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Shakespeare plays PROSPERO on stage

A view of the stage, with a sign telling us that we are on a beach on Prospero’s island; there is a palm-tree at the back. Shakespeare is centre-stage, performing as Prospero dressed in an Elizabethan magician‘s clothing. He looks irritated as he wags a finger at the young actor playing Ariel in a pixie-like outfit. Prospero’s daughter Miranda looks on

PROSPERO It was mine art,
When I arrived and heard thee, that made gape
The pine, and let thee out.

ARIEL I thank thee, master.

PROSPERO If thou more murmur'st, I will rend an oak
And peg thee in his knotty entrails till
Thou hast howled away twelve winters!

ARIEL Pardon, master,
I will be correspondent to command
And do my spiriting gently.

PROSPERO Do so.

The Tempest, Act 3 Scene 2

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© 2008 Mark Brierley