Imagens das páginas
PDF
ePub
[graphic]
[blocks in formation]

And some donation freely to estate1
On the bless'd lovers.

Cer.

Tell me, heavenly bow,
If Venus, or her son, as thou dost know,

Do now attend the queen? Since they did plot
The means, that dusky Dis my daughter got,
Her and her blind boy's scandal'd company
I have forsworn.

[blocks in formation]

Be not afraid I met her deity

Cutting the clouds towards Paphos; and her son Dove-drawn with her: here thought they to have done

Some wanton charm upon this man and maid,
Whose vows are, that no bed-rite shall be paid
Till Hymen's torch be lighted: but in vain;
Mars's hot minion is return'd again :

Her waspish-headed son has broke his arrows,
Swears he will shoot no more, but play with spar-

rows,

And be a boy right out.

Cer.

Highest queen of state,

Great Juno comes; I know her by her gait.

Enter JUNO.

Juno. How does my bounteous sister? Go with

me,

To bless this twain, that they may prosperous be, And honor'd in their issue.

[blocks in formation]

SONG.

Juno. Honor, riches, marriage-blessing,
Long continuance, and increasing;
Hourly joys be still upon you!
Juno sings her blessings on you.

Cer. Earth's increase, and foison' plenty;
Barns and garners never empty;

Vines, with clustering bunches growing;
Plants, with goodly burden bowing;
Spring come to you, at the farthest,
In the very end of harvest !

Scarcity and want shall shun you;
Ceres' blessing so is on you.

Fer. This is a most majestic vision, and
Harmonious charmingly. May I be bold
To think these spirits?

[blocks in formation]

Sɔ rare a wonder'd father, and a wife,

Make this place Paradise.

[Juno and Ceres whisper, and send Iris on employment.

Pro.

Sweet now, silence:

Juno and Ceres whisper seriously;

There's something else to do: hush, and be mute, Or else our spell is marr'd.

Iris. You nymphs, call'd Naiads, of the wandering brooks,

With your sedged crowns, and ever-harmless looks,

1 Abundance.

2 Able to produce such wonders.

1

Leave your crisp 1 channels, and on this green land
Answer your summons; Juno does command:
Come, temperate nymphs, and help to celebrate
A contract of true love; be not too late.

Enter certain nymphs.

You sun-burn'd sicklemen, of August weary,
Come hither from the furrow, and be merry;
Make holy-day; your rye-straw hats put on,
And these fresh nymphs encounter every one
In country footing.

Enter certain reapers, properly habited: they join with the nymphs in a graceful dance; towards the end whereof Prospero starts suddenly, and speaks ; after which, to a strange, hollow, and confused noise, they heavily vanish.

Pro. [aside] I had forgot that foul conspiracy Of the beast Caliban, and his confederates, Against my life; the minute of their plot

;

Is almost come.—[to the spirits.] Well done ;

avoid;-no more.

Fer. This is strange: your father's in some

passion

That works him strongly.

Mir.

Never till this day,

Saw I him touch'd with anger so distemper'd.
Pro. You do look, my son, in a moved sort,
As if you were dismay'd: be cheerful, sir:

1 Curling, winding.

« AnteriorContinuar »