Act 3, Scene 1
The curtian reopens on Prospero's part of the island. Ferdinand enters the stage carrying wood, a task given to him by Prospero. He complains at first that his task is difficult, but later clarifies what drives him:
"The mistress which I serve quickens what's dead,
and makes my labours pleasures. O, she is
Ten times more gentle than her father's crabbed,
And he's composed of harshness." Act 3, Scene 1, lines 6 - 9.
Prospero and Miranda enter on the other side and observe him. Miranda laments that he is working so hard. Ferdinand tells her that he will be working until dusk and she tells him to sit down while she does some of his work. Ferdinand refuses to let her do his work and Prospero observes from a distance "Poor worm, thou art infected!/ This visitation shows it." Act 3, Scene 1, lines 31 - 32. Miranda tells Ferdinand her name, against her father's order. Ferdinand exclaims that her beauty is perfect. Miranda tells him that she has never seen another woman and does not know what one should look like. She pauses her speech, remembering her father's commands. Ferdinand tells her that it is for her sake that he so patiently accepts his servitude. She asks if he loves her and he replies:
"O heaven, O earth, bear witness to this sound,
and crown what I profess with kind event
If I speak true; if hollowly, invert
what best is boded me to mischief: I,
Beyond all limit of what else i' th' world,
Do love, prize, honour you." Act 3, Scene 1, lines 68 - 73.
Miranda weeps in joy. Ferdinand asks why she weeps and she says that she is unworthy but his to marry if he wishes. He bends on his knee in front of her and accepts her offer. They part and exit to the wings. Prospero remains and moves downstage. He expresses pleasure at the circumstances and retires to his plotting. Prospero exits, the curtain descends, and the stage is reset.
Topic Tracking: Authority 8
Topic Tracking: Dramatic Irony 4
View More Summaries on The Tempest (play)
