OBSERVANCES OF SHAKSPEARE. 39 



But let us follow this "poor man" whose <e library was dukedom 

 large enough." In the words of Chaucer — 



tt he would rather, at his bedhead, 



A twenty books, clothed in black or red, 

 Of Aristotle, or his philosophy, 

 Than robes rich, rebeck, or saltery." 



The name of Prospero might be added to the list of the cala- 

 mities of genius. After recounting his twelve years banishment, 

 he intimates the period of their release. 



" Prospero — Know thus far forth : 

 By accident most strange, bounteous Fortune, 

 Now, my dear lady, hath mine enemies 

 Brought to this shore : and by my prescience 

 I find my zenith doth depend upon 

 A most auspicious star ; whose influence, 

 If now I court not, but omit, my fortunes 

 Will ever after droop. n 



This passage exactly corresponds to that of Brutus, " There is a 

 tide in the affairs of men/' and also in Troilus and Cressida, " I 

 have important business, the tide whereof is now." The period in 

 which Shakspeare lived was remarkable for the twilight which 

 hung long dawning over the ignorant and besotted mind, when 

 knowledge was concentrated in the individual ; then study meant 

 mystery, and science witchcraft. Chemistry had not risen out of 

 the alchymist's crucible, and astronomy lay hidden beneath the jar- 

 gon of astrology. Thus, our poet refers to the " auspicious stars," 

 but, like a true philosopher, he does not make the stars do all the 

 work, but rather trusts to the energy of his own character. Pros- 

 pero advantaged the time, and thus the " flood of fortune'' might 

 oftener return if we were ready to take our venture. In the next 

 scene "quaint Ariel" appears, that delicate spirit. Prospero inter- 

 rogates Ariel respecting the tempest — 



" Hast thou, spirit, 

 Perform'd to point the tempest that I bade thee ? 



Ariel. — To every article. 

 I boarded the king's ship ; now on the beak, 

 Now in the waist, the deck, in every cabin, 

 I flamed amazement : sometimes I'd divide, 

 And burn in many places ; on the top-mast, 

 The yards, and bowsprit, would I flame distinctly, 

 Then meet, and join." 



