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；
