“Nay, my child,” replied Prospero, passing his hand fondly over her hair; “not a care, but a comforter, a consoler! I could hardly have borne up under such misfortunes, but for your innocent face and baby tongue. Our food lasted till the boat touched this island; and here my great joy has been to watch over and instruct you.”
“But tell me, father, why this furious storm?” cried Miranda.
“By this storm my cruel brother and the king of Naples are cast ashore upon this island.”
As he spoke these words Prospero touched his daughter with his magic wand, and her eyes closed in sleep.
Just then Ariel came to his master to tell how he had treated the company on board the ship, describing their great alarm, and how the young Ferdinand, son of the king, had leaped into the sea, to the grief of his father, who believed him lost. “But he is not lost,” said Ariel. “He is sitting now in a corner of the island, with not one hair of his head injured; but he is grieving sadly, because he concludes that the king, his father, has been drowned.”
“Bring the young prince hither, Ariel,” said Prospero. “Where is the king, and where my brother Antonio?”
“Searching for Ferdinand,” replied the sprite. “Searching with a very faint hope, for they believe they saw him perish. In fact, although all the ship’s company is safe, each believes himself the only survivor; and even the ship is invisible to them, though it lies in the harbor.”
“Thy duty has been well done,” said Prospero. “There is more work yet for thee, Ariel.”
“More work!” cried the sprite. “But, master, you promised me my liberty; and pray remember I have done you good service. I have made no mistakes, told no lies, neither have I murmured at the commands laid upon me.”
“How now?” said Prospero. “Do you forget from what I freed you? Do you forget Sycorax, the wicked witch? Where was she born? Tell me, Ariel.”