PROSPERO He being thus lorded, Not only with what my revenue yielded But what my power might else exact, like one Who, having into truth by telling of it, Made such a sinner of his memory To credit his own lie, he did believe He was indeed the duke, out o’th’ substitution And executing th’outward […]
Continue ReadingAuthor: Hester Lees-Jeffries
Scholarly seclusion and misplaced trust (1.2.89-97) #StormTossed
PROSPERO I thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicated To closeness and the bettering of my mind With that which, but by being so retired, O’er-prized all popular rate, in my false brother Awaked an evil nature, and my trust, Like a good parent, did beget of him A falsehood in its contrary as great As […]
Continue ReadingThe dark arts of government, and some thoughts on exposition (1.2.79-88) #StormTossed
PROSPERO Being once perfected how to grant suits, How to deny them, who t’advance and who To trash for overtopping, new created The creatures that were mine, I say, or changed ’em, Or else new formed ’em; having both the key Of officer and office, set all hearts i’th’ state To what tune pleased his […]
Continue ReadingWicked brother! but, some justification? (1.2.66-78) #StormTossed
PROSPERO My brother and thy uncle, called Antonio— I pray thee mark me, that a brother should Be so perfidious – he, whom next thyself Of all the world I loved, and to him put The manage of my state, as at that time Through all the signories it was the first, And Prospero the […]
Continue ReadingFoul play! and, blessings (1.2.59-65) #StormTossed
MIRANDA O, the heavens! What foul play had we that we came from thence? Or blessed wast we did? PROSPERO Both, both, my girl. By foul play, as thou sayst, were we heaved thence, But blessedly holp hither. MIRANDA O, my heart bleeds To think o’th’ teen that I have turned you to, Which is […]
Continue ReadingTwelve years ago… (1.2.53-9) #StormTossed
PROSPERO Twelve year since, Miranda, twelve year since, Thy father was the Duke of Milan and A prince of power. MIRANDA Sir, are not you my father? PROSPERO Thy mother was a piece of virtue, and She said thou wast my daughter; and thy father Was Duke of Milan, and his only heir And princess, […]
Continue ReadingTime, memory, prisons, and truth (1.2.42-52) #StormTossed
PROSPERO By what? By any other house or person? Of any thing the image, tell me, that Hath kept with thy remembrance. MIRANDA ’Tis far off, And rather like a dream than an assurance That my remembrance warrants. Had I not Four or five women once, that tended me? PROSPERO Thou hadst, and more, Miranda. […]
Continue ReadingThe hour’s now come (1.2.33-41) #StormTossed
MIRANDA You have often Begun to tell me what I am, but stopped And left me to a bootless inquisition, Concluding, ‘Stay, not yet’. PROSPERO The hour’s now come; The very minute bids thee ope thine ear. Obey and be attentive. Canst thou remember A time before we came unto this cell? I do not […]
Continue ReadingProspero’s magic garment, and what it might look like (1.2.22-33) #StormTossed
PROSPERO Lend thy hand And pluck my magic garment from me. So, Lie there my art. Wipe thou thine eyes, have comfort; The direful spectacle of the wreck which touched The very virtue of compassion in thee, I have with such provision in mine art So safely ordered, that there is no soul – […]
Continue Reading’Tis (almost) time for a very long exposition (1.2.16-23) #StormTossed
PROSPERO I have done nothing but in care of thee, Of thee, my dear one, thee my daughter, who Art ignorant of what thou art, naught knowing Of whence I am, nor that I am more better Than Prospero, master of a full poor cell, And thy no greater father. MIRANDA More to know Did […]
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