The Tempest: Epilogue
1
Now my charms are all o'erthrown,
1. o'erthrown: discarded, renounced.
2
And what strength I have's mine own, 3
Which is most faint: now, 'tis true, 4
I must be here confined by you,4. here confined: imprisoned here on this island.
5
Or sent to Naples. Let me not, 6
Since I have my dukedom got 7
And pardon'd the deceiver, dwell 8
In this bare island by your spell; 9
But release me from my bands
9. bands: bonds.
10
With the help of your good hands:
10. hands: i.e., applause.
11
Gentle breath of yours my sails
11. Gentle breath: a favorable breeze (produced by hands clapping).
12
Must fill, or else my project fails, 13
Which was to please. Now I want
13. want: lack.
14
Spirits to enforce, art to enchant, 15
And my ending is despair, 16
Unless I be relieved by prayer,
16. prayer: (1) this petition from me to you. (2) holy prayer.
17
Which pierces so that it assaults
17. assaults: storms the ear of.
18
Mercy itself and frees all faults.18. frees: cancels the punishment for.
19
As you from crimes would pardon'd be,
19. crimes: sins.
20
Let your indulgence set me free.20. indulgence: (1) kindness. (2) forgiveness.
Exit.