrian, for a good wager, first begins to crow?
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SEBASTIAN The old cock.
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SEBASTIAN The old cock.
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ANTONIO The cockerel.
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ANTONIO The cockerel.
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SEBASTIAN Done. The wager?
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SEBASTIAN Done. The wager?
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ANTONIO 30 A laughter.
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ANTONIO A laughter.
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SEBASTIAN A match!
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SEBASTIAN A match!
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ADRIAN Though this island seem to be desert—
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ADRIAN Though this island seem to be desert—
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) Ha, ha, ha!
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) Ha, ha, ha!
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SEBASTIAN So you’re paid.
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SEBASTIAN So you’re paid.
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ADRIAN 35 Uninhabitable and almost inaccessible—
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ADRIAN Uninhabitable and almost inaccessible—
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SEBASTIAN Yet—
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SEBASTIAN Yet—
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ADRIAN Yet—
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ADRIAN Yet—
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ANTONIO He could not miss ’t.
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ANTONIO He could not miss ’t.
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ADRIAN It must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate temperance.
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ADRIAN It must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate temperance.
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ANTONIO 40 Temperance was a delicate wench.
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ANTONIO Temperance was a delicate wench.
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SEBASTIAN Ay, and a subtle, as he most learnedly delivered.
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SEBASTIAN Ay, and a subtle, as he most learnedly delivered.
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ADRIAN The air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
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ADRIAN The air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
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SEBASTIAN As if it had lungs, and rotten ones.
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SEBASTIAN As if it had lungs, and rotten ones.
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ANTONIO Or as ’twere perfumed by a fen.
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ANTONIO Or as ’twere perfumed by a fen.
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GONZALO 45 Here is everything advantageous to life.
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GONZALO Here is everything advantageous to life.
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ANTONIO True. Save means to live.
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ANTONIO True. Save means to live.
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SEBASTIAN Of that there’s none, or little.
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SEBASTIAN Of that there’s none, or little.
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GONZALO How lush and lusty the grass looks! How green!
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GONZALO How lush and lusty the grass looks! How green!
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ANTONIO The ground indeed is tawny.
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ANTONIO The ground indeed is tawny.
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SEBASTIAN 50 With an eye of green in ’t.
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SEBASTIAN With an eye of green in ’t.
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ANTONIO He misses not much.
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ANTONIO He misses not much.
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SEBASTIAN No, he doth but mistake the truth totally.
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SEBASTIAN No, he doth but mistake the truth totally.
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GONZALO But the rarity of it is—which is indeed almost beyond credit—
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GONZALO But the rarity of it is—which is indeed almost beyond credit—
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SEBASTIAN 55 As many vouched rarities are.
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SEBASTIAN As many vouched rarities are.
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GONZALO That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with salt water.
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GONZALO That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with salt water.
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ANTONIO If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies?
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ANTONIO If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies?
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SEBASTIAN Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report.
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SEBASTIAN Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report.
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GONZALO Methinks our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in Afric, at the marriage of the king’s fair daughter Claribel to the King of Tunis.
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GONZALO Methinks our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in Afric, at the marriage of the king’s fair daughter Claribel to the King of Tunis.
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SEBASTIAN |
SEBASTIAN |
ADRIAN Tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their queen.
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ADRIAN Tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their queen.
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GONZALO Not since widow Dido’s time.
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GONZALO Not since widow Dido’s time.
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ANTONIO Widow! A pox o' that! How came that “widow” in? Widow Dido!
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ANTONIO Widow! A pox o' that! How came that “widow” in? Widow Dido!
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SEBASTIAN What if he had said “widower Æneas” too? Good Lord, how you take it!
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SEBASTIAN What if he had said “widower Æneas” too? Good Lord, how you take it!
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ADRIAN |
ADRIAN |
GONZALO This Tunis, sir, was Carthage.
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GONZALO This Tunis, sir, was Carthage.
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ADRIAN Carthage?
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ADRIAN Carthage?
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GONZALO I assure you, Carthage.
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GONZALO I assure you, Carthage.
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SEBASTIAN His word is more than the miraculous harp. He hath raised the wall and houses too.
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SEBASTIAN His word is more than the miraculous harp. He hath raised the wall and houses too.
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ANTONIO 70 What impossible matter will he make easy next?
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ANTONIO What impossible matter will he make easy next?
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SEBASTIAN I think he will carry this island home in his pocket and give it his son for an apple.
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SEBASTIAN I think he will carry this island home in his pocket and give it his son for an apple.
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ANTONIO And sowing the kernels of it in the sea, bring forth more islands.
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ANTONIO And sowing the kernels of it in the sea, bring forth more islands.
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GONZALO Ay.
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GONZALO Ay.
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ANTONIO Why, in good time.
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ANTONIO Why, in good time.
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GONZALO |
GONZALO |
ANTONIO And the rarest that e'er came there.
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ANTONIO And the rarest that e'er came there.
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SEBASTIAN Bate, I beseech you, widow Dido.
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SEBASTIAN Bate, I beseech you, widow Dido.
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ANTONIO Oh, widow Dido? Ay, widow Dido.
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ANTONIO Oh, widow Dido? Ay, widow Dido.
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GONZALO Is not, sir, my doublet as fresh as the first day I wore it? I mean, in a sort.
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GONZALO Is not, sir, my doublet as fresh as the first day I wore it? I mean, in a sort.
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ANTONIO 80 That “sort” was well fished for.
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ANTONIO That “sort” was well fished for.
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GONZALO When I wore it at your daughter’s marriage?
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GONZALO When I wore it at your daughter’s marriage?
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ALONSO You cram these words into mine ears against
The stomach of my sense. Would I had never
Married my daughter there! For, coming thence,
85 My son is lost and, in my rate, she too,
Who is so far from Italy removed
I ne'er again shall see her.—O thou mine heir
Of Naples and of Milan, what strange fish
Hath made his meal on thee?
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ALONSO You cram these words into mine ears against
The stomach of my sense. Would I had never
Married my daughter there! For, coming thence,
My son is lost and, in my rate, she too,
Who is so far from Italy removed
I ne'er again shall see her.—O thou mine heir
Of Naples and of Milan, what strange fish
Hath made his meal on thee?
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FRANCISCO Sir, he may live.
90 I saw him beat the surges under him,
And ride upon their backs. He trod the water,
Whose enmity he flung aside, and breasted
The surge most swoll'n that met him. His bold head
'Bove the contentious waves he kept, and oared
95 Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke
To th' shore, that o'er his wave-worn basis bowed,
As stooping to relieve him. I not doubt
He came alive to land.
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FRANCISCO Sir, he may live.
I saw him beat the surges under him,
And ride upon their backs. He trod the water,
Whose enmity he flung aside, and breasted
The surge most swoll'n that met him. His bold head
'Bove the contentious waves he kept, and oared
Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke
To th' shore, that o'er his wave-worn basis bowed,
As stooping to relieve him. I not doubt
He came alive to land.
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ALONSO No, no, he’s gone.
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ALONSO No, no, he’s gone.
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SEBASTIAN Sir, you may thank yourself for this great loss,
100 That would not bless our Europe with your daughter,
But rather loose her to an African,
Where she at least is banished from your eye,
Who hath cause to wet the grief on ’t.
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SEBASTIAN Sir, you may thank yourself for this great loss,
That would not bless our Europe with your daughter,
But rather loose her to an African,
Where she at least is banished from your eye,
Who hath cause to wet the grief on ’t.
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ALONSO Prithee, peace.
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ALONSO Prithee, peace.
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SEBASTIAN You were kneeled to and importuned otherwise
105 By all of us, and the fair soul herself
Weighed between loathness and obedience, at
Which end o' th' beam should bow. We have lost your son,
I fear, forever. Milan and Naples have
More widows in them of this business' making
110 Than we bring men to comfort them.
The fault’s your own.
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SEBASTIAN You were kneeled to and importuned otherwise
By all of us, and the fair soul herself
Weighed between loathness and obedience, at
Which end o' th' beam should bow. We have lost your son,
I fear, forever. Milan and Naples have
More widows in them of this business' making
Than we bring men to comfort them.
The fault’s your own.
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ALONSO So is the dearest o' th' loss.
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ALONSO So is the dearest o' th' loss.
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GONZALO My lord Sebastian,
The truth you speak doth lack some gentleness
And time to speak it in. You rub the sore
115 When you should bring the plaster.
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GONZALO My lord Sebastian,
The truth you speak doth lack some gentleness
And time to speak it in. You rub the sore
When you should bring the plaster.
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SEBASTIAN Very well.
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SEBASTIAN Very well.
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ANTONIO And most chirurgeonly.
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ANTONIO And most chirurgeonly.
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GONZALO (to ALONSO) It is foul weather in us all, good sir,
When you are cloudy.
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GONZALO (to ALONSO) It is foul weather in us all, good sir,
When you are cloudy.
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SEBASTIAN Foul weather?
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SEBASTIAN Foul weather?
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ANTONIO Very foul.
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ANTONIO Very foul.
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GONZALO Had I plantation of this isle, my lord—
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GONZALO Had I plantation of this isle, my lord—
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ANTONIO 120 He’d sow ’t with nettle seed.
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ANTONIO He’d sow ’t with nettle seed.
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SEBASTIAN Or docks, or mallows.
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SEBASTIAN Or docks, or mallows.
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GONZALO And were the king on ’t, what would I do?
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GONZALO And were the king on ’t, what would I do?
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SEBASTIAN 'Scape being drunk for want of wine.
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SEBASTIAN 'Scape being drunk for want of wine.
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GONZALO I' th' commonwealth I would by contraries
Execute all things. For no kind of traffic
125 Would I admit. No name of magistrate.
Letters should not be known. Riches, poverty,
And use of service—none. Contract, succession,
Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard—none.
No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil.
130 No occupation. All men idle, all.
And women too, but innocent and pure.
No sovereignty—
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GONZALO I' th' commonwealth I would by contraries
Execute all things. For no kind of traffic
Would I admit. No name of magistrate.
Letters should not be known. Riches, poverty,
And use of service—none. Contract, succession,
Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard—none.
No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil.
No occupation. All men idle, all.
And women too, but innocent and pure.
No sovereignty—
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SEBASTIAN Yet he would be king on ’t.
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SEBASTIAN Yet he would be king on ’t.
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ANTONIO The latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning.
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ANTONIO The latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning.
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GONZALO All things in common nature should produce
135 Without sweat or endeavor. Treason, felony,
Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine,
Would I not have. But nature should bring forth
Of its own kind all foison, all abundance,
To feed my innocent people.
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GONZALO All things in common nature should produce
Without sweat or endeavor. Treason, felony,
Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine,
Would I not have. But nature should bring forth
Of its own kind all foison, all abundance,
To feed my innocent people.
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SEBASTIAN 140 No marrying ’mong his subjects?
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SEBASTIAN No marrying ’mong his subjects?
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ANTONIO None, man. All idle. Whores and knaves.
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ANTONIO None, man. All idle. Whores and knaves.
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GONZALO I would with such perfection govern, sir,
T' excel the Golden Age.
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GONZALO I would with such perfection govern, sir,
T' excel the Golden Age.
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SEBASTIAN 'Save his majesty!
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SEBASTIAN 'Save his majesty!
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ANTONIO Long live Gonzalo!
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ANTONIO Long live Gonzalo!
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GONZALO |
GONZALO |
ALONSO Prithee, no more. Thou dost talk nothing to me.
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ALONSO Prithee, no more. Thou dost talk nothing to me.
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GONZALO I do well believe your highness, and did it to minister occasion to these gentlemen, who are of such sensible and nimble lungs that they always use to laugh at nothing.
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GONZALO I do well believe your highness, and did it to minister occasion to these gentlemen, who are of such sensible and nimble lungs that they always use to laugh at nothing.
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ANTONIO 'Twas you we laughed at.
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ANTONIO 'Twas you we laughed at.
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GONZALO Who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to you. So you may continue and laugh at nothing still.
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GONZALO Who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to you. So you may continue and laugh at nothing still.
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ANTONIO 150 What a blow was there given!
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ANTONIO What a blow was there given!
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SEBASTIAN An it had not fallen flat-long.
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SEBASTIAN An it had not fallen flat-long.
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GONZALO You are gentlemen of brave mettle. You would lift the moon out of her sphere if she would continue in it five weeks without changing.
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GONZALO You are gentlemen of brave mettle. You would lift the moon out of her sphere if she would continue in it five weeks without changing.
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Enter ARIEL invisible, playing solemn music
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Enter ARIEL invisible, playing solemn music
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SEBASTIAN We would so, and then go a-batfowling.
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SEBASTIAN We would so, and then go a-batfowling.
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ANTONIO (to GONZALO) Nay, good my lord, be not angry.
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ANTONIO (to GONZALO) Nay, good my lord, be not angry.
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GONZALO |
GONZALO |
ANTONIO Go sleep, and hear us.
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ANTONIO Go sleep, and hear us.
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All sleep except ALONSO , SEBASTIAN , and ANTONIO
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All sleep except ALONSO , SEBASTIAN , and ANTONIO
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ALONSO What, all so soon asleep? I wish mine eyes
Would with themselves shut up my thoughts. I find
They are inclined to do so.
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ALONSO What, all so soon asleep? I wish mine eyes
Would with themselves shut up my thoughts. I find
They are inclined to do so.
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SEBASTIAN Please you, sir,
160 Do not omit the heavy offer of it.
It seldom visits sorrow. When it doth,
It is a comforter.
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SEBASTIAN Please you, sir,
Do not omit the heavy offer of it.
It seldom visits sorrow. When it doth,
It is a comforter.
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ANTONIO We two, my lord,
Will guard your person while you take your rest
And watch your safety.
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ANTONIO We two, my lord,
Will guard your person while you take your rest
And watch your safety.
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ALONSO Thank you. Wondrous heavy.
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ALONSO Thank you. Wondrous heavy.
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(falls asleep)
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(falls asleep)
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Exit ARIEL
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Exit ARIEL
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SEBASTIAN 165 What a strange drowsiness possesses them!
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SEBASTIAN What a strange drowsiness possesses them!
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ANTONIO It is the quality o' th' climate.
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ANTONIO It is the quality o' th' climate.
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SEBASTIAN Why
Doth it not then our eyelids sink? I find not
Myself disposed to sleep.
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SEBASTIAN Why
Doth it not then our eyelids sink? I find not
Myself disposed to sleep.
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ANTONIO Nor I. My spirits are nimble.
They fell together all, as by consent.
170 They dropped, as by a thunderstroke. What might,
Worthy Sebastian, O, what might—? No more.—
And yet methinks I see it in thy face,
What thou shouldst be. Th' occasion speaks thee, and
My strong imagination sees a crown
175 Dropping upon thy head.
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ANTONIO Nor I. My spirits are nimble.
They fell together all, as by consent.
They dropped, as by a thunderstroke. What might,
Worthy Sebastian, O, what might—? No more.—
And yet methinks I see it in thy face,
What thou shouldst be. Th' occasion speaks thee, and
My strong imagination sees a crown
Dropping upon thy head.
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SEBASTIAN What, art thou waking?
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SEBASTIAN What, art thou waking?
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ANTONIO Do you not hear me speak?
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ANTONIO Do you not hear me speak?
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SEBASTIAN I do, and surely
It is a sleepy language, and thou speak’st
Out of thy sleep. What is it thou didst say?
This is a strange repose, to be asleep
180 With eyes wide open, standing, speaking, moving,
And yet so fast asleep.
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SEBASTIAN I do, and surely
It is a sleepy language, and thou speak’st
Out of thy sleep. What is it thou didst say?
This is a strange repose, to be asleep
With eyes wide open, standing, speaking, moving,
And yet so fast asleep.
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ANTONIO Noble Sebastian,
Thou let’st thy fortune sleep—die, rather—wink’st
Whiles thou art waking.
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ANTONIO Noble Sebastian,
Thou let’st thy fortune sleep—die, rather—wink’st
Whiles thou art waking.
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SEBASTIAN Thou dost snore distinctly.
There’s meaning in thy snores.
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SEBASTIAN Thou dost snore distinctly.
There’s meaning in thy snores.
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ANTONIO 185 I am more serious than my custom. You
Must be so too if heed me, which to do
Trebles thee o'er.
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ANTONIO I am more serious than my custom. You
Must be so too if heed me, which to do
Trebles thee o'er.
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SEBASTIAN Well, I am standing water.
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SEBASTIAN Well, I am standing water.
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ANTONIO I’ll teach you how to flow.
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ANTONIO I’ll teach you how to flow.
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SEBASTIAN Do so. To ebb
Hereditary sloth instructs me.
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SEBASTIAN Do so. To ebb
Hereditary sloth instructs me.
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ANTONIO Oh,
190 If you but knew how you the purpose cherish
Whiles thus you mock it! How, in stripping it,
You more invest it! Ebbing men indeed
Most often do so near the bottom run
By their own fear or sloth.
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ANTONIO Oh,
If you but knew how you the purpose cherish
Whiles thus you mock it! How, in stripping it,
You more invest it! Ebbing men indeed
Most often do so near the bottom run
By their own fear or sloth.
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SEBASTIAN Prithee, say on.
195 The setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim
A matter from thee, and a birth indeed
Which throes thee much to yield.
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SEBASTIAN Prithee, say on.
The setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim
A matter from thee, and a birth indeed
Which throes thee much to yield.
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ANTONIO Thus, sir:
Although this lord of weak remembrance—this,
Who shall be of as little memory
200 When he is earthed—hath here almost persuade
(For he’s a spirit of persuasion only,
Professes to persuade) the king his son’s alive,
'Tis as impossible that he’s undrowned
And he that sleeps here swims.
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ANTONIO Thus, sir:
Although this lord of weak remembrance—this,
Who shall be of as little memory
When he is earthed—hath here almost persuade
(For he’s a spirit of persuasion only,
Professes to persuade) the king his son’s alive,
'Tis as impossible that he’s undrowned
And he that sleeps here swims.
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SEBASTIAN I have no hope
205 That he’s undrowned.
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SEBASTIAN I have no hope
That he’s undrowned.
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ANTONIO Oh, out of that “no hope”
What great hope have you! No hope that way is
Another way so high a hope that even
Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond,
But doubt discovery there. Will you grant with me
210 That Ferdinand is drowned?
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ANTONIO Oh, out of that “no hope”
What great hope have you! No hope that way is
Another way so high a hope that even
Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond,
But doubt discovery there. Will you grant with me
That Ferdinand is drowned?
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SEBASTIAN He’s gone.
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SEBASTIAN He’s gone.
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ANTONIO Then, tell me,
Who’s the next heir of Naples?
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ANTONIO Then, tell me,
Who’s the next heir of Naples?
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SEBASTIAN Claribel.
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SEBASTIAN Claribel.
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ANTONIO She that is Queen of Tunis; she that dwells
Ten leagues beyond man’s life; she that from Naples
Can have no note, unless the sun were post—
Be rough and razorable; she that from whom
We all were sea-swallowed, though some cast again,
And by that destiny to perform an act
Whereof what’s past is prologue, what to come
220 In yours and my discharge.
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ANTONIO She that is Queen of Tunis; she that dwells
Ten leagues beyond man’s life; she that from Naples
Can have no note, unless the sun were post—
Be rough and razorable; she that from whom
We all were sea-swallowed, though some cast again,
And by that destiny to perform an act
Whereof what’s past is prologue, what to come
In yours and my discharge.
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SEBASTIAN What stuff is this? How say you?
'Tis true, my brother’s daughter’s Queen of Tunis,
So is she heir of Naples, ’twixt which regions
There is some space.
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SEBASTIAN What stuff is this? How say you?
'Tis true, my brother’s daughter’s Queen of Tunis,
So is she heir of Naples, ’twixt which regions
There is some space.
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ANTONIO A space whose every cubit
Seems to cry out, “How shall that Claribel
225 Measure us back to Naples? Keep in Tunis,
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ANTONIO A space whose every cubit
Seems to cry out, “How shall that Claribel
Measure us back to Naples? Keep in Tunis,
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And let Sebastian wake.” Say this were death
That now hath seized them. Why, they were no worse
Than now they are. There be that can rule Naples
As well as he that sleeps, lords that can prate
230 As amply and unnecessarily
As this Gonzalo. I myself could make
A chough of as deep chat. Oh, that you bore
The mind that I do, what a sleep were this
For your advancement! Do you understand me?
|
And let Sebastian wake.” Say this were death
That now hath seized them. Why, they were no worse
Than now they are. There be that can rule Naples
As well as he that sleeps, lords that can prate
As amply and unnecessarily
As this Gonzalo. I myself could make
A chough of as deep chat. Oh, that you bore
The mind that I do, what a sleep were this
For your advancement! Do you understand me?
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SEBASTIAN 235 Methinks I do.
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SEBASTIAN Methinks I do.
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ANTONIO And how does your content
Tender your own good fortune?
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ANTONIO And how does your content
Tender your own good fortune?
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SEBASTIAN I remember
You did supplant your brother Prospero.
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SEBASTIAN I remember
You did supplant your brother Prospero.
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ANTONIO True.
And look how well my garments sit upon me,
Much feater than before. My brother’s servants
240 Were then my fellows. Now they are my men.
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ANTONIO True.
And look how well my garments sit upon me,
Much feater than before. My brother’s servants
Were then my fellows. Now they are my men.
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SEBASTIAN But, for your conscience?
|
SEBASTIAN But, for your conscience?
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ANTONIO Ay, sir. Where lies that? If ’twere a kibe,
'Twould put me to my slipper. But I feel not
This deity in my bosom. Twenty consciences,
245 That stand ’twixt me and Milan, candied be they
And melt ere they molest! Here lies your brother,
No better than the earth he lies upon,
If he were that which now he’s like—that’s dead—
Whom I, with this obedient steel, three inches of it,
250 Can lay to bed for ever; whiles you, doing thus,
To the perpetual wink for aye might put
This ancient morsel, this Sir Prudence, who
|
ANTONIO Ay, sir. Where lies that? If ’twere a kibe,
'Twould put me to my slipper. But I feel not
This deity in my bosom. Twenty consciences,
That stand ’twixt me and Milan, candied be they
And melt ere they molest! Here lies your brother,
No better than the earth he lies upon,
If he were that which now he’s like—that’s dead—
Whom I, with this obedient steel, three inches of it,
Can lay to bed for ever; whiles you, doing thus,
To the perpetual wink for aye might put
This ancient morsel, this Sir Prudence, who
|
Should not upbraid our course. For all the rest,
They’ll take suggestion as a cat laps milk.
255 They’ll tell the clock to any business that
We say befits the hour.
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Should not upbraid our course. For all the rest,
They’ll take suggestion as a cat laps milk.
They’ll tell the clock to any business that
We say befits the hour.
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SEBASTIAN Thy case, dear friend,
Shall be my precedent. As thou got’st Milan,
I’ll come by Naples. Draw thy sword. One stroke
Shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest.
260 And I the king shall love thee.
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SEBASTIAN Thy case, dear friend,
Shall be my precedent. As thou got’st Milan,
I’ll come by Naples. Draw thy sword. One stroke
Shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest.
And I the king shall love thee.
|
ANTONIO Draw together.
And when I rear my hand, do you the like,
To fall it on Gonzalo.
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ANTONIO Draw together.
And when I rear my hand, do you the like,
To fall it on Gonzalo.
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ANTONIO and SEBASTIAN draw their swords
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ANTONIO and SEBASTIAN draw their swords
|
SEBASTIAN O, but one word.
(speaks quietly to ANTONIO)
|
SEBASTIAN O, but one word.
(speaks quietly to ANTONIO)
|
Enter ARIEL invisible, with music and song
|
Enter ARIEL invisible, with music and song
|
ARIEL (to GONZALO) My master through his art foresees the danger
265 That you, his friend, are, and sends me forth—
For else his project dies—to keep them living.
(sings in GONZALO ’s ear)
While you here do snoring lie,
Open-eyed conspiracy
His time doth take.
If of life you keep a care,
Shake off slumber and beware.
Awake, awake!
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ARIEL (to GONZALO) My master through his art foresees the danger
That you, his friend, are, and sends me forth—
For else his project dies—to keep them living.
(sings in GONZALO ’s ear)
While you here do snoring lie,
Open-eyed conspiracy
His time doth take.
If of life you keep a care,
Shake off slumber and beware.
Awake, awake!
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ANTONIO Then let us both be sudden.
|
ANTONIO Then let us both be sudden.
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GONZALO (waking and seeing them)
270 Now, good angels preserve the king!
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GONZALO (waking and seeing them)
Now, good angels preserve the king!
|
ALONSO (waking) Why, how now? Ho, awake!
|
ALONSO (waking) Why, how now? Ho, awake!
|
All wake
|
All wake
|
Why are you drawn?
Wherefore this ghastly looking?
|
Why are you drawn?
Wherefore this ghastly looking?
|
GONZALO What’s the matter?
|
GONZALO What’s the matter?
|
SEBASTIAN Whiles we stood here securing your repose,
275 Even now, we heard a hollow burst of bellowing
Like bulls, or rather lions. Did ’t not wake you?
It struck mine ear most terribly.
|
SEBASTIAN Whiles we stood here securing your repose,
Even now, we heard a hollow burst of bellowing
Like bulls, or rather lions. Did ’t not wake you?
It struck mine ear most terribly.
|
ALONSO I heard nothing.
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ALONSO I heard nothing.
|
ANTONIO Oh, ’twas a din to fright a monster’s ear,
To make an earthquake! Sure, it was the roar
280 Of a whole herd of lions.
|
ANTONIO Oh, ’twas a din to fright a monster’s ear,
To make an earthquake! Sure, it was the roar
Of a whole herd of lions.
|
ALONSO Heard you this, Gonzalo?
|
ALONSO Heard you this, Gonzalo?
|
GONZALO Upon mine honor, sir, I heard a humming,
And that a strange one too, which did awake me.
I shaked you, sir, and cried. As mine eyes opened,
I saw their weapons drawn. There was a noise,
Or that we quit this place. Let’s draw our weapons.
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GONZALO Upon mine honor, sir, I heard a humming,
And that a strange one too, which did awake me.
I shaked you, sir, and cried. As mine eyes opened,
I saw their weapons drawn. There was a noise,
Or that we quit this place. Let’s draw our weapons.
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ALONSO Lead off this ground, and let’s make further search
For my poor son.
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ALONSO Lead off this ground, and let’s make further search
For my poor son.
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GONZALO Heavens keep him from these beasts!
For he is, sure, i' th' island.
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GONZALO Heavens keep him from these beasts!
For he is, sure, i' th' island.
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ALONSO Lead away.
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ALONSO Lead away.
|
ARIEL So, King, go safely on to seek thy son.
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ARIEL So, King, go safely on to seek thy son.
|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
Enter ALONSO , SEBASTIAN , ANTONIO , GONZALO , ADRIAN , FRANCISCO , and others
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Enter ALONSO , SEBASTIAN , ANTONIO , GONZALO , ADRIAN , FRANCISCO , and others
|
GONZALO (to ALONSO)
Beseech you, sir, be merry. You have cause,
So have we all, of joy, for our escape
Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe
5 Is common. Every day some sailor’s wife,
The masters of some merchant, and the merchant
Have just our theme of woe. But for the miracle—
I mean our preservation—few in millions
Can speak like us. Then wisely, good sir, weigh
10 Our sorrow with our comfort.
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GONZALO (to ALONSO)
Beseech you, sir, be merry. You have cause,
So have we all, of joy, for our escape
Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe
Is common. Every day some sailor’s wife,
The masters of some merchant, and the merchant
Have just our theme of woe. But for the miracle—
I mean our preservation—few in millions
Can speak like us. Then wisely, good sir, weigh
Our sorrow with our comfort.
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ALONSO Prithee, peace.
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ALONSO Prithee, peace.
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SEBASTIAN (to ANTONIO) He receives comfort like cold porridge.
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SEBASTIAN (to ANTONIO) He receives comfort like cold porridge.
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) The visitor will not give him o'er so.
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) The visitor will not give him o'er so.
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SEBASTIAN Look he’s winding up the watch of his wit. By and by it will strike.
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SEBASTIAN Look he’s winding up the watch of his wit. By and by it will strike.
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GONZALO (to ALONSO) Sir—
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GONZALO (to ALONSO) Sir—
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SEBASTIAN |
SEBASTIAN |
GONZALO When every grief is entertained that’s offered,
Comes to th' entertainer—
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GONZALO When every grief is entertained that’s offered,
Comes to th' entertainer—
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SEBASTIAN A dollar.
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SEBASTIAN A dollar.
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GONZALO Dolor comes to him, indeed. You have spoken truer than you purposed.
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GONZALO Dolor comes to him, indeed. You have spoken truer than you purposed.
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SEBASTIAN 20 You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should.
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SEBASTIAN You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should.
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GONZALO (to ALONSO) Therefore, my lord—
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GONZALO (to ALONSO) Therefore, my lord—
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) Fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue!
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) Fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue!
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ALONSO (to GONZALO) I prithee, spare.
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ALONSO (to GONZALO) I prithee, spare.
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GONZALO Well, I have done. But yet—
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GONZALO Well, I have done. But yet—
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SEBASTIAN |
SEBASTIAN |
ANTONIO Which, of he or Adrian, for a good wager, first begins to crow?
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ANTONIO Which, of he or Adrian, for a good wager, first begins to crow?
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SEBASTIAN The old cock.
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SEBASTIAN The old cock.
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ANTONIO The cockerel.
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ANTONIO The cockerel.
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SEBASTIAN Done. The wager?
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SEBASTIAN Done. The wager?
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ANTONIO 30 A laughter.
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ANTONIO A laughter.
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SEBASTIAN A match!
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SEBASTIAN A match!
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ADRIAN Though this island seem to be desert—
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ADRIAN Though this island seem to be desert—
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) Ha, ha, ha!
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ANTONIO (to SEBASTIAN) Ha, ha, ha!
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SEBASTIAN So you’re paid.
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SEBASTIAN So you’re paid.
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ADRIAN 35 Uninhabitable and almost inaccessible—
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ADRIAN Uninhabitable and almost inaccessible—
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SEBASTIAN Yet—
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SEBASTIAN Yet—
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ADRIAN Yet—
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ADRIAN Yet—
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ANTONIO He could not miss ’t.
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ANTONIO He could not miss ’t.
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ADRIAN It must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate temperance.
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ADRIAN It must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate temperance.
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ANTONIO 40 Temperance was a delicate wench.
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ANTONIO Temperance was a delicate wench.
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SEBASTIAN Ay, and a subtle, as he most learnedly delivered.
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SEBASTIAN Ay, and a subtle, as he most learnedly delivered.
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ADRIAN The air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
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ADRIAN The air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
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SEBASTIAN As if it had lungs, and rotten ones.
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SEBASTIAN As if it had lungs, and rotten ones.
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ANTONIO Or as ’twere perfumed by a fen.
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ANTONIO Or as ’twere perfumed by a fen.
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GONZALO 45 Here is everything advantageous to life.
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GONZALO Here is everything advantageous to life.
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ANTONIO True. Save means to live.
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ANTONIO True. Save means to live.
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SEBASTIAN Of that there’s none, or little.
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SEBASTIAN Of that there’s none, or little.
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GONZALO How lush and lusty the grass looks! How green!
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GONZALO How lush and lusty the grass looks! How green!
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ANTONIO The ground indeed is tawny.
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ANTONIO The ground indeed is tawny.
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SEBASTIAN 50 With an eye of green in ’t.
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SEBASTIAN With an eye of green in ’t.
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ANTONIO He misses not much.
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ANTONIO He misses not much.
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SEBASTIAN No, he doth but mistake the truth totally.
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SEBASTIAN No, he doth but mistake the truth totally.
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GONZALO But the rarity of it is—which is indeed almost beyond credit—
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GONZALO But the rarity of it is—which is indeed almost beyond credit—
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SEBASTIAN 55 As many vouched rarities are.
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SEBASTIAN As many vouched rarities are.
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GONZALO That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with salt water.
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GONZALO That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with salt water.
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ANTONIO If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies?
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ANTONIO If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies?
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SEBASTIAN Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report.
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SEBASTIAN Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report.
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GONZALO Methinks our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in Afric, at the marriage of the king’s fair daughter Claribel to the King of Tunis.
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GONZALO Methinks our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in Afric, at the marriage of the king’s fair daughter Claribel to the King of Tunis.
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SEBASTIAN |
SEBASTIAN |
ADRIAN Tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their queen.
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ADRIAN Tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their queen.
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GONZALO Not since widow Dido’s time.
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GONZALO Not since widow Dido’s time.
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ANTONIO Widow! A pox o' that! How came that “widow” in? Widow Dido!
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ANTONIO Widow! A pox o' that! How came that “widow” in? Widow Dido!
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SEBASTIAN What if he had said “widower Æneas” too? Good Lord, how you take it!
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SEBASTIAN What if he had said “widower Æneas” too? Good Lord, how you take it!
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ADRIAN |
ADRIAN |
GONZALO This Tunis, sir, was Carthage.
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GONZALO This Tunis, sir, was Carthage.
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ADRIAN Carthage?
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ADRIAN Carthage?
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GONZALO I assure you, Carthage.
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GONZALO I assure you, Carthage.
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SEBASTIAN His word is more than the miraculous harp. He hath raised the wall and houses too.
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SEBASTIAN His word is more than the miraculous harp. He hath raised the wall and houses too.
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ANTONIO 70 What impossible matter will he make easy next?
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ANTONIO What impossible matter will he make easy next?
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SEBASTIAN I think he will carry this island home in his pocket and give it his son for an apple.
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SEBASTIAN I think he will carry this island home in his pocket and give it his son for an apple.
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ANTONIO And sowing the kernels of it in the sea, bring forth more islands.
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ANTONIO And sowing the kernels of it in the sea, bring forth more islands.
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GONZALO Ay.
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GONZALO Ay.
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ANTONIO Why, in good time.
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ANTONIO Why, in good time.
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GONZALO |
GONZALO |
ANTONIO And the rarest that e'er came there.
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ANTONIO And the rarest that e'er came there.
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SEBASTIAN Bate, I beseech you, widow Dido.
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SEBASTIAN Bate, I beseech you, widow Dido.
|
ANTONIO Oh, widow Dido? Ay, widow Dido.
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ANTONIO Oh, widow Dido? Ay, widow Dido.
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GONZALO Is not, sir, my doublet as fresh as the first day I wore it? I mean, in a sort.
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GONZALO Is not, sir, my doublet as fresh as the first day I wore it? I mean, in a sort.
|
ANTONIO 80 That “sort” was well fished for.
|
ANTONIO That “sort” was well fished for.
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GONZALO When I wore it at your daughter’s marriage?
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GONZALO When I wore it at your daughter’s marriage?
|
ALONSO You cram these words into mine ears against
The stomach of my sense. Would I had never
Married my daughter there! For, coming thence,
85 My son is lost and, in my rate, she too,
Who is so far from Italy removed
I ne'er again shall see her.—O thou mine heir
Of Naples and of Milan, what strange fish
Hath made his meal on thee?
|
ALONSO You cram these words into mine ears against
The stomach of my sense. Would I had never
Married my daughter there! For, coming thence,
My son is lost and, in my rate, she too,
Who is so far from Italy removed
I ne'er again shall see her.—O thou mine heir
Of Naples and of Milan, what strange fish
Hath made his meal on thee?
|
FRANCISCO Sir, he may live.
90 I saw him beat the surges under him,
And ride upon their backs. He trod the water,
Whose enmity he flung aside, and breasted
The surge most swoll'n that met him. His bold head
'Bove the contentious waves he kept, and oared
95 Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke
To th' shore, that o'er his wave-worn basis bowed,
As stooping to relieve him. I not doubt
He came alive to land.
|
FRANCISCO Sir, he may live.
I saw him beat the surges under him,
And ride upon their backs. He trod the water,
Whose enmity he flung aside, and breasted
The surge most swoll'n that met him. His bold head
'Bove the contentious waves he kept, and oared
Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke
To th' shore, that o'er his wave-worn basis bowed,
As stooping to relieve him. I not doubt
He came alive to land.
|
ALONSO No, no, he’s gone.
|
ALONSO No, no, he’s gone.
|
SEBASTIAN Sir, you may thank yourself for this great loss,
100 That would not bless our Europe with your daughter,
But rather loose her to an African,
Where she at least is banished from your eye,
Who hath cause to wet the grief on ’t.
|
SEBASTIAN Sir, you may thank yourself for this great loss,
That would not bless our Europe with your daughter,
But rather loose her to an African,
Where she at least is banished from your eye,
Who hath cause to wet the grief on ’t.
|
ALONSO Prithee, peace.
|
ALONSO Prithee, peace.
|
SEBASTIAN You were kneeled to and importuned otherwise
105 By all of us, and the fair soul herself
Weighed between loathness and obedience, at
Which end o' th' beam should bow. We have lost your son,
I fear, forever. Milan and Naples have
More widows in them of this business' making
110 Than we bring men to comfort them.
The fault’s your own.
|
SEBASTIAN You were kneeled to and importuned otherwise
By all of us, and the fair soul herself
Weighed between loathness and obedience, at
Which end o' th' beam should bow. We have lost your son,
I fear, forever. Milan and Naples have
More widows in them of this business' making
Than we bring men to comfort them.
The fault’s your own.
|
ALONSO So is the dearest o' th' loss.
|
ALONSO So is the dearest o' th' loss.
|
GONZALO My lord Sebastian,
The truth you speak doth lack some gentleness
And time to speak it in. You rub the sore
115 When you should bring the plaster.
|
GONZALO My lord Sebastian,
The truth you speak doth lack some gentleness
And time to speak it in. You rub the sore
When you should bring the plaster.
|
SEBASTIAN Very well.
|
SEBASTIAN Very well.
|
ANTONIO And most chirurgeonly.
|
ANTONIO And most chirurgeonly.
|
GONZALO (to ALONSO) It is foul weather in us all, good sir,
When you are cloudy.
|
GONZALO (to ALONSO) It is foul weather in us all, good sir,
When you are cloudy.
|
SEBASTIAN Foul weather?
|
SEBASTIAN Foul weather?
|
ANTONIO Very foul.
|
ANTONIO Very foul.
|
GONZALO Had I plantation of this isle, my lord—
|
GONZALO Had I plantation of this isle, my lord—
|
ANTONIO 120 He’d sow ’t with nettle seed.
|
ANTONIO He’d sow ’t with nettle seed.
|
SEBASTIAN Or docks, or mallows.
|
SEBASTIAN Or docks, or mallows.
|
GONZALO And were the king on ’t, what would I do?
|
GONZALO And were the king on ’t, what would I do?
|
SEBASTIAN 'Scape being drunk for want of wine.
|
SEBASTIAN 'Scape being drunk for want of wine.
|
GONZALO I' th' commonwealth I would by contraries
Execute all things. For no kind of traffic
125 Would I admit. No name of magistrate.
Letters should not be known. Riches, poverty,
And use of service—none. Contract, succession,
Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard—none.
No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil.
130 No occupation. All men idle, all.
And women too, but innocent and pure.
No sovereignty—
|
GONZALO I' th' commonwealth I would by contraries
Execute all things. For no kind of traffic
Would I admit. No name of magistrate.
Letters should not be known. Riches, poverty,
And use of service—none. Contract, succession,
Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard—none.
No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil.
No occupation. All men idle, all.
And women too, but innocent and pure.
No sovereignty—
|
SEBASTIAN Yet he would be king on ’t.
|
SEBASTIAN Yet he would be king on ’t.
|
ANTONIO The latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning.
|
ANTONIO The latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning.
|
GONZALO All things in common nature should produce
135 Without sweat or endeavor. Treason, felony,
Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine,
Would I not have. But nature should bring forth
Of its own kind all foison, all abundance,
To feed my innocent people.
|
GONZALO All things in common nature should produce
Without sweat or endeavor. Treason, felony,
Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine,
Would I not have. But nature should bring forth
Of its own kind all foison, all abundance,
To feed my innocent people.
|
SEBASTIAN 140 No marrying ’mong his subjects?
|
SEBASTIAN No marrying ’mong his subjects?
|
ANTONIO None, man. All idle. Whores and knaves.
|
ANTONIO None, man. All idle. Whores and knaves.
|
GONZALO I would with such perfection govern, sir,
T' excel the Golden Age.
|
GONZALO I would with such perfection govern, sir,
T' excel the Golden Age.
|
SEBASTIAN 'Save his majesty!
|
SEBASTIAN 'Save his majesty!
|
ANTONIO Long live Gonzalo!
|
ANTONIO Long live Gonzalo!
|
GONZALO |
GONZALO |
ALONSO Prithee, no more. Thou dost talk nothing to me.
|
ALONSO Prithee, no more. Thou dost talk nothing to me.
|
GONZALO I do well believe your highness, and did it to minister occasion to these gentlemen, who are of such sensible and nimble lungs that they always use to laugh at nothing.
|
GONZALO I do well believe your highness, and did it to minister occasion to these gentlemen, who are of such sensible and nimble lungs that they always use to laugh at nothing.
|
ANTONIO 'Twas you we laughed at.
|
ANTONIO 'Twas you we laughed at.
|
GONZALO Who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to you. So you may continue and laugh at nothing still.
|
GONZALO Who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to you. So you may continue and laugh at nothing still.
|
ANTONIO 150 What a blow was there given!
|
ANTONIO What a blow was there given!
|
SEBASTIAN An it had not fallen flat-long.
|
SEBASTIAN An it had not fallen flat-long.
|
GONZALO You are gentlemen of brave mettle. You would lift the moon out of her sphere if she would continue in it five weeks without changing.
|
GONZALO You are gentlemen of brave mettle. You would lift the moon out of her sphere if she would continue in it five weeks without changing.
|
Enter ARIEL invisible, playing solemn music
|
Enter ARIEL invisible, playing solemn music
|
SEBASTIAN We would so, and then go a-batfowling.
|
SEBASTIAN We would so, and then go a-batfowling.
|
ANTONIO (to GONZALO) Nay, good my lord, be not angry.
|
ANTONIO (to GONZALO) Nay, good my lord, be not angry.
|
GONZALO |
GONZALO |
ANTONIO Go sleep, and hear us.
|
ANTONIO Go sleep, and hear us.
|
All sleep except ALONSO , SEBASTIAN , and ANTONIO
|
All sleep except ALONSO , SEBASTIAN , and ANTONIO
|
ALONSO What, all so soon asleep? I wish mine eyes
Would with themselves shut up my thoughts. I find
They are inclined to do so.
|
ALONSO What, all so soon asleep? I wish mine eyes
Would with themselves shut up my thoughts. I find
They are inclined to do so.
|
SEBASTIAN Please you, sir,
160 Do not omit the heavy offer of it.
It seldom visits sorrow. When it doth,
It is a comforter.
|
SEBASTIAN Please you, sir,
Do not omit the heavy offer of it.
It seldom visits sorrow. When it doth,
It is a comforter.
|
ANTONIO We two, my lord,
Will guard your person while you take your rest
And watch your safety.
|
ANTONIO We two, my lord,
Will guard your person while you take your rest
And watch your safety.
|
ALONSO Thank you. Wondrous heavy.
|
ALONSO Thank you. Wondrous heavy.
|
(falls asleep)
|
(falls asleep)
|
Exit ARIEL
|
Exit ARIEL
|
SEBASTIAN 165 What a strange drowsiness possesses them!
|
SEBASTIAN What a strange drowsiness possesses them!
|
ANTONIO It is the quality o' th' climate.
|
ANTONIO It is the quality o' th' climate.
|
SEBASTIAN Why
Doth it not then our eyelids sink? I find not
Myself disposed to sleep.
|
SEBASTIAN Why
Doth it not then our eyelids sink? I find not
Myself disposed to sleep.
|
ANTONIO Nor I. My spirits are nimble.
They fell together all, as by consent.
170 They dropped, as by a thunderstroke. What might,
Worthy Sebastian, O, what might—? No more.—
And yet methinks I see it in thy face,
What thou shouldst be. Th' occasion speaks thee, and
My strong imagination sees a crown
175 Dropping upon thy head.
|
ANTONIO Nor I. My spirits are nimble.
They fell together all, as by consent.
They dropped, as by a thunderstroke. What might,
Worthy Sebastian, O, what might—? No more.—
And yet methinks I see it in thy face,
What thou shouldst be. Th' occasion speaks thee, and
My strong imagination sees a crown
Dropping upon thy head.
|
SEBASTIAN What, art thou waking?
|
SEBASTIAN What, art thou waking?
|
ANTONIO Do you not hear me speak?
|
ANTONIO Do you not hear me speak?
|
SEBASTIAN I do, and surely
It is a sleepy language, and thou speak’st
Out of thy sleep. What is it thou didst say?
This is a strange repose, to be asleep
180 With eyes wide open, standing, speaking, moving,
And yet so fast asleep.
|
SEBASTIAN I do, and surely
It is a sleepy language, and thou speak’st
Out of thy sleep. What is it thou didst say?
This is a strange repose, to be asleep
With eyes wide open, standing, speaking, moving,
And yet so fast asleep.
|
ANTONIO Noble Sebastian,
Thou let’st thy fortune sleep—die, rather—wink’st
Whiles thou art waking.
|
ANTONIO Noble Sebastian,
Thou let’st thy fortune sleep—die, rather—wink’st
Whiles thou art waking.
|
SEBASTIAN Thou dost snore distinctly.
There’s meaning in thy snores.
|
SEBASTIAN Thou dost snore distinctly.
There’s meaning in thy snores.
|
ANTONIO 185 I am more serious than my custom. You
Must be so too if heed me, which to do
Trebles thee o'er.
|
ANTONIO I am more serious than my custom. You
Must be so too if heed me, which to do
Trebles thee o'er.
|
SEBASTIAN Well, I am standing water.
|
SEBASTIAN Well, I am standing water.
|
ANTONIO I’ll teach you how to flow.
|
ANTONIO I’ll teach you how to flow.
|
SEBASTIAN Do so. To ebb
Hereditary sloth instructs me.
|
SEBASTIAN Do so. To ebb
Hereditary sloth instructs me.
|
ANTONIO Oh,
190 If you but knew how you the purpose cherish
Whiles thus you mock it! How, in stripping it,
You more invest it! Ebbing men indeed
Most often do so near the bottom run
By their own fear or sloth.
|
ANTONIO Oh,
If you but knew how you the purpose cherish
Whiles thus you mock it! How, in stripping it,
You more invest it! Ebbing men indeed
Most often do so near the bottom run
By their own fear or sloth.
|
SEBASTIAN Prithee, say on.
195 The setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim
A matter from thee, and a birth indeed
Which throes thee much to yield.
|
SEBASTIAN Prithee, say on.
The setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim
A matter from thee, and a birth indeed
Which throes thee much to yield.
|
ANTONIO Thus, sir:
Although this lord of weak remembrance—this,
Who shall be of as little memory
200 When he is earthed—hath here almost persuade
(For he’s a spirit of persuasion only,
Professes to persuade) the king his son’s alive,
'Tis as impossible that he’s undrowned
And he that sleeps here swims.
|
ANTONIO Thus, sir:
Although this lord of weak remembrance—this,
Who shall be of as little memory
When he is earthed—hath here almost persuade
(For he’s a spirit of persuasion only,
Professes to persuade) the king his son’s alive,
'Tis as impossible that he’s undrowned
And he that sleeps here swims.
|
SEBASTIAN I have no hope
205 That he’s undrowned.
|
SEBASTIAN I have no hope
That he’s undrowned.
|
ANTONIO Oh, out of that “no hope”
What great hope have you! No hope that way is
Another way so high a hope that even
Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond,
But doubt discovery there. Will you grant with me
210 That Ferdinand is drowned?
|
ANTONIO Oh, out of that “no hope”
What great hope have you! No hope that way is
Another way so high a hope that even
Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond,
But doubt discovery there. Will you grant with me
That Ferdinand is drowned?
|
SEBASTIAN He’s gone.
|
SEBASTIAN He’s gone.
|
ANTONIO Then, tell me,
Who’s the next heir of Naples?
|
ANTONIO Then, tell me,
Who’s the next heir of Naples?
|
SEBASTIAN Claribel.
|
SEBASTIAN Claribel.
|
ANTONIO She that is Queen of Tunis; she that dwells
Ten leagues beyond man’s life; she that from Naples
Can have no note, unless the sun were post—
Be rough and razorable; she that from whom
We all were sea-swallowed, though some cast again,
And by that destiny to perform an act
Whereof what’s past is prologue, what to come
220 In yours and my discharge.
|
ANTONIO She that is Queen of Tunis; she that dwells
Ten leagues beyond man’s life; she that from Naples
Can have no note, unless the sun were post—
Be rough and razorable; she that from whom
We all were sea-swallowed, though some cast again,
And by that destiny to perform an act
Whereof what’s past is prologue, what to come
In yours and my discharge.
|
SEBASTIAN What stuff is this? How say you?
'Tis true, my brother’s daughter’s Queen of Tunis,
So is she heir of Naples, ’twixt which regions
There is some space.
|
SEBASTIAN What stuff is this? How say you?
'Tis true, my brother’s daughter’s Queen of Tunis,
So is she heir of Naples, ’twixt which regions
There is some space.
|
ANTONIO A space whose every cubit
Seems to cry out, “How shall that Claribel
225 Measure us back to Naples? Keep in Tunis,
|
ANTONIO A space whose every cubit
Seems to cry out, “How shall that Claribel
Measure us back to Naples? Keep in Tunis,
|
And let Sebastian wake.” Say this were death
That now hath seized them. Why, they were no worse
Than now they are. There be that can rule Naples
As well as he that sleeps, lords that can prate
230 As amply and unnecessarily
As this Gonzalo. I myself could make
A chough of as deep chat. Oh, that you bore
The mind that I do, what a sleep were this
For your advancement! Do you understand me?
|
And let Sebastian wake.” Say this were death
That now hath seized them. Why, they were no worse
Than now they are. There be that can rule Naples
As well as he that sleeps, lords that can prate
As amply and unnecessarily
As this Gonzalo. I myself could make
A chough of as deep chat. Oh, that you bore
The mind that I do, what a sleep were this
For your advancement! Do you understand me?
|
SEBASTIAN 235 Methinks I do.
|
SEBASTIAN Methinks I do.
|
ANTONIO And how does your content
Tender your own good fortune?
|
ANTONIO And how does your content
Tender your own good fortune?
|
SEBASTIAN I remember
You did supplant your brother Prospero.
|
SEBASTIAN I remember
You did supplant your brother Prospero.
|
ANTONIO True.
And look how well my garments sit upon me,
Much feater than before. My brother’s servants
240 Were then my fellows. Now they are my men.
|
ANTONIO True.
And look how well my garments sit upon me,
Much feater than before. My brother’s servants
Were then my fellows. Now they are my men.
|
SEBASTIAN But, for your conscience?
|
SEBASTIAN But, for your conscience?
|
ANTONIO Ay, sir. Where lies that? If ’twere a kibe,
'Twould put me to my slipper. But I feel not
This deity in my bosom. Twenty consciences,
245 That stand ’twixt me and Milan, candied be they
And melt ere they molest! Here lies your brother,
No better than the earth he lies upon,
If he were that which now he’s like—that’s dead—
Whom I, with this obedient steel, three inches of it,
250 Can lay to bed for ever; whiles you, doing thus,
To the perpetual wink for aye might put
This ancient morsel, this Sir Prudence, who
|
ANTONIO Ay, sir. Where lies that? If ’twere a kibe,
'Twould put me to my slipper. But I feel not
This deity in my bosom. Twenty consciences,
That stand ’twixt me and Milan, candied be they
And melt ere they molest! Here lies your brother,
No better than the earth he lies upon,
If he were that which now he’s like—that’s dead—
Whom I, with this obedient steel, three inches of it,
Can lay to bed for ever; whiles you, doing thus,
To the perpetual wink for aye might put
This ancient morsel, this Sir Prudence, who
|
Should not upbraid our course. For all the rest,
They’ll take suggestion as a cat laps milk.
255 They’ll tell the clock to any business that
We say befits the hour.
|
Should not upbraid our course. For all the rest,
They’ll take suggestion as a cat laps milk.
They’ll tell the clock to any business that
We say befits the hour.
|
SEBASTIAN Thy case, dear friend,
Shall be my precedent. As thou got’st Milan,
I’ll come by Naples. Draw thy sword. One stroke
Shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest.
260 And I the king shall love thee.
|
SEBASTIAN Thy case, dear friend,
Shall be my precedent. As thou got’st Milan,
I’ll come by Naples. Draw thy sword. One stroke
Shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest.
And I the king shall love thee.
|
ANTONIO Draw together.
And when I rear my hand, do you the like,
To fall it on Gonzalo.
|
ANTONIO Draw together.
And when I rear my hand, do you the like,
To fall it on Gonzalo.
|
ANTONIO and SEBASTIAN draw their swords
|
ANTONIO and SEBASTIAN draw their swords
|
SEBASTIAN O, but one word.
(speaks quietly to ANTONIO)
|
SEBASTIAN O, but one word.
(speaks quietly to ANTONIO)
|
Enter ARIEL invisible, with music and song
|
Enter ARIEL invisible, with music and song
|
ARIEL (to GONZALO) My master through his art foresees the danger
265 That you, his friend, are, and sends me forth—
For else his project dies—to keep them living.
(sings in GONZALO ’s ear)
While you here do snoring lie,
Open-eyed conspiracy
His time doth take.
If of life you keep a care,
Shake off slumber and beware.
Awake, awake!
|
ARIEL (to GONZALO) My master through his art foresees the danger
That you, his friend, are, and sends me forth—
For else his project dies—to keep them living.
(sings in GONZALO ’s ear)
While you here do snoring lie,
Open-eyed conspiracy
His time doth take.
If of life you keep a care,
Shake off slumber and beware.
Awake, awake!
|
ANTONIO Then let us both be sudden.
|
ANTONIO Then let us both be sudden.
|
GONZALO (waking and seeing them)
270 Now, good angels preserve the king!
|
GONZALO (waking and seeing them)
Now, good angels preserve the king!
|
ALONSO (waking) Why, how now? Ho, awake!
|
ALONSO (waking) Why, how now? Ho, awake!
|
All wake
|
All wake
|
Why are you drawn?
Wherefore this ghastly looking?
|
Why are you drawn?
Wherefore this ghastly looking?
|
GONZALO What’s the matter?
|
GONZALO What’s the matter?
|
SEBASTIAN Whiles we stood here securing your repose,
275 Even now, we heard a hollow burst of bellowing
Like bulls, or rather lions. Did ’t not wake you?
It struck mine ear most terribly.
|
SEBASTIAN Whiles we stood here securing your repose,
Even now, we heard a hollow burst of bellowing
Like bulls, or rather lions. Did ’t not wake you?
It struck mine ear most terribly.
|
ALONSO I heard nothing.
|
ALONSO I heard nothing.
|
ANTONIO Oh, ’twas a din to fright a monster’s ear,
To make an earthquake! Sure, it was the roar
280 Of a whole herd of lions.
|
ANTONIO Oh, ’twas a din to fright a monster’s ear,
To make an earthquake! Sure, it was the roar
Of a whole herd of lions.
|
ALONSO Heard you this, Gonzalo?
|
ALONSO Heard you this, Gonzalo?
|
GONZALO Upon mine honor, sir, I heard a humming,
And that a strange one too, which did awake me.
I shaked you, sir, and cried. As mine eyes opened,
I saw their weapons drawn. There was a noise,
Or that we quit this place. Let’s draw our weapons.
|
GONZALO Upon mine honor, sir, I heard a humming,
And that a strange one too, which did awake me.
I shaked you, sir, and cried. As mine eyes opened,
I saw their weapons drawn. There was a noise,
Or that we quit this place. Let’s draw our weapons.
|
ALONSO Lead off this ground, and let’s make further search
For my poor son.
|
ALONSO Lead off this ground, and let’s make further search
For my poor son.
|
GONZALO Heavens keep him from these beasts!
For he is, sure, i' th' island.
|
GONZALO Heavens keep him from these beasts!
For he is, sure, i' th' island.
|
ALONSO Lead away.
|
ALONSO Lead away.
|
ARIEL So, King, go safely on to seek thy son.
|
ARIEL So, King, go safely on to seek thy son.
|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|

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