Since I came to this isle: And in the morn, Of these our dear-beloved solemniz'd; Alon. Pro. I'll deliver all; And promise you calm seas, auspicious gales, Be free, and fare thou well!-[aside.] Please you, draw near. [Exeunt. 106 EPILOGUE. SPOKEN BY PROSPERO. NOW my charms are all o'erthrown, Unless I be reliev'd by prayer; 9 Which pierces so, that it assaults 8 With the help of your good hands.] By your applause, by clapping hands. JOHNSON. Noise was supposed to dissolve a spell. 9 And my ending is despair, STEEVENS. Unless I be reliev'd by pray'r ;] This alludes to the old stories told of the despair of necromancers in their last moments, and of the efficacy of the prayers of their friends for them. WARBURTON. As you from crimes would pardon'd be, It is observed of The Tempest, that its plan is regular; this the author of The Revisal thinks, what I think too, an accidental effect of the story, not intended or regarded by our author. But, whatever might be Shakspeare's intention in forming or adopting the plot, he has made it instrumental to the production of many characters, diversified with boundless invention, and preserved with profound skill in nature, extensive knowledge of opinions, and accurate observation of life. In a single drama are here exhibited princes, courtiers, and sailors, all speaking in their real characters. There is the agency of airy spirits, and of an earthly goblin. The operations of magick, the tumults of a storm, the adventures of a desert island, the native effusion of untaught affection, the punishment of guilt, and the final happiness of the pair for whom our passions and reason are equally interested. JOHNSON. |