“Thou shalt ___ long be free”: Prospero, to Ariel WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? E
2 ? R
3 ? E
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      Hint 1

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      Think of a poetic word often used in olden times to mean 'before.'

      Hint 2

      meaning
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      An archaic term meaning 'before.'

      Hint 3

      explanation
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      The clue references a line from Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest,' where Prospero speaks to Ariel. The word '???' is an archaic term meaning 'before,' fitting the context of the phrase as it implies a promise of future freedom.

      Hint 4

      another clue
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      Before, in olden times, Shakespearean conjunction, Before, to Shakespeare, Prior to, poshly, Bygone "before"

      Clue Analysis

      The clue ““Thou shalt ___ long be free”: Prospero, to Ariel” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated September 20 2025, the definitive 3-letter answer is: ERE.

      Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

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      “Thou shalt ___ long be free”: Prospero, to Ariel Crossword Clue