ForyouloveHermia；thisyouknowIknow：
Andhere，withallgoodwill，withallmyheart，InHermia’sloveIyieldyouupmypart；
AndyoursofHelenatomebequeath，WhomIdoloveandwilldotillmydeath。HELENANeverdidmockerswastemoreidlebreath。DEMETRIUSLysander，keepthyHermia；Iwillnone：
Ife’erIlovedher，allthatloveisgone。
Myhearttoherbutasguest-wisesojourn’d，AndnowtoHelenisithomereturn’d，Theretoremain。LYSANDERHelen，itisnotso。DEMETRIUSDisparagenotthefaiththoudostnotknow，Lest，tothyperil，thouabyitdear。
Look，wherethylovecomes；yonderisthydear。
Re-enterHERMIAHERMIADarknight，thatfromtheeyehisfunctiontakes，Theearmorequickofapprehensionmakes；
Whereinitdothimpairtheseeingsense，Itpaysthehearingdoublerecompense。
Thouartnotbymineeye，Lysander，found；
Mineear，Ithankit，broughtmetothysoundButwhyunkindlydidstthouleavemeso？LYSANDERWhyshouldhestay，whomlovedothpresstogo？HERMIAWhatlovecouldpressLysanderfrommyside？LYSANDERLysander’slove，thatwouldnotlethimbide，FairHelena，whomoreengildsthenightThanallyoufieryoesandeyesoflight。
Whyseek’stthoume？couldnotthismaketheeknow，ThehateIbeartheemademeleavetheeso？HERMIAYouspeaknotasyouthink：itcannotbe。HELENALo，sheisoneofthisconfederacy！
NowIperceivetheyhaveconjoin’dallthreeTofashionthisfalsesport，inspiteofme。
InjuriousHermia！mostungratefulmaid！
Haveyouconspired，haveyouwiththesecontrivedTobaitmewiththisfoulderision？
Isallthecounselthatwetwohaveshared，Thesisters’vows，thehoursthatwehavespent，Whenwehavechidthehasty-footedtimeForpartingus，——O，isitallforgot？
Allschool-days’friendship，childhoodinnocence？
We，Hermia，liketwoartificialgods，Havewithourneedlescreatedbothoneflower，Bothononesampler，sittingononecushion，Bothwarblingofonesong，bothinonekey，Asifourhands，oursides，voicesandminds，Hadbeenincorporate。Sowegrowtogether，Liketoadoublecherry，seemingparted，Butyetanunioninpartition；
Twolovelyberriesmouldedononestem；
So，withtwoseemingbodies，butoneheart；
Twoofthefirst，likecoatsinheraldry，Duebuttooneandcrownedwithonecrest。
Andwillyourentourancientloveasunder，Tojoinwithmeninscorningyourpoorfriend？
Itisnotfriendly，’tisnotmaidenly：
Oursex，aswellasI，maychideyouforit，ThoughIalonedofeeltheinjury。HERMIAIamamazedatyourpassionatewords。
Iscornyounot：itseemsthatyouscornme。HELENAHaveyounotsetLysander，asinscorn，Tofollowmeandpraisemyeyesandface？
Andmadeyourotherlove，Demetrius，Whoevenbutnowdidspurnmewithhisfoot，Tocallmegoddess，nymph，divineandrare，Precious，celestial？WhereforespeakshethisToherhehates？andwhereforedothLysanderDenyyourlove，sorichwithinhissoul，Andtenderme，forsooth，affection，Butbyyoursettingon，byyourconsent？
WhatthoughtIbenotsoingraceasyou，Sohunguponwithlove，sofortunate，Butmiserablemost，toloveunloved？
Thisyoushouldpityratherthandespise。HERNIAIunderstandnotwhatyoumeanbythis。HELENAAy，do，persever，counterfeitsadlooks，MakemouthsuponmewhenIturnmyback；
Winkeachatother；holdthesweetjestup：
Thissport，wellcarried，shallbechronicled。
Ifyouhaveanypity，grace，ormanners，Youwouldnotmakemesuchanargument。
Butfareyewell：’tispartlymyownfault；
Whichdeathorabsencesoonshallremedy。LYSANDERStay，gentleHelena；hearmyexcuse：
Mylove，mylifemysoul，fairHelena！HELENAOexcellent！HERMIASweet，donotscornherso。DEMETRIUSIfshecannotentreat，Icancompel。LYSANDERThoucanstcompelnomorethansheentreat：
Thythreatshavenomorestrengththanherweakprayers。
Helen，Ilovethee；bymylife，Ido：
IswearbythatwhichIwillloseforthee，ToprovehimfalsethatsaysIlovetheenot。DEMETRIUSIsayIlovetheemorethanhecando。LYSANDERIfthousayso，withdraw，andproveittoo。DEMETRIUSQuick，come！HERMIALysander，wheretotendsallthis？LYSANDERAway，youEthiope！DEMETRIUSNo，no；he’ll[]
Seemtobreakloose；takeonasyouwouldfollow，Butyetcomenot：youareatameman，go！LYSANDERHangoff，thoucat，thouburr！vilething，letloose，OrIwillshaketheefrommelikeaserpent！HERMIAWhyareyougrownsorude？whatchangeisthis？
Sweetlove，——LYSANDERThylove！out，tawnyTartar，out！
Out，loathedmedicine！hatedpotion，hence！HERMIADoyounotjest？HELENAYes，sooth；andsodoyou。LYSANDERDemetrius，Iwillkeepmywordwiththee。DEMETRIUSIwouldIhadyourbond，forIperceiveAweakbondholdsyou：I’llnottrustyourword。LYSANDERWhat，shouldIhurther，strikeher，killherdead？
AlthoughIhateher，I’llnotharmherso。HERMIAWhat，canyoudomegreaterharmthanhate？
Hateme！wherefore？Ome！whatnews，mylove！
AmnotIHermia？arenotyouLysander？
IamasfairnowasIwaserewhile。
Sincenightyoulovedme；yetsincenightyouleftme：
Why，thenyouleftme——O，thegodsforbid！——
Inearnest，shallIsay？LYSANDERAy，bymylife；
Andneverdiddesiretoseetheemore。
Thereforebeoutofhope，ofquestion，ofdoubt；
Becertain，nothingtruer；’tisnojestThatIdohatetheeandloveHelena。HERMIAOme！youjuggler！youcanker-blossom！
Youthiefoflove！what，haveyoucomebynightAndstolenmylove’sheartfromhim？HELENAFine，i’faith！
Haveyounomodesty，nomaidenshame，Notouchofbashfulness？What，willyoutearImpatientanswersfrommygentletongue？
Fie，fie！youcounterfeit，youpuppet，you！HERMIAPuppet？whyso？ay，thatwaygoesthegame。
NowIperceivethatshehathmadecompareBetweenourstatures；shehathurgedherheight；
Andwithherpersonage，hertallpersonage，Herheight，forsooth，shehathprevail’dwithhim。
Andareyougrownsohighinhisesteem；
BecauseIamsodwarfishandsolow？
HowlowamI，thoupaintedmaypole？speak；
HowlowamI？IamnotyetsolowButthatmynailscanreachuntothineeyes。HELENAIprayyou，thoughyoumockme，gentlemen，Lethernothurtme：Iwasnevercurst；
Ihavenogiftatallinshrewishness；
Iamarightmaidformycowardice：
Lethernotstrikeme。Youperhapsmaythink，Becausesheissomethinglowerthanmyself，ThatIcanmatchher。HERMIALower！hark，again。HELENAGoodHermia，donotbesobitterwithme。
Ievermoredidloveyou，Hermia，Dideverkeepyourcounsels，neverwrong’dyou；
Savethat，inloveuntoDemetrius，Itoldhimofyourstealthuntothiswood。
Hefollow’dyou；forloveIfollow’dhim；
Buthehathchidmehenceandthreaten’dmeTostrikeme，spurnme，nay，tokillmetoo：
Andnow，soyouwillletmequietgo，ToAthenswillIbearmyfollybackAndfollowyounofurther：letmego：
YouseehowsimpleandhowfondIam。HERMIAWhy，getyougone：whois’tthathindersyou？HELENAAfoolishheart，thatIleaveherebehind。HERMIAWhat，withLysander？HELENAWithDemetrius。LYSANDERBenotafraid；sheshallnotharmthee，Helena。DEMETRIUSNo，sir，sheshallnot，thoughyoutakeherpart。HELENAO，whenshe’sangry，sheiskeenandshrewd！
Shewasavixenwhenshewenttoschool；
Andthoughshebebutlittle，sheisfierce。HERMIA’Little’again！nothingbut’low’and’little’！
Whywillyousufferhertofloutmethus？
Letmecometoher。LYSANDERGetyougone，youdwarf；
Youminimus，ofhinderingknot-grassmade；
Youbead，youacorn。DEMETRIUSYouaretooofficiousInherbehalfthatscornsyourservices。
Letheralone：speaknotofHelena；
Takenotherpart；for，ifthoudostintendNeversolittleshowoflovetoher，Thoushaltabyit。LYSANDERNowsheholdsmenot；
Nowfollow，ifthoudarest，totrywhoseright，Ofthineormine，ismostinHelena。DEMETRIUSFollow！nay，I’llgowiththee，cheekbyjole。
ExeuntLYSANDERandDEMETRIUSHERMIAYou，mistress，allthiscoilis’longofyou：
Nay，gonotback。HELENAIwillnottrustyou，I，Norlongerstayinyourcurstcompany。
Yourhandsthanminearequickerforafray，Mylegsarelongerthough，torunaway。
ExitHERMIAIamamazed，andknownotwhattosay。
ExitOBERONThisisthynegligence：stillthoumistakest，Orelsecommitt’stthyknaverieswilfully。PUCKBelieveme，kingofshadows，Imistook。
DidnotyoutellmeIshouldknowthemanBytheAtheniangarmentbehadon？
Andsofarblamelessprovesmyenterprise，ThatIhave’nointedanAthenian’seyes；
AndsofaramIgladitsodidsortAsthistheirjanglingIesteemasport。OBERONThousee’sttheseloversseekaplacetofight：
Hietherefore，Robin，overcastthenight；
ThestarrywelkincoverthouanonWithdroopingfogasblackasAcheron，AndleadthesetestyrivalssoastrayAsonecomenotwithinanother’sway。
LiketoLysandersometimeframethytongue，ThenstirDemetriusupwithbitterwrong；
AndsometimerailthoulikeDemetrius；
Andfromeachotherlookthouleadthemthus，Tillo’ertheirbrowsdeath-counterfeitingsleepWithleadenlegsandbattywingsdothcreep：
ThencrushthisherbintoLysander’seye；
Whoseliquorhaththisvirtuousproperty，Totakefromthenceallerrorwithhismight，Andmakehiseyeballsrollwithwontedsight。
Whentheynextwake，allthisderisionShallseemadreamandfruitlessvision，AndbacktoAthensshalltheloverswend，Withleaguewhosedatetilldeathshallneverend。
WhilesIinthisaffairdotheeemploy，I’lltomyqueenandbegherIndianboy；
AndthenIwillhercharmedeyereleaseFrommonster’sview，andallthingsshallbepeace。PUCKMyfairylord，thismustbedonewithhaste，Fornight’sswiftdragonscutthecloudsfullfast，AndyondershinesAurora’sharbinger；
Atwhoseapproach，ghosts，wanderinghereandthere，Troophometochurchyards：damnedspiritsall，Thatincrosswaysandfloodshaveburial，Alreadytotheirwormybedsaregone；
Forfearlestdayshouldlooktheirshamesupon，TheywillfullythemselvesexilefromlightAndmustforayeconsortwithblack-brow’dnight。OBERONButwearespiritsofanothersort：
Iwiththemorning’slovehaveoftmadesport，And，likeaforester，thegrovesmaytread，Eventilltheeasterngate，allfiery-red，OpeningonNeptunewithfairblessedbeams，Turnsintoyellowgoldhissaltgreenstreams。
But，notwithstanding，haste；makenodelay：
Wemayeffectthisbusinessyetereday。
ExitPUCKUpanddown，upanddown，Iwillleadthemupanddown：
Iamfear’dinfieldandtown：
Goblin，leadthemupanddown。
Herecomesone。
Re-enterLYSANDERLYSANDERWhereartthou，proudDemetrius？speakthounow。PUCKHere，villain；drawnandready。Whereartthou？LYSANDERIwillbewiththeestraight。PUCKFollowme，then，Toplainerground。
ExitLYSANDER，asfollowingthevoiceRe-enterDEMETRIUSDEMETRIUSLysander！speakagain：
Thourunaway，thoucoward，artthoufled？
Speak！Insomebush？Wheredostthouhidethyhead？PUCKThoucoward，artthoubraggingtothestars，Tellingthebushesthatthoulook’stforwars，Andwiltnotcome？Come，recreant；come，thouchild；
I’llwhiptheewitharod：heisdefiledThatdrawsaswordonthee。DEMETRIUSYea，artthouthere？PUCKFollowmyvoice：we’lltrynomanhoodhere。
ExeuntRe-enterLYSANDERLYSANDERHegoesbeforemeandstilldaresmeon：
WhenIcomewherehecalls，thenheisgone。
Thevillainismuchlighter-heel’dthanI：
Ifollow’dfast，butfasterhedidfly；
ThatfallenamIindarkunevenway，Andherewillrestme。
LiesdownCome，thougentleday！
Forifbutoncethoushowmethygreylight，I’llfindDemetriusandrevengethisspite。
SleepsRe-enterPUCKandDEMETRIUSPUCKHo，ho，ho！Coward，whycomestthounot？DEMETRIUSAbideme，ifthoudarest；forwellI
wotThourunn’stbeforeme，shiftingeveryplace，Anddarestnotstand，norlookmeintheface。
Whereartthounow？PUCKComehither：Iamhere。DEMETRIUSNay，then，thoumock’stme。Thoushaltbuythisdear，IfeverIthyfacebydaylightsee：
Now，gothyway。FaintnessconstrainethmeTomeasureoutmylengthonthiscoldbed。
Byday’sapproachlooktobevisited。
LiesdownandsleepsRe-enterHELENAHELENAOwearynight，Olongandtediousnight，Abatethyhour！Shinecomfortsfromtheeast，ThatImaybacktoAthensbydaylight，Fromthesethatmypoorcompanydetest：
Andsleep，thatsometimesshutsupsorrow’seye，Stealmeawhilefrommineowncompany。
LiesdownandsleepsPUCKYetbutthree？Comeonemore；
Twoofbothkindsmakeupfour。
Hereshecomes，curstandsad：
Cupidisaknavishlad，Thustomakepoorfemalesmad。
Re-enterHERMIAHERMIANeversoweary，neversoinwoe，Bedabbledwiththedewandtornwithbriers，Icannofurthercrawl，nofurthergo；
Mylegscankeepnopacewithmydesires。
HerewillIrestmetillthebreakofday。
HeavensshieldLysander，iftheymeanafray！
LiesdownandsleepsPUCKOnthegroundSleepsound：
I’llapplyToyoureye，Gentlelover，remedy。
SqueezingthejuiceonLYSANDER’seyesWhenthouwakest，ThoutakestTruedelightInthesightOfthyformerlady’seye：
Andthecountryproverbknown，Thateverymanshouldtakehisown，Inyourwakingshallbeshown：
JackshallhaveJill；
Noughtshallgoill；
Themanshallhavehismareagain，andallshallbewell。
ExitACTIVSCENEI。Thesame。LYSANDER，DEMETRIUS，HELENA，andHERMIAlyingasleep。
EnterTITANIAandBOTTOM；PEASEBLOSSOM，COBWEB，MOTH，MUSTARDSEED，andotherFairiesattending；OBERONbehindunseenTITANIACome，sittheedownuponthisflowerybed，WhileIthyamiablecheeksdocoy，Andstickmusk-rosesinthysleeksmoothhead，Andkissthyfairlargeears，mygentlejoy。BOTTOMWhere’sPeaseblossom？PEASEBLOSSOMReady。BOTTOMScratchmyheadPeaseblossom。Where’sMounsieurCobweb？COBWEBReady。BOTTOMMounsieurCobweb，goodmounsieur，getyouyourweaponsinyourhand，andkillmeared-hippedhumble-beeonthetopofathistle；and，goodmounsieur，bringmethehoney-bag。Donotfretyourselftoomuchintheaction，mounsieur；and，goodmounsieur，haveacarethehoney-bagbreaknot；
Iwouldbeloathtohaveyouoverflownwithahoney-bag，signior。Where’sMounsieurMustardseed？MUSTARDSEEDReady。BOTTOMGivemeyourneaf，MounsieurMustardseed。
Prayyou，leaveyourcourtesy，goodmounsieur。MUSTARDSEEDWhat’syourWill？BOTTOMNothing，goodmounsieur，buttohelpCavaleryCobwebtoscratch。Imusttothebarber’s，monsieur；
formethinksIammarvelloushairyabouttheface；
andI
amsuchatenderass，ifmyhairdobuttickleme，Imustscratch。TITANIAWhat，wiltthouhearsomemusic，mysweetlove？BOTTOMIhaveareasonablegoodearinmusic。
Let’shavethetongsandthebones。TITANIAOrsay，sweetlove，whatthoudesiresttoeat。BOTTOMTruly，apeckofprovender：Icouldmunchyourgooddryoats。MethinksIhaveagreatdesiretoabottleofhay：goodhay，sweethay，hathnofellow。TITANIAIhaveaventurousfairythatshallseekThesquirrel’shoard，andfetchtheenewnuts。BOTTOMIhadratherhaveahandfulortwoofdriedpeas。
But，Iprayyou，letnoneofyourpeoplestirme：I
haveanexpositionofsleepcomeuponme。TITANIASleepthou，andIwillwindtheeinmyarms。
Fairies，begone，andbeallwaysaway。
ExeuntfairiesSodoththewoodbinethesweethoneysuckleGentlyentwist；thefemaleivysoEnringsthebarkyfingersoftheelm。
O，howIlovethee！howIdoteonthee！
TheysleepEnterPUCKOBERON[Advancing]Welcome，goodRobin。
See’stthouthissweetsight？
HerdotagenowIdobegintopity：
For，meetingheroflatebehindthewood，Seekingsweetfavoursfromthishatefulfool，Ididupbraidherandfalloutwithher；
ForshehishairytemplesthenhadroundedWithacoronetoffreshandfragrantflowers；
Andthatsamedew，whichsometimeonthebudsWaswonttoswelllikeroundandorientpearls，Stoodnowwithintheprettyflowerets’eyesLiketearsthatdidtheirowndisgracebewail。
WhenIhadatmypleasuretauntedherAndsheinmildtermsbegg’dmypatience，Ithendidaskofherherchangelingchild；
Whichstraightshegaveme，andherfairysentTobearhimtomybowerinfairyland。
AndnowIhavetheboy，IwillundoThishatefulimperfectionofhereyes：
And，gentlePuck，takethistransformedscalpFromofftheheadofthisAthenianswain；
That，heawakingwhentheotherdo，MayalltoAthensbackagainrepairAndthinknomoreofthisnight’saccidentsButasthefiercevexationofadream。
ButfirstIwillreleasethefairyqueen。
Beasthouwastwonttobe；
Seeasthouwastwonttosee：
Dian’sbudo’erCupid’sflowerHathsuchforceandblessedpower。
Now，myTitania；wakeyou，mysweetqueen。TITANIAMyOberon！whatvisionshaveIseen！
MethoughtIwasenamour’dofanass。OBERONThereliesyourlove。TITANIAHowcamethesethingstopass？
O，howmineeyesdoloathehisvisagenow！OBERONSilenceawhile。Robin，takeoffthishead。
Titania，musiccall；andstrikemoredeadThancommonsleepofallthesefivethesense。TITANIAMusic，ho！music，suchascharmethsleep！
Music，stillPUCKNow，whenthouwakest，withthineownfool’seyespeep。OBERONSound，music！Come，myqueen，takehandswithme，Androckthegroundwhereonthesesleepersbe。
NowthouandIarenewinamity，Andwillto-morrowmidnightsolemnlyDanceinDukeTheseus’housetriumphantly，Andblessittoallfairprosperity：
ThereshallthepairsoffaithfulloversbeWedded，withTheseus，allinjollity。PUCKFairyking，attend，andmark：
Idohearthemorninglark。OBERONThen，myqueen，insilencesad，Tripweafterthenight’sshade：
Wetheglobecancompasssoon，Swifterthanthewanderingmoon。TITANIACome，mylord，andinourflightTellmehowitcamethisnightThatIsleepingherewasfoundWiththesemortalsontheground。
ExeuntHornswindedwithinEnterTHESEUS，HIPPOLYTA，EGEUS，andtrainTHESEUSGo，oneofyou，findouttheforester；
Fornowourobservationisperform’d；
Andsincewehavethevawardoftheday，Myloveshallhearthemusicofmyhounds。
Uncoupleinthewesternvalley；letthemgo：
Dispatch，Isay，andfindtheforester。
ExitanAttendantWewill，fairqueen，uptothemountain’stop，AndmarkthemusicalconfusionOfhoundsandechoinconjunction。HIPPOLYTAIwaswithHerculesandCadmusonce，WheninawoodofCretetheybay’dthebearWithhoundsofSparta：neverdidIhearSuchgallantchiding：for，besidesthegroves，Theskies，thefountains，everyregionnearSeem’dallonemutualcry：IneverheardSomusicaladiscord，suchsweetthunder。THESEUSMyhoundsarebredoutoftheSpartankind，Soflew’d，sosanded，andtheirheadsarehungWithearsthatsweepawaythemorningdew；
Crook-knee’d，anddew-lapp’dlikeThessalianbulls；
Slowinpursuit，butmatch’dinmouthlikebells，Eachundereach。AcrymoretuneableWasneverholla’dto，norcheer’dwithhorn，InCrete，inSparta，norinThessaly：
Judgewhenyouhear。But，soft！whatnymphsarethese？EGEUSMylord，thisismydaughterhereasleep；
Andthis，Lysander；thisDemetriusis；
ThisHelena，oldNedar’sHelena：
Iwonderoftheirbeingheretogether。THESEUSNodoubttheyroseupearlytoobserveTheriteofMay，andhearingourintent，Camehereingraceoursolemnity。
Butspeak，Egeus；isnotthisthedayThatHermiashouldgiveanswerofherchoice？EGEUSItis，mylord。THESEUSGo，bidthehuntsmenwakethemwiththeirhorns。
Hornsandshoutwithin。LYSANDER，DEMETRIUS，HELENA，andHERMIAwakeandstartupGoodmorrow，friends。SaintValentineispast：
Beginthesewood-birdsbuttocouplenow？LYSANDERPardon，mylord。THESEUSIprayyouall，standup。
Iknowyoutwoarerivalenemies：
Howcomesthisgentleconcordintheworld，Thathatredissofarfromjealousy，Tosleepbyhate，andfearnoenmity？LYSANDERMylord，Ishallreplyamazedly，Halfsleep，halfwaking：butasyet，Iswear，IcannottrulysayhowIcamehere；
But，asIthink，——fortrulywouldIspeak，AndnowdoIbethinkme，soitis，——
IcamewithHermiahither：ourintentWastobegonefromAthens，wherewemight，WithouttheperiloftheAthenianlaw。EGEUSEnough，enough，mylord；youhaveenough：
Ibegthelaw，thelaw，uponhishead。
Theywouldhavestolenaway；theywould，Demetrius，Therebytohavedefeatedyouandme，Youofyourwifeandmeofmyconsent，Ofmyconsentthatsheshouldbeyourwife。DEMETRIUSMylord，fairHelentoldmeoftheirstealth，Ofthistheirpurposehithertothiswood；
AndIinfuryhitherfollow’dthem，FairHelenainfancyfollowingme。
But，mygoodlord，Iwotnotbywhatpower，——
Butbysomepoweritis，——mylovetoHermia，Meltedasthesnow，seemstomenowAstheremembranceofanidlegaudWhichinmychildhoodIdiddoteupon；
Andallthefaith，thevirtueofmyheart，Theobjectandthepleasureofmineeye，IsonlyHelena。Toher，mylord，WasIbetroth’dereIsawHermia：
But，likeinsickness，didIloathethisfood；
But，asinhealth，cometomynaturaltaste，NowIdowishit，loveit，longforit，Andwillforevermorebetruetoit。THESEUSFairlovers，youarefortunatelymet：
Ofthisdiscoursewemorewillhearanon。
Egeus，Iwilloverbearyourwill；
ForinthetemplebyandbywithusThesecouplesshalleternallybeknit：
And，forthemorningnowissomethingworn，Ourpurposedhuntingshallbesetaside。
AwaywithustoAthens；threeandthree，We’llholdafeastingreatsolemnity。
Come，Hippolyta。
ExeuntTHESEUS，HIPPOLYTA，EGEUS，andtrainDEMETRIUSThesethingsseemsmallandundistinguishable，HERMIAMethinksIseethesethingswithpartedeye，Wheneverythingseemsdouble。HELENASomethinks：
AndIhavefoundDemetriuslikeajewel，Mineown，andnotmineown。DEMETRIUSAreyousureThatweareawake？ItseemstomeThatyetwesleep，wedream。DonotyouthinkThedukewashere，andbidusfollowhim？HERMIAYea；andmyfather。HELENAAndHippolyta。LYSANDERAndhedidbidusfollowtothetemple。DEMETRIUSWhy，then，weareawake：let’sfollowhimAndbythewayletusrecountourdreams。
ExeuntBOTTOM[Awaking]Whenmycuecomes，callme，andIwillanswer：mynextis，’MostfairPyramus。’Heigh-ho！
PeterQuince！Flute，thebellows-mender！Snout，thetinker！Starveling！God’smylife，stolenhence，andleftmeasleep！Ihavehadamostrarevision。Ihavehadadream，pastthewitofmantosaywhatdreamitwas：manisbutanass，ifhegoabouttoexpoundthisdream。MethoughtIwas——thereisnomancantellwhat。MethoughtIwas，——andmethoughtIhad，——butmanisbutapatchedfool，ifhewilloffertosaywhatmethoughtIhad。Theeyeofmanhathnotheard，theearofmanhathnotseen，man’shandisnotabletotaste，histonguetoconceive，norhishearttoreport，whatmydreamwas。IwillgetPeterQuincetowriteaballadofthisdream：itshallbecalledBottom’sDream，becauseithathnobottom；andIwillsingitinthelatterendofaplay，beforetheduke：
peradventure，tomakeitthemoregracious，I
shallsingitatherdeath。
ExitSCENEII。Athens。QUINCE’Shouse。EnterQUINCE，FLUTE，SNOUT，andSTARVELINGQUINCEHaveyousenttoBottom’shouse？ishecomehomeyet？STARVELINGHecannotbeheardof。Outofdoubtheistransported。FLUTEIfhecomenot，thentheplayismarred：
itgoesnotforward，dothit？QUINCEItisnotpossible：youhavenotamaninallAthensabletodischargePyramusbuthe。FLUTENo，hehathsimplythebestwitofanyhandicraftmaninAthens。QUINCEYeaandthebestpersontoo；andheisaveryparamourforasweetvoice。FLUTEYoumustsay’paragon：’aparamouris，Godblessus，athingofnaught。
EnterSNUGSNUGMasters，thedukeiscomingfromthetemple，andthereistwoorthreelordsandladiesmoremarried：
ifoursporthadgoneforward，wehadallbeenmademen。FLUTEOsweetbullyBottom！Thushathhelostsixpenceadayduringhislife；hecouldnothave’scapedsixpenceaday：anthedukehadnotgivenhimsixpenceadayforplayingPyramus，I’llbehanged；
hewouldhavedeservedit：sixpenceadayinPyramus，ornothing。
EnterBOTTOMBOTTOMWherearetheselads？wherearethesehearts？QUINCEBottom！Omostcourageousday！Omosthappyhour！BOTTOMMasters，Iamtodiscoursewonders：butaskmenotwhat；forifItellyou，IamnotrueAthenian。
I
willtellyoueverything，rightasitfellout。QUINCELetushear，sweetBottom。BOTTOMNotawordofme。AllthatIwilltellyouis，thatthedukehathdined。Getyourappareltogether，goodstringstoyourbeards，newribbonstoyourpumps；meetpresentlyatthepalace；everymanlooko’erhispart；fortheshortandthelongis，ourplayispreferred。Inanycase，letThisbyhavecleanlinen；andletnothimthatplaysthelionpairhisnails，fortheyshallhangoutforthelion’sclaws。And，mostdearactors，eatnoonionsnorgarlic，forwearetouttersweetbreath；
andI
donotdoubtbuttohearthemsay，itisasweetcomedy。Nomorewords：away！go，away！
ExeuntACTVSCENEI。Athens。ThepalaceofTHESEUS。EnterTHESEUS，HIPPOLYTA，PHILOSTRATE，LordsandAttendantsHIPPOLYTA’TisstrangemyTheseus，thattheseloversspeakof。THESEUSMorestrangethantrue：InevermaybelieveTheseantiquefables，northesefairytoys。
Loversandmadmenhavesuchseethingbrains，Suchshapingfantasies，thatapprehendMorethancoolreasonevercomprehends。
Thelunatic，theloverandthepoetAreofimaginationallcompact：
Oneseesmoredevilsthanvasthellcanhold，Thatis，themadman：thelover，allasfrantic，SeesHelen’sbeautyinabrowofEgypt：
Thepoet’seye，infinefrenzyrolling，Dothglancefromheaventoearth，fromearthtoheaven；
AndasimaginationbodiesforthTheformsofthingsunknown，thepoet’spenTurnsthemtoshapesandgivestoairynothingAlocalhabitationandaname。
Suchtrickshathstrongimagination，Thatifitwouldbutapprehendsomejoy，Itcomprehendssomebringerofthatjoy；
Orinthenight，imaginingsomefear，Howeasyisabushsupposedabear！HIPPOLYTAButallthestoryofthenighttoldover，Andalltheirmindstransfiguredsotogether，Morewitnesseththanfancy’simagesAndgrowstosomethingofgreatconstancy；
But，howsoever，strangeandadmirable。THESEUSHerecomethelovers，fullofjoyandmirth。
EnterLYSANDER，DEMETRIUS，HERMIA，andHELENA
Joy，gentlefriends！joyandfreshdaysofloveAccompanyyourhearts！LYSANDERMorethantousWaitinyourroyalwalks，yourboard，yourbed！THESEUSComenow；whatmasques，whatdancesshallwehave，TowearawaythislongageofthreehoursBetweenourafter-supperandbed-time？
Whereisourusualmanagerofmirth？
Whatrevelsareinhand？Istherenoplay，Toeasetheanguishofatorturinghour？
CallPhilostrate。PHILOSTRATEHere，mightyTheseus。THESEUSSay，whatabridgementhaveyouforthisevening？
Whatmasque？whatmusic？HowshallwebeguileThelazytime，ifnotwithsomedelight？PHILOSTRATEThereisabriefhowmanysportsareripe：
Makechoiceofwhichyourhighnesswillseefirst。
GivingapaperTHESEUS[Reads]’ThebattlewiththeCentaurs，tobesungByanAthenianeunuchtotheharp。’
We’llnoneofthat：thathaveItoldmylove，IngloryofmykinsmanHercules。
Reads’TheriotofthetipsyBacchanals，TearingtheThraciansingerintheirrage。’
Thatisanolddevice；anditwasplay’dWhenIfromThebescamelastaconqueror。
Reads’ThethricethreeMusesmourningforthedeathOfLearning，latedeceasedinbeggary。’
Thatissomesatire，keenandcritical，Notsortingwithanuptialceremony。
Reads’AtediousbriefsceneofyoungPyramusAndhisloveThisbe；verytragicalmirth。’
Merryandtragical！tediousandbrief！
Thatis，hoticeandwondrousstrangesnow。
Howshallwefindtheconcordofthisdiscord？PHILOSTRATEAplaythereis，mylord，sometenwordslong，WhichisasbriefasIhaveknownaplay；
Butbytenwords，mylord，itistoolong，Whichmakesittedious；forinalltheplayThereisnotonewordapt，oneplayerfitted：
Andtragical，mynoblelord，itis；
ForPyramusthereindothkillhimself。
Which，whenIsawrehearsed，Imustconfess，Mademineeyeswater；butmoremerrytearsThepassionofloudlaughternevershed。THESEUSWhataretheythatdoplayit？PHILOSTRATEHard-handedmenthatworkinAthenshere，Whichneverlabour’dintheirmindstillnow，Andnowhavetoil’dtheirunbreathedmemoriesWiththissameplay，againstyournuptial。THESEUSAndwewillhearit。PHILOSTRATENo，mynoblelord；
Itisnotforyou：Ihavehearditover，Anditisnothing，nothingintheworld；
Unlessyoucanfindsportintheirintents，Extremelystretch’dandconn’dwithcruelpain，Todoyouservice。THESEUSIwillhearthatplay；
Forneveranythingcanbeamiss，Whensimplenessanddutytenderit。
Go，bringthemin：andtakeyourplaces，ladies。
ExitPHILOSTRATEHIPPOLYTAIlovenottoseewretchednesso’erchargedAnddutyinhisserviceperishing。THESEUSWhy，gentlesweet，youshallseenosuchthing。HIPPOLYTAHesaystheycandonothinginthiskind。THESEUSThekinderwe，togivethemthanksfornothing。
Oursportshallbetotakewhattheymistake：
Andwhatpoordutycannotdo，noblerespectTakesitinmight，notmerit。
WhereIhavecome，greatclerkshavepurposedTogreetmewithpremeditatedwelcomes；
WhereIhaveseenthemshiverandlookpale，Makeperiodsinthemidstofsentences，ThrottletheirpractisedaccentintheirfearsAndinconclusiondumblyhavebrokeoff，Notpayingmeawelcome。Trustme，sweet，OutofthissilenceyetIpick’dawelcome；
AndinthemodestyoffearfuldutyIreadasmuchasfromtherattlingtongueOfsaucyandaudaciouseloquence。
Love，therefore，andtongue-tiedsimplicityInleastspeakmost，tomycapacity。
Re-enterPHILOSTRATEPHILOSTRATESopleaseyourgrace，thePrologueisaddress’d。THESEUSLethimapproach。
FlourishoftrumpetsEnterQUINCEfortheProloguePrologueIfweoffend，itiswithourgoodwill。
Thatyoushouldthink，wecomenottooffend，Butwithgoodwill。Toshowoursimpleskill，Thatisthetruebeginningofourend。
Considerthenwecomebutindespite。
Wedonotcomeasmindingtocontestyou，Ourtrueintentis。AllforyourdelightWearenothere。Thatyoushouldhererepentyou，TheactorsareathandandbytheirshowYoushallknowallthatyouareliketoknow。THESEUSThisfellowdothnotstanduponpoints。LYSANDERHehathridhisprologuelikearoughcolt；heknowsnotthestop。Agoodmoral，mylord：itisnotenoughtospeak，buttospeaktrue。HIPPOLYTAIndeedhehathplayedonhisprologuelikeachildonarecorder；asound，butnotingovernment。THESEUSHisspeech，waslikeatangledchain；
nothingimpaired，butalldisordered。Whoisnext？
EnterPyramusandThisbe，Wall，Moonshine，andLionPrologueGentles，perchanceyouwonderatthisshow；
Butwonderon，tilltruthmakeallthingsplain。
ThismanisPyramus，ifyouwouldknow；
ThisbeauteousladyThisbyiscertain。
Thisman，withlimeandrough-cast，dothpresentWall，thatvileWallwhichdidtheseloverssunder；
AndthroughWall’schink，poorsouls，theyarecontentTowhisper。Atthewhichletnomanwonder。
Thisman，withlanthorn，dog，andbushofthorn，PresentethMoonshine；for，ifyouwillknow，BymoonshinedidtheseloversthinknoscornTomeetatNinus’tomb，there，theretowoo。
Thisgrislybeast，whichLionhightbyname，ThetrustyThisby，comingfirstbynight，Didscareaway，orratherdidaffright；
And，asshefled，hermantleshedidfall，WhichLionvilewithbloodymouthdidstain。
AnoncomesPyramus，sweetyouthandtall，AndfindshistrustyThisby’smantleslain：
Whereat，withblade，withbloodyblamefulblade，Hebravelybroach’disboilingbloodybreast；
AndThisby，tarryinginmulberryshade，Hisdaggerdrew，anddied。Foralltherest，LetLion，Moonshine，Wall，andloverstwainAtlargediscourse，whileheretheydoremain。
ExeuntPrologue，Thisbe，Lion，andMoonshineTHESEUSIwonderifthelionbetospeak。DEMETRIUSNowonder，mylord：onelionmay，whenmanyassesdo。WallInthissameinterludeitdothbefallThatI，oneSnoutbyname，presentawall；
Andsuchawall，asIwouldhaveyouthink，Thathadinitacranniedholeorchink，Throughwhichthelovers，PyramusandThisby，Didwhisperoftenverysecretly。
Thisloam，thisrough-castandthisstonedothshowThatIamthatsamewall；thetruthisso：
Andthisthecrannyis，rightandsinister，Throughwhichthefearfulloversaretowhisper。THESEUSWouldyoudesirelimeandhairtospeakbetter？DEMETRIUSItisthewittiestpartitionthateverIhearddiscourse，mylord。
EnterPyramusTHESEUSPyramusdrawsnearthewall：silence！PyramusOgrim-look’dnight！Onightwithhuesoblack！
Onight，whicheverartwhendayisnot！
Onight，Onight！alack，alack，alack，IfearmyThisby’spromiseisforgot！
Andthou，Owall，Osweet，Olovelywall，Thatstand’stbetweenherfather’sgroundandmine！
Thouwall，Owall，Osweetandlovelywall，Showmethychink，toblinkthroughwithmineeyne！
WallholdsuphisfingersThanks，courteouswall：Joveshieldtheewellforthis！
ButwhatseeI？NoThisbydoIsee。
Owickedwall，throughwhomIseenobliss！
Cursedbethystonesforthusdeceivingme！THESEUSThewall，methinks，beingsensible，shouldcurseagain。PyramusNo，intruth，sir，heshouldnot。’Deceivingme’
isThisby’scue：sheistoenternow，andIamtospyherthroughthewall。Youshallsee，itwillfallpatasItoldyou。Yondershecomes。
EnterThisbeThisbeOwall，fulloftenhastthouheardmymoans，ForpartingmyfairPyramusandme！
Mycherrylipshaveoftenkiss’dthystones，Thystoneswithlimeandhairknitupinthee。PyramusIseeavoice：nowwillItothechink，TospyanIcanhearmyThisby’sface。Thisby！ThisbeMylovethouart，myloveIthink。PyramusThinkwhatthouwilt，Iamthylover’sgrace；
And，likeLimander，amItrustystill。ThisbeAndIlikeHelen，tilltheFatesmekill。PyramusNotShafalustoProcruswassotrue。ThisbeAsShafalustoProcrus，Itoyou。PyramusOkissmethroughtheholeofthisvilewall！ThisbeIkissthewall’shole，notyourlipsatall。PyramusWiltthouatNinny’stombmeetmestraightway？Thisbe’Tidelife，’tidedeath，Icomewithoutdelay。
ExeuntPyramusandThisbeWallThushaveI，Wall，mypartdischargedso；
And，beingdone，thusWallawaydothgo。
ExitTHESEUSNowisthemuraldownbetweenthetwoneighbours。DEMETRIUSNoremedy，mylord，whenwallsaresowilfultohearwithoutwarning。HIPPOLYTAThisisthesillieststuffthateverIheard。THESEUSThebestinthiskindarebutshadows；
andtheworstarenoworse，ifimaginationamendthem。HIPPOLYTAItmustbeyourimaginationthen，andnottheirs。THESEUSIfweimaginenoworseofthemthantheyofthemselves，theymaypassforexcellentmen。
Herecometwonoblebeastsin，amanandalion。
EnterLionandMoonshineLionYou，ladies，you，whosegentleheartsdofearThesmallestmonstrousmousethatcreepsonfloor，Maynowperchancebothquakeandtremblehere，Whenlionroughinwildestragedothroar。
ThenknowthatI，oneSnugthejoiner，amAlion-fell，norelsenolion’sdam；
For，ifIshouldaslioncomeinstrifeIntothisplace，’twerepityonmylife。THESEUSAverygentlebeast，ofagoodconscience。DEMETRIUSTheverybestatabeast，mylord，thate’erIsaw。LYSANDERThislionisaveryfoxforhisvalour。THESEUSTrue；andagooseforhisdiscretion。DEMETRIUSNotso，mylord；forhisvalourcannotcarryhisdiscretion；andthefoxcarriesthegoose。THESEUSHisdiscretion，Iamsure，cannotcarryhisvalour；
forthegoosecarriesnotthefox。Itiswell：
leaveittohisdiscretion，andletuslistentothemoon。MoonshineThislanthorndoththehornedmoonpresent；——DEMETRIUSHeshouldhavewornthehornsonhishead。THESEUSHeisnocrescent，andhishornsareinvisiblewithinthecircumference。MoonshineThislanthorndoththehornedmoonpresent；
Myselfthemani’themoondoseemtobe。THESEUSThisisthegreatesterrorofalltherest：themanshouldbeputintothelanthorn。Howisitelsethemani’themoon？DEMETRIUSHedaresnotcomethereforthecandle；
for，yousee，itisalreadyinsnuff。HIPPOLYTAIamawearyofthismoon：wouldhewouldchange！THESEUSItappears，byhissmalllightofdiscretion，thatheisinthewane；butyet，incourtesy，inallreason，wemuststaythetime。LYSANDERProceed，Moon。MoonshineAllthatIhavetosay，is，totellyouthatthelanthornisthemoon；I，themaninthemoon；
thisthorn-bush，mythorn-bush；andthisdog，mydog。DEMETRIUSWhy，alltheseshouldbeinthelanthorn；
foralltheseareinthemoon。But，silence！herecomesThisbe。
EnterThisbeThisbeThisisoldNinny’stomb。Whereismylove？Lion[Roaring]Oh——
ThisberunsoffDEMETRIUSWellroared，Lion。THESEUSWellrun，Thisbe。HIPPOLYTAWellshone，Moon。Truly，themoonshineswithagoodgrace。
TheLionshakesThisbe’smantle，andexitTHESEUSWellmoused，Lion。LYSANDERAndsothelionvanished。DEMETRIUSAndthencamePyramus。
EnterPyramusPyramusSweetMoon，Ithanktheeforthysunnybeams；
Ithankthee，Moon，forshiningnowsobright；
For，bythygracious，golden，glitteringgleams，ItrusttotakeoftruestThisbysight。
Butstay，Ospite！
Butmark，poorknight，Whatdreadfuldoleishere！
Eyes，doyousee？
Howcanitbe？
Odaintyduck！Odear！
Thymantlegood，What，stain’dwithblood！
Approach，yeFuriesfell！
OFates，come，come，Cutthreadandthrum；
Quail，crush，conclude，andquell！THESEUSThispassion，andthedeathofadearfriend，wouldgoneartomakeamanlooksad。HIPPOLYTABeshrewmyheart，butIpitytheman。PyramusOwherefore，Nature，didstthoulionsframe？
Sincelionvilehathheredeflower’dmydear：
Whichis——no，no——whichwasthefairestdameThatlived，thatloved，thatliked，thatlook’dwithcheer。
Come，tears，confound；
Out，sword，andwoundThepapofPyramus；
Ay，thatleftpap，Whereheartdothhop：
StabshimselfThusdieI，thus，thus，thus。
NowamIdead，NowamIfled；
Mysoulisinthesky：
Tongue，losethylight；
Moontakethyflight：
ExitMoonshineNowdie，die，die，die，die。
DiesDEMETRIUSNodie，butanace，forhim；forheisbutone。LYSANDERLessthananace，man；forheisdead；
heisnothing。THESEUSWiththehelpofasurgeonhemightyetrecover，andproveanass。HIPPOLYTAHowchanceMoonshineisgonebeforeThisbecomesbackandfindsherlover？THESEUSShewillfindhimbystarlight。Hereshecomes；andherpassionendstheplay。
Re-enterThisbeHIPPOLYTAMethinkssheshouldnotusealongoneforsuchaPyramus：Ihopeshewillbebrief。DEMETRIUSAmotewillturnthebalance，whichPyramus，whichThisbe，isthebetter；heforaman，Godwarrantus；
sheforawoman，Godblessus。LYSANDERShehathspiedhimalreadywiththosesweeteyes。DEMETRIUSAndthusshemeans，videlicet：——ThisbeAsleep，mylove？
What，dead，mydove？
OPyramus，arise！
Speak，speak。Quitedumb？
Dead，dead？AtombMustcoverthysweeteyes。
TheseMylips，Thischerrynose，Theseyellowcowslipcheeks，Aregone，aregone：
Lovers，makemoan：
Hiseyesweregreenasleeks。
OSistersThree，Come，cometome，Withhandsaspaleasmilk；
Laythemingore，SinceyouhaveshoreWithshearshisthreadofsilk。
Tongue，notaword：
Come，trustysword；
Come，blade，mybreastimbrue：
StabsherselfAnd，farewell，friends；
ThusThisbyends：
Adieu，adieu，adieu。
DiesTHESEUSMoonshineandLionarelefttoburythedead。DEMETRIUSAy，andWalltoo。BOTTOM[Startingup]Noassureyou；thewallisdownthatpartedtheirfathers。Willitpleaseyoutoseetheepilogue，ortohearaBergomaskdancebetweentwoofourcompany？THESEUSNoepilogue，Iprayyou；foryourplayneedsnoexcuse。Neverexcuse；forwhentheplayersarealldead，thereneedsnonetobeblamed。Marry，ifhethatwritithadplayedPyramusandhangedhimselfinThisbe’sgarter，itwouldhavebeenafinetragedy：andsoitis，truly；andverynotablydischarged。Butcome，yourBergomask：letyourepiloguealone。
AdanceTheirontongueofmidnighthathtoldtwelve：
Lovers，tobed；’tisalmostfairytime。
Ifearweshallout-sleepthecomingmornAsmuchaswethisnighthaveoverwatch’d。
Thispalpable-grossplayhathwellbeguiledTheheavygaitofnight。Sweetfriends，tobed。
Afortnightholdwethissolemnity，Innightlyrevelsandnewjollity。
ExeuntEnterPUCKPUCKNowthehungrylionroars，Andthewolfbehowlsthemoon；
Whilsttheheavyploughmansnores，Allwithwearytaskfordone。
Nowthewastedbrandsdoglow，Whilstthescreech-owl，screechingloud，PutsthewretchthatliesinwoeInremembranceofashroud。
NowitisthetimeofnightThatthegravesallgapingwide，Everyoneletsforthhissprite，Inthechurch-waypathstoglide：
Andwefairies，thatdorunBythetripleHecate’steam，Fromthepresenceofthesun，Followingdarknesslikeadream，Nowarefrolic：notamouseShalldisturbthishallow’dhouse：
Iamsentwithbroombefore，Tosweepthedustbehindthedoor。
EnterOBERONandTITANIAwiththeirtrainOBERONThroughthehousegivegatheringlight，Bythedeadanddrowsyfire：
EveryelfandfairyspriteHopaslightasbirdfrombrier；
Andthisditty，afterme，Sing，anddanceittrippingly。TITANIAFirst，rehearseyoursongbyroteToeachwordawarblingnote：
Handinhand，withfairygrace，Willwesing，andblessthisplace。
SonganddanceOBERONNow，untilthebreakofday，Throughthishouseeachfairystray。
Tothebestbride-bedwillwe，Whichbyusshallblessedbe；
AndtheissuetherecreateEvershallbefortunate。
SoshallallthecouplesthreeEvertrueinlovingbe；
AndtheblotsofNature’shandShallnotintheirissuestand；
Nevermole，harelip，norscar，Normarkprodigious，suchasareDespisedinnativity，Shallupontheirchildrenbe。
Withthisfield-dewconsecrate，Everyfairytakehisgait；
Andeachseveralchamberbless，Throughthispalace，withsweetpeace；
AndtheownerofitblestEvershallinsafetyrest。
Tripaway；makenostay；
Meetmeallbybreakofday。
ExeuntOBERON，TITANIA，andtrainPUCKIfweshadowshaveoffended，Thinkbutthis，andallismended，Thatyouhavebutslumber’dhereWhilethesevisionsdidappear。
Andthisweakandidletheme，Nomoreyieldingbutadream，Gentles，donotreprehend：
ifyoupardon，wewillmend：
And，asIamanhonestPuck，IfwehaveunearnedluckNowto’scapetheserpent’stongue，Wewillmakeamendserelong；
ElsethePuckaliarcall；
So，goodnightuntoyouall。
Givemeyourhands，ifwebefriends，AndRobinshallrestoreamends。
