ACTISCENEI。Athens。ThepalaceofTHESEUS。EnterTHESEUS，HIPPOLYTA，PHILOSTRATE，andAttendantsTHESEUSNow，fairHippolyta，ournuptialhourDrawsonapace；fourhappydaysbringinAnothermoon：but，O，methinks，howslowThisoldmoonwanes！shelingersmydesires，Liketoastep-dameoradowagerLongwitheringoutayoungmanrevenue。HIPPOLYTAFourdayswillquicklysteepthemselvesinnight；
　　Fournightswillquicklydreamawaythetime；
　　Andthenthemoon，liketoasilverbowNew-bentinheaven，shallbeholdthenightOfoursolemnities。THESEUSGo，Philostrate，StiruptheAthenianyouthtomerriments；
　　Awakethepertandnimblespiritofmirth；
　　Turnmelancholyforthtofunerals；
　　Thepalecompanionisnotforourpomp。
　　ExitPHILOSTRATE
　　Hippolyta，Iwoo’dtheewithmysword，Andwonthylove，doingtheeinjuries；
　　ButIwillwedtheeinanotherkey，Withpomp，withtriumphandwithrevelling。
　　EnterEGEUS，HERMIA，LYSANDER，andDEMETRIUSEGEUSHappybeTheseus，ourrenownedduke！THESEUSThanks，goodEgeus：what’sthenewswiththee？EGEUSFullofvexationcomeI，withcomplaintAgainstmychild，mydaughterHermia。
　　Standforth，Demetrius。Mynoblelord，Thismanhathmyconsenttomarryher。
　　Standforth，Lysander：andmygraciousduke，Thismanhathbewitch’dthebosomofmychild；
　　Thou，thou，Lysander，thouhastgivenherrhymes，Andinterchangedlove-tokenswithmychild：
　　Thouhastbymoonlightatherwindowsung，Withfeigningvoiceversesoffeigninglove，AndstolentheimpressionofherfantasyWithbraceletsofthyhair，rings，gawds，conceits，Knacks，trifles，nosegays，sweetmeats，messengersOfstrongprevailmentinunharden’dyouth：
　　Withcunninghastthoufilch’dmydaughter’sheart，Turn’dherobedience，whichisduetome，Tostubbornharshness：and，mygraciousduke，Beitsoshe；willnotherebeforeyourgraceConsenttomarrywithDemetrius，IbegtheancientprivilegeofAthens，Assheismine，Imaydisposeofher：
　　WhichshallbeeithertothisgentlemanOrtoherdeath，accordingtoourlawImmediatelyprovidedinthatcase。THESEUSWhatsayyou，Hermia？beadvisedfairmaid：
　　Toyouyourfathershouldbeasagod；
　　Onethatcomposedyourbeauties，yea，andoneTowhomyouarebutasaforminwaxByhimimprintedandwithinhispowerToleavethefigureordisfigureit。
　　Demetriusisaworthygentleman。HERMIASoisLysander。THESEUSInhimselfheis；
　　Butinthiskind，wantingyourfather’svoice，Theothermustbeheldtheworthier。HERMIAIwouldmyfatherlook’dbutwithmyeyes。THESEUSRatheryoureyesmustwithhisjudgmentlook。HERMIAIdoentreatyourgracetopardonme。
　　IknownotbywhatpowerIammadebold，Norhowitmayconcernmymodesty，Insuchapresenceheretopleadmythoughts；
　　ButIbeseechyourgracethatImayknowTheworstthatmaybefallmeinthiscase，IfIrefusetowedDemetrius。THESEUSEithertodiethedeathortoabjureForeverthesocietyofmen。
　　Therefore，fairHermia，questionyourdesires；
　　Knowofyouryouth，examinewellyourblood，Whether，ifyouyieldnottoyourfather’schoice，Youcanenduretheliveryofanun，Forayetobeinshadycloistermew’d，Toliveabarrensisterallyourlife，Chantingfainthymnstothecoldfruitlessmoon。
　　Thrice-blessedtheythatmastersotheirblood，Toundergosuchmaidenpilgrimage；
　　Butearthlierhappyistherosedistill’d，ThanthatwhichwitheringonthevirginthornGrows，livesanddiesinsingleblessedness。HERMIASowillIgrow，solive，sodie，mylord，EreIwillmyvirginpatentupUntohislordship，whoseunwishedyokeMysoulconsentsnottogivesovereignty。THESEUSTaketimetopause；and，bythenestnewmoon——
　　Thesealing-daybetwixtmyloveandme，Foreverlastingbondoffellowship——
　　UponthatdayeitherpreparetodieFordisobediencetoyourfather’swill，OrelsetowedDemetrius，ashewould；
　　OronDiana’saltartoprotestForayeausterityandsinglelife。DEMETRIUSRelent，sweetHermia：and，Lysander，yieldThycrazedtitletomycertainright。LYSANDERYouhaveherfather’slove，Demetrius；
　　LetmehaveHermia’s：doyoumarryhim。EGEUSScornfulLysander！true，hehathmylove，Andwhatisminemyloveshallrenderhim。
　　Andsheismine，andallmyrightofherIdoestateuntoDemetrius。LYSANDERIam，mylord，aswellderivedashe，Aswellpossess’d；myloveismorethanhis；
　　Myfortuneseverywayasfairlyrank’d，Ifnotwithvantage，asDemetrius’；
　　And，whichismorethanalltheseboastscanbe，IambelovedofbeauteousHermia：
　　WhyshouldnotIthenprosecutemyright？
　　Demetrius，I’llavouchittohishead，MadelovetoNedar’sdaughter，Helena，Andwonhersoul；andshe，sweetlady，dotes，Devoutlydotes，dotesinidolatry，Uponthisspottedandinconstantman。THESEUSImustconfessthatIhaveheardsomuch，AndwithDemetriusthoughttohavespokethereof；
　　But，beingover-fullofself-affairs，Myminddidloseit。But，Demetrius，come；
　　Andcome，Egeus；youshallgowithme，Ihavesomeprivateschoolingforyouboth。
　　Foryou，fairHermia，lookyouarmyourselfTofityourfanciestoyourfather’swill；
　　OrelsethelawofAthensyieldsyouup——
　　Whichbynomeanswemayextenuate——
　　Todeath，ortoavowofsinglelife。
　　Come，myHippolyta：whatcheer，mylove？
　　DemetriusandEgeus，goalong：
　　ImustemployyouinsomebusinessAgainstournuptialandconferwithyouOfsomethingnearlythatconcernsyourselves。EGEUSWithdutyanddesirewefollowyou。
　　ExeuntallbutLYSANDERandHERMIALYSANDERHownow，mylove！whyisyourcheeksopale？
　　Howchancetherosestheredofadesofast？HERMIABelikeforwantofrain，whichIcouldwellBeteemthemfromthetempestofmyeyes。LYSANDERAyme！foraughtthatIcouldeverread，Couldeverhearbytaleorhistory，Thecourseoftrueloveneverdidrunsmooth；
　　But，eitheritwasdifferentinblood，——HERMIAOcross！toohightobeenthrall’dtolow。LYSANDEROrelsemisgraffedinrespectofyears，——HERMIAOspite！toooldtobeengagedtoyoung。LYSANDEROrelseitstooduponthechoiceoffriends，——HERMIAOhell！tochooselovebyanother’seyes。LYSANDEROr，iftherewereasympathyinchoice，War，death，orsicknessdidlaysiegetoit，Makingitmomentanyasasound，Swiftasashadow，shortasanydream；
　　Briefasthelightninginthecolliednight，That，inaspleen，unfoldsbothheavenandearth，Andereamanhathpowertosay’Behold！’
　　Thejawsofdarknessdodevouritup：
　　Soquickbrightthingscometoconfusion。HERMIAIfthentruelovershavebeenevercross’d，Itstandsasanedictindestiny：
　　Thenletusteachourtrialpatience，Becauseitisacustomarycross，Asduetoloveasthoughtsanddreamsandsighs，Wishesandtears，poorfancy’sfollowers。LYSANDERAgoodpersuasion：therefore，hearme，Hermia。
　　Ihaveawidowaunt，adowagerOfgreatrevenue，andshehathnochild：
　　FromAthensisherhouseremotesevenleagues；
　　Andsherespectsmeasheronlyson。
　　There，gentleHermia，mayImarrythee；
　　AndtothatplacethesharpAthenianlawCannotpursueus。Ifthoulovestmethen，Stealforththyfather’shouseto-morrownight；
　　Andinthewood，aleaguewithoutthetown，WhereIdidmeettheeoncewithHelena，TodoobservancetoamornofMay，TherewillIstayforthee。HERMIAMygoodLysander！
　　Isweartothee，byCupid’sstrongestbow，Byhisbestarrowwiththegoldenhead，BythesimplicityofVenus’doves，Bythatwhichknittethsoulsandprospersloves，Andbythatfirewhichburn’dtheCarthagequeen，WhenthefalseTroyanundersailwasseen，Byallthevowsthatevermenhavebroke，Innumbermorethaneverwomenspoke，Inthatsameplacethouhastappointedme，To-morrowtrulywillImeetwiththee。LYSANDERKeeppromise，love。Look，herecomesHelena。
　　EnterHELENAHERMIAGodspeedfairHelena！whitheraway？HELENACallyoumefair？thatfairagainunsay。
　　Demetriuslovesyourfair：Ohappyfair！
　　Youreyesarelode-stars；andyourtongue’ssweetairMoretuneablethanlarktoshepherd’sear，Whenwheatisgreen，whenhawthornbudsappear。
　　Sicknessiscatching：O，werefavourso，YourswouldIcatch，fairHermia，ereIgo；
　　Myearshouldcatchyourvoice，myeyeyoureye，Mytongueshouldcatchyourtongue’ssweetmelody。
　　Weretheworldmine，Demetriusbeingbated，TherestI’dgivetobetoyoutranslated。
　　O，teachmehowyoulook，andwithwhatartYouswaythemotionofDemetrius’heart。HERMIAIfrownuponhim，yethelovesmestill。HELENAOthatyourfrownswouldteachmysmilessuchskill！HERMIAIgivehimcurses，yethegivesmelove。HELENAOthatmyprayerscouldsuchaffectionmove！HERMIAThemoreIhate，themorehefollowsme。HELENAThemoreIlove，themorehehatethme。HERMIAHisfolly，Helena，isnofaultofmine。HELENANone，butyourbeauty：wouldthatfaultweremine！HERMIATakecomfort：henomoreshallseemyface；
　　Lysanderandmyselfwillflythisplace。
　　BeforethetimeIdidLysandersee，Seem’dAthensasaparadisetome：
　　O，then，whatgracesinmylovedodwell，Thathehathturn’daheavenuntoahell！LYSANDERHelen，toyouourmindswewillunfold：
　　To-morrownight，whenPhoebedothbeholdHersilvervisageinthewateryglass，Deckingwithliquidpearlthebladedgrass，Atimethatlovers’flightsdothstillconceal，ThroughAthens’gateshavewedevisedtosteal。HERMIAAndinthewood，whereoftenyouandI
　　Uponfaintprimrose-bedswerewonttolie，Emptyingourbosomsoftheircounselsweet，TheremyLysanderandmyselfshallmeet；
　　AndthencefromAthensturnawayoureyes，Toseeknewfriendsandstrangercompanies。
　　Farewell，sweetplayfellow：praythouforus；
　　AndgoodluckgranttheethyDemetrius！
　　Keepword，Lysander：wemuststarveoursightFromlovers’foodtillmorrowdeepmidnight。LYSANDERIwill，myHermia。
　　ExitHERMIA
　　Helena，adieu：
　　Asyouonhim，Demetriusdoteonyou！
　　ExitHELENAHowhappysomeo’erothersomecanbe！
　　ThroughAthensIamthoughtasfairasshe。
　　Butwhatofthat？Demetriusthinksnotso；
　　Hewillnotknowwhatallbuthedoknow：
　　Andasheerrs，dotingonHermia’seyes，SoI，admiringofhisqualities：
　　Thingsbaseandvile，foldingnoquantity，Lovecantransposetoformanddignity：
　　Lovelooksnotwiththeeyes，butwiththemind；
　　Andthereforeiswing’dCupidpaintedblind：
　　NorhathLove’smindofanyjudgementtaste；
　　Wingsandnoeyesfigureunheedyhaste：
　　AndthereforeisLovesaidtobeachild，Becauseinchoiceheissooftbeguiled。
　　Aswaggishboysingamethemselvesforswear，SotheboyLoveisperjuredeverywhere：
　　ForereDemetriuslook’donHermia’seyne，Hehail’ddownoathsthathewasonlymine；
　　AndwhenthishailsomeheatfromHermiafelt，Sohedissolved，andshowersofoathsdidmelt。
　　IwillgotellhimoffairHermia’sflight：
　　Thentothewoodwillheto-morrownightPursueher；andforthisintelligenceIfIhavethanks，itisadearexpense：
　　ButhereinmeanItoenrichmypain，Tohavehissightthitherandbackagain。
　　ExitSCENEII。Athens。QUINCE’Shouse。EnterQUINCE，SNUG，BOTTOM，FLUTE，SNOUT，andSTARVELINGQUINCEIsallourcompanyhere？BOTTOMYouwerebesttocallthemgenerally，manbyman，accordingtothescrip。QUINCEHereisthescrollofeveryman’sname，whichisthoughtfit，throughallAthens，toplayinourinterludebeforethedukeandtheduchess，onhiswedding-dayatnight。BOTTOMFirst，goodPeterQuince，saywhattheplaytreatson，thenreadthenamesoftheactors，andsogrowtoapoint。QUINCEMarry，ourplayis，Themostlamentablecomedy，andmostcrueldeathofPyramusandThisby。BOTTOMAverygoodpieceofwork，Iassureyou，andamerry。Now，goodPeterQuince，callforthyouractorsbythescroll。Masters，spreadyourselves。QUINCEAnswerasIcallyou。NickBottom，theweaver。BOTTOMReady。NamewhatpartIamfor，andproceed。QUINCEYou，NickBottom，aresetdownforPyramus。BOTTOMWhatisPyramus？alover，oratyrant？QUINCEAlover，thatkillshimselfmostgallantforlove。BOTTOMThatwillasksometearsinthetrueperformingofit：ifIdoit，lettheaudiencelooktotheireyes；Iwillmovestorms，Iwillcondoleinsomemeasure。Totherest：yetmychiefhumourisforatyrant：IcouldplayErclesrarely，oraparttotearacatin，tomakeallsplit。
　　TheragingrocksAndshiveringshocksShallbreakthelocksOfprisongates；
　　AndPhibbus’carShallshinefromfarAndmakeandmarThefoolishFates。
　　Thiswaslofty！Nownametherestoftheplayers。
　　ThisisErcles’vein，atyrant’svein；aloverismorecondoling。QUINCEFrancisFlute，thebellows-mender。FLUTEHere，PeterQuince。QUINCEFlute，youmusttakeThisbyonyou。FLUTEWhatisThisby？awanderingknight？QUINCEItistheladythatPyramusmustlove。FLUTENay，faith，letmenotplayawoman；I
　　haveabeardcoming。QUINCEThat’sallone：youshallplayitinamask，andyoumayspeakassmallasyouwill。BOTTOMAnImayhidemyface，letmeplayThisbytoo，I’llspeakinamonstrouslittlevoice。’Thisne，Thisne；’’Ah，Pyramus，loverdear！thyThisbydear，andladydear！’QUINCENo，no；youmustplayPyramus：and，Flute，youThisby。BOTTOMWell，proceed。QUINCERobinStarveling，thetailor。STARVELINGHere，PeterQuince。QUINCERobinStarveling，youmustplayThisby’smother。
　　TomSnout，thetinker。SNOUTHere，PeterQuince。QUINCEYou，Pyramus’father：myself，Thisby’sfather：
　　Snug，thejoiner；you，thelion’spart：and，I
　　hope，hereisaplayfitted。SNUGHaveyouthelion’spartwritten？prayyou，ifitbe，giveitme，forIamslowofstudy。QUINCEYoumaydoitextempore，foritisnothingbutroaring。BOTTOMLetmeplaytheliontoo：Iwillroar，thatIwilldoanyman’sheartgoodtohearme；Iwillroar，thatIwillmakethedukesay’Lethimroaragain，lethimroaragain。’QUINCEAnyoushoulddoittooterribly，youwouldfrighttheduchessandtheladies，thattheywouldshriek；
　　andthatwereenoughtohangusall。ALLThatwouldhangus，everymother’sson。BOTTOMIgrantyou，friends，ifthatyoushouldfrighttheladiesoutoftheirwits，theywouldhavenomorediscretionbuttohangus：butIwillaggravatemyvoicesothatIwillroaryouasgentlyasanysuckingdove；Iwillroaryouan’twereanynightingale。QUINCEYoucanplaynopartbutPyramus；forPyramusisasweet-facedman；aproperman，asoneshallseeinasummer’sday；amostlovelygentleman-likeman：
　　thereforeyoumustneedsplayPyramus。BOTTOMWell，Iwillundertakeit。WhatbeardwereIbesttoplayitin？QUINCEWhy，whatyouwill。BOTTOMIwilldischargeitineitheryourstraw-colourbeard，yourorange-tawnybeard，yourpurple-in-grainbeard，oryourFrench-crown-colourbeard，yourperfectyellow。QUINCESomeofyourFrenchcrownshavenohairatall，andthenyouwillplaybare-faced。But，masters，hereareyourparts：andIamtoentreatyou，requestyouanddesireyou，toconthembyto-morrownight；
　　andmeetmeinthepalacewood，amilewithoutthetown，bymoonlight；therewillwerehearse，forifwemeetinthecity，weshallbedoggedwithcompany，andourdevicesknown。InthemeantimeI
　　willdrawabillofproperties，suchasourplaywants。Iprayyou，failmenot。BOTTOMWewillmeet；andtherewemayrehearsemostobscenelyandcourageously。Takepains；beperfect：
　　adieu。QUINCEAttheduke’soakwemeet。BOTTOMEnough；holdorcutbow-strings。
　　ExeuntACTIISCENEI。AwoodnearAthens。Enter，fromoppositesides，aFairy，andPUCKPUCKHownow，spirit！whitherwanderyou？FairyOverhill，overdale，Thoroughbush，thoroughbrier，Overpark，overpale，Thoroughflood，thoroughfire，Idowandereverywhere，Swifterthanthemoon’ssphere；
　　AndIservethefairyqueen，Todewherorbsuponthegreen。
　　Thecowslipstallherpensionersbe：
　　Intheirgoldcoatsspotsyousee；
　　Thoseberubies，fairyfavours，Inthosefreckleslivetheirsavours：
　　ImustgoseeksomedewdropshereAndhangapearlineverycowslip’sear。
　　Farewell，thoulobofspirits；I’llbegone：
　　Ourqueenandallourelvescomehereanon。PUCKThekingdothkeephisrevelshereto-night：
　　Takeheedthequeencomenotwithinhissight；
　　ForOberonispassingfellandwrath，BecausethatsheasherattendanthathAlovelyboy，stolenfromanIndianking；
　　Sheneverhadsosweetachangeling；
　　AndjealousOberonwouldhavethechildKnightofhistrain，totracetheforestswild；
　　Butsheperforcewithholdsthelovedboy，Crownshimwithflowersandmakeshimallherjoy：
　　Andnowtheynevermeetingroveorgreen，Byfountainclear，orspangledstarlightsheen，But，theydosquare，thatalltheirelvesforfearCreepintoacorn-cupsandhidethemthere。FairyEitherImistakeyourshapeandmakingquite，OrelseyouarethatshrewdandknavishspriteCall’dRobinGoodfellow：arenotyouheThatfrightsthemaidensofthevillagery；
　　Skimmilk，andsometimeslabourinthequernAndbootlessmakethebreathlesshousewifechurn；
　　Andsometimemakethedrinktobearnobarm；
　　Misleadnight-wanderers，laughingattheirharm？
　　ThosethatHobgoblincallyouandsweetPuck，Youdotheirwork，andtheyshallhavegoodluck：
　　Arenotyouhe？PUCKThouspeak’staright；
　　Iamthatmerrywandererofthenight。
　　IjesttoOberonandmakehimsmileWhenIafatandbean-fedhorsebeguile，Neighinginlikenessofafillyfoal：
　　AndsometimelurkIinagossip’sbowl，Inverylikenessofaroastedcrab，Andwhenshedrinks，againstherlipsIbobAndonherwither’ddewlappourtheale。
　　Thewisestaunt，tellingthesaddesttale，Sometimeforthree-footstoolmistakethme；
　　ThenslipIfromherbum，downtopplesshe，And’tailor’cries，andfallsintoacough；
　　Andthenthewholequireholdtheirhipsandlaugh，AndwaxenintheirmirthandneezeandswearAmerrierhourwasneverwastedthere。
　　But，room，fairy！herecomesOberon。FairyAndheremymistress。Wouldthatheweregone！
　　Enter，fromoneside，OBERON，withhistrain；fromtheother，TITANIA，withhersOBERONIllmetbymoonlight，proudTitania。TITANIAWhat，jealousOberon！Fairies，skiphence：
　　Ihaveforswornhisbedandcompany。OBERONTarry，rashwanton：amnotIthylord？TITANIAThenImustbethylady：butIknowWhenthouhaststolenawayfromfairyland，AndintheshapeofCorinsatallday，PlayingonpipesofcornandversingloveToamorousPhillida。Whyartthouhere，ComefromthefarthestSteppeofIndia？
　　Butthat，forsooth，thebouncingAmazon，Yourbuskin’dmistressandyourwarriorlove，ToTheseusmustbewedded，andyoucomeTogivetheirbedjoyandprosperity。OBERONHowcanstthouthusforshame，Titania，GlanceatmycreditwithHippolyta，KnowingIknowthylovetoTheseus？
　　DidstthounotleadhimthroughtheglimmeringnightFromPerigenia，whomheravished？
　　AndmakehimwithfairAEglebreakhisfaith，WithAriadneandAntiopa？TITANIAThesearetheforgeriesofjealousy：
　　Andnever，sincethemiddlesummer’sspring，Metweonhill，indale，forestormead，Bypavedfountainorbyrushybrook，Orinthebeachedmargentofthesea，Todanceourringletstothewhistlingwind，Butwiththybrawlsthouhastdisturb’doursport。
　　Thereforethewinds，pipingtousinvain，Asinrevenge，havesuck’dupfromtheseaContagiousfogs；whichfallinginthelandHaveeverypeltingrivermadesoproudThattheyhaveoverbornetheircontinents：
　　Theoxhaththereforestretch’dhisyokeinvain，Theploughmanlosthissweat，andthegreencornHathrottederehisyouthattain’dabeard；
　　Thefoldstandsemptyinthedrownedfield，Andcrowsarefattedwiththemurrionflock；
　　Theninemen’smorrisisfill’dupwithmud，AndthequaintmazesinthewantongreenForlackoftreadareundistinguishable：
　　Thehumanmortalswanttheirwinterhere；
　　Nonightisnowwithhymnorcarolblest：
　　Thereforethemoon，thegovernessoffloods，Paleinheranger，washesalltheair，Thatrheumaticdiseasesdoabound：
　　AndthoroughthisdistemperatureweseeTheseasonsalter：hoary-headedfrostsFarinthefreshlapofthecrimsonrose，AndonoldHiems’thinandicycrownAnodorouschapletofsweetsummerbudsIs，asinmockery，set：thespring，thesummer，Thechildingautumn，angrywinter，changeTheirwontedliveries，andthemazedworld，Bytheirincrease，nowknowsnotwhichiswhich：
　　AndthissameprogenyofevilscomesFromourdebate，fromourdissension；
　　Wearetheirparentsandoriginal。OBERONDoyouamenditthen；itliesinyou：
　　WhyshouldTitaniacrossherOberon？
　　Idobutbegalittlechangelingboy，Tobemyhenchman。TITANIASetyourheartatrest：
　　Thefairylandbuysnotthechildofme。
　　Hismotherwasavotaressofmyorder：
　　And，inthespicedIndianair，bynight，Fulloftenhathshegossip’dbymyside，AndsatwithmeonNeptune’syellowsands，Markingtheembarkedtradersontheflood，Whenwehavelaugh’dtoseethesailsconceiveAndgrowbig-belliedwiththewantonwind；
　　Whichshe，withprettyandwithswimminggaitFollowing，——herwombthenrichwithmyyoungsquire，——
　　Wouldimitate，andsailupontheland，Tofetchmetrifles，andreturnagain，Asfromavoyage，richwithmerchandise。
　　Butshe，beingmortal，ofthatboydiddie；
　　AndforhersakedoIrearupherboy，AndforhersakeIwillnotpartwithhim。OBERONHowlongwithinthiswoodintendyoustay？TITANIAPerchancetillafterTheseus’wedding-day。
　　IfyouwillpatientlydanceinourroundAndseeourmoonlightrevels，gowithus；
　　Ifnot，shunme，andIwillspareyourhaunts。OBERONGivemethatboy，andIwillgowiththee。TITANIANotforthyfairykingdom。Fairies，away！
　　Weshallchidedownright，ifIlongerstay。
　　ExitTITANIAwithhertrainOBERONWell，gothyway：thoushaltnotfromthisgroveTillItormenttheeforthisinjury。
　　MygentlePuck，comehither。ThourememberestSinceonceIsatuponapromontory，Andheardamermaidonadolphin’sbackUtteringsuchdulcetandharmoniousbreathThattherudeseagrewcivilathersongAndcertainstarsshotmadlyfromtheirspheres，Tohearthesea-maid’smusic。PUCKIremember。OBERONThatverytimeIsaw，butthoucouldstnot，Flyingbetweenthecoldmoonandtheearth，Cupidallarm’d：acertainaimhetookAtafairvestalthronedbythewest，Andloosedhislove-shaftsmartlyfromhisbow，Asitshouldpierceahundredthousandhearts；
　　ButImightseeyoungCupid’sfieryshaftQuench’dinthechastebeamsofthewaterymoon，Andtheimperialvotaresspassedon，Inmaidenmeditation，fancy-free。
　　Yetmark’dIwheretheboltofCupidfell：
　　Itfelluponalittlewesternflower，Beforemilk-white，nowpurplewithlove’swound，Andmaidenscallitlove-in-idleness。
　　Fetchmethatflower；theherbIshew’dtheeonce：
　　Thejuiceofitonsleepingeye-lidslaidWillmakeormanorwomanmadlydoteUponthenextlivecreaturethatitsees。
　　Fetchmethisherb；andbethouhereagainEretheleviathancanswimaleague。PUCKI’llputagirdleroundabouttheearthInfortyminutes。
　　ExitOBERONHavingoncethisjuice，I’llwatchTitaniawhensheisasleep，Anddroptheliquorofitinhereyes。
　　Thenextthingthenshewakinglooksupon，Beitonlion，bear，orwolf，orbull，Onmeddlingmonkey，oronbusyape，Sheshallpursueitwiththesouloflove：
　　AndereItakethischarmfromoffhersight，AsIcantakeitwithanotherherb，I’llmakeherrenderupherpagetome。
　　Butwhocomeshere？Iaminvisible；
　　AndIwilloverheartheirconference。
　　EnterDEMETRIUS，HELENA，followinghimDEMETRIUSIlovetheenot，thereforepursuemenot。
　　WhereisLysanderandfairHermia？
　　TheoneI’llslay，theotherslayethme。
　　Thoutold’stmetheywerestolenuntothiswood；
　　AndhereamI，andwodewithinthiswood，BecauseIcannotmeetmyHermia。
　　Hence，gettheegone，andfollowmenomore。HELENAYoudrawme，youhard-heartedadamant；
　　Butyetyoudrawnotiron，formyheartIstrueassteel：leaveyouyourpowertodraw，AndIshallhavenopowertofollowyou。DEMETRIUSDoIenticeyou？doIspeakyoufair？
　　Or，rather，doInotinplainesttruthTellyou，Idonot，norIcannotloveyou？HELENAAndevenforthatdoIloveyouthemore。
　　Iamyourspaniel；and，Demetrius，Themoreyoubeatme，Iwillfawnonyou：
　　Usemebutasyourspaniel，spurnme，strikeme，Neglectme，loseme；onlygivemeleave，UnworthyasIam，tofollowyou。
　　WhatworserplacecanIbeginyourlove，——
　　Andyetaplaceofhighrespectwithme，——
　　Thantobeusedasyouuseyourdog？DEMETRIUSTemptnottoomuchthehatredofmyspirit；
　　ForIamsickwhenIdolookonthee。HELENAAndIamsickwhenIlooknotonyou。DEMETRIUSYoudoimpeachyourmodestytoomuch，ToleavethecityandcommityourselfIntothehandsofonethatlovesyounot；
　　TotrusttheopportunityofnightAndtheillcounselofadesertplaceWiththerichworthofyourvirginity。HELENAYourvirtueismyprivilege：forthatItisnotnightwhenIdoseeyourface，ThereforeIthinkIamnotinthenight；
　　Nordoththiswoodlackworldsofcompany，Foryouinmyrespectarealltheworld：
　　ThenhowcanitbesaidIamalone，Whenalltheworldisheretolookonme？DEMETRIUSI’llrunfromtheeandhidemeinthebrakes，Andleavetheetothemercyofwildbeasts。HELENAThewildesthathnotsuchaheartasyou。
　　Runwhenyouwill，thestoryshallbechanged：
　　Apolloflies，andDaphneholdsthechase；
　　Thedovepursuesthegriffin；themildhindMakesspeedtocatchthetiger；bootlessspeed，Whencowardicepursuesandvalourflies。DEMETRIUSIwillnotstaythyquestions；letmego：
　　Or，ifthoufollowme，donotbelieveButIshalldotheemischiefinthewood。HELENAAy，inthetemple，inthetown，thefield，Youdomemischief。Fie，Demetrius！
　　Yourwrongsdosetascandalonmysex：
　　Wecannotfightforlove，asmenmaydo；
　　Weshouldbewoodandwerenotmadetowoo。
　　ExitDEMETRIUS
　　I’llfollowtheeandmakeaheavenofhell，TodieuponthehandIlovesowell。
　　ExitOBERONFaretheewell，nymph：erehedoleavethisgrove，Thoushaltflyhimandheshallseekthylove。
　　Re-enterPUCK
　　Hastthoutheflowerthere？Welcome，wanderer。PUCKAy，thereitis。OBERONIpraythee，giveitme。
　　Iknowabankwherethewildthymeblows，Whereoxlipsandthenoddingvioletgrows，Quiteover-canopiedwithlusciouswoodbine，Withsweetmusk-rosesandwitheglantine：
　　TheresleepsTitaniasometimeofthenight，Lull’dintheseflowerswithdancesanddelight；
　　Andtherethesnakethrowsherenamell’dskin，Weedwideenoughtowrapafairyin：
　　AndwiththejuiceofthisI’llstreakhereyes，Andmakeherfullofhatefulfantasies。
　　Takethousomeofit，andseekthroughthisgrove：
　　AsweetAthenianladyisinloveWithadisdainfulyouth：anointhiseyes；
　　ButdoitwhenthenextthingheespiesMaybethelady：thoushaltknowthemanBytheAtheniangarmentshehathon。
　　Effectitwithsomecare，thathemayproveMorefondonherthansheuponherlove：
　　Andlookthoumeetmeerethefirstcockcrow。PUCKFearnot，mylord，yourservantshalldoso。
　　ExeuntSCENEII。Anotherpartofthewood。EnterTITANIA，withhertrainTITANIACome，nowaroundelandafairysong；
　　Then，forthethirdpartofaminute，hence；
　　Sometokillcankersinthemusk-rosebuds，Somewarwithrere-micefortheirleathernwings，Tomakemysmallelvescoats，andsomekeepbackTheclamorousowlthatnightlyhootsandwondersAtourquaintspirits。Singmenowasleep；
　　Thentoyourofficesandletmerest。
　　TheFairiessingYouspottedsnakeswithdoubletongue，Thornyhedgehogs，benotseen；
　　Newtsandblind-worms，donowrong，Comenotnearourfairyqueen。
　　Philomel，withmelodySinginoursweetlullaby；
　　Lulla，lulla，lullaby，lulla，lulla，lullaby：
　　Neverharm，Norspellnorcharm，Comeourlovelyladynigh；
　　So，goodnight，withlullaby。
　　Weavingspiders，comenothere；
　　Hence，youlong-legg’dspinners，hence！
　　Beetlesblack，approachnotnear；
　　Wormnorsnail，donooffence。
　　Philomel，withmelody，&；c。FairyHence，away！nowalliswell：
　　Onealoofstandsentinel。
　　ExeuntFairies。TITANIAsleepsEnterOBERONandsqueezesthefloweronTITANIA’seyelidsOBERONWhatthouseestwhenthoudostwake，Doitforthytrue-lovetake，Loveandlanguishforhissake：
　　Beitounce，orcat，orbear，Pard，orboarwithbristledhair，InthyeyethatshallappearWhenthouwakest，itisthydear：
　　Wakewhensomevilethingisnear。
　　ExitEnterLYSANDERandHERMIALYSANDERFairlove，youfaintwithwanderinginthewood；
　　Andtospeaktroth，Ihaveforgotourway：
　　We’llrestus，Hermia，ifyouthinkitgood，Andtarryforthecomfortoftheday。HERMIABeitso，Lysander：findyououtabed；
　　ForIuponthisbankwillrestmyhead。LYSANDEROneturfshallserveaspillowforusboth；
　　Oneheart，onebed，twobosomsandonetroth。HERMIANay，goodLysander；formysake，mydear，Liefurtheroffyet，donotliesonear。LYSANDERO，takethesense，sweet，ofmyinnocence！
　　Lovetakesthemeaninginlove’sconference。
　　Imean，thatmyheartuntoyoursisknitSothatbutoneheartwecanmakeofit；
　　Twobosomsinterchainedwithanoath；
　　Sothentwobosomsandasingletroth。
　　Thenbyyoursidenobed-roommedeny；
　　Forlyingso，Hermia，Idonotlie。HERMIALysanderriddlesveryprettily：
　　Nowmuchbeshrewmymannersandmypride，IfHermiameanttosayLysanderlied。
　　But，gentlefriend，forloveandcourtesyLiefurtheroff；inhumanmodesty，SuchseparationasmaywellbesaidBecomesavirtuousbachelorandamaid，Sofarbedistant；and，goodnight，sweetfriend：
　　Thylovene’eraltertillthysweetlifeend！LYSANDERAmen，amen，tothatfairprayer，sayI；
　　AndthenendlifewhenIendloyalty！
　　Hereismybed：sleepgivetheeallhisrest！HERMIAWithhalfthatwishthewisher’seyesbepress’d！
　　TheysleepEnterPUCKPUCKThroughtheforesthaveIgone。
　　ButAthenianfoundInone，OnwhoseeyesImightapproveThisflower’sforceinstirringlove。
　　Nightandsilence。——Whoishere？
　　WeedsofAthenshedothwear：
　　Thisishe，mymastersaid，DespisedtheAthenianmaid；
　　Andherethemaiden，sleepingsound，Onthedankanddirtyground。
　　Prettysoul！shedurstnotlieNearthislack-love，thiskill-courtesy。
　　Churl，uponthyeyesIthrowAllthepowerthischarmdothowe。
　　Whenthouwakest，letloveforbidSleephisseatonthyeyelid：
　　SoawakewhenIamgone；
　　ForImustnowtoOberon。
　　ExitEnterDEMETRIUSandHELENA，runningHELENAStay，thoughthoukillme，sweetDemetrius。DEMETRIUSIchargethee，hence，anddonothauntmethus。HELENAO，wiltthoudarklingleaveme？donotso。DEMETRIUSStay，onthyperil：Ialonewillgo。
　　ExitHELENAO，Iamoutofbreathinthisfondchase！
　　Themoremyprayer，thelesserismygrace。
　　HappyisHermia，wheresoe’ershelies；
　　Forshehathblessedandattractiveeyes。
　　Howcamehereyessobright？Notwithsalttears：
　　Ifso，myeyesareoftenerwash’dthanhers。
　　No，no，Iamasuglyasabear；
　　Forbeaststhatmeetmerunawayforfear：
　　ThereforenomarvelthoughDemetriusDo，asamonsterflymypresencethus。
　　WhatwickedanddissemblingglassofmineMademecomparewithHermia’sspheryeyne？
　　Butwhoishere？Lysander！ontheground！
　　Dead？orasleep？Iseenoblood，nowound。
　　Lysanderifyoulive，goodsir，awake。LYSANDER[Awaking]AndrunthroughfireIwillforthysweetsake。
　　TransparentHelena！Natureshowsart，Thatthroughthybosommakesmeseethyheart。
　　WhereisDemetrius？O，howfitawordIsthatvilenametoperishonmysword！HELENADonotsayso，Lysander；saynotsoWhatthoughheloveyourHermia？Lord，whatthough？
　　YetHermiastilllovesyou：thenbecontent。LYSANDERContentwithHermia！No；IdorepentThetediousminutesIwithherhavespent。
　　NotHermiabutHelenaIlove：
　　Whowillnotchangearavenforadove？
　　Thewillofmanisbyhisreasonsway’d；
　　Andreasonsaysyouaretheworthiermaid。
　　ThingsgrowingarenotripeuntiltheirseasonSoI，beingyoung，tillnowripenottoreason；
　　Andtouchingnowthepointofhumanskill，ReasonbecomesthemarshaltomywillAndleadsmetoyoureyes，whereIo’erlookLove’sstorieswritteninlove’srichestbook。HELENAWhereforewasItothiskeenmockeryborn？
　　WhenatyourhandsdidIdeservethisscorn？
　　Is’tnotenough，is’tnotenough，youngman，ThatIdidnever，no，nornevercan，DeserveasweetlookfromDemetrius’eye，Butyoumustfloutmyinsufficiency？
　　Goodtroth，youdomewrong，goodsooth，youdo，Insuchdisdainfulmannermetowoo。
　　Butfareyouwell：perforceImustconfessIthoughtyoulordofmoretruegentleness。
　　O，thatalady，ofonemanrefused。
　　Shouldofanotherthereforebeabused！
　　ExitLYSANDERSheseesnotHermia。Hermia，sleepthouthere：
　　AndnevermaystthoucomeLysandernear！
　　ForasasurfeitofthesweetestthingsThedeepestloathingtothestomachbrings，OrastieheresiesthatmendoleaveArehatedmostofthosetheydiddeceive，Sothou，mysurfeitandmyheresy，Ofallbehated，butthemostofme！
　　And，allmypowers，addressyourloveandmightTohonourHelenandtobeherknight！
　　ExitHERMIA[Awaking]Helpme，Lysander，helpme！
　　dothybestTopluckthiscrawlingserpentfrommybreast！
　　Ayme，forpity！whatadreamwashere！
　　Lysander，lookhowIdoquakewithfear：
　　Methoughtaserpenteatmyheartaway，Andyousatsmilingathiscruelpray。
　　Lysander！what，removed？Lysander！lord！
　　What，outofhearing？gone？nosound，noword？
　　Alack，whereareyouspeak，anifyouhear；
　　Speak，ofallloves！Iswoonalmostwithfear。
　　No？thenIwellperceiveyouallnotnighEitherdeathoryouI’llfindimmediately。
　　ExitACTIIISCENEI。Thewood。TITANIAlyingasleep。EnterQUINCE，SNUG，BOTTOM，FLUTE，SNOUT，andSTARVELINGBOTTOMAreweallmet？QUINCEPat，pat；andhere’samarvellousconvenientplaceforourrehearsal。Thisgreenplotshallbeourstage，thishawthorn-brakeourtiring-house；andwewilldoitinactionaswewilldoitbeforetheduke。BOTTOMPeterQuince，——QUINCEWhatsayestthou，bullyBottom？BOTTOMTherearethingsinthiscomedyofPyramusandThisbythatwillneverplease。First，Pyramusmustdrawaswordtokillhimself；whichtheladiescannotabide。Howansweryouthat？SNOUTBy’rlakin，aparlousfear。STARVELINGIbelievewemustleavethekillingout，whenallisdone。BOTTOMNotawhit：Ihaveadevicetomakeallwell。
　　Writemeaprologue；andlettheprologueseemtosay，wewilldonoharmwithourswords，andthatPyramusisnotkilledindeed；and，forthemorebetterassurance，tellthemthatI，Pyramus，amnotPyramus，butBottomtheweaver：thiswillputthemoutoffear。QUINCEWell，wewillhavesuchaprologue；anditshallbewrittenineightandsix。BOTTOMNo，makeittwomore；letitbewrittenineightandeight。SNOUTWillnottheladiesbeafeardofthelion？STARVELINGIfearit，Ipromiseyou。BOTTOMMasters，yououghttoconsiderwithyourselves：
　　tobringin——Godshieldus！——alionamongladies，isamostdreadfulthing；forthereisnotamorefearfulwild-fowlthanyourlionliving；andweoughttolookto’t。SNOUTThereforeanotherprologuemusttellheisnotalion。BOTTOMNay，youmustnamehisname，andhalfhisfacemustbeseenthroughthelion’sneck：andhehimselfmustspeakthrough，sayingthus，ortothesamedefect，——’Ladies，’——or’Fair-ladies——IwouldwishYou，’——or’Iwouldrequestyou，’——or’Iwouldentreatyou，——nottofear，nottotremble：mylifeforyours。IfyouthinkIcomehitherasalion，itwerepityofmylife：noIamnosuchthing；I
　　amamanasothermenare；’andthereindeedlethimnamehisname，andtellthemplainlyheisSnugthejoiner。QUINCEWellitshallbeso。Butthereistwohardthings；
　　thatis，tobringthemoonlightintoachamber；
　　for，youknow，PyramusandThisbymeetbymoonlight。SNOUTDoththemoonshinethatnightweplayourplay？BOTTOMAcalendar，acalendar！lookinthealmanac；
　　findoutmoonshine，findoutmoonshine。QUINCEYes，itdothshinethatnight。BOTTOMWhy，thenmayyouleaveacasementofthegreatchamberwindow，whereweplay，open，andthemoonmayshineinatthecasement。QUINCEAy；orelseonemustcomeinwithabushofthornsandalanthorn，andsayhecomestodisfigure，ortopresent，thepersonofMoonshine。Then，thereisanotherthing：wemusthaveawallinthegreatchamber；forPyramusandThisbysaysthestory，didtalkthroughthechinkofawall。SNOUTYoucanneverbringinawall。Whatsayyou，Bottom？BOTTOMSomemanorothermustpresentWall：andlethimhavesomeplaster，orsomeloam，orsomerough-castabouthim，tosignifywall；andlethimholdhisfingersthus，andthroughthatcrannyshallPyramusandThisbywhisper。QUINCEIfthatmaybe，thenalliswell。Come，sitdown，everymother’sson，andrehearseyourparts。
　　Pyramus，youbegin：whenyouhavespokenyourspeech，enterintothatbrake：andsoeveryoneaccordingtohiscue。
　　EnterPUCKbehindPUCKWhathempenhome-spunshaveweswaggeringhere，Sonearthecradleofthefairyqueen？
　　What，aplaytoward！I’llbeanauditor；
　　Anactortoo，perhaps，ifIseecause。QUINCESpeak，Pyramus。Thisby，standforth。BOTTOMThisby，theflowersofodioussavourssweet，——QUINCEOdours，odours。BOTTOM——odourssavourssweet：
　　Sohaththybreath，mydearestThisbydear。
　　Buthark，avoice！staythoubuthereawhile，AndbyandbyIwilltotheeappear。
　　ExitPUCKAstrangerPyramusthane’erplayedhere。
　　ExitFLUTEMustIspeaknow？QUINCEAy，marry，mustyou；foryoumustunderstandhegoesbuttoseeanoisethatheheard，andistocomeagain。FLUTEMostradiantPyramus，mostlily-whiteofhue，Ofcolourliketheredroseontriumphantbrier，MostbriskyjuvenalandekemostlovelyJew，Astrueastruesthorsethatyetwouldnevertire，I’llmeetthee，Pyramus，atNinny’stomb。QUINCE’Ninus’tomb，’man：why，youmustnotspeakthatyet；thatyouanswertoPyramus：youspeakallyourpartatonce，cuesandallPyramusenter：yourcueispast；itis，’nevertire。’FLUTEO，——Astrueastruesthorse，thatyetwouldnevertire。
　　Re-enterPUCK，andBOTTOMwithanass’sheadBOTTOMIfIwerefair，Thisby，Iwereonlythine。QUINCEOmonstrous！Ostrange！wearehaunted。
　　Pray，masters！fly，masters！Help！
　　ExeuntQUINCE，SNUG，FLUTE，SNOUT，andSTARVELINGPUCKI’llfollowyou，I’llleadyouaboutaround，Throughbog，throughbush，throughbrake，throughbrier：
　　SometimeahorseI’llbe，sometimeahound，Ahog，aheadlessbear，sometimeafire；
　　Andneigh，andbark，andgrunt，androar，andburn，Likehorse，hound，hog，bear，fire，ateveryturn。
　　ExitBOTTOMWhydotheyrunaway？thisisaknaveryofthemtomakemeafeard。
　　Re-enterSNOUTSNOUTOBottom，thouartchanged！whatdoI
　　seeonthee？BOTTOMWhatdoyousee？youseeanassheadofyourown，doyou？
　　ExitSNOUT
　　Re-enterQUINCEQUINCEBlessthee，Bottom！blessthee！thouarttranslated。
　　ExitBOTTOMIseetheirknavery：thisistomakeanassofme；
　　tofrightme，iftheycould。ButIwillnotstirfromthisplace，dowhattheycan：Iwillwalkupanddownhere，andIwillsing，thattheyshallhearIamnotafraid。
　　SingsTheouselcocksoblackofhue，Withorange-tawnybill，Thethrostlewithhisnotesotrue，Thewrenwithlittlequill，——TITANIA[Awaking]Whatangelwakesmefrommyflowerybed？BOTTOM[Sings]
　　Thefinch，thesparrowandthelark，Theplain-songcuckoogray，Whosenotefullmanyamandothmark，Anddaresnotanswernay；——
　　for，indeed，whowouldsethiswittosofoolishabird？whowouldgiveabirdthelie，thoughhecry’cuckoo’neverso？TITANIAIpraythee，gentlemortal，singagain：
　　Mineearismuchenamour’dofthynote；
　　Soismineeyeenthralledtothyshape；
　　Andthyfairvirtue’sforceperforcedothmovemeOnthefirstviewtosay，toswear，Ilovethee。BOTTOMMethinks，mistress，youshouldhavelittlereasonforthat：andyet，tosaythetruth，reasonandlovekeeplittlecompanytogethernow-a-days；
　　themorethepitythatsomehonestneighbourswillnotmakethemfriends。Nay，Icangleekuponoccasion。TITANIAThouartaswiseasthouartbeautiful。BOTTOMNotso，neither：butifIhadwitenoughtogetoutofthiswood，Ihaveenoughtoservemineownturn。TITANIAOutofthiswooddonotdesiretogo：
　　Thoushaltremainhere，whetherthouwiltorno。
　　Iamaspiritofnocommonrate；
　　Thesummerstilldothtenduponmystate；
　　AndIdolovethee：therefore，gowithme；
　　I’llgivetheefairiestoattendonthee，Andtheyshallfetchtheejewelsfromthedeep，Andsingwhilethouonpressedflowersdostsleep；
　　AndIwillpurgethymortalgrossnesssoThatthoushaltlikeanairyspiritgo。
　　Peaseblossom！Cobweb！Moth！andMustardseed！
　　EnterPEASEBLOSSOM，COBWEB，MOTH，andMUSTARDSEEDPEASEBLOSSOMReady。COBWEBAndI。MOTHAndI。MUSTARDSEEDAndI。ALLWhereshallwego？TITANIABekindandcourteoustothisgentleman；
　　Hopinhiswalksandgambolinhiseyes；
　　Feedhimwithapricocksanddewberries，Withpurplegrapes，greenfigs，andmulberries；
　　Thehoney-bagsstealfromthehumble-bees，Andfornight-taperscroptheirwaxenthighsAndlightthematthefieryglow-worm’seyes，Tohavemylovetobedandtoarise；
　　AndpluckthewingsfromPaintedbutterfliesTofanthemoonbeamsfromhissleepingeyes：
　　Nodtohim，elves，anddohimcourtesies。PEASEBLOSSOMHail，mortal！COBWEBHail！MOTHHail！MUSTARDSEEDHail！BOTTOMIcryyourworship’smercy，heartily：
　　Ibeseechyourworship’sname。COBWEBCobweb。BOTTOMIshalldesireyouofmoreacquaintance，goodMasterCobweb：ifIcutmyfinger，Ishallmakeboldwithyou。Yourname，honestgentleman？PEASEBLOSSOMPeaseblossom。BOTTOMIprayyou，commendmetoMistressSquash，yourmother，andtoMasterPeascod，yourfather。GoodMasterPeaseblossom，Ishalldesireyouofmoreacquaintancetoo。Yourname，Ibeseechyou，sir？MUSTARDSEEDMustardseed。BOTTOMGoodMasterMustardseed，Iknowyourpatiencewell：
　　thatsamecowardly，giant-likeox-beefhathdevouredmanyagentlemanofyourhouse：Ipromiseyouyourkindredhadmademyeyeswatererenow。
　　I
　　desireyourmoreacquaintance，goodMasterMustardseed。TITANIACome，waituponhim；leadhimtomybower。
　　Themoonmethinkslookswithawateryeye；
　　Andwhensheweeps，weepseverylittleflower，Lamentingsomeenforcedchastity。
　　Tieupmylove’stonguebringhimsilently。
　　ExeuntSCENEII。Anotherpartofthewood。EnterOBERONOBERONIwonderifTitaniabeawaked；
　　Then，whatitwasthatnextcameinhereye，Whichshemustdoteoninextremity。
　　EnterPUCK
　　Herecomesmymessenger。
　　Hownow，madspirit！
　　Whatnight-rulenowaboutthishauntedgrove？PUCKMymistresswithamonsterisinlove。
　　Neartohercloseandconsecratedbower，Whileshewasinherdullandsleepinghour，Acrewofpatches，rudemechanicals，ThatworkforbreaduponAthenianstalls，WeremettogethertorehearseaplayIntendedforgreatTheseus’nuptial-day。
　　Theshallowestthick-skinofthatbarrensort，WhoPyramuspresented，intheirsportForsookhissceneandenter’dinabrakeWhenIdidhimatthisadvantagetake，Anass’snoleIfixedonhishead：
　　AnonhisThisbemustbeanswered，Andforthmymimiccomes。Whentheyhimspy，Aswildgeesethatthecreepingfowlereye，Orrusset-patedchoughs，manyinsort，Risingandcawingatthegun’sreport，Severthemselvesandmadlysweepthesky，So，athissight，awayhisfellowsfly；
　　And，atourstamp，hereo’erando’eronefalls；
　　HemurdercriesandhelpfromAthenscalls。
　　Theirsensethusweak，lostwiththeirfearsthusstrong，Madesenselessthingsbegintodothemwrong；
　　Forbriersandthornsattheirapparelsnatch；
　　Somesleeves，somehats，fromyieldersallthingscatch。
　　Iledthemoninthisdistractedfear，AndleftsweetPyramustranslatedthere：
　　Wheninthatmoment，soitcametopass，Titaniawakedandstraightwaylovedanass。OBERONThisfallsoutbetterthanIcoulddevise。
　　Buthastthouyetlatch’dtheAthenian’seyesWiththelove-juice，asIdidbidtheedo？PUCKItookhimsleeping，——thatisfinish’dtoo，——
　　AndtheAthenianwomanbyhisside：
　　That，whenhewaked，offorceshemustbeeyed。
　　EnterHERMIAandDEMETRIUSOBERONStandclose：thisisthesameAthenian。PUCKThisisthewoman，butnotthistheman。DEMETRIUSO，whyrebukeyouhimthatlovesyouso？
　　Laybreathsobitteronyourbitterfoe。HERMIANowIbutchide；butIshouldusetheeworse，Forthou，Ifear，hastgivenmecausetocurse，IfthouhastslainLysanderinhissleep，Beingo’ershoesinblood，plungeinthedeep，Andkillmetoo。
　　ThesunwasnotsotrueuntothedayAshetome：wouldhehavestolenawayFromsleepingHermia？I’llbelieveassoonThiswholeearthmaybeboredandthatthemoonMaythroughthecentrecreepandsodispleaseHerbrother’snoontidewithAntipodes。
　　Itcannotbebutthouhastmurder’dhim；
　　Soshouldamurdererlook，sodead，sogrim。DEMETRIUSSoshouldthemurder’dlook，andsoshouldI，Piercedthroughtheheartwithyoursterncruelty：
　　Yetyou，themurderer，lookasbright，asclear，AsyonderVenusinherglimmeringsphere。HERMIAWhat’sthistomyLysander？whereishe？
　　Ah，goodDemetrius，wiltthougivehimme？DEMETRIUSIhadrathergivehiscarcasstomyhounds。HERMIAOut，dog！out，cur！thoudrivestmepasttheboundsOfmaiden’spatience。Hastthouslainhim，then？
　　Henceforthbenevernumber’damongmen！
　　O，oncetelltrue，telltrue，evenformysake！
　　Durstthouhavelook’duponhimbeingawake，Andhastthoukill’dhimsleeping？Obravetouch！
　　Couldnotaworm，anadder，dosomuch？
　　Anadderdidit；forwithdoublertongueThanthine，thouserpent，neveradderstung。DEMETRIUSYouspendyourpassiononamisprisedmood：
　　IamnotguiltyofLysander’sblood；
　　Norishedead，foraughtthatIcantell。HERMIAIpraythee，tellmethenthatheiswell。DEMETRIUSAnifIcould，whatshouldIgettherefore？HERMIAAprivilegenevertoseememore。
　　AndfromthyhatedpresencepartIso：
　　Seemenomore，whetherhebedeadorno。
　　ExitDEMETRIUSThereisnofollowingherinthisfiercevein：
　　HerethereforeforawhileIwillremain。
　　Sosorrow’sheavinessdothheaviergrowFordebtthatbankruptsleepdothsorrowowe：
　　Whichnowinsomeslightmeasureitwillpay，IfforhistenderhereImakesomestay。
　　LiesdownandsleepsOBERONWhathastthoudone？thouhastmistakenquiteAndlaidthelove-juiceonsometrue-love’ssight：
　　OfthymisprisionmustperforceensueSometrueloveturn’dandnotafalseturn’dtrue。PUCKThenfateo’er-rules，that，onemanholdingtroth，Amillionfail，confoundingoathonoath。OBERONAboutthewoodgoswifterthanthewind，AndHelenaofAthenslookthoufind：
　　Allfancy-sicksheisandpaleofcheer，Withsighsoflove，thatcoststhefreshblooddear：
　　Bysomeillusionseethoubringherhere：
　　I’llcharmhiseyesagainstshedoappear。PUCKIgo，Igo；lookhowIgo，SwifterthanarrowfromtheTartar’sbow。
　　ExitOBERONFlowerofthispurpledye，HitwithCupid’sarchery，Sinkinappleofhiseye。
　　Whenhislovehedothespy，LethershineasgloriouslyAstheVenusofthesky。
　　Whenthouwakest，ifshebeby，Begofherforremedy。
　　Re-enterPUCKPUCKCaptainofourfairyband，Helenaishereathand；
　　Andtheyouth，mistookbyme，Pleadingforalover’sfee。
　　Shallwetheirfondpageantsee？
　　Lord，whatfoolsthesemortalsbe！OBERONStandaside：thenoisetheymakeWillcauseDemetriustoawake。PUCKThenwilltwoatoncewooone；
　　Thatmustneedsbesportalone；
　　AndthosethingsdobestpleasemeThatbefalpreposterously。
　　EnterLYSANDERandHELENALYSANDERWhyshouldyouthinkthatIshouldwooinscorn？
　　Scornandderisionnevercomeintears：
　　Look，whenIvow，Iweep；andvowssoborn，Intheirnativityalltruthappears。
　　Howcanthesethingsinmeseemscorntoyou，Bearingthebadgeoffaith，toprovethemtrue？HELENAYoudoadvanceyourcunningmoreandmore。
　　Whentruthkillstruth，Odevilish-holyfray！
　　ThesevowsareHermia’s：willyougivehero’er？
　　Weighoathwithoath，andyouwillnothingweigh：
　　Yourvowstoherandme，putintwoscales，Willevenweigh，andbothaslightastales。LYSANDERIhadnojudgmentwhentoherIswore。HELENANornone，inmymind，nowyougivehero’er。LYSANDERDemetriuslovesher，andhelovesnotyou。DEMETRIUS[Awaking]OHelena，goddess，nymph，perfect，divine！
　　Towhat，mylove，shallIcomparethineeyne？
　　Crystalismuddy。O，howripeinshowThylips，thosekissingcherries，temptinggrow！
　　Thatpurecongealedwhite，highTaurussnow，Fann’dwiththeeasternwind，turnstoacrowWhenthouhold’stupthyhand：O，letmekissThisprincessofpurewhite，thissealofbliss！HELENAOspite！Ohell！IseeyouallarebentTosetagainstmeforyourmerriment：
　　Ifyouwerecivilandknewcourtesy，Youwouldnotdomethusmuchinjury。
　　Canyounothateme，asIknowyoudo，Butyoumustjoininsoulstomockmetoo？
　　Ifyouweremen，asmenyouareinshow，Youwouldnotuseagentleladyso；
　　Tovow，andswear，andsuperpraisemyparts，WhenIamsureyouhatemewithyourhearts。
　　Youbotharerivals，andloveHermia；
　　Andnowbothrivals，tomockHelena：
　　Atrimexploit，amanlyenterprise，Toconjuretearsupinapoormaid’seyesWithyourderision！noneofnoblesortWouldsooffendavirgin，andextortApoorsoul’spatience，alltomakeyousport。LYSANDERYouareunkind，Demetrius；benotso；