SHAKESPEARE AND PSYCHOGNOSIS 3 1 



In the second scene he appears, following Ariel, or rather Ariel's music. He 

 attributes the music to supernatural causes. As he sat weeping the loss of the king 

 the music crept by him upon the waters. "This is no mortal business, nor no sound 

 that the earth owes." In this mood transported by heavenly music, he sees and 

 loves Miranda — "Most sure, the goddess on whom these airs attend." He declares 

 his wonder and admiration immediately. He speaks of himself with pride as one 

 accustomed in the world to receive homage on account of his rank as well as his 

 merit. Prospero, assuming his harshest manner, curbs the prince's pride somewhat 

 sneeringly. Ferdinand manfully resists the magician's severity, but is charmed 

 into helplessness. 



"Put thy sword up, traitor; 



Who mak'st a show, but dar'st not strike, thy conscience 



Is so possessed with guilt." 



"Thy nerves are in their infancy again, 

 And have no vigour in them." 



To these harsh judgments Ferdinand replies, 



"So they are; 

 My spirits, as in a dream, are all bound up, 

 My father's loss, the weakness which I feel, 

 The wreck of all my friends, or this man's threats, 

 To whom I am subdued, are but light to me. 

 Might I but through my prison once a day 

 Behold this maid. All comers else o' the earth 

 Let liberty make use of; space enough 

 Have I in such a prison." 



It is the old story of the imprisoned knight dreading the captivity that prevents him 

 from the daily sight of the fair lady. Our first impressions of Ferdinand are of a 

 yoimg man depressed by misfortune, susceptible to music and beauty. Under the 

 spell which binds up his nerves he preserves his courage and self-respect and undimin- 

 ished faith in the consoling power of his sudden attachment to Miranda. Through- 

 out his speeches there is a certain pride, partly consisting of manly confidence and 

 partly of pride of place and worldly prospects: 



"O! if a virgin, 

 And your affection not gone forth, I'll make you 

 The Queen of Naples." 



There is a good share of manly independence in the tone of this. 



Ferdinand's fate is a common topic among the king and his followers. Antonio's 

 conspiracy rests on the assumption that he is drowned. "Will you grant with me 



