Page:Tempest (1918) Yale.djvu/71

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Hast strangely stood the test: here, afore Heaven,

I ratify this my rich gift. O Ferdinand!

Do not smile at me that I boast her off,

For thou shalt find she will outstrip all praise,

And make it halt behind her.

Fer. I do believe it

Against an oracle.

Pro. Then, as my gift and thine own acquisition

Worthily purchas'd, take my daughter: but

If thou dost break her virgin knot before

All sanctimonious ceremonies may

With full and holy rite be minister'd,

No sweet aspersion shall the heavens let fall

To make this contract grow; but barren hate,

Sour-ey'd disdain and discord shall bestrew

The union of your bed with weeds so loathly

That you shall hate it both: therefore take heed,

As Hymen's lamps shall light you.

Fer. As I hope

For quiet days, fair issue and long life,

With such love as 'tis now, the murkiest den,

The most opportune place, the strong'st suggestion

Our worser genius can, shall never melt

Mine honour into lust, to take away

The edge of that day's celebration

When I shall think, or Phœbus' steeds are founder'd,

Or Night kept chain'd below.

Pro. Fairly spoke:

Sit then, and talk with her, she is thine own.

What, Ariel! my industrious servant Ariel!

Ari. What would my potent master? here I am.

 7 strangely: remarkably well

16 sanctimonious: sacred

18 aspersion: dew of blessing

