THE TEMPEST
117
Caliban.
Why, as I told thee, ’tis a custom with him,
I’ th’ afternoon to sleep: there thou mayst brain him,
Having first seized his books, or with a log
Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake,
Or cut his wezand with thy knife. Remember
First to possess his books; for without them
He ’s but a sot, as I am, nor hath not
One spirit to command: they all do hate him
As rootedly as I, Burn but his books.
He has brave utensils,—for so he calls them,—
Which, when he has a house, he ’ll deck withal.
And that most deeply to consider is
The beauty of his daughter; he himself
Calls her a nonpareil: I never saw a woman,
But only Sycorax my dam and she;
But she as far surpasseth Sycorax
As great’st does least.
I’ th’ afternoon to sleep: there thou mayst brain him,
Having first seized his books, or with a log
Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake,
Or cut his wezand with thy knife. Remember
First to possess his books; for without them
He ’s but a sot, as I am, nor hath not
One spirit to command: they all do hate him
As rootedly as I, Burn but his books.
He has brave utensils,—for so he calls them,—
Which, when he has a house, he ’ll deck withal.
And that most deeply to consider is
The beauty of his daughter; he himself
Calls her a nonpareil: I never saw a woman,
But only Sycorax my dam and she;
But she as far surpasseth Sycorax
As great’st does least.
Stephano.
As great’st does least. Is it so brave a lass?
Caliban.
Ay, lord; she will become thy bed, I warrant,
And bring thee forth brave brood.
And bring thee forth brave brood.
Stephano.
Monster, I will kill this man: his daughter and I will be king and queen,—save our graces!—and Trinculo and thyself shall be viceroys. Dost thou like the plot, Trinculo?
Trinculo.
Excellent.
