Dryden's Works Vol. 3

by John Dryden

Ariel. I thank thee, master.

Prosp. If thou more murmurest, I will rend an oak, And peg thee in his knotty entrails, till thou Hast howled away twelve winters more.

Ariel. Pardon, master; I will be correspondent to command, And be a gentle spirit.

Prosp. Do so; and after two days I'll discharge thee.

Ariel. Thanks, my great master. But I have yet one request.

Prosp. What's that, my spirit?

Ariel. I know that this day's business is important,

Requiring too much toil for one alone.

I have a gentle spirit for my love, Who, twice seven years has waited for my freedom: Let it appear, it will assist me much, And we with mutual joy shall entertain Each other. This, I beseech you, grant me.