Then, as my gift and thine own acquisition
Worthily purchased take my daughter: but
If thou dost break her virgin-knot before
All sanctimonious ceremonies may
With full and holy rite be minister’d,
No sweet aspersion shall the heavens let fall
To make this contract grow: but barren hate,
Sour-eyed disdain and discord shall bestrew
The union of your bed with weeds so loathly
That you shall hate it both.
– William Shakespeare
The Tempest, Act 4, Scene 1. Prospero shows his protective and caring father’s side as he lays down the law to future son-in-law Ferdinand. He offers the gift of his daughter Miranda, but cautions him not to take her virginity before the marriage ceremony. Otherwise the heavens will not shower blessings, but instead empty hate, bitter discord and conflict will ruin their marriage until they both grow to hate it. This shows how precious Miranda is to Prospero.