_Pros._ Well demanded, wench:[377-44] My tale provokes that question. Dear, they durst not-- So dear the love my people bore me--set A mark so bloody on the business; but With colours fairer painted their foul ends. In few,[377-45] they hurried us aboard a bark, Bore us some leagues to sea; where they prepared A rotten carcass of a boat, not rigg'd, Nor tackle, sail, nor mast; the very rats Instinctively had quit it: there they hoist[377-46] us, To cry to th' sea that roar'd to us; to sigh To th' winds, whose pity, sighing back again, Did us but loving wrong. _Mira._ Alack, what trouble Was I then to you! _Pros._ O, a cherubim Thou wast that did preserve me! Thou didst smile, Infusèd with a fortitude from Heaven, When I have degg'd[378-47] the sea with drops full salt, Under my burden groan'd; which raised in me An undergoing stomach,[378-48] to bear up Against what should ensue. _Mira._ How came we ashore? _Pros._ By Providence divine. Some food we had, and some fresh water, that A noble Neapolitan, Gonzalo, Out of his charity,--being then appointed Master of this design,--did give us; with Rich garments, linens, stuffs, and necessaries, Which since have steaded[378-49] much; so, of his gentleness, Knowing I loved my books, he furnish'd me, From mine own library, with volumes that I prize above my dukedom. _Mira._ Would I might But ever see that man! _Pros._ Now I arise:[378-50] Sit still, and hear the last of our sea-sorrow. Here in this island we arrived; and here Have I, thy schoolmaster, made thee more profit[378-51] Than other princesses can, that have more time For vainer hours, and tutors not so careful. _Mira._ Heavens thank you for't! And now, I pray you, sir,-- For still 'tis beating in my mind,--your reason For raising this sea-storm? _Pros._ Know thus far forth: By accident most strange, bountiful Fortune-- Now my dear lady--hath mine enemies Brought to this shore; and by my prescience I find my zenith[379-52] doth depend upon A most auspicious star, whose influence If now I court not, but omit, my fortunes Will ever after droop.[379-53] Here cease more questions: Thou art inclined to sleep; 'tis a good dulness, And give it way: I know thou canst not choose.[379-54] [_MIRANDA sleeps._ Come away, servant, come! I'm ready now: Approach, my Ariel; come! _Enter ARIEL._ _Ari._ All hail, great master! grave sir, hail! I come To answer thy best pleasure; be't to fly, To swim, to dive into the fire, to ride On the curl'd clouds: to thy strong bidding task Ariel and all his quality.[379-55]