Owing to the deep interest Prospero, Duke of Milan, took in his studies, he neglected to attend to the affairs of state. His brother, Antonio, seeing this soon had him deposed, and later managed to set him and his little daughter, Miranda, adrift. After drifting for several days, the castaways were washed upon an island inhabited by an evil spirit named Sycorax. Prospero, by his knowledge of magic, released the good spirit, Ariel, who promised to do anything for Prospero. Prospero lived for many years in this strange, little dominion, and one day with the aid of Ariel he conjured up the Court of Naples and learned that the King was making preparations for a voyage to negotiate for the marriage of his daughter to the Prince of Tunis. With the aid of the spirits, Prospero ordered a tempest raised which cast the passengers on the island, each ignorant as to the safety of the other. Prince Ferdinand, on his way to Prospero, met Miranda. They fell in love immediately. At the words of Prospero, Ariel brought all the survivors to the grotto of Prospero. They did not recognize him, not even his own brother. He retired for a moment and reappeared in his former robes of state. Recognition was instantaneous and they begged forgiveness. Great was the joy of the King when he saw his son, the Prince, with Miranda, and he agreed on the betrothal of the pair.