Page:Tempest (1918) Yale.djvu/59

48

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 shows. 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?

Fer. Ay, with a heart as willing

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

Mira. And mine, with my heart in 't: and now farewell

Till half an hour hence.

Fer. A thousand thousand!

Exeunt.

Pro. So glad of this as they, I cannot be,

Who are surpris'd withal; but my rejoicing

At nothing can be more. I'll to my book;

For yet, ere supper time, must I perform

Much business appertaining.

 84 fellow: companion

89 bondage: one in bondage

93 withal: thereby

94 book: book of magic 