Seb. Or stole it, rather. [Exeunt CAL. STE. and TRIN. 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. EPILOGUE. SPOKEN BY PROSPERO. Now my charms are all o'erthrown, As you from crimes would pardon'd be, 1 By your applause. Noise was supposed to dissolve a spell. Thus before in this play: 661 Hush! be mute; Or else our spell is marr'd." 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 magic, 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. Valentine. Then know, that I have little wealth to lose. ACT iv. Sc. 1. FROM THE CHISWICK PRESS. 1826. |