SCENE IV.

_Enter_ FERDINAND, _and_ ARIEL _and_ MILCHA _invisible_.

_Ferd._ How far will this invisible musician Conduct my steps? he hovers still about me; Whether for good or ill, I cannot tell, Nor care I much; for I have been so long A slave to chance, that I'm as weary of Her flatteries as her frowns; but here I am----

_Ariel._ Here I am.

_Ferd._ Ha! art thou so? the spirit's turned an echo: This might seem pleasant, could the burden of My griefs accord with any thing but sighs; And my last words, like those of dying men, Need no reply. Fain I would go to shades, Where few would wish to follow me.

_Ariel._ Follow me.

_Ferd._ This evil spirit grows importunate, But I'll not take his counsel.

_Ariel._ Take his counsel.

_Ferd._ It may be the devil's counsel, I'll never take it.

_Ariel._ Take it.

_Ferd._ I will discourse no more with thee, Nor follow one step further.

_Ariel._ One step further.

_Ferd._ This must have more importance than an echo; Some spirit tempts me to a precipice. I'll try if it will answer when I sing My sorrows, to the murmur of this brook.

HE SINGS.

_Go thy way._

Ariel. _Go thy way._

Ferd. _Why shouldst thou stay?_

Ariel. _Why shouldst thou stay?_

Ferd. _Where the winds whistle, and where the streams creep, Under yon willow-tree fain would I sleep. Then let me alone, For 'tis time to be gone._

Ariel. _For 'tis time to be gone._

Ferd. _What cares or pleasures can be in this isle? Within this desart place, There lives no human race; Fate cannot frown here, nor kind fortune smile._

Ariel. _Kind fortune smiles, and she Has yet in store for thee Some strange felicity. Follow me, follow me, And thou shalt see._

_Ferd._ I'll take thy word for once; Lead on, musician. [_Exeunt and return._