ee the Duke of Milan, was a learned and studious man,
who lived among his books, leaving the management of his duke-
dom to his brother Antonio, in whom indced he had complete
trust. But that trust was ill-rewarded, for Antonio wanted to wear the
duke’s crown himself, and, to gain his ends, would have killed his brother
but for the love the people bore him. However, with the help of
Prospero’s great enemy, Alonso, King of Naples, he managed to get into
his hands the dukedom with all its honour, power, and riches. For they
took Prospero to sea, and when they were far away from land, forced him
into a little boat with no tackle, mast, or sail. In their cruelty and hatred
they put his little daughter, Miranda (not yet three years old), into the
boat with him, and sailed away, leaving them to their fate.

But one among the courtiers with Antonio was true to his rightful
master, Prospero. To save the duke from his enemies was impossible,
but much could be done to remind him of a subject’s love. So this
worthy lord, whose name was Gonzalo, secretly placed in the boat some
fresh water, provisions and clothes, and what Prospero valued most of
all, some of his precious books.

The boat was cast on an island, and Prospero and his little one
landed in safety. Now this island was enchanted, and for years had lain