ThefollowingTalesaremeanttobesubmittedtotheyoungreaderasanintroductiontothestudyofShakespeare，forwhichpurposehiswordsareusedwheneveritseemedpossibletobringthemin；
andinwhateverhasbeenaddedtogivethemtheregularformofaconnectedstory，diligentcarehasbeentakentoselectsuchwordsasmightleastinterrupttheeffectofthebeautifulEnglishtongueinwhichhewrote：therefore，wordsintroducedintoourlanguagesincehistimehavebeenasfaraspossibleavoided。
InthoseTaleswhichhavebeentakenfromtheTragedies，theyoungreaderswillperceive，whentheycometoseethesourcefromwhichthesestoriesarederived，thatShakespeare”sownwords，withlittlealteration，recurveryfrequentlyinthenarrativeaswellasinthedialogue；butinthosemadefromtheComediesthewritersfoundthemselvesscarcelyeverabletoturnhiswordsintothenarrativeform：thereforeitisfearedthat，inthem，dialoguehasbeenmadeuseoftoofrequentlyforyoungpeoplenotaccustomedtothedramaticformofwriting。Butthisfault，ifitbeafault，hasbeencausedbyanearnestwishtogiveasmuchofShakespeare”sownwordsaspossible：andifthe“Hesaid“and“Shesaid，“thequestionandthereply，shouldsometimesseemtedioustotheiryoungears，theymustpardonit，becauseitwastheonlywayinwhichcouldbegiventothemafewhintsandlittleforetastesofthegreatpleasurewhichawaitsthemintheirelderyears，whentheycometotherichtreasuresfromwhichthesesmallandvaluelesscoinsareextracted；
pretendingtonoothermeritthanasfaintandimperfectstampsofShakespeare”smatchlessimage。Faintandimperfectimagestheymustbecalled，becausethebeautyofhislanguageistoofrequentlydestroyedbythenecessityofchangingmanyofhisexcellentwordsintowordsfarlessexpressiveofhistruesense，tomakeitreadsomethinglikeprose；andeveninsomefewplaces，wherehisblankverseisgivenunaltered，ashopingfromitssimpleplainnesstocheattheyoungreadersintothebeliefthattheyarereadingprose，yetstillhislanguagebeingtransplantedfromitsownnaturalsoilandwildpoeticgarden，itmustwantmuchofitsnativebeauty。
IthasbeenwishedtomaketheseTaleseasyreadingforveryyoungchildren。Totheutmostoftheirabilitythewritershaveconstantlykeptthisinmind；butthesubjectsofmostofthemmadethisaverydifficulttask。Itwasnoeasymattertogivethehistoriesofmenandwomenintermsfamiliartotheapprehensionofaveryyoungmind。Foryoungladies，too，ithasbeentheintentionchieflytowrite；becauseboysbeinggenerallypermittedtheuseoftheirfathers”librariesatamuchearlieragethangirlsare，theyfrequentlyhavethebestscenesofShakespearebyheart，beforetheirsistersarepermittedtolookintothismanlybook；and，therefore，insteadofrecommendingtheseTalestotheperusal，ofyounggentlemenwhocanreadthemsomuchbetterintheoriginals，theirkindassistanceisratherrequestedinexplainingtotheirsisterssuchpartsasarehardestforthemtounderstand：andwhentheyhavehelpedthemtogetoverthedifficulties，thenperhapstheywillreadtothem(carefullyselectingwhatisproperforayoungsister”sear)
somepassagewhichhaspleasedtheminoneofthesestories，intheverywordsofthescenefromwhichitistaken；anditishopedtheywillfindthatthebeautifulextracts，theselectpassages，theymaychoosetogivetheirsistersinthiswaywillbemuchbetterrelishedandunderstoodfromtheirhavingsomenotionofthegeneralstoryfromoneoftheseimperfectabridgments；——whichiftheybefortunatelysodoneastoprovedelighttoanyoftheyoungreaders，itishopedthatnoworseeffectwillresultthantomakethemwishthemselvesalittleolder，thattheymaybeallowedtoreadthePlaysatfulllength(suchawishwillbeneitherpeevishnorirrational)。Whentimeandleaveofjudiciousfriendsshallputthemintotheirhands，theywilldiscoverinsuchofthemasarehereabridged(nottomentionalmostasmanymore，whichareleftuntouched)manysurprisingeventsandturnsoffortune，whichfortheirinfinitevarietycouldnotbecontainedinthislittlebook，besidesaworldofsprightlyandcheerfulcharacters，bothmenandwomen，thehumorofwhichitwasfearedwouldbelostifitwereattemptedtoreducethelengthofthem。
WhattheseTalesshallhavebeentotheYOUNGreaders，thatandmuchmoreitisthewriters”wishthatthetruePlaysofShakespearemayprovetotheminolderyears——enrichersofthefancy，strengthenersofvirtue，awithdrawingfromallselfishandmercenarythoughts，alessonofallsweetandhonorablethoughtsandactions，toteachcourtesy，benignity，generosity，humanity：forofexamples，teachingthesevirtues，hispagesarefull。
THETEMPEST
Therewasacertainislandinthesea，theonlyinhabitantsofwhichwereanoldman，whosenamewasProspero，andhisdaughterMiranda，averybeautifulyounglady。Shecametothisislandsoyoungthatshehadnomemoryofhavingseenanyotherhumanfacethanherfather”s。
Theylivedinacaveorcell，madeoutofarock；itwasdividedintoseveralapartments，oneofwhichProsperocalledhisstudy；
therehekepthisbooks，whichchieflytreatedofmagic，astudyatthattimemuchaffectedbyalllearnedmen：andtheknowledgeofthisarthefoundveryusefultohim；forbeingthrownbyastrangechanceuponthisisland，whichhadbeenenchantedbyawitchcalledSycorax，whodiedthereashorttimebeforehisarrival，Prospero，byvirtueofhisart，releasedmanygoodspiritsthatSycoraxhadimprisonedinthebodiesoflargetrees，becausetheyhadrefusedtoexecuteherwickedcommands。ThesegentlespiritswereeverafterobedienttothewillofProspero。
OftheseArielwasthechief。
ThelivelylittlespriteArielhadnothingmischievousinhisnature，exceptthathetookrathertoomuchpleasureintormentinganuglymonstercalledCaliban，forbeowedhimagrudgebecausehewasthesonofhisoldenemySycorax。ThisCaliban，Prosperofoundinthewoods，astrangemisshapenthing，farlesshumaninformthananape：hetookhimhometohiscell，andtaughthimtospeak；andProsperowouldhavebeenverykindtohim，butthebadnaturewhichCalibaninheritedfromhismother，Sycorax，wouldnotlethimlearnanythinggoodoruseful：
thereforehewasemployedlikeaslave，tofetchwoodanddothemostlaboriousoffices；andArielhadthechargeofcompellinghimtotheseservices。
WhenCalibanwaslazyandneglectedhiswork，Ariel(whowasinvisibletoalleyesbutProspero”s)wouldcomeslylyandpinchhim，andsometimestumblehimdowninthemire；andthenAriel，inthelikenessofanape，wouldmakemouthsathim。Thenswiftlychanginghisshape，inthelikenessofahedgehog，hewouldlietumblinginCaliban”sway，whofearedthehedgehog”ssharpquillswouldprickhisbarefeet。Withavarietyofsuch-likevexatioustricksArielwouldoftentormenthim，wheneverCalibanneglectedtheworkwhichProsperocommandedhimtodo。
Havingthesepowerfulspiritsobedienttohiswill，Prosperocouldbytheirmeanscommandthewinds，andthewavesofthesea。
Byhisorderstheyraisedaviolentstorm，inthemidstofwhich，andstrugglingwiththewildsea-wavesthateverymoment，threatenedtoswallowitup，heshowedhisdaughterafinelargeship，whichhetoldherwasfulloflivingbeingslikethemselves。“Omydearfather，“saidshe，“ifbyyourartyouhaveraisedthisdreadfulstorm，havepityontheirsaddistress。
See！thevesselwillbedashedtopieces。Poorsouls！theywillallperish。IfIhadpowerIwouldsinktheseabeneaththeearth，ratherthanthegoodshipshouldbedestroyed，withalltheprecioussoulswithinher。”
“Benotamazed，daughterMiranda，“saidProspero；“there。isnoharmdone。Ihavesoorderedit，thatnopersonintheshipshallreceiveanyhurt。WhatIhavedonehasbeenincareofyou，mydearchild。Youareignorantwhoyouare，orwhereyoucamefrom，andyouknownomoreofme，butthatIamyourfatherandliveinthispoorcave。Canyourememberatimebeforeyoucametothiscell？Ithinkyoucannot，foryouwerenotthenthreeyearsofage。”
“CertainlyIcan，sir，“repliedMiranda。
“Bywhat？“askedProspero；“byanyotherhouseorperson？Tellmewhatyoucanremember，mychild。”
Mirandasaid：“Itseemstomeliketherecollectionofadream。
ButhadInotoncefourorfivewomenwhoattendeduponme？“
Prosperoanswered：“Youhad，andmore。Howisitthatthisstilllivesinyourmind？Doyourememberhowyoucamehere？““No，sir，“saidMiranda，“Iremembernothingmore。”
“Twelveyearsago，Miranda，“continuedProspero，“IwasDukeofMilan，andyouwereaprincess，andmyonlyheir。hadayoungerbrother，whosenamewasAntonio，towhomItrustedeverything；
andasIwasfondofretirementanddeepstudyIcommonlyleftthemanagementofmystateaffairstoyouruncle，myfalsebrother(forsoindeedheproved)。1，neglectingallworldlyends，buriedamongmybooks，diddedicatewholetimetothebetteringofmymind。MybrotherAntonio，beingthusinpossessionofmypower，begantothinkhimselfthedukeindeed。
TheopportunityIgavehimofmakinghimselfpopularamongmysubjectsawakenedinhisbadnatureaproudambitiontodeprivemeofmydukedom；thishesooneffectedwiththeaidoftheKingofNaples，apowerfulprince，whowasmyenemy。”
“Wherefore，“saidMiranda，“didtheynotthathourdestroyus？“
“Mychild，“answeredherfather，“theydurstnot，sodearwasthelovethatmypeopleboreme。Antoniocarriedusonboardaship，andwhenweweresomeleaguesoutatsea，heforcedusintoasmallboat，withouteithertackle，sail，ormast；thereheleftus，ashethought，toperish。Butakindlordofmycourt，oneGonzalo，wholovedme，hadprivatelyplacedintheboatwater，provisions，apparel，andsomebookswhichIprizeabovemydukedom。”
“Omyfather，“saidMiranda，“whatatroublemustIhavebeentoyouthen！“
“No，mylove，“”saidProspero，“youwerealittlecherubthatdidpreserveme。Yourinnocentsmilesmademebearupagainstmymisfortunes。Ourfoodlastedtillwelandedonthisdesertisland，sincewhenmychiefdelighthasbeeninteachingyou，Miranda，andwellhaveyouprofitedbymyinstructions。”
“Heaventhankyou，mydearfather，“saidMiranda。“Nowpraytellme，sir，yourreasonforraisingthissea-storm？“
“Knowthen，“saidherfather，““thatbymeansofthisstorm，myenemies，theKingofNaplesandmycruelbrother，arecastashoreuponthisisland。”
Havingsosaid，Prosperogentlytouchedhisdaughterwithhismagicwand，andshefellfastasleep；forthespiritArieljustthenpresentedhimselfbeforehismaster。，togiveanaccountofthetempest，andhowhehaddisposedoftheship”scompany，andthoughthespiritswerealwaysinvisibletoMiranda，Prosperodidnotchoosesheshouldhearhimholdingconverse(aswouldseemtoher)withtheemptyair。
“Well，mybravespirit，“saidProsperotoAriel，“howhaveyouperformedyourtask？“
Arielgavealivelydescriptionofthestorm，andoftheterrorsofthemariners，andhowtheking”sson，Ferdinand，wasthefirstwholeapedintothesea；andhisfatherthoughthesawhisdearsonswallowedupbythewavesandlost。“Butheissafe，“saidAriel，“inacorneroftheisle，sittingwithhisarmsfolded，sadlylamentingthelossoftheking，hisfather，whomheconcludesdrowned。Notahairofhisheadisinjured，andhisprincelygarments，thoughdrenchedinthesea-waves，lookfresherthanbefore。”
“That”smydelicateAriel，“saidProspero。“Bringhimhither：mydaughtermustseethisyoungprince。Whereistheking，andmybrother？“
“Ileftthem，“answeredAriel，“searchingforFerdinand，whomtheyhavelittlehopesoffinding，thinkingtheysawhimperish。
Oftheship”screwnotoneismissing；thougheachonethinkshimselftheonlyonesaved；andtheship，thoughinvisibletothem，issafeintheharbor。”
“Ariel，“saidProspero，“thychargeisfaithfullyperformed；butthereismoreworkyet。”
“Istheremorework？“saidAriel。“Letmeremindyou，master，youhavepromisedmemyliberty。Ipray，remember，，Ihavedoneyouworthyservice，toldyounolies，madenomistakes，servedyouwithoutgrudgeorgrumbling。”
“Hownow！“saidProspero。“YoudonotrecollectwhatatormentI
freedyoufrom。HaveyouforgotthewickedwitchSycorax，whowithageandenvywasalmostbentdouble？Wherewassheborn？
Speak；tellme。”
“Sir，inAlgiers，“saidAriel。
“Oh，wassheso？“saidProspero。“Imustrecountwhatyouhavebeen，whichIfindyoudonotremember。Thisbadwitch，Sycorax，forherwitchcrafts，tooterribletoenterhumanhearing，wasbanishedfromAlgiers，andhereleftbythesailors-；andbecauseyouwereaspirittoodelicatetoexecuteherwickedcommands，sheshutyouupinatree，whereIfoundyouhowling。Thistorment，remember，Ididfreeyoufrom。”
“Pardonme，dearmaster，“saidAriel，ashamedtoseemungrateful；
“Iwillobeyyourcommands。”
“Doso，“saidProspero，“andIwillsetyoufree。”Hethengaveorderswhatfurtherhewouldhavehimdo；andawaywentAriel，firsttowherehehadleftFerdinand，andfoundhimstillsittingonthegrassinthesamemelancholyposture。
“Oh，myyounggentleman，“saidAriel，whenhesawhim，”Iwillsoonmoveyou。Youmustbebrought，Ifind，fortheLadyMirandatohaveasightofyourprettyperson。Come。sir，，followme。”Hethenbegansinging：
“Fullfathomfivethyfatherlies；
Ofhisbonesarecoralmade；
Thosearepearlsthatwerehiseyes：
Nothingofhimthatdothfade，Butdothsufferasea-changeIntosomethingrichandstrange。
Sea-nymphshourlyringhisknell：
Hark！nowIhearthem——Ding-dong，bell。”
Thisstrangenewsofhislostfathersoonrousedtheprincefromthestupidfitintowhichhehadfallen。HefollowedinamazementthesoundofAriel”svoice，tillitledhimtoProsperoandMiranda，whoweresittingundertheshadeofalargetree。NowMirandahadneverseenamanbefore，exceptherownfather。
“Miranda，“saidProspero，“tellmewhatyouarelookingatyonder。”
“Oh，father，“saidMiranda，inastrangesurprise，“surelythatisaspirit。Lord！howitlooksabout！Believeme，sir，itisabeautifulcreature。Isitnotaspirit？“
“No，girl，“answeredherfather；“iteats，andsleeps，andhassensessuchaswehave。Thisyoungmanyouseewasintheship。
Heissomewhatalteredbygrief，oryoumightcallhimahandsomeperson。Hehaslosthiscompanions，andiswanderingabouttofindthem。”
Miranda，whothoughtallmenhadgravefacesandgraybeardslikeherfather，wasdelightedwiththeappearanceofthisbeautifulyoungprince；andFerdinand，seeingsuchalovelyladyinthisdesertplace，andfromthestrangesoundshehadheard，expectingnothingbutwonders，thoughtbewasuponanenchantedisland，andthatMirandawasthegoddessoftheplace，andassuchhebegantoaddressher。
Shetimidlyanswered，shewasnogoddess，butasimplemaidandwasgoingtogivehimanaccountofherself，whenProsperointerruptedher。Hewaswellpleasedtofindtheyadmiredeachother，forheplainlyperceivedtheyhad(aswesay)falleninloveatfirstsight：buttotryFerdinand”sconstancy，heresolvedtothrowsomedifficultiesintheirway：therefore，advancingforward，beaddressedtheprincewithasternair，tellinghim，hecametotheislandasaspy，totakeitfromhimwhowasthelordofit。“Followme，“saidbe。“Iwilltieyourneckandfeettogether。Youshalldrinksea-water；shell-fish，witheredroots，andhusksofacornsshallbeyourfood。”
“No，“saidFerdinand，“IwillresistsuchentertainmenttillI
seeamorepowerfulenemy，“anddrewhissword；butProspero，wavinghismagicwand，fixedhimtothespotwherehestood，sothathehadnopowertomove。
Mirandahunguponherfather，saying：“Whyareyousoungentle？
Havepity，Iwillbehissurety。ThisisthesecondmanIeversaw，andtomeheseemsatrueone。”
“Silence！“saidthefather。“Onewordmorewillmakemechideyou，girl！What！anadvocateforanimpostor！Youthinktherearenomoresuchfinemen，havingseenonlyhimandCaliban。Itellyou，foolishgirl，mostmenasfarexcelthisashedoesCalliban。”Thishesaidtoprovehisdaughter”sconstancy；andshereplied：
“Myaffectionsaremosthumble。Ihavenowishtoseeagoodlierman。”
“Comeon，youngman，“saidProsperototheprince；“youhavenopowertodisobey-me。”
“Ihavenotindeed，“answeredFerdinand；andnotknowingthatitwasbymagichewasdeprivedofallpowerofresistance，theyweregoingtoeat，heappearedvisiblebeforethemintheshapeofaharpy，avoraciousmonsterwithwings，andthefeastvanishedaway。Then，totheirutteramazement，thisseemingharpyspoketothem，remindingthemoftheircrueltyindrivingProsperofromhisdukedom，andleavinghimandhisinfantdaughtertoperishinthesea，saying，thatforthiscausetheseterrorsweresufferedtoafflictthem。
TheKingofNaples，andAntoniothefalsebrother，repentedtheinjusticetheyhaddonetoProspero；andArieltoldhismasterhewascertaintheirpenitencewassincere，andthathe，thoughaspirit，couldnotbutpitythem。
“Thenbringthemhither，Ariel，“saidProspero：“ifyou，whoarebutaspirit，feelfortheirdistress，shallnotI，whoamahumanbeinglikethemselves，havecompassiononthem？Bringthemquickly，mydaintyAriel。”
Arielsoonreturnedwiththeking，Antonio，andoldGonzalointheirtrain，whohadfollowedhim，wonderingatthewildmusicheplayedintheairtodrawthemontohismaster”spresence。ThisGonzalowasthesamewhohadsokindlyprovidedProsperoformerlywithbooksandprovisions，whenhiswickedbrotherlefthim，ashethought，toperishinanopenboatinthesea。
GriefandterrorhadsostupefiedtheirsensesthattheydidnotknowProspero。HefirstdiscoveredhimselftothegoodoldGonzalo，callinghimthepreserverofhislife；andthenhisbrotherandthekingknewthathewastheinjuredProspero。
Antonio，withtearsandsadwordsofsorrowandtruerepentance，imploredhisbrother”sforgiveness，andthekingexpressedhissincereremorseforhavingassistedAntoniotodeposehisbrother：andProsperoforgavethem；and，upontheirengagingtorestorehisdukedom，hesaidtotheKingofNaples，“Ihaveagiftinstoreforyou，too“；and，openingadoor，showedhimhissonFerdinandplayingatchesswithMiranda。
Nothingcouldexceedthejoyofthefatherandthesonatthisunexpectedmeeting，fortheyeachthoughttheotherdrownedinthestorm。
“Ohwonder！“saidMiranda，“whatnoblecreaturestheseare！Itmustsurelybeabraveworldthathassuchpeopleinit。”
TheKingofNapleswasalmostasmuchastonishedatthebeautyandexcellentgracesoftheyoungMirandaashissonhadbeen。
“Whoisthismaid？“saidhe；“sheseemsthegoddessthathaspartedus，andbroughtusthustogether。”
“No，sir，“answeredFerdinand，smilingtofindhisfatherhadfallenintothesamemistakethathehaddonewhenhefirstsawMiranda，“sheisamortal，butbyimmortalProvidencesheismine；IchoseherwhenIcouldnotaskyou，myfather，foryourconsent，notthinkingyouwerealive。SheisthedaughterthisProspero，whoisthefamousDukeofMilan，ofwhoserenownIhaveheardsomuch，butneversawhimtillnow：ofhimIhavereceivedanewlife：hehasmadehimselftomeasecondfather，givingmethisdearlady。”
“ThenImustbeherfather，“saidtheking；“but，oh，howoddlywillitsound，thatImustaskmychildforgiveness。”
“Nomoreofthat，“saidProspero：“letusnotrememberourtroublespast，sincetheysohappilyhaveended。”AndthenProsperoembracedhisbrother，andagainassuredhimofhisforgiveness；andsaidthatawiseoverrulingProvidencehadpermittedthatheshouldbedrivenfromhispoordukedomofMilan，thathisdaughtermightinheritthecrownofNaples，forthatbytheirmeetinginthisdesertislandithadhappenedthattheking”ssonhadlovedMiranda。
ThesekindwordswhichProsperospoke，meaningtocomforthisbrother，sofilledAntoniowithshameandremorsethatbeweptandwasunabletospeak；andthekindoldGonzalowepttoseethisjoyfulreconciliation，andprayedforblessingsontheyoungcouple。
Prosperonowtoldthemthattheirshipwassafeintheharbor，andthesailorsallonboardher，andthatheandhisdaughterwouldaccompanythemhomethenextmorning。“Inthemeantime，“
sayshe，“partakeofsuchrefreshmentsasmypoorcaveaffords；
andforyourevening”sentertainmentIwillrelatethehistoryofmylifefrommyfirstlandinginthisdesertisland。”HethencalledforCalibantopreparesomefood，andsetthecaveinorder；andthecompanywereastonishedattheuncouthformandsavageappearanceofthisuglymonster，who(Prosperosaid)wastheonlyattendanthehadtowaituponhim。
BeforeProsperolefttheislandhedismissedArielfromservice，tothegreatjoyofthatlivelylittlespirit，who，thoughhehadbeenafaithfulservanttohismaster，wasalwayslongingtoenjoyhisfreeliberty，towanderuncontrolledintheair，likeawildbird，undergreentrees，amongpleasantfruits，andsweet-smellingflowers。
“MyquaintAriel，“saidProsperotothelittlespritewhenhemadehimfree，“Ishallmissyou；yetyoushallhaveyourfreedom。”
“Thankyou，mydearmaster，“saidAriel；“butgivemeleavetoattendyourshiphomewithprosperousgales，beforeyoubidfarewelltotheassistanceofyourfaithfulspirit；andthen，master，whenIamfree，howmerrilyIshalllive！“HereArielsangthisprettysong：
“Wherethebeesucks，theresuck！；
Inacowslip”sbellIlie：
ThereIcrouchwhenowlsdocry。
Onthebat”sbackIdoflyAftersummermerrily。
Merrily，merrilyshallIlivenowUndertheblossomthathangsonthebough。”
Prosperothenburieddeepintheearthhismagicalbooksandwand，forhewasresolvednevermoretomakeuseofthemagicart。Andhavingthusovercomehisenemies，andbeingreconciledtohisbrotherandtheKingofNaples，nothingnowremainedtocompletehishappinessbuttorevisithisnativeland，totakepossessionofhisdukedom，andtowitnessthehappynuptialsofhisdaughterandPrinceFerdinand，whichthekingsaidshouldbeinstantlycelebratedwithgreatsplendorontheirreturntoNaples。Atwhichplace，underthesafeconvoyofthespiritArielthey，afterapleasantvoyage，soonarrived。
AMIDSUMMERNIGHT”SDREAM
TherewasalawinthecityofAthenswhichgavetoitscitizensthepowerofcompellingtheirdaughterstomarrywhomsoevertheypleased；foruponadaughter”srefusingtomarrythemanherfatherhadchosentobeherhusband，thefatherwasempoweredbythislawtocausehertobeputtodeath；butasfathersdonotoftendesirethedeathoftheirowndaughters，eventhoughtheydohappentoprovealittlerefractory，thislawwasseldomorneverputinexecution，thoughperhapstheyoungladiesofthatcitywerenotunfrequentlythreatenedbytheirparentswiththeterrorsofit。
Therewasoneinstance，however，ofanoldman，whosenamewasEgeus，whoactuallydidcomebeforeTheseus(atthattimethereigningDukeofAthens)，tocomplainthathisdaughterwhomhehadcommandedtomarryDemetrius，ayoungmanofanobleAthenianfamily，refusedtoobeyhim，becauseshelovedanotheryoungAthenian，namedLysander。EgeusdemandedjusticeofTheseus，anddesiredthatthiscruellawmightbeputinforceagainsthisdaughter。
HermiapleadedinexcuseforherdisobediencethatDemetriushadformerlyprofessedloveforherdearfriendHelena，andthatHelenalovedDemetriustodistraction；butthishonorablereason，whichHermiagavefornotobeyingherfather”scommand，movednotthesternEgeus。
Theseus，thoughagreatandmercifulprince，hadnopowertoalterthelawsofhiscountry；thereforehecouldonlygiveHermiafourdaystoconsiderofit：andattheendofthattime，ifshestillrefusedtomarryDemetrius，shewastobeputtodeath。
WhenHermiawasdismissedfromthepresenceoftheduke，shewenttoherloverLysanderandtoldhimtheperilshewasin，andthatshemusteithergivehimupandmarryDemetriusorloseherlifeinfourdays。
Lysanderwasingreatafflictionathearingtheseeviltidings；
but，recollectingthatbehadanauntwholivedatsomedistancefromAthens，andthatattheplacewhereshelivedthecruellawcouldnotbeputinforceagainstHermia(thislawnotextendingbeyondtheboundariesofthecity)，heproposedtoHermiathatsheshouldstealoutofherfather”shousethatnight，andgowithhimtohisaunt”shouse，wherehewouldmarryher。“Iwillmeetyou，“saidLysander，“inthewoodafewmileswithoutthecity；inthatdelightfulwoodwherewehavesooftenwalkedwithHelenainthepleasantmonthofMay。”
TothisproposalHermiajoyfullyagreed；andshetoldnooneofherintendedflightbutherfriendHelena。Helena(asmaidenswilldofoolishthingsforlove)veryungenerouslyresolvedtogoandtellthistoDemetrius，thoughshecouldhopenobenefitfrombetrayingherfriend”ssecretbutthepoorpleasureoffollowingherfaithlesslovertothewood；forshewellknewthatDemetriuswouldgothitherinpursuitofHermia。
ThewoodinwhichLysanderandHermiaproposedtomeetwasthefavoritehauntofthoselittlebeingsknownbythenameof“fairies。”
Oberontheking，andTitaniathequeenofthefairies，withalltheirtinytrainoffollowers，inthiswoodheldtheirmidnightrevels。
Betweenthislittlekingandqueenofspritestherehappened，atthistime，asaddisagreement；theynevermetbymoonlightintheshadywalkofthispleasantwoodbuttheywerequarreling，tillalltheirfairyelveswouldcreepintoacorn-cupsandhidethemselvesforfear。
ThecauseofthisunhappydisagreementwasTitania”srefusinggiveOberonalittlechangelingboy，whosemotherhadbeenTitania”sfriend；anduponherdeaththefairyqueenstolethechildfromitsnurseandbroughthimupinthewoods。
Thenightonwhichtheloversweretomeetinthiswood，asTitaniawaswalkingwithsomeofhermaidsofhonor，shemetOberonattendedbyhistrainoffairycourtiers。
“Illmetbymoonlight，proudTitania，“saidthefairyking。
Thequeenreplied：“What，jealousOberon，isityou？Fairies，skiphence；Ihaveforswornhiscompany。”
“Tarry，rashfairy，“saidOberon。“AmInotthylord？WhydoesTitaniacrossherOberon？Givemeyourlittlechangelingboytobemypage。”
“Setyourheartatrest，“answeredthequeen；“yourwholefairykingdombuysnottheboyofme。”Shethenleftherlordingreatanger。
“Well，goyourway，“saidOberon；“beforethemorningdawnsI
willtormentyouforthisinjury。”
OberonthensentforPuck，hischieffavoriteandprivycounselor。
Puck(or，ashewassometimescalled，RobinGoodfellow)wasashrewdandknavishsprite，thatusedtoplaycomicalpranksintheneighboringvillages；sometimesgettingintothedairiesandskimmingthemilk，sometimesplunginghislightandairyformintothebutter-churn，andwhilehewasdancinghisfantasticshapeinthechurn，invainthedairymaidwouldlabortochangehercreamintobutter。Norhadthevillageswainsanybettersuccess；wheneverPuckchosetoplayhisfreaksinthebrewingcopper，thealewassuretobespoiled。Whenafewgoodneighborsweremettodrinksomecomfortablealetogether，Puckwouldjumpintothebowlofaleinthelikenessofaroastedcrab，andwhensomeoldgoodywasgoingtodrinkhewouldbobagainstherlips，andspillthealeoverherwitheredchin；andpresentlyafter，whenthesameolddamewasgravelyseatingherselftotellherneighborsasadandmelancholystory，Puckwouldslipherthree-leggedstoolfromunderher，anddowntoppledthepooroldwoman，andthentheoldgossipswouldholdtheirsidesandlaughather，andsweartheyneverwastedamerrierhour。
“Comehither，Puck，“saidOberontothislittlemerrywandererofthenight；“fetchmetheflowerwhichmaidscall”Lovein，Idleness”；thejuiceofthatlittlepurpleflowerlaidontheeyelidsofthosewhosleepwillmakethem，whentheyawake，doteonthefirstthingtheysee。SomeofthejuiceofthatflowerI
willdropontheeyelidsofmyTitaniawhensheisasleep；andthefirstthingshelooksuponwhensheopenshereyesshewillfallinlovewith，eventhoughitbealionorabear，ameddlingmonkeyorabusyape；andbeforeIwilltakethischarmfromoffhersight，whichIcandowithanothercharmIknowof，Iwillmakehergivemethatboytobemypage。”
Puck，wholovedmischieftohisheart，washighlydivertedwiththisintendedfrolicofhismaster，andrantoseektheflower；
andwhileOberonwaswaitingthereturnofPuckheobservedDemetriusandHelenaenterthewood：heoverheardDemetriusreproachingHelenaforfollowinghim，andaftermanyunkindwordsonhispart，andgentleexpostulationsfromHelena，remindinghimofhisformerloveandprofessionsoftruefaithtoher，helefther(ashesaid)tothemercyofthewildbeasts，andsheranafterhimasswiftlyasshecould。
Thefairyking，whowasalwaysfriendlytotruelovers，feltgreatcompassionforHelena；andperhaps，asLysandersaidtheyusedtowalkbymoonlightinthispleasantwood，OberonmighthaveseenHelenainthosehappytimeswhenshewasbelovedbyDemetrius。Howeverthatmightbe，whenPuckreturnedwiththelittlepurpleflower，Oberonsaidtohisfavorite：“Takeapartofthisflower；therehasbeenasweetAthenianladyhere，whoisinlovewithadisdainfulyouth；ifyoufindhimsleeping，dropsomeofthelove-juiceinhiseyes，butcontrivetodoitwhensheisnearhim，thatthefirstthingheseeswhenheawakesmaybethisdespisedlady。Youwillknowtheman]bytheAtheniangarmentswhichbewears。”
Puckpromisedtomanagethismatterverydexterously：andthenOberonwent，unperceivedbyTitania，toherbower，whereshewaspreparingtogotorest。Herfairybowerwasabank，wheregrewwildthyme，cowslips，andsweetviolets，underacanopyofwoodbine，musk-roses，andeglantine。ThereTitaniaalwayssleptsomepartofthenight；hercoverlettheenameledskinofasnake，which，thoughasmallmantle，waswideenoughtowrapafairyin。
HefoundTitaniagivingorderstoherfairies，howtheyweretoemploythemselveswhilesheslept。“Someofyou，“saidherMajesty，“mustkillcankersinthemusk-rosebuds，andsomewagewarwiththebatsfortheirleathernwings，tomakemysmallelvescoats；andsomeofyoukeepwatchthattheclamorousowl，thatnightlyboots，comenotnearme：butfirstsingmetosleep。”Thentheybegantosingthissong：
“Youspottedsnakes，withdoubletongue，Thornyhedgehogs，benotseen；
Newtsandblind-wormsdonowrong；
Comenotnearourfairyqueen：
“Philomel，withmelody，Singinoursweetlullaby；
Lulla，lulla，lullaby；lulla，lulla，lullaby；
Neverharm，norspell，norcharm，Comeourlovelyladynigh；
So，goodnight，withlullaby。”
Whenthefairieshadsungtheirqueenasleepwiththisprettylullaby，theylefthertoperformtheimportantservicesshehadenjoinedthem。OberonthensoftlydrewnearhisTitaniaanddroppedsomeofthelove-juiceonhereyelids，saying：
“Whatthouseestwhenthoudostwake，Doitforthytrue-lovetake。”
ButtoreturntoHermia，whomadeherescapeoutofherfather”shousethatnight，toavoidthedeathshewasdoomedtoforrefusingtomarryDemetrius。Whensheenteredthewood，shefoundherdearLysanderwaitingforher，toconducthertohisaunt”shouse；butbeforetheyhadpassedhalfthroughthewoodHermiawassomuchfatiguedthatLysander，whowasverycarefulofthisdearlady，whohadprovedheraffectionforhimevenbyhazardingherlifeforhissake，persuadedhertoresttillmorningonabankofsoftmoss，and，lyingdownhimselfonthegroundatsomelittledistance，theysoonfellfastasleep。HeretheywerefoundbyPuck，who，seeingahandsomeyoungmanasleep，andperceivingthathisclothesweremadeintheAthenianfashion，andthataprettyladywassleepingnearhim，concludedthatthismustbetheAthenianmaidandherdisdainfulloverwhomOberonhadsenthimtoseek；andhenaturallyenoughconjecturedthat，astheywerealonetogether，shemustbethefirstthinghewouldseewhenheawoke；so，withoutmoreado，heproceededtopoursomeofthejuiceofthelittlepurpleflowerintohiseyes。ButitsofelloutthatHelenacamethatway，and，insteadofHermia，wasthefirstobjectLysanderbeheldwhenheopenedhiseyes；andstrangetorelate，sopowerfulwasthelove-charm，allhisloveforHermiavanishedawayandLysanderfellinlovewithHelena。
HadhefirstseenHermiawhenheawoke，theblunderPuckcommittedwouldhavebeenofnoconsequence，forhecouldnotlovethatfaithfulladytoowell；butforpoorLysandertobeforcedbyafairylove-charmtoforgethisowntrueHernia，andtorunafteranotherlady，andleaveHermiaasleepquitealoneinawoodatmidnight，wasasadchanceindeed。
Thusthismisfortunehappened。Helena，ashasbeenbeforerelated，endeavoredtokeeppacewithDemetriuswhenheranawaysorudelyfromher；butshecouldnotcontinuethisunequalracelong，menbeingalwaysbetterrunnersinalongracethanladies。
HelenasoonlostsightofDemetrius；andasshewaswanderingabout，dejectedandforlorn，shearrivedattheplacewhereLysanderwassleeping。“Ah！“saidshe，“thisisLysanderlyingontheground。Ishedeadorasleep？“Then，gentlytouchinghim，shesaid，“Goodsir，ifyouarealive，awake。”UponthisLysanderopenedhiseyes，and，thelove-charmbeginningtowork，immediatelyaddressedherintermsofextravagantloveandadmiration，tellinghersheasmuchexcelledHermiainbeautyasadovedoesaraven，andthatbewouldrunthroughfireforhersweetsake；andmanymoresuchlover-likespeeches。Helena，knowingLysanderwasherfriendHermia”slover，andthathewassolemnlyengagedtomarryher，wasintheutmostragewhensheheardherselfaddressedinthismanner；forshethought(aswellshemight)thatLysanderwasmakingajestofher。“Oh！“saidshe，“whywasIborntobemockedandscornedbyeveryone？Isitnotenough，isitnotenough，youngman，thatIcannevergetasweetlookorakindwordfromDemetrius；butyou，sir，mustpretendinthisdisdainfulmannertocourtme？Ithought，Lysander，youwerealordofmoretruegentleness。”Sayingthesewordsingreatanger，sheranaway；andLysanderfollowedher，quiteforgetfulofhisownHermia，whowasstillasleep。
WhenHermiaawokeshewasinasadfrightatfindingherselfalone。Shewanderedaboutthewood，notknowingwhatwasbecomeofLysander，orwhichwaytogotoseekforhim。InthemeantimeDemetrius，notbeingabletofindHermiaandhisrivalLysander，andfatiguedwithhisfruitlesssearch，wasobservedbyOberonfastasleep。OberonhadlearnedbysomequestionshehadaskedofPuckthathehadappliedthelovecharmtothewrongperson”seyes；andnow，havingfoundthepersonfirstintended，hetouchedtheeyelidsofthesleepingDemetriuswiththelove-juice，andheinstantlyawoke；andthefirstthinghesawbeingHelena，he，asLysanderhaddonebefore，begantoaddresslove-speechestoher；
andjustatthatmomentLysander，followedbyHermia(forthroughPuck”sunluckymistakeitwasnowbecomeHermia”sturntorunafterherlover)，madehisappearance；andthenLysanderandDemetrius，bothspeakingtogether，madelovetoHelena，theybeingeachoneundertheinfluenceofthesamepotentcharm。
TheastonishedHelenathoughtthatDemetrius，Lysander，andheroncedearfriendHermiawereallinaplottogethertomakeajestofher。
HermiawasasmuchsurprisedasHelena；sheknewnotwhyLysanderandDemetrius，whobothbeforelovedher，werenowbecometheloversofHelena，andtoHermiathematterseemedtobenojest。
Theladies，whobeforebadalwaysbeenthedearestoffriends，nowfelltohighwordstogether。
“Unkind。Hermia，“saidHelena，“itisyouhavesetLysanderontovexmewithmockpraises；andyourotherlover，Demetrius，whousedalmosttospurnmewithhisfoot，haveyounotbidhimcallmegoddess，nymph，rare，precious，andcelestial？Hewouldnotspeakthustome，whomhehates，ifyoudidnotsethimontomakeajestofme。UnkindHermia，tojoinwithmeninscorningyourpoorfriend。Haveyouforgotourschooldayfriendship？Howoften，Hermia，havewetwo，sittingononecushion，bothsingingonesong，withourneedlesworkingthesameflower，bothonthesamesamplerwrought；growinguptogetherinfashionofadoublecherry，scarcelyseemingparted！Hermia，itisnotfriendlyinyou，itisnotmaidenlytojoinwithmeninscorningyourpoorfriend。”
“Iamamazedatyourpassionatewords，“saidHermia：“Iscornyounot；itseemsyouscornme。”
“Aye，do，“returnedHelena，“persevere，counterfeitseriouslooks，andmakemouthsatmewhenIturnmyback；thenwinkateachother，andholdthesweetjestup。Ifyouhadanypity，grace，ormanners，youwouldnotusemethus。”
WhileHelenaandHermiawerespeakingtheseangrywordstoeachother，DemetriusandLysanderleftthem，tofighttogetherinthewoodfortheloveofHelena。
Whentheyfoundthegentlemenhadleftthem，theydeparted，andoncemorewanderedwearyinthewoodinsearchoftheirlovers。
Assoonastheyweregonethefairyking，whowithlittlePuckhadbeenlisteningtotheirquarrels，saidtohim，“Thisisyournegligence，Puck；ordidyoudothiswilfully？“
“Believeme，kingofshadows，“answeredPuck，“itwasamistake。
DidnotyoutellmeIshouldknowthemanbyhisAtheniangarments？However，Iamnotsorrythishashappened，forIthinktheirjanglingmakesexcellentsport。”
“Youheard，“saidOberon，“thatDemetriusandLysanderaregonetoseekaconvenientplacetofightin。Icommandyoutooverhangthenightwithathickfog，andleadthesequarrelsomeloverssoastrayin”thedarkthattheyshallnotbeabletofindeachother。Counterfeiteachoftheirvoicestotheother，andwithbittertauntsprovokethemtofollowyou，whiletheythinkitistheirrival”stonguetheyhear。Seeyoudothis，tilltheyaresowearytheycangonofarther；andwhenyoufindtheyareasleep，dropthejuiceofthisotherflowerintoLysander”seyes，andwhenheawakeshewillforgethisnewloveforHelena，andreturntohisoldpassionforHermia；andthenthetwofairladiesmayeachonebehappywiththemanshelovesandtheywillthinkallthathaspassedavexatiousdream。Aboutthisquickly，Puck，andIwillgoandseewhatsweetlovemyTitaniahasfound。”
Titaniawasstillsleeping，andOberon，seeingaclownnearherwhohadlosthiswayinthewoodandwaslikewiseasleep，“Thisfellow，“saidhe，“shallbemyTitania”struelove“；andclappinganass”sheadovertheclown”s，itseemedtofithimaswellasifithadgrownuponhisownshoulders。ThoughOberonfixedtheass”sheadonverygently，itawakenedhim，and，risingup，unconsciousofwhatOberonhaddonetohim，hewenttowardthebowerwherethefairyqueenslept。
“AhIwhatangelisthatIsee？“saidTitania，openinghereyes，andthejuiceofthelittlepurpleflowerbeginningtotakeeffect。“Areyouaswiseasyouarebeautiful？“
“Why，mistress，“saidthefoolishclown，“ifIhavewitenoughtofindthewayoutofthiswood，Ihaveenoughtoservemyturn。”
“Outofthewooddonotdesiretogo，“saidtheenamouredqueen。
“Iamaspiritofnocommonrate。Iloveyou。Gowithme，andI
willgiveyoufairiestoattenduponyou。”
Shethencalledfourofherfairies。TheirnameswerePeas-blossom，Cobweb，Moth，andMustard-seed。
“Attend，“saidthequeen，“uponthissweetgentleman。Hopinhiswalksandgambolinhissight；feedhimwithgrapesandapricots，andstealforhimthehoney-bagsfromthebees。Come，sitwithme，“saidshetotheclown。，“andletmeplaywithyouramiablehairycheeks，mybeautifulass！andkissyourfairlargeears，mygentlejoy。”
“WhereisPeas-blossom？“saidtheass-headedclown，notmuchregardingthefairyqueen”scourtship，butveryproudofhisnewattendants。
“Here，sir，“saidlittlePeas-blossom。
“Scratchmyhead，“saidtheclown。“WhereisCobweb？“
“Here，sir，“saidCobweb。
“GoodMr。Cobweb，“saidthefoolishclown，“killmetheredhumblebeeonthetopofthatthistleyonder；and，goodMr。
Cobweb，bringmethehoney-bag。Donotfretyourselftoomuchintheaction，Mr。Cobweb，andtakecarethehoney-bagbreaknot；I
shouldbesorrytohaveyouoverflownwithahoney-bag。WhereisMustard-seed？“
“Here，sir，“saidMustard-seed。“Whatisyourwill？“
“Nothing，“saidtheclown，“goodMr。Mustard-seed，buttohelpMr。Peas-blossomtoscratch；Imustgotoabarber”s，Mr。
Mustard-seed，formethinksIammarveloushairyabouttheface。”
“Mysweetlove，“saidthequeen，“whatwillyouhavetoeat？I
haveaventurousfairyshallseekthesquirrel”shoard，andfetchyousomenewnuts。”
“Ihadratherhaveahandfulofdriedpeas，“”saidtheclown，whowithhisass”sheadhadgotanass”sappetite。“But，Ipray，letnoneofyourpeopledisturbme，forIhaveamindtosleep。”
“Sleep，then，“saidthequeen，“andIwillwindyouinmyarms。
Oh，howIloveyou！howIdoteuponyou！“
Whenthefairykingsawtheclownsleepinginthearmsofhisqueen，headvancedwithinhersight，andreproachedherwithhavinglavishedherfavorsuponanass。
Thisshecouldnotdeny，astheclownwasthensleepingwithinherarms，withhisass”sheadcrownedbyherwithflowers。
WhenOberonhadteasedherforsometime，heagaindemandedthechangelingboy；whichshe，ashamedofbeingdiscoveredbyherlordwithhernewfavorite，didnotdaretorefusehim。
Oberon，havingthusobtainedthelittleboyhehadsolongwishedfortobehispage，tookpityonthedisgracefulsituationintowhich，byhismerrycontrivance，hehadbroughthisTitania，andthrewsomeofthejuiceoftheotherflowerintohereyes；andthefairyqueenimmediatelyrecoveredhersenses，andwonderedatherlatedotage，sayinghowshenowloathedthesightofthestrangemonster。
Oberonlikewisetooktheass”sheadfromofftheclown，andlefthimtofinishhisnapwithhisownfool”sheaduponhisshoulders。
OberonandhisTitaniabeingnowperfectlyreconciled，herelatedtoherthehistoryoftheloversandtheirmidnightquarrels，andsheagreedtogowithhimandseetheendoftheiradventures。
Thefairykingandqueenfoundtheloversandtheirfairladies，atnogreatdistancefromoneanother，sleepingonagrass-plot；
forPuck，tomakeamendsforhisformermistake，hadcontrivedwiththeutmostdiligencetobringthemalltothesamespot，unknowntooneanother；andhebadcarefullyremovedthecharmfromofftheeyesofLysanderwiththeantidotethefairykinggavetohim。
Hermiafirstawoke，and，findingherlostLysanderasleepsonearher，waslookingathimandwonderingathisstrangeinconstancy。
Lysanderpresentlyopeninghiseyes，andseeinghisdearHermia，recoveredhisreasonwhichthefairycharmhadbeforeclouded，andwithhisreasonhisloveforHermia；andtheybegantotalkovertheadventuresofthenight，doubtingifthesethingshadreallyhappened，oriftheybadbothbeendreamingthesamebewilderingdream。
HelenaandDemetriuswerebythistimeawake；andasweetsleephavingquietedHelena”sdisturbedandangryspirits，shelistenedwithdelighttotheprofessionsoflovewhichDemetriusstillmadetoher，andwhich，tohersurpriseaswellaspleasure，shebegantoperceiveweresincere。
Thesefairnight-wanderingladies，nownolongerrivals，becameoncemoretruefriends；alltheunkindwordswhichhadpassedwereforgiven，andtheycalmlyconsultedtogetherwhatwasbesttobedoneintheirpresentsituation。Itwassoonagreedthat，asDemetriusbadgivenuphispretensionstoHermia，heshouldendeavortoprevailuponherfathertorevokethecruelsentenceofdeathwhichhadbeenpassedagainsther。DemetriuswaspreparingtoreturntoAthensforthisfriendlypurpose，whentheyweresurprisedwiththesightofEgeus，Hermia”sfather，whocametothewoodinpursuitofhisrunawaydaughter。
WhenEgeusunderstoodthatDemetriuswouldnotnowmarryhisdaughter，henolongeropposedhermarriagewithLysander，butgavehisconsentthattheyshouldbeweddedonthefourthdayfromthattime，beingthesamedayonwhichHermiahadbeencondemnedtoloseherlife；andonthatsamedayHelenajoyfullyagreedtomarryherbelovedandnowfaithfulDemetrius。
Thefairykingandqueen，whowereinvisiblespectatorsofthisreconciliation，andnowsawthehappyendingofthelovers”
history，broughtaboutthroughthegoodofficesofOberon，receivedsomuchpleasurethatthesekindspiritsresolvedtocelebratetheapproachingnuptialswithsportsandrevelsthroughouttheirfairykingdom。
Andnow，ifanyareoffendedwiththisstoryoffairiesandtheirpranks，asjudgingitincredibleandstrange，theyhaveonlytothinkthattheyhavebeenasleepanddreaming，andthatalltheseadventureswerevisionswhichtheysawintheirsleep。AndIhopenoneofmyreaderswillbesounreasonableastobeoffendedwithapretty，harmlessMidsummerNight”sDream。
WINTER”STALE
Leontes，KingofSicily，andhisqueen，thebeautifulandvirtuousHermione，oncelivedinthegreatestharmonytogether。
SohappywasLeontesintheloveofthisexcellentladythathehadnowishungratified，exceptthathesometimesdesiredtoseeagainandtopresenttohisqueenhisoldcompanionandschoolfellow，Polixenes，KingofBohemia。LeontesandPolixeneswerebroughtuptogetherfromtheirinfancy，butbeing，bythedeathoftheirfathers，calledtoreignovertheirrespectivekingdoms，theyhadnotmetformanyyears，thoughtheyfrequentlyinterchangedgifts，letters，andlovingembassies。
Atlength，afterrepeatedinvitations，PolixenescamefromBohemiatotheSiciliancourt，tomakehisfriendLeontesavisit。
AtfirstthisvisitgavenothingbutpleasuretoLeontes。Herecommendedthefriendofhisyouthtothequeen”sparticularattention，andseemedinthepresenceofhisdearfriendandoldcompaniontohavehisfelicityquitecompleted。Theytalkedoveroldtimes；theirschool-daysandtheiryouthfulprankswereremembered，andrecountedtoHermione，whoalwaystookacheerfulpartintheseconversations。
When，afteralongstay，Polixeneswaspreparingtodepart，Hermione，atthedesireofherhusband，joinedherentreatiestohisthatPolixeneswouldprolonghisvisit。
Andnowbeganthisgoodqueen”ssorrow；forPolixenes，refusingtostayattherequestofLeontes，waswonoverbyHermione”sgentleandpersuasivewordstoputoffhisdepartureforsomeweekslonger。Uponthis，althoughLeonteshadsolongknowntheintegrityandhonorableprinciplesofhisfriendPolixenes，aswellastheexcellentdispositionofhisvirtuousqueen，hewasseizedwithanungovernablejealousy。EveryattentionHermioneshowedtoPolixenes，thoughbyherhusband”sparticulardesireandmerelytopleasehim，increasedtheunfortunateking”sjealousy；andfrombeingalovingandatruefriend，andthebestandfondestofhusbands，Leontesbecamesuddenlyasavageandinhumanmonster。SendingforCamillo，oneofthelordsofhiscourt，andtellinghimofthesuspicionheentertained，hecommandedhimtopoisonPolixenes。
Camillowasagoodman，andhe，wellknowingthatthejealousyofLeonteshadnottheslightestfoundationintruth，insteadofpoisoningPolixenes，acquaintedhimwiththekinghismaster”sorders，andagreedtoescapewithhimoutoftheSiciliandominions；andPolixenes，withtheassistanceofCamillo，arrivedsafeinhisownkingdomofBohemia，whereCamillolivedfromthattimeintheking”scourtandbecamethechieffriendandfavoriteofPolixenes。
TheflightofPolixenesenragedthejealousLeontesstillmore；
hewenttothequeen”sapartment，wherethegoodladywassittingwithherlittlesonMamillius，whowasjustbeginningtotelloneofhisbeststoriestoamusehismother，whenthekingenteredand，takingthechildaway，sentHermionetoprison。
Mamillius，thoughbutaveryyoungchild，lovedhismothertenderly；andwhenhesawhersodishonored，andfoundshewastakenfromhimtobeputintoaprison，hetookitdeeplytoheartanddroopedandpinedawaybyslowdegrees，losinghisappetiteandhissleep，tillitwasthoughthisgriefwouldkillhim。
Theking，whenhehadsenthisqueentoprison，commandedCleomenesandDion，twoSicilianlords，togotoDelphos，theretoinquireoftheoracleatthetempleofApolloifhisqueenhadbeenunfaithfultohim。
WhenHermionehadbeenashorttimeinprisonshewasbroughttobedofadaughter；andthepoorladyreceivedmuchcomfortfromthesightofherprettybaby，andshesaidtoit，“Mypoorlittleprisoner，Iamasinnocentasyouare。”
Hermionehadakindfriendinthenoble-spiritedPaulina，whowasthewifeofAntigonus，aSicilianlord；andwhentheladyPaulinaheardherroyalmistresswasbroughttobedshewenttotheprisonwhereHermionewasconfined；andshesaidtoEmilia，aladywhoattendeduponHermione，“Iprayyou，Emilia，tellthegoodqueen，ifherMajestydaretrustmewithherlittlebabe，I
willcarryittotheking，itsfather：wedonotknowhowhemaysoftenatthesightofhisinnocentchild。”
“Mostworthymadam，“repliedEmilia，“Iwillacquaintthequeenwithyournobleoffer。Shewaswishingto-daythatshehadanyfriendwhowouldventuretopresentthechildtotheking。”
“Andtellher，“saidPaulina。“thatIwillspeakboldlytoLeontesinherdefense。”
“Mayyoubeforeverblessed，“saidEmilia，“foryourkindnesstoourgraciousqueen！“
EmiliathenwenttoHermione，whojoyfullygaveupherbabytothecareofPaulina，forshehadfearedthatnoonewoulddareventuretopresentthechildtoitsfather。
Paulinatookthenew-borninfantand，forcingherselfintotheking”spresence，notwithstandingherhusband，fearingtheking”sanger，endeavoredtopreventher，shelaidthebabeatitsfather”sfeet；andPaulinamadeanoblespeechtothekingindefenseofHermione，andshereproachedhimseverelyforhisinhumanityandimploredhimtohavemercyonhisinnocentwifeandchild。ButPaulina”sspiritedremonstrancesonlyaggravatedLeontes”sdispleasure，andheorderedherhusbandAntigonustotakeherfromhispresence。
WhenPaulinawentawaysheleftthelittlebabyatitsfather”sfeet，thinkingwhenhewasalonewithithewouldlookuponitandhavepityonitshelplessinnocence。
ThegoodPaulinawasmistaken，fornosoonerwasshegonethanthemercilessfatherorderedAntigonus，Paulina”shusband，totakethechildandcarryitouttoseaandleaveituponsomedesertshoretoperish。
Antigonus，unlikethegoodCamillo，toowellobeyedtheordersofLeontes；forheimmediatelycarriedthechildonshipboard，andputouttosea，intendingtoleaveitonthefirstdesertcoasthecouldfind。
SofirmlywasthekingpersuadedoftheguiltofHermionethathewouldnotwaitforthereturnofCleomenesandDion；whomhehadsenttoconsulttheoracleofApolloatDelphos，butbeforethequeenwasrecoveredfromherlying-in，andfromthegriefforthelossofherpreciousbaby，hehadherbroughttoapublictrialbeforeallthelordsandnoblesofhiscourt。Andwhenallthegreatlords，thejudges，andallthenobilityofthelandwereassembledtogethertotryHermione，andthatunhappyqueenwasstandingasaprisonerbeforehersubjectstoreceivetheirjudgment，CleomenesandDionenteredtheassemblyandpresentedtothekingtheansweroftheoracle，sealedup；andLeontescommandedthesealtobebroken，andthewordsoftheoracletobereadaloud，andthesewerethewords：
“Hermioneisinnocent，Polixenesblameless，Camilloatruesubject，Leontesajealoustyrant，andthekingshalllivewithoutanheirifthatwhichislostbenotfound。”
Thekingwouldgivenocredittothewordsoftheoracle。Hesaiditwasafalsehoodinventedbythequeen”sfriends，andbedesiredthejudgetoproceedinthetrialofthequeen；butwhileLeonteswasspeakingamanenteredandtoldhimthatthePrinceMamillius，hearinghismotherwastobetriedforherlife，struckwithgriefandshame，hadsuddenlydied。
Hermione，uponhearingofthedeathofthisdear，affectionatechild，whohadlosthislifeinsorrowingforhermisfortune，fainted；andLeontes，piercedtotheheartbythenews，begantofeelpityforhisunhappyqueen，andheorderedPaulina，andtheladieswhowereherattendants，totakeherawayandusemeansforherrecovery。PaulinasoonreturnedandtoldthekingthatHermionewasdead。
WhenLeontesheardthatthequeenwasdeadherepentedofhiscrueltytoher；andnowthathethoughthisill-usagehadbrokenHermione”sheart，hebelievedherinnocent；andnowhethoughtthewordsoftheoracleweretrue，asheknew“ifthatwhichwaslostwasnotfound，“whichheconcludedwashisyoungdaughter，heshouldbewithoutanheir，theyoungPrinceMamilliusbeingdead；andhewouldgivehiskingdomnowtorecoverhislostdaughter。AndLeontesgavehimselfuptoremorseandpassedmanyyearsinmournfulthoughtsandrepentantgrief。
TheshipinwhichAntigonuscarriedtheinfantprincessouttoseawasdrivenbyastormuponthecoastofBohemia，theverykingdomofthegoodKingPolixenes。HereAntigonuslandedandhereheleftthelittlebaby。
AntigonusneverreturnedtoSicilytotellLeonteswherehehadlefthisdaughter，for，ashewasgoingbacktotheship，abearcameoutofthewoodsandtorehimtopieces；ajustpunishmentonhimforobeyingthewickedorderLeontes。
Thechildwasdressedinrichclothesandjewels；forHermionehadmadeitveryfinewhenshesentittoLeontes，andAntigonushadpinnedapapertoitsmantle，andthenameof“Perdita“
writtenthereon，andwordsobscurelyintimatingitshighbirthanduntowardfate。
Thispoor，desertedbabywasfoundbyashepherd。Hewasahumaneman，andsohecarriedthelittlePerditahometohiswife，whonursedittenderly。Butpovertytemptedtheshepherdtoconcealtherichprizebehadfound；thereforeheleftthatpartofthecountry，thatnoonemightknowwherehegothisriches，andwithpartofPerdita”sjewelsbeboughtherdsofsheepandbecameawealthyshepherd。HebroughtupPerditaashisownchild，andsheknewnotshewasanyotherthanashepherd”sdaughter。
ThelittlePerditagrewupalovelymaiden；andthoughshehadnobettereducationthanthatofashepherd”sdaughter，yetsodidthenaturalgracessheinheritedfromherroyalmothershineforthinheruntutoredmindthatnoone，fromherbehavior，wouldhaveknownshehadnotbeenbroughtupinherfather”scourt。
Polixenes，theKingofBohemia，hadanonlyson，whosenamewasFlorizel。Asthisyoungprincewashuntingneartheshepherd”sdwellinghesawtheoldman”ssupposeddaughter；andthebeauty，modesty，andqueenlikedeportmentofPerditacausedhiminstantlytofallinlovewithher。Hesoon，underthenameofDoricles，andinthedisguiseofaprivategentleman，becameaconstantvisitorattheoldshepherd”shouse。Florizel”sfrequentabsencesfromcourtalarmedPolixenes；andsettingpeopletowatchhisson，hediscoveredhislovefortheshepherd”sfairdaughter。
PolixenesthencalledforCamillo，thefaithfulCamillo，whohadpreservedhislifefromthefuryofLeontes，anddesiredthathewouldaccompanyhimtothehouseoftheshepherd，thesupposedfatherofPerdita。PolixenesandCamillo，bothindisguise，arrivedattheoldshepherd”sdwellingwhiletheywerecelebratingthefeastofsheep-shearing；andthoughtheywerestrangers，yetatthesheep-shearing，everyguestbeingmadewelcome，theywereinvitedtowalkinandjoininthegeneralfestivity。
Nothingbutmirthandjollitywasgoingforward。Tableswerespreadandfitgreatpreparationsweremakingfortherusticfeast。Someladsandlassesweredancingonthegreenbeforethehouse，whileothersoftheyoungmenwerebuyingribands，gloves，andsuchtoysofapeddleratthedoor。
WhilethisbusyscenewasgoingforwardFlorizelandPerditasatquietlyinaretiredcorner，seeminglymorepleasedwiththeconversationofeachotherthandesirousofengaginginthesportsandsillyamusementsofthosearoundthem。
Thekingwassodisguisedthatitwasimpossiblehissoncouldknowhim。Hethereforeadvancednearenoughtoheartheconversation。ThesimpleyetelegantmannerinwhichPerditaconversedwithhissondidnotalittlesurprisePolixenes。HesaidtoCamillo：
“Thisistheprettiestlow-bornlassIeversaw；nothingshedoesorsaysbutlookslikesomethinggreaterthanherself，toonobleforthisplace。”
Camilloreplied，“Indeedsheistheveryqueenofcurdsandcream。”
“Pray，mygoodfriend，“saidthekingtotheoldshepherd，“whatfairswainisthattalkingwithyourdaughter？“
“TheycallhimDoricles，“repliedtheshepherd。“Hesayshelovesmydaughter；and，tospeaktruth，thereisnotakisstochoosewhichlovestheotherbest。IfyoungDoriclescangether，sheshallbringhimthathelittledreamsof，“meaningtheremainderofPerdita”sjewels；which，afterhehadboughtherdsofsheepwithpartofthem，hehadcarefullyhoardedupforhermarriageportion。
Polixenesthenaddressedhisson。“Hownow，youngman！“saidhe。
“Yourheartseemsfullofsomethingthattakesoffyourmindfromfeasting。WhenIwasyoungIusedtoloadmylovewithpresents；
butyouhaveletthepeddlergoandhaveboughtyourlassnotoy。”
Theyoungprince，wholittlethoughthewastalkingtothekinghisfather，replied，“Oldsir，sheprizesnotsuchtrifles；thegiftswhichPerditaexpectsfrommearelockedupinmyheart。”
ThenturningtoPerdita，hesaidtoher，“Oh，hearme，Perdita，beforethisancientgentleman，whoitseemswasoncehimselfalover；heshallhearwhatIprofess。”FlorizelthencalledupontheoldstrangertobeawitnesstoasolemnpromiseofmarriagewhichbemadetoPerdita，sayingtoPolixenes，“Iprayyou，markourcontract。”
“Markyourdivorce，youngsir，“saidtheking，discoveringhimself。Polixenesthenreproachedhissonfordaringtocontracthimselftothislow-bornmaiden，callingPerdita“shepherd”sbrat，sheep-hook，“andotherdisrespectfulnames，andthreateningifevershesufferedhissontoseeheragain，hewouldputher，andtheoldshepherdherfather，toacrueldeath。
Thekingthenleftthemingreatwrath，andorderedCamillotofollowhimwithPrinceFlorizel。
Whenthekinghaddeparted，Perdita，whoseroyalnaturewasrousedbyPolixenes”sreproaches，said，“Thoughweareallundone，Iwasnotmuchafraid；andonceortwiceIwasabouttospeakandtellhimplainlythattheselfsamesunwhichshinesuponhispalacehidesnothisfacefromourcottage，butlooksonbothalike。”Thensorrowfullyshesaid，“ButnowIamawakenedfromthisdream，Iwillqueenitnofurther。Leaveme，sir。I
willgomilkmyewesandweep。”
Thekind-heartedCamillowascharmedwiththespiritandproprietyofPerdita”sbehavior；and，perceivingthattheyoungprincewastoodeeplyinlovetogiveuphismistressatthecommandofhisroyalfather，hethoughtofawaytobefriendtheloversandatthesametimetoexecuteafavoriteschemehehadinhismind。
CamillohadlongknownthatLeontes，theKingofSicily，wasbecomeatruepenitent；andthoughCamillowasnowthefavoredfriendofKingPolixenes，hecouldnothelpwishingoncemoretoseehislateroyalmasterandhisnativehome。HethereforeproposedtoFlorizelandPerditathattheyshouldaccompanyhimtotheSiciliancourt，wherehewouldengageLeontesshouldprotectthemtill，throughhismediation，theycouldobtainpardonfromPolixenesandhisconsenttotheirmarriage。
Tothisproposaltheyjoyfullyagreed；andCamillo，whoconductedeverythingrelativetotheirflight，allowedtheoldshepherdtogoalongwiththem。
TheshepherdtookwithhimtheremainderofPerdita”sjewels，herbabyclothes，andthepaperwhichhehadfoundpinnedtohermantle。
Afteraprosperousvoyage，FlorizelandPerdita，Camilloandtheoldshepherd，arrivedinsafetyatthecourtofLeontes。Leontes，whostillmournedhisdeadHermioneandhislostchild，receivedCamillowithgreatkindnessandgaveacordialwelcometoPrinceFlorizel。ButPerdita，whomFlorizelintroducedashisprincess，seemedtoengrossallLeontes”sattention。PerceivingaresemblancebetweenherandhisdeadqueenHermione，hisgriefbrokeoutafresh，andhesaidsuchalovelycreaturemighthisowndaughterhavebeenifhehadnotsocruellydestroyedher。
“Andthen，too，“saidhetoFlorizel，“Ilostthesocietyandfriendshipofyourbravefather，whomInowdesiremorethanmylifeonceagaintolookupon。”
WhentheoldshepherdheardhowmuchnoticethekinghadtakenofPerdita，andthathehadlostadaughterwhowasexposedininfancy，hefelltocomparingthetimewhenhefoundthelittlePerditawiththemannerofitsexposure，thejewelsandothertokensofitshighbirth；fromallwhichitwasimpossibleforhimnottoconcludethatPerditaandtheking”slostdaughterwerethesame。
FlorizelandPerdita，CamilloandthefaithfulPaulina，werepresentwhentheoldshepherdrelatedtothekingthemannerinwhichhehadfoundthechild，andalsothecircumstanceofAntigonus”sdeath，hehavingseenthebearseizeuponhim。HeshowedtherichmantleinwhichPaulinarememberedHermionehadwrappedthechild；andheproducedajewelwhichsherememberedHermionehadtiedaboutPerdita”sneck；andhegaveupthepaperwhichPaulinaknewtobethewritingofherhusband。ItcouldnotbedoubtedthatPerditawasLeontes”sowndaughter。But，oh，thenoblestrugglesofPaulina，betweensorrowforherhusband”sdeathandjoythattheoraclewasfulfilled，intheking”sheir，hislong-lostdaughterbeingfound！WhenLeontesheardthatPerditawashisdaughter，thegreatsorrowthathefeltthatHermionewasnotlivingtobeholdherchildmadehimthathecouldsaynothingforalongtimebut“Oh，thymother，thymother！“
PaulinainterruptedthisjoyfulyetdistressfulscenewithsayingtoLeontesthatshehadastatuenewlyfinishedbythatrareItalianmaster，JulioRomano，whichwassuchaperfectresemblanceofthequeenthatwouldhisMajestybepleasedtogotoherhouseandlookuponit，bewouldbealmostreadytothinkitwasHermioneherself。Thitherthentheyallwent；theking，anxioustoseethesemblanceofhisHermione，andPerditalongingtobeholdwhatthemothersheneversawdidlooklike。
WhenPaulinadrewbackthecurtainwhichconcealedthisfamousstatue，soperfectlydiditresembleHermionethatalltheking”ssorrowwasrenewedatthesight；foralongtimehehadnopowertospeakormove。
“Ilikeyoursilence，myliege，“saidPaulina；“itthemoreshowsyourwonder。Isnotthisstatueverylikeyourqueen？“
Atlengththekingsaid：“Oh，thusshestood，evenwithsuchmajesty，whenIfirstwooedher。Butyet，Paulina，Hermionewasnotsoagedasthisstatuelooks。”
Paulinareplied：“Somuchthemorethecarver”sexcellence，whohasmadethestatueasHermionewouldhavelookedhadshebeenlivingnow。Butletmedrawthecurtain，sire，lestpresentlyyouthinkitmoves。”
Thekingthensaid：“Donotdrawthecurtain。WouldIweredead！
See，Carmillo，wouldyounotthinkitbreathed？Hereyeseemstohavemotioninit。”
“Imustdrawthecurtain，myliege，“saidPaulina。“Youaresotransported，youwillpersuadeyourselfthestatuelives。”
“Oh，sweetPauline，“saidLeontes，“makemethinksotwentyyearstogether！Stillmethinksthereisanaircomesfromher。Whatfinechiselcouldeveryetcutbreath？Letnomanmockme，forI
willkissher。”
“Goodmylord，forbear！“saidPaulina。“Theruddinessuponherlipiswet；youwillstainyourownwithoilypainting。ShallI
drawthecurtain？“
“No，notthesetwentyyears，“saidLeontes。
Perdita，whoallthistimebadbeenkneelingandbeholdinginsilentadmirationthestatueofhermatchlessmother，saidnow，“AndsolongcouldIstayhere，lookinguponmydearmother。”
“Eitherforbearthistransport，“saidPaulinatoLeontes，“andletmedrawthecurtainorprepareyourselfformoreamazement。I
canmakethestatuemoveindeed；aye，anddescendfromoffthepedestalandtakeyoubythehand。Butthenyouwillthink，whichIprotestIamnot，thatIamassistedbysomewickedpowers。”
“Whatyoucanmakeherdo，“saidtheastonishedking，“Iamcontenttolookupon。WhatyoucanmakeherspeakIamcontenttohear；foritisaseasytomakeherspeakasmove。”
Paulinathenorderedsomeslowandsolemnmusic，whichshehadpreparedforthepurpose，tostrikeup；and，totheamazementofallthebeholders，thestatuecamedownfromoffthepedestalandthrewitsarmsaroundLeontes”sneck。Thestatuethenbegantospeak，prayingforblessingsonherhusbandandonherchild，thenewlyfoundPerdita。
NowonderthatthestatuehunguponLeontes”sneckandblessedherhusbandandherchild。Nowonder；forthestatuewasindeedHermioneherself，thereal，thelivingqueen。
PaulinahadfalselyreportedtothekingthedeathofHermione”
thinkingthattheonlymeanstopreserveherroyalmistress”slife；andwiththegoodPaulinaHermionehadlivedeversince，neverchoosingLeontesshouldknowshewaslivingtillsheheardPerditawasfound；forthoughshehadlongforgiventheinjurieswhichLeonteshaddonetoherself，shecouldnotpardonhiscrueltytohisinfantdaughter。
Hisdeadqueenthusrestoredtolife，hislostdaughterfound，thelong-sorrowingLeontescouldscarcelysupporttheexcessofhisownhappiness。
Nothingbutcongratulationsandaffectionatespeecheswereheardonallsides。NowthedelightedparentsthankedPrinceFlorizelforlovingtheirlowlyseemingdaughter；andnowtheyblessedthegoodoldshepherdforpreservingtheirchild。GreatlydidCamilloandPaulinarejoicethattheyhadlivedtoseesogoodanendofalltheirfaithfulservices。
Andasifnothingshouldbewantingtocompletethisstrangeandunlooked-forjoy，KingPolixeneshimselfnowenteredthepalace。
WhenPolixenesfirstmissedhissonandCamillo，knowingthatCamillohadlongwishedtoreturntoSicily，heconjecturedheshouldfindthefugitiveshere；and，followingthemwithallspeed，hehappenedtojustarriveatthisthehappiestmomentofLeontes”slife。
Polixenestookapartinthegeneraljoy；heforgavehisfriendLeontestheunjustjealousyhehadconceivedagainsthim，andtheyoncemorelovedeachotherwithallthewarmthoftheirfirstboyishfriendship。AndtherewasnofearthatPolixeneswouldnowopposehisson”smarriagewithPerdita。Shewasno“sheep-hook“now，buttheheiressofthecrownofSicily。
Thushaveweseenthepatientvirtuesofthelong-sufferingHermionerewarded。ThatexcellentladylivedmanyyearswithherLeontesandherPerdita，thehappiestofmothersandofqueens。
MUCHADOABOUTNOTHING
TherelivedinthepalaceatMessinatwoladies，whosenameswereHeroandBeatrice。Herowasthedaughter，andBeatricetheniece，ofLeonato，thegovernorofMessina。
BeatricewasofalivelytemperandlovedtodiverthercousinHero，whowasofamoreseriousdisposition，withhersprightlysallies。Whateverwasgoingforwardwassuretomakematterofmirthforthelight-heartedBeatrice。
Atthetimethehistoryoftheseladiescommencessomeyoungmenofhighrankinthearmy，astheywerepassingthroughMessinaontheirreturnfromawarthatwasjustended，inwhichtheybaddistinguishedthemselvesbytheirgreatbravery，cametovisitLeonato。AmongthesewereDonPedro，thePrinceofArragon，andhisfriendClaudio，whowasalordofFlorence；andwiththemcamethewildandwittyBenedick，andhewasalordofPadua。
ThesestrangershadbeenatMessinabefore，andthehospitablegovernorintroducedthemtohisdaughterandhisnieceastheiroldfriendsandacquaintance。
Benedick，themomentheenteredtheroom，beganalivelyconversationwithLeonatoandtheprince。Beatrice，wholikednottobeleftoutofanydiscourse，interruptedBenedickwithsaying：
“Iwonderthatyouwillstillbetalking，SignorBenedick。Nobodymarksyou。”
BenedickwasjustsuchanotherrattlebrainasBeatrice，yethewasnotpleasedatthisfreesalutation；hethoughtitdidnotbecomeawell-bredladytobesoflippantwithhertongue；andheremembered，whenhewaslastatMessina，thatBeatriceusedtoselecthimtomakehermerryjestsupon。Andasthereisnoonewhosolittlelikestobemadeajestofasthosewhoareapttotakethesamelibertythemselves，soitwaswithBenedickandBeatrice；thesetwosharpwitsnevermetinformertimesbutaperfectwarofraillerywaskeptupbetweenthem，andtheyalwayspartedmutuallydispleasedwitheachother。Therefore，whenBeatricestoppedhiminthemiddleofhisdiscoursewithtellinghimnobodymarkedwhathewassaying，Benedick，affectingnottohaveobservedbeforethatshewaspresent，said：
“What，mydearLadyDisdain，areyouyetliving？“Andnowwarbrokeoutafreshbetweenthem，andalongjanglingargumentensued，duringwhichBeatrice，althoughsheknewbehadsowellapprovedhisvalorinthelatewar，saidthatshewouldeatallhehadkilledthere；andobservingtheprincetakedelightinBenedick”sconversation，shecalledhim“theprince”sjester。”
ThissarcasmsankdeeperintothemindofBenedickthanallBeatricehadsaidbefore。Thehintshegavehimthathewasacoward，bysayingshewouldeatallhebadkilled，hedidnotregard，knowinghimselftobeabraveman；butthereisnothingthatgreatwitssomuchdreadastheimputationofbuffoonery，becausethechargecomessometimesalittletoonearthetruth；
thereforeBenedickperfectlyhatedBeatricewhenshecalledhim“theprince”sjester。”
ThemodestladyHerowassilentbeforethenobleguests；andwhileClaudiowasattentivelyobservingtheimprovementwhichtimehadmadeinherbeauty，andwascontemplatingtheexquisitegracesofherfinefigure(forshewasanadmirableyounglady)，theprincewashighlyamusedwithlisteningtothehumorousdialoguebetweenBenedickandBeatrice；andhesaidinawhispertoLeonato：
“Thisisapleasant-spiritedyounglady。ShewereanexcellentwifeforBenedick。”
Leonatorepliedtothissuggestion，“Omylord，mylord，iftheywerebutaweekmarried，theywouldtalkthemselvesmad！“
ButthoughLeonatothoughttheywouldmakeadiscordantpair，theprincedidnotgiveuptheideaofmatchingthesetwokeenwitstogether。
WhentheprincereturnedwithClaudiofromthepalacehefoundthatthemarriagehehaddevisedbetweenBenedickandBeatricewasnottheonlyoneprojectedinthatgoodcompany，forClaudiospokeinsuchtermsofHeroasmadetheprinceguessatwhatwaspassinginhisheart；andhelikeditwell，andhesaidtoClaudio：
“DoyouaffectHero？“
TothisquestionClaudioreplied，“Omylord，whenIwaslastatMessinaIlookeduponherwithasoldier”seye，thatliked，buthadnoleisureforloving；butnow，inthishappytimeofpeace，thoughtsofwarhavelefttheirplacesvacantinmymind，andintheirroomcomethrongingsoftanddelicatethoughts，allpromptingmehowfairyoungHerois，remindingmethatIlikedherbeforeIwenttothewars。”
Claudio”sconfessionofhisloveforHerosowroughtupontheprincethatbelostnotimeinsolicitingtheconsentofLeonatotoacceptofClaudioforason-in-law。Leonatoagreedtothisproposal，andtheprincefoundnogreatdifficultyinpersuadingthegentleHeroherselftolistentothesuitofthenobleClaudiowhowasalordofrareendowmentsandhighlyaccomplished，andClaudio，assistedbyhiskindprince，soonprevaileduponLeonatotofixanearlydayforthecelebrationofhismarriagewithHero。
Claudiowastowaitbutafewdaysbeforehewastobemarriedtohisfairlady；yethecomplainedoftheintervalbeingtedious，asindeedmostyoungmenareimpatientwhentheyarewaitingfortheaccomplishmentofanyeventtheyhavesettheirheartsupon。
Theprince，therefore，tomakethetimeseemshorttohim，proposedasakindofmerrypastimethattheyshouldinventsomeartfulschemetomakeBenedickandBeatricefallinlovewitheachother。Claudioenteredwithgreatsatisfactionintothiswhimoftheprince，andLeonatopromisedthemhisassistance，andevenHerosaidshewoulddoanymodestofficetohelphercousintoagoodhusband。
ThedevicetheprinceinventedwasthatthegentlemenshouldmakeBenedickbelievethatBeatricewasinlovewithhim，andthatHeroshouldmakeBeatricebelievethatBenedickwasinlovewithher。
Theprince，Leonato，andClaudiobegantheiroperationsfirst；
andwatchinguponanopportunitywhenBenedickwasquietlyseatedreadinginanarbor，theprinceandhisassistantstooktheirstationamongthetreesbehindthearbor，sonearthatBenedickcouldnotchoosebuthearalltheysaid；andaftersomecarelesstalktheprincesaid：
“Comehither，Leonato。Whatwasityoutoldmetheotherday——thatyournieceBeatricewasinlovewithSignorBenedick？I
didneverthinkthatladywouldhavelovedanyman。”
“No，norIneither，mylord，“answeredLeonato。“ItismostwonderfulthatsheshouldsodoteonBenedick，whomsheinalloutwardbehaviorseemedevertodislike。”
ClaudioconfirmedallthiswithsayingthatHerobadtoldhimBeatricewassoinlovewithBenedickthatshewouldcertainlydieofgriefifhecouldnotbebroughttoloveher；whichLeonatoandClaudioseemedtoagreewasimpossible，hehavingalwaysbeensucharaileragainstallfairladies，andinparticularagainstBeatrice。
TheprinceaffectedtoharkentoallthiswithgreatcompassionforBeatrice，andhesaid，“ItweregoodthatBenedickweretoldofthis。”
“Towhatend？“saidClaudio。“Hewouldbutmakesportofit，andtormentthepoorladyworse。”
“Andifheshould，“saidtheprince，“itwereagooddeedtohanghim；forBeatriceisanexcellentsweetlady，andexceedingwiseineverythingbutinlovingBenedick。”
ThentheprincemotionedtohiscompanionsthattheyshouldwalkonandleaveBenedicktomeditateuponwhathehadoverheard。
Benedickhadbeenlisteningwithgreateagernesstothisconversation；andhesaidtohimself，whenbeheardBeatricelovedhim：“Isitpossible？Sitsthewindinthatcorner？“Andwhentheyweregone，hebegantoreasoninthismannerwithhimself：“Thiscanbenotrick！Theywereveryserious，andtheyhavethetruthfromHero，andseemtopitythelady。Loveme！
Why，itmustberequited！Ididneverthinktomarry。ButwhenI
saidIshoulddieabachelor，IdidnotthinkIshouldlivetobemarried。Theysaytheladyisvirtuousandfair。Sheisso。
