Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editors: Brent Whitted, Paul Yachnin
Peer Reviewed

The Tempest (Modern)

2320Epilogue, spoken by Prospero
Now my charms are all o'erthrown,
And what strength I have's mine own,
Which is most faint. Now, 'tis true
2325I must be here confined by you
Or sent to Naples; let me not,
Since I have my dukedom got
And pardoned the deceiver, dwell
In this bare island by your spell,
2330But release me from my bands
With the help of your good hands.
Gentle breath of yours my sails
Must fill, or else my project fails,
Which was to please. Now I want
2335Spirits to enforce, art to enchant;
And my ending is despair,
Unless I be relieved by prayer,
Which pierces so that it assaults
Mercy itself, and frees all faults.
2340 As you from crimes would pardoned be,
Let your indulgence set me free.
Exit.