Quote 16
But release me from my bands
With the help of your good hands.
Gentle breath of yours my sails
Must fill, or else my project fails,
Which was to please. Now I want
Spirits to enforce, art to enchant,
And my ending is despair,
Unless I be relieved by prayer,
Which pierces so that it assaults
Mercy itself and frees all faults.
As you from crimes would pardoned be,
Let your indulgence set me free. (Epilogue.9-20)
When Prospero says the audience's applause is the only thing that can release him from his bondage, he's saying a lot more than "hurry up and clap so I can get off this stage." This final speech says something about the importance of the theater audience. In the end, it's the playgoers' approval that matters the most.
Quote 17
PROSPERO
So dry he was for sway wi' th' King of Naples
To give him annual tribute, do him homage,
Subject his coronet to his crown and bend
The dukedom, yet unbowed—alas, poor Milan!—
To most ignoble stooping. (1.2.133-137)
Even when he was within the bounds of the court, Prospero saw there were certain formalities that were below him. It's not that the island alone influences Prospero to embrace a certain amount of natural dignity, but by his nature he was always a powerful and proud man.
Quote 18
PROSPERO
Behold, sir king,
The wrongèd Duke of Milan, Prospero.
For more assurance that a living prince
Does now speak to thee, I embrace thy body,
[He embraces Alonso.]
And to thee and thy company I bid
A hearty welcome. (5.1.117-122)
The visitors to the island didn't recognize Prospero at first, so he changes into courtly garb, but he also changes his mannerisms from the mystical to the courtly. He doesn't have anything to bid them welcome to but his cell, highlighting the absurdity of these misplaced gestures.