Chapter 6

_Enter FERDINAND, bearing a log._

There be some sports are painful, and their labour Delight in them sets off:[418-1] some kinds of baseness[418-2] Are nobly undergone; and most poor matters Point to rich ends. This my mean task would be As heavy to me as 'tis odious, but The mistress which I serve quickens what's dead, And makes my labours pleasures:[418-3] O, she is Ten times more gentle than her father's crabbed, And he's composed of harshness. I must remove Some thousands of these logs, and pile them up, Upon a sore injunction: my sweet mistress Weeps when she sees me work; and says such baseness Had never like executor. I forget: But these sweet thoughts do even refresh my labour; Most busy when I do it least.[419-4]

_Enter MIRANDA; and PROSPERO behind._

_Mira._ Alas, now, pray you, Work not so hard: I would the lightning had Burnt up those logs that you're enjoin'd to pile! Pray, set it down, and rest you: when this burns, 'Twill weep for having wearied you. My father Is hard at study; pray now, rest yourself: He's safe for these three hours.

_Ferd._ O most dear mistress, The Sun will set before I shall discharge What I must strive to do.

_Mira._ If you'll sit down, I'll bear your logs the while: pray, give me that; I'll carry't to the pile.

_Ferd._ No, precious creature; I'd rather crack my sinews, break my back, Than you should such dishonour undergo, While I sit lazy by.

_Mira._ It would become me As well as it does you: and I should do it With much more ease; for my good will is to it, And yours it is against.

_Pros._ [_Aside._] Poor worm, thou art infected! This visitation shows it.

_Mira._ You look wearily.

_Ferd._ No, noble mistress; 'tis fresh morning with me When you are by at night. I do beseech you,-- Chiefly that I might set it in my prayers,-- What is your name?

_Mira._ Miranda--O my father, I've broke your best to say so!

_Ferd._ Admired Miranda! Indeed the top of admiration; worth What's dearest to the world! Full many a lady I've eyed with best regard; and many a time The harmony of their tongues hath into bondage Brought my too diligent ear: for several virtues Have I liked several women; never any With so full soul, but some defect in her Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed, And put it to the foil:[420-5] but you, O you, So perfect and so peerless, are created Of every creature's best!

_Mira._ I do not know One of my sex; no woman's face remember, Save, from my glass, mine own; nor have I seen More that I may call men, than you, good friend, And my dear father: how features are abroad, I'm skilless of; but, by my modesty,-- The jewel in my dower,--I would not wish Any companion in the world but you; Nor can imagination form a shape, Besides yourself, to like of. But I prattle Something too wildly, and my father's precepts I therein do forget.

_Ferd._ I am, in my condition, A prince, Miranda; I do think, a king,-- I would not so![420-6]--and would no more endure This wooden slavery than to suffer The flesh-fly blow[422-7] my mouth. Hear my soul speak: The very instant that I saw you, did My heart fly to your service; there resides, To make me slave to it; and for your sake Am I this patient log-man.

_Mira._ Do you love me?

_Ferd._ O Heaven, O Earth, bear witness to this sound, And crown what I profess with kind event, If I speak true! if hollowly,[422-8] invert What best is boded me to mischief! I, Beyond all limit of what else[422-9] i' the world, Do love, prize, honour you.

_Mira._ I am a fool To weep at what I'm glad of.

_Pros._ [_Aside._] Fair encounter Of two most rare affections! Heavens rain grace On that which breeds between them!

_Ferd._ 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.[422-10] 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[423-11] You may deny me; but I'll be your servant, Whether you will or no.

_Ferd._ My mistress, dearest, And I thus humble ever.

_Mira._ My husband, then?

_Ferd._ Ay, with a heart as willing As bondage[423-12] e'er of freedom: here's my hand.

_Mira._ And mine, with my heart in't: and now farewell Till half an hour hence.

_Ferd._ A thousand thousand![423-13]

[_Exeunt FERDINAND and MIRANDA._

_Pros._ So glad of this as they, I cannot be, Who am surprised withal;[423-14] but my rejoicing At nothing can be more. I'll to my book; For yet, ere supper-time, must I perform Much business appertaining. [_Exit._