Miranda
Alas, now pray you,
Work not so hard. I would the lightning had
Burnt up those logs that you are enjoined 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.
Stop working so hard. If only the lightning in the storm had burned all those logs you wouldn’t be forced to pile them up.
How often do you think Miranda has disobeyed her father before now? What gives you that impression?
Ferdinand
O most dear mistress,
The sun will set before I shall discharge
What I must strive to do.
It will be sunset before I have finished what I have to do.
Miranda
If you’ll sit down,
I’ll bear your logs the while: pray give me that,
I’ll carry it to the pile.
Ferdinand
No, precious creature,
I had rather crack my sinews, break my back,
Than you should such dishonour undergo,
While I sit lazy by.
Why do you think Ferdinand does not want Miranda to help him carry the logs? What impression does his language give of him as a character?
Miranda
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.
There is often a visual joke in productions at this moment where Miranda easily picks up a heavy log that Ferdinand had struggled with. What impression would this give of Ferdinand and of Prospero's power?
Prospero
Poor worm, thou art infected.
This visitation shows it.
How do you think Prospero feels as he spies on his daughter with Ferdinand?
Miranda
You look wearily.
Ferdinand
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?
When you are with me, I feel as refreshed as though it is first thing in the morning
Miranda
Miranda.— O my father,
I have broke your hest to say so.
Ferdinand
Admired Miranda,
Indeed the top of admiration, worth
What’s dearest to the world!
Ferdinand plays on Miranda’s name, starting by calling her 'Admired Miranda' and then combining the two words to make 'admiration'. What does Ferdinand's use of words reveal about him?
(Text edited for rehearsals by Gregory Doran)