The harmony of their tongues hath into bondage 50
Brought my too diligent ear: for several virtues
Have I lik'd several women; never any
With so full soul, but some defect in her
Did quarrel with the noblest grace she ow'd,
And put it to the foil: But you, O you,
So perfect, and so peerless, are created
Of every creature's best.

Mira. I do not know

One of my sex; no woman's face remember,

Savę, froin my glass, mine own; nor have I seen 60 More that I may call men, than you, good friend, And my dear father: how features are abroad,

I am skilless of; but, by my modesty

(The jewel in my dower), I would not wish
Any companion in the world but you;
Nor can imagination form a shape,

Besides yourself, to like of: "But I prattle
Something too wildly, and my father's precepts
I therein do forget."

Fer. I am, in my condition,

A prince, Miranda; I do think, a king;

(I would, not so !) and would no more endure

This wooden slavery, than I would suffer

70

The flesh-fly blow my mouth :-Hear my soul speak ;

The very instant that I saw you, did

My heart fly to your service; there resides,
To make me slave to it; and, for your sake,
Ana I this patient log-man.

Mira. Do you love me?

79

Fer. O heaven, O earth, bear witness to this

sound,

And crown what I profess with kind event,

If I speak true if hollowly, invert

What best is boded me, to mischief! I,

Beyond all limit of what else i' the world,
Do love, prize, honour you.

Mira. I am a fool,

To weep at what I am glad of,

"Pro. Fair encounter

"Of two most rare affections! Heavens rain grace "On that which breeds between them!"

Fer. Wherefore weep you?

Mira. At mine unworthiness, that dare not offer
What I desire to give; and much less take,
What I shall die to want: But this is trifling;
And all the more it seeks to hide itself,

The bigger bulk it shews. Hence bashful cunning!
And prompt me, plain and holy innocence !
I am your wife, if you will marry me ;
If not, I'll die your maid: to be your fellow
You may deny me; but I'll be your servant,
Whether you will or no.

Fer, My mistress, dearest,

And I thus humble ever.

Mira. My husband then?

go

100

Fer. Ay, with a heart as willing

As bondage e'er of freedom; here's my hand.

Printed for John Bell British Library Strand London Jan. 20.1700.

JK Sherwin fecit, Engraver

Miranda

to his

TEMPEST.

Magty, & His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

sound,

Ferdinand heaven, O earth, bear witness to this sou

you love me

Scenet.

Printed for John Bell British Library Strand London Jan 201785.

NIL

OF