The Tempest in modern English, scene by scene

About this translation

Every scene of The Tempest is set out twice: William Shakespeare’s words on one side, and on the other a plain modern English rendering of the same lines, in the same order. It is a way to read the original, not a replacement for it — the rendering says what the text says, and the text is the thing you quote.

Line numbers count the verse lines of each scene in the public-domain Project Gutenberg edition these pages are set from, so they may not match the numbering in a printed edition.

1. Act 1, Scene 1 — On a ship at sea; a tempestuous noise of thunder and lightningBoatswain!
2. Act 1, Scene 2 — The Island. Before the cell of Prospero.If you have used your art, my dearest father, to set the wild waters roaring like this…

1. Act 2, Scene 1 — Another part of the island.Please, sir, cheer up. You have reason to be glad, and so do all of us, because our…
2. Act 2, Scene 2 — Another part of the island.May every infection the sun draws up out of bogs, marshes and mudflats fall on Prosper…

1. Act 3, Scene 1 — Before Prospero’s cell.There are some sports that are hard work, and the effort in them sets off the pleasure…
2. Act 3, Scene 2 — Another part of the island.Don't argue with me — when the barrel's empty we'll drink water; not a drop before then…
3. Act 3, Scene 3 — Another part of the island.By Our Lady, I can't go any further, sir. My old bones ache. This is a real maze we've…

1. Act 4, Scene 1 — Before Prospero’s cell.If I have punished you too harshly, your reward makes up for it: because I have given you…

1. Act 5, Scene 1 — Before the cell of Prospero.Now my plan is coming to its climax. My spells hold firm; my spirits obey, and time…
2. Epilogue — EpilogueNow all my magic is overthrown, and the only strength I have is my own, which is very…