University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

A Valley in the Island.
Enter Prospero.
Pro.
So, so; I hope this lesson has secur'd him;
For I have been constrain'd to change his lodging
From the rude rock where I have bred him up,
And bring him to the neighbourhood of my cell,
Because the shipwreck happen'd near his mansion.—
How, my daughters!—
I thought I had instructed them enough.—
Enter Miranda and Dorinda.
Children, retire:—Why do you walk this way?

Mir.
It is within our bounds, sir.

Pro.
But both take heed, that path is very dangerous:
Remember what I told you.

Dor.
Is the man that way, sir?

Pro.
All, that you can imagine ill, is there:
The curled lion, and the rugged bear,
Are not so dreadful as that savage man.

Dor.
But I would stroke him, father,
And make him gentle, then he would not hurt me.

Pro.
You must not trust him, child.—But I must in;
For now my operant spells require my presence.—
Be you, Miranda, guardian to your sister.
[Exit Prospero.

Dor.
Come, sister, let us walk the other way,
The man will catch us else; we've but two legs,
And he, perhaps, has four.

Mir.
Well, sister, though he have, yet look about you,
And we shall spy him, ere he come too near us.

Dor.
Come back, come back; that way is tow'rd his den.

Mir.
Let me alone: I'll venture first; for sure
He can devour but one of us at once.—
I will go softly:—if you see him first,
Be sure, you call me to take care of you.
[Exit Miranda.

Dor.
Nay, I confess, I would fain see him too:
I find a longing in my very nature,
Because my father has forbidden me.
[Exit Dorinda.