Why, as I told thee, ’tis a custom with him,
I’ th’ afternoon to sleep: there thou mayst brain him,
Having first seized his books, or with a log
Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake,
Or cut his wezand with thy knife. Remember
First to possess his books; for without them
He’s but a sot, as I am, nor hath not
One spirit to command.
– William Shakespeare
The Tempest, Act 3, Scene 2. Caliban outlines his wicked plot to Stephano and Trinculo to kill Prospero while he is having his afternoon sleep. First they must seize his magic books, without which he will not be able to summon his spirits to help him. Then they batter his skull with a log, stab him or cut his windpipe. Caliban is living up his monster reputation here with his gruesome murder plot and murderous betrayal of his master.