You are ignorant who you are, or where you came from,
and you know no more of me, but that I am your father, and live
in this poor cave. Can you remember a time before you came to
this cell? I think you cannot, for you were not then three years of
age."
"Certainly I can, sir," replied Miranda.
"By what?" asked Prospero; "by any other house or person?
Tell me what you can remember, my child."
Miranda said, "It seems to me like the recollection of a dream.
But had I not once four or five women who attended upon me?"
Prospero answered, "You had, and more. How is it that this still
lives in your mind? Do you remember how you came here?"
"No, sir," said Miranda, "I remember nothing more."
"Twelve years ago, Miranda," continued Prospero, "I was duke
of Milan, and you were a princess, and my only heir. I had a
younger brother, whose name was Antonio, to whom I trusted
everything; and as I was fond of retirement and deep study, I
commonly left the management of my state affairs to your uncle,
my false brother (for so indeed he proved). I, neglecting all
worldly ends, buried among my books, did dedicate my whole time
to the bettering of my mind.
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