Act 3 — SCENE IV.
Reading edition
Enter Ferdinand, and Ariel and Milcha invisible.
Ferd. How far will this invisible musician Conduct my steps? he hovers still about me; Whether for good or ill, I cannot tell, Nor care I much; for I have been so long A slave to chance, that I'm as weary of Her flatteries as her frowns; but here I am——
Ariel. Here I am.
Ferd. Ha! art thou so? the spirit's turned an echo: This might seem pleasant, could the burden of My griefs accord with any thing but sighs; And my last words, like those of dying men, Need no reply. Fain I would go to shades, Where few would wish to follow me.
Ariel. Follow me.
Ferd. This evil spirit grows importunate, But I'll not take his counsel.
Ariel. Take his counsel.
Ferd. It may be the devil's counsel, I'll never take it.
Ariel. Take it.
Ferd. I will discourse no more with thee, Nor follow one step further.
Ariel. One step further.
Ferd. This must have more importance than an echo; Some spirit tempts me to a precipice. I'll try if it will answer when I sing My sorrows, to the murmur of this brook.
HE SINGS.
Go thy way.
Ariel.Go thy way.
Ferd.Why shouldst thou stay?
Ariel.Why shouldst thou stay?
Ferd. Where the winds whistle, and where the streams creep, Under yon willow-tree fain would I sleep. Then let me alone, For 'tis time to be gone.
Ariel.For 'tis time to be gone.
Ferd. What cares or pleasures can be in this isle? Within this desart place, There lives no human race; Fate cannot frown here, nor kind fortune smile.
Ariel. Kind fortune smiles, and she Has yet in store for thee Some strange felicity. Follow me, follow me, And thou shalt see.
Ferd. I'll take thy word for once; Lead on, musician. [Exeunt and return.