A Midsommer nights Dreame.Tita.Be kinde and curteous to this Gentleman,
[945]
Hop in his walkes, and gambole in his eies,Feede him with Apricocks, and Dewberries,With purple Grapes, greene Figs, and Mulberries,The honie‑bags steale from the humble Bees,And for night‑tapers crop their waxen thighes,
[950]
And light them at the fierie‑Glow‑wormes eyes,To haue my loue to bed, and to arise:And plucke the wings from painted Butterflies,To fan the Moone‑beames from his sleeping eies.Nod to him Elues, and doe him curtesies.1. Fai.
[955]
Haile mortall, haile.
2. Fai.
Haile.
3. Fai.
Haile.
Bot.
I cry your worships mercy hartily; I beseech
your worships name.
Cob.
[960]
Cobweb.
Bot.
I shall desire you of more acquaintance, good
Master
Cobweb: if I cut my finger, I shall make bold
with you.
Your name honest Gentleman?
Peas.
[965]
Pease blossome.Bot.
I pray you commend mee to mistresse
Squash,
your mother, and to master
Peascod your father. Good
master
Pease‑blossome, I shal desire of you more acquain
tance to. Your name I beseech you sir?
Mus.
[970]
Mustard‑seede.
Peas.
Pease‑blossome.
Bot.
Good master
Mustard seede, I know your pati
ence well: that same cowardly gyant‑like Oxe beefe
hath deuoured many a gentleman of your house. I pro
[975]
mise you, your kindred hath made my eyes water ere
now. I desire you more acquaintance, good Master
Mustard‑seede.
Tita.Come waite vpon him, lead him to my bower.The Moone me‑thinks, lookes with a watrie eie,
[980]
And when she weepes, weepe euerie little flower,Lamenting some enforced chastitie.Tye vp my louers tongue, bring him silently.Exit.
[Act 3, Scene 2]
Enter King of Pharies, solus.Ob.I wonder if
Titania be awak't;
Then what it was that next came in her eye,
[985]
Which she must dote on, in extremitie.Enter Pucke.Here comes my messenger: how now mad spirit,What night‑rule now about this gaunted groue?Puck.My Mistris with a monster is in loue,Neere to her close and consecrated bower,
[990]
While she was in her dull and sleeping hower,A crew of patches, rude
McehanicalsMechanicals,
That worke for bread vpon
Athenian stals,
Were met together to rehearse a Play,Intended for great
Theseus nuptiall day:
[995]
The shallowest thick‑skin of that barren sort,Who
Piramus presented, in their sport,
Forsooke his Scene, and entred in a brake,When I did him at this aduantage take,An Asses nole I fixed on his head.
[1000]
Anon his
Thisbie must be answered,
And forth my Mimmick comes: when they him spie,As Wilde‑geese, that the creeping Fowler eye,Or russed‑pated choughes, many in sort(Rising and cawing at the guns report)
So at his sight, away his fellowes flye,And at our stampe, here ore and ore one fals;He murther cries, and helpe from
Athens cals.
Their sense thus weake, lost with their fears thus strong,
[1010]
Made senselesse things begin to do them wrong.For briars and thornes at their apparell snatch,Some sleeues, some hats, from yeelders all things catch,I led them on in this distracted feare,And left sweete
Piramus translated there:
[1015]
When in that moment (so it came to passe)Tytania waked, and straightway lou'd an Asse.
Ob.This fals out better then I could deuise:But hast thou yet lacht the
Athenians eyes,
With the loue iuyce, as I did bid thee doe?Rob.
[1020]
I tooke him sleeping (that is finisht to)And the
Athenian woman by his side,
That when he wak't, of force she must be eyde.Enter Demetrius and Hermia.Ob.Stand close, this is the same
Athenian.
Rob.This is the woman, but not this the man.Dem.
[1025]
O why rebuke you him that loues you so?Lay breath so bitter on your bitter foe.Her.Now I but chide, but I should vse thee worse.For thou (I feare) hast giuen me cause to curse,If thou hast slaine
Lysander in his sleepe,
[1030]
Being ore shooes in bloud, plunge in the deepe, and kill
me too:
The Sunne was not so true vnto the day,As he to me. Would he haue stollen away,From sleeping
Hermia? Ile beleeue as soone
This whole earth may be bord, and that the Moone
[1035]
May through the Center creepe, and so displeaseHer brothers noonetide, with th'
Antipodes.
It cannot be but thou hast murdred him,So should a mutrherer looke, so dead, so grim.Dem.So should the murderer looke, and so should I,
[1040]
Pierst through the heart with your stearne cruelty:Yet you the murderer looks as bright as cleare,As yonder
Venus in her glimmering spheare.
Her.What's this to my
Lysander? where is he
?Ah good
Demetrius, wilt thou giue him me?
Dem.
[1045]
I'de rather giue his carkasse to my hounds.Her.Out dog, out cur, thou driu'st me past the boundsOf maidens patience. Hast thou slaine him then?Henceforth be neuer numbred among men.Oh, once tell true, euen for my sake,
[1050]
Durst thou a lookt vpon him, being awake?And hast thou kill'd him sleeping? O braue tutch:Could not a worme, an Adder do so much?An Adder did it: for with doubler tongueThen thine (thou serpent) neuer Adder stung.Dem.
[1055]
You spend your passion on a
mispri'sdmispris'd mood,
I am not guiltie of
Lysanders blood:
Nor is he dead for ought that I can tell.Her.I pray thee tell me then that he is well.Dem.And if I could, what should I get therefore?Her.
[1060]
A priuiledge, neuer to see me more;And from thy hated presence part I: see me no moreWhether he be dead or no.Exit.Dem.There is no following her in this fierce vaine,Here therefore for a while I will remaine.
[1065]
So sorrowes heauinesse doth heauier grow:For debt that bankrout slip doth sorrow owe,Which now in some slight measure it will pay,If
[Act 3, Scene 2]
Enter King of Pharies, solus.Ob.I wonder if
Titania be awak't;
Then what it was that next came in her eye,
[985]
Which she must dote on, in extremitie.Enter Pucke.Here comes my messenger: how now mad spirit,What night‑rule now about this gaunted groue?Puck.My Mistris with a monster is in loue,Neere to her close and consecrated bower,
[990]
While she was in her dull and sleeping hower,A crew of patches, rude
McehanicalsMechanicals,
That worke for bread vpon
Athenian stals,
Were met together to rehearse a Play,Intended for great
Theseus nuptiall day:
[995]
The shallowest thick‑skin of that barren sort,Who
Piramus presented, in their sport,
Forsooke his Scene, and entred in a brake,When I did him at this aduantage take,An Asses nole I fixed on his head.
[1000]
Anon his
Thisbie must be answered,
And forth my Mimmick comes: when they him spie,As Wilde‑geese, that the creeping Fowler eye,Or russed‑pated choughes, many in sort(Rising and cawing at the guns report)
[1005]
Seuer themselues, and madly sweepe the skye:So at his sight, away his fellowes flye,And at our stampe, here ore and ore one fals;He murther cries, and helpe from
Athens cals.
Their sense thus weake, lost with their fears thus strong,
[1010]
Made senselesse things begin to do them wrong.For briars and thornes at their apparell snatch,Some sleeues, some hats, from yeelders all things catch,I led them on in this distracted feare,And left sweete
Piramus translated there:
[1015]
When in that moment (so it came to passe)Tytania waked, and straightway lou'd an Asse.
Ob.This fals out better then I could deuise:But hast thou yet lacht the
Athenians eyes,
With the loue iuyce, as I did bid thee doe?Rob.
[1020]
I tooke him sleeping (that is finisht to)And the
Athenian woman by his side,
That when he wak't, of force she must be eyde.Enter Demetrius and Hermia.Ob.Stand close, this is the same
Athenian.
Rob.This is the woman, but not this the man.Dem.
[1025]
O why rebuke you him that loues you so?Lay breath so bitter on your bitter foe.Her.Now I but chide, but I should vse thee worse.For thou (I feare) hast giuen me cause to curse,If thou hast slaine
Lysander in his sleepe,
[1030]
Being ore shooes in bloud, plunge in the deepe, and kill
me too:
The Sunne was not so true vnto the day,As he to me. Would he haue stollen away,From sleeping
Hermia? Ile beleeue as soone
This whole earth may be bord, and that the Moone
[1035]
May through the Center creepe, and so displeaseHer brothers noonetide, with th'
Antipodes.
It cannot be but thou hast murdred him,So should a mutrherer looke, so dead, so grim.Dem.So should the murderer looke, and so should I,
[1040]
Pierst through the heart with your stearne cruelty:Yet you the murderer looks as bright as cleare,As yonder
Venus in her glimmering spheare.
Her.What's this to my
Lysander? where is he
?Ah good
Demetrius, wilt thou giue him me?
Dem.
[1045]
I'de rather giue his carkasse to my hounds.Her.Out dog, out cur, thou driu'st me past the boundsOf maidens patience. Hast thou slaine him then?Henceforth be neuer numbred among men.Oh, once tell true, euen for my sake,
[1050]
Durst thou a lookt vpon him, being awake?And hast thou kill'd him sleeping? O braue tutch:Could not a worme, an Adder do so much?An Adder did it: for with doubler tongueThen thine (thou serpent) neuer Adder stung.Dem.
[1055]
You spend your passion on a
mispri'sdmispris'd mood,
I am not guiltie of
Lysanders blood:
Nor is he dead for ought that I can tell.Her.I pray thee tell me then that he is well.Dem.And if I could, what should I get therefore?Her.
[1060]
A priuiledge, neuer to see me more;And from thy hated presence part I: see me no moreWhether he be dead or no.Exit.Dem.There is no following her in this fierce vaine,Here therefore for a while I will remaine.
[1065]
So sorrowes heauinesse doth heauier grow:For debt that bankrout slip doth sorrow owe,Which now in some slight measure it will pay,If for his tender here I make some stay.Lie downe.Ob.What hast thou done? Thou hast mistaken quite
[1070]
And laid the loue iuyce on some true loues sight:Of thy misprision, must perforce ensueSome true loue turn'd, and not a false turn'd true.Rob.Then fate ore‑rules, that one man holding troth,A million faile, confounding oath on oath.Ob.
[1075]
About the wood, goe swifter then the winde,And
Helena of
Athens looke thou finde.
All fancy sicke she is, and pale of cheere,With sighes of loue, that costs the fresh bloud deare.By some illusion see thou bring her heere,
[1080]
Ile charme his eyes against she doth appeare.Robin.I go, I go, looke how I goe,Swifter then arrow from the
Tartars bowe.
Exit.Ob.Flower of this purple die,Hit with
Cupids archery,
[1085]
Sinke in apple of his eye,When his loue he doth espie,Let her shine as gloriouslyAs the
Venus of the sky.
When thou wak'st if she be by,
[1090]
Beg of her for remedy.Enter Pucke.Puck.Captaine of our Fairy band,Helena is heere at hand,
And the youth, mistooke by me,Pleading for a Louers fee.
[1095]
Shall we their fond Pageant see?Lord, what fooles these mortals be!Ob.Stand aside: the noyse they make,Will cause
Demetrius to awake.
Puck.Then will two at once wooe one,
[1100]
That must needs be sport alone:And those things doe best please me,That befall preposterously.Enter Lysander and
Helena.
Lys.Why should you think y
t I should wooe in scorn?
Scorne and derision neuer comes in teares:
[1105]
Looke when I vow I weepe; and vowes so borne,In their natiuity all truth appeares.How can these things in me, seeme scorne to you?Bearing the badge of faith to proue them true.Hel.You doe aduance your cunning more & more,
[1110]
When truth kils truth, O diuelish holy fray!These vowes are
Hermias. Will you giue her ore?
Weigh oath with oath, and you will nothing weigh.Your vowes to her, and me, (put in two scales
)Will euen weigh, and both as light as tales.Lys.
[1115]
I had no iudgement, when to her I swore.Hel.Nor none in my minde, now you giue her ore.Lys.Demetrius loues her, and he loues not you.
Awa.Dem.O Helen, goddesse, nimph, perfect, diuine,To what my, loue, shall I compare thine eyne!
[1120]
Christall is muddy, O how ripe in show,Thy lips, those kissing cherries, tempting grow!That pure congealed white, high
Taurus snow,
Fan'd with the Easterne winde, turnes to a crow,When thou holdst vp thy hand. O let me kisse
[1125]
This Princesse of pure white, this seale of blisse.Hell.O spight! O hell! I see you are all bentTo set against me, for your merriment:If you were ciuill, and knew curtesie,You would not doe me thus much iniury.
[1130]
Can you not hate me, as I know you doe,But you must ioyne in soules to mocke me to?If you are men, as men you are in show,You would not vse a gentle Lady so;To vow, and sweare, and superpraise my parts,
[1135]
When I am sure you hate me with your hearts.You both are Riuals, and loue
Hermia;
And now both Riuals to mocke
Helena.
A trim exploit, a manly enterprize,To coniure teares vp in a poore maids eyes,
[1140]
With your derision; none of noble sort,Would so offend a Virgin, and extortA poore soules patience, all to make you sport.Lysa.You are vnkind
Demetrius; be not so,
For you loue
Hermia; this you know I know;
[1145]
And here with all good will, with all my heart,In
Hermias loue I yeeld you vp my part;
And yours of
Helena, to me bequeath,
Whom I do loue, and will do to my death.Hel.Neuer did mockers wast more idle breth.Dem.
[1150]
Lysander, keep thy
Hermia, I will none:
If ere I lou'd her, all that loue is gone.My heart to her, but as guest‑wise soiourn'd,And now to
Helen it is home return'd,
There to remaine.Lys.
[1155]
It is not so.De.Disparage not the faith thou dost not know,Lest to thy perill thou abide it deare.Looke where thy Loue comes, yonder is thy deare.Enter Hermia.Her.Dark night, that from the eye his function takes,
[1160]
The eare more quicke of apprehension makes,Wherein it doth impaire the seeing sense,It paies the hearing double recompence.Thou art not by mine eye,
Lysander found,
Mine eare (I thanke it) brought me to that sound.
[1165]
But why vnkindly didst thou leaue me so?Lysan.Why should hee stay whom Loue doth presse
(to go?
Her.What loue could presse
Lysander from my side?
Lys.Lysanders loue (that would not let him bide)
Faire
Helena; who more engilds the night,
[1170]
Then all yon fierie oes, and eies of light.Why seek'st thou me? Could not this make thee know,The hate I bare thee, made me leaue thee so?Her.You speake not as you thinke; it cannot be.Hel.Loe, she is one of this confederacy,
[1175]
Now I perceiue they haue conioyn'd all three,To fashion this false sport in spight of me.Iniurous Hermia, most vngratefull maid,Haue you conspir'd, haue you with these contriu'dTo baite me, with this foule derision?
[1180]
Is all the counsell that we two haue shar'd,The sisters vowes, the houres that we haue spent,When wee haue chid the hasty footed time,For parting vs; O, is all forgot?All schooledaies friendship, child‑hood innocence?
[1185]
We Hermia, like two Artificiall gods,Haue with our needles, created both one flower,Both on one sampler, sitting on one cushion,Both warbling of one song, both in one key;As if our hands, our sides, voices, and mindes
[1190]
Had beene incorporate. So we grew together,Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,But yet a vnion in partition,Two louely berries molded on one stem,So with two seeming bodies, but one heart,
[1195]
Two of the first life coats in Heraldry,Due but to one and crowned with one crest.And will you rent our ancient loue asunder,To ioyne with men in scorning your poore friend?It is not friendly, 'tis not maidenly.
[1200]
Our sexe as well as I, may chide you for it,Though I alone doe feele the iniurie.Her.I am amazed at your passionate words,I scorne you not; It seemes that you scorne me.Hel.Haue you not set
Lysander, as in scorne
[1205]
To follow me, and praise my eies and face?And made your other loue,
Demetrius(Who euen but now did spurne me with his foote)To call me goddesse, nimph, diuine, and rare,Precious, celestiall? Wherefore speakes he this
[1210]
To her he hates? And wherefore doth
LysanderDenie your loue (so rich within his soule)And tender me (forsooth
) affection,
But by your setting on, by your consent?What though I be not so in grace as you,
[1215]
So hung vpon with loue, so fortunate?(But miserable most, to loue vnlou'd)This you should pittie, rather then despise.Her.I vnderstand not what you meane by this.Hel.I, doe, perseuer, counterfeit sad lookes,
[1220]
Make mouthes vpon me when I turne my backe,Winke each at other, hold the sweete iest vp:This sport well carried, shall be chronicled.If you haue any pittie, grace, or manners,You would not make me such an argument:
[1225]
But fare ye well, 'tis partly mine owne fault,Which death or absence soone shall remedie.Lys.Stay gentle
Helena, heare my excuse,
My loue, my life, my soule, faire
Helena.
Hel.O excellent!Her.
[1230]
Sweete, do not scorne her so.Dem.If she cannot entreate, I can compell.Lys.Thou canst compell, no more then she entreate.Thy threats haue no more strength then her weak praise.Helen, I loue thee, by my life I doe;
[1235]
I sweare by that which I will lose for thee,To proue him false, that saies I loue thee not.Dem.I say, I loue thee more then he can do.Lys.If thou say so, with‑draw and proue it too.Dem.Quick, come.Her.
[1240]
Lysander, whereto tends all this?
Lys.Away, you
Ethiope.
Dem.No, no, Sir, seeme to breake loose;Take on as you would follow,But yet come not: you are a tame man, go.Lys.
[1245]
Hang off thou cat, thou bur; vile thing let loose,Or I will shake thee from me like a serpent.Her.Why are you growne so rude?What change is this sweete Loue?Lys.Thy loue? out tawny
Tartar, out;
[1250]
Out loathed medicine; O hated poison hence.Her.Do you not iest?Hel.Yes sooth, and so do you.Lys.Demetrius: I will keepe my word with thee.
Dem.I would I had your bond: for I perceiue
[1255]
A weake bond holds you; Ile not trust your word.Lys.What, should I hurt her, strike her, kill her dead?Although I hate her, Ile not harme her so.Her.What, can you do me greater harme then hate?Hate me, wherefore? O me, what newes my Loue?
[1260]
Am not I
Hermia? Are not you
Lysander?I am as faire now, as I was ere while.Since night you lou'd me: yet since night you left me.Why then you left me (O the gods forbidIn earnest, shall I say?Lys.
[1265]
I, by my life;And neuer did desire to see thee more.Therefore be out of hope, of question, of doubt;Be certaine, nothing truer: 'tis no iest,That I doe hate thee, and loue
Helena.
Her.
[1270]
O me, you iugler, you canker blossome,You theefe of loue; What, haue you come by night,And stolne my loues heart from him?Hel.Fine yfaith:Haue you no modesty, no maiden shame,
[1275]
No touch of bashfulnesse? What, will you teareImpatient answers from my gentle tongue?Fie, fie, you counterfeit, you puppet, you.Her.Puppet? why so? I, that way goes the game.Now I perceiue that she hath made compare
[1280]
Betweene our statures, she hath vrg'd her height,And with her personage, her tall personage,Her height (forsooth) she hath preuail'd with him.And are you growne so high in his esteeme,Because I am so dwarfish, and so low?
[1285]
How low am I, thou painted May‑pole? Speake,How low am I? I am not yet so low,But that my nailes can reach vnto thine eyes.Hel.I pray you though you mocke me, gentlemen,Let her not hurt me; I was neuer curst:
[1290]
I haue no gift at all in shrewishnesse;I am a right maide for my cowardize;Let her not strike me: you perhaps may thinke,Because she is something lower then my selfe,That I can match her.Her.
[1295]
Lower? harke againe.Hel.Good
Hermia, do not be so bitter with me,
I euermore did loue you
Hermia,
Did euer keepe your counsels, neuer wronged you,Saue that in loue vnto
Demetrius,
[1300]
I told him of your stealth vnto this wood.He followed you, for loue I followed him,But he hath chid me hence, and threatned meTo strike me, spurne me, nay to kill me too;And now, so you will let me quiet go,
[1305]
To
Athens will I beare my folly backe,
And follow you no further. Let me go.You see how simple, and how fond I am.Her.Why get you gone: who ist that hinders you?Hel.A foolish heart, that I leaue here behinde.Her.
[1310]
What, with
Lysander?
Her.With
Demetrius.
Lys.Be not afraid, she shall not harme thee
Helena.
Dem.No sir, she shall not, though you take her part.Hel.O when she's angry, she is keene and shrewd,
[1315]
She was a vixen when she went to schoole,And though she be but little, she is fierce.Her.Little againe? Nothing but low and little?Why will you suffer her to flout me thus?Let me come to her.Lys.
[1320]
Get you gone you dwarfe,You
minimus, of hindring knot‑grasse made,
You bead, you acorne.Dem.You are too officious,In her behalfe that scornes your seruices.
[1325]
Let her alone, speake not of
Helena,
Take not her part. For if thou dost intendNeuer so little shew of loue to her,Thou shalt abide it.Lys.Now she holds me not,
[1330]
Now follow if thou dar'st, to try whose right,Of thine or mine is most in
Helena.
Dem.Follow? Nay, Ile goe with thee cheeke by
iowle.
Exit Lysander and Demetrius.Her.You Mistris, all this coyle is long of you.Nay, goe not backe.Hel.
[1335]
I will not trust you I,Nor longer stay in your curst companie.Your hands then mine, are quicker for a fray,My legs are longer though to runne away.Enter Oberon and
Pucke.
Ob.This is thy negligence, still thou mistak'st,
[1340]
Or else committ'st thy knaueries willingly.Puck.Beleeue me, King of shadowes, I mistooke,Did not you tell me, I should know the man,By the
Athenian garments he hath on?
And so farre blamelesse proues my enterprize,
[1345]
That I haue nointed an Athenians eies,And so farre am I glad, it so did sort,As this their iangling I esteeme a sport.Ob.Thou seest these Louers seeke a place to fight,Hie therefore
Robin, ouercast the night,
[1350]
The starrie Welkin couer thou anon,With drooping fogge as blacke as
Acheron,
And lead these testie Riuals so astray,As one come not within anothers way.Like to
Lysander, sometime frame thy tongue,
[1355]
Then stirre
Demetrius vp with bitter wrong;
And sometime raile thou like
Demetrius;
And from each other looke thou leade them thus,Till ore their browes, death‑counterfeiting, sleepeWith leaden legs, and Battie‑wings doth creepe:
[1360]
Then crush this hearbe into
Lysanders eie,
Whose liquor hath this vertuous propertie,To take from thence all error, with his might,And make his eie‑bals role with wonted sight.When they next wake, all this derision
[1365]
Shall seeme a dreame, and fruitlesse vision,And backe to
Athens shall the Louers wend
With league, whose date till death shall neuer end.Whiles I in this affaire do thee imply,Ile to my Queene, and beg her
Indian Boy;
[1370]
And then I will her charmed eie releaseFrom monsters view, and all things shall be peace.Puck.My Fairie Lord, this must be done with haste,For night‑swift Dragons cut the Clouds full fast,And yonder shines
Auroras harbinger;
[1375]
At whose approach Ghosts wandring here and there,Troope home to Church‑yards; damned spirits all,That in crosse‑waies and flouds haue buriall,Alreadie to their wormie beds are gone;For feare least day should looke their shames vpon,
[1380]
They wilfully themselues dxile from light,And must for aye consort with blacke browd night.Ob.But we are spirits of another sort:I, with the mornings loue haue oft made sport,And like a Forrester, the groues may tread,
[1385]
Euen till the Easterne gate all fierie red,Opening on
Neptune, with faire blessed beames,
Turnes into yellow gold, his salt greene streames.But notwithstanding haste, make no delay:We may effect this businesse, yet ere day.Puck.
[1390]
Vp and downe, vp and downe, I will leade
them vp and downe: I am fear'd in field and towne.
Goblin, lead them vp and downe: here comes one.
Enter Lysander.Lys.Where art thou, proud
Demetrius?
Speake thou now.Rob.
[1395]
Here villaine, drawne & readie. Where art thou?Lys.I will be with thee straight.Rob.Follow me then to plainer ground.Enter Demetrius.Dem.Lysander, speake againe;
Thou runaway, thou coward, art thou fled?
[1400]
Speake in some bush: Where dost thou hide thy head?Rob.Thou coward, art thou bragging to the stars,Telling the bushes that thou look'st for wars,And wilt not come? Come recreant, come thou childe,Ile whip thee with a rod. He is defil'd
[1405]
That drawes a sword on thee.Dem.Yea, art thou there?Ro.Follow my voice, we'l try no manhood here.Exit.Lys.He goes before me, and still dares me on,When I come where he cals, then he's gone.
[1410]
The villaine is much lighter heel'd then I:I followed fast, but faster he did flye;shifting places.That fallen am I in darke vneuen way,And here wil rest me. Come thou gentle day:lye down.For if but once thou shew me thy gray light,
[1415]
Ile finde
Demetrius, and reuenge this spight.
Enter Robin and Demetrius.Rob.Ho, ho, ho; coward, why com'st thou not?Dem.Abide me, if thou dar'st. For well I wot,Thou runst before me, shifting euery place,And dar'st not stand, nor looke me in the face.
[1420]
Where art thou?Rob.Come hither, I am here.Dem.Nay then thou mock'st me; thou shalt buy this
deere,
If euer I thy face by day‑light see.Now goe thy way: faintnesse constraineth me,
[1425]
To measure out my length on this cold bed,By daies approach looke to be visited.Enter Helena.Hel.O weary night, O long and tedious night,Abate thy houres, shine comforts from the East,That I may backe to Athens by day‑light,
[1430]
From these that my poore companie detest;And sleepe that sometime shuts vp sorrowes eie,Steale me a while from mine owne companie.Sleepe.Rob.Yet but three? Come one more,Two of both kindes makes vp foure.
[1435]
Here she comes, curst and sad,Cupid is a knauish lad,
Enter Hermia.Thus to make poore females mad.Her.Neuer so wearie, neuer so in woe,Bedabbled with the dew, and torne with briars,
[1440]
I can no further crawle, no further goe;My legs can keepe no pace with my desires.Here will I rest me till the breake of day,Heauens shield
Lysander, if they meane a fray.
Rob.On the ground sleepe sound,
[1445]
Ile apply your eie gentle louer, remedy.When thou wak'st, thou tak'stTrue delight in the sight of thy former Ladies eye,And the Country Prouerb knowne,That euery man should take his owne,
[1450]
In your waking shall be showne.Iacke shall haue
Iill, nought shall goe ill,
The man shall haue his Mare againe, and all shall bee
well.
They sleepe all the Act.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="2">
<head type="supplied">[Act 3, Scene 2]</head>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter King of Pharies, solus.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-obe">
<speaker rend="italic">Ob.</speaker>
<l n="983">I wonder if<hi rend="italic">Titania</hi>be awak't;</l>
<l n="984">Then what it was that next came in her eye,</l>
<l n="985">Which she must dote on, in extremitie.</l>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Pucke.</stage>
<l n="986">Here comes my messenger: how now mad spirit,</l>
<l n="987">What night‑rule now about this gaunted groue?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Puck.</speaker>
<l n="988">My Mistris with a monster is in loue,</l>
<l n="989">Neere to her close and consecrated bower,</l>
<l n="990">While she was in her dull and sleeping hower,</l>
<l n="991">A crew of patches, rude<choice>
<orig>Mcehanicals</orig>
<corr>Mechanicals</corr>
</choice>,</l>
<l n="992">That worke for bread vpon<hi rend="italic">Athenian</hi>stals,</l>
<l n="993">Were met together to rehearse a Play,</l>
<l n="994">Intended for great<hi rend="italic">Theseus</hi>nuptiall day:</l>
<l n="995">The shallowest thick‑skin of that barren sort,</l>
<l n="996">Who<hi rend="italic">Piramus</hi>presented, in their sport,</l>
<l n="997">Forsooke his Scene, and entred in a brake,</l>
<l n="998">When I did him at this aduantage take,</l>
<l n="999">An Asses nole I fixed on his head.</l>
<l n="1000">Anon his<hi rend="italic">Thisbie</hi>must be answered,</l>
<l n="1001">And forth my Mimmick comes: when they him spie,</l>
<l n="1002">As Wilde‑geese, that the creeping Fowler eye,</l>
<l n="1003">Or russed‑pated choughes, many in sort</l>
<l n="1004">(Rising and cawing at the guns report)</l>
<l n="1005">Seuer themselues, and madly sweepe the skye:</l>
<cb n="2"/>
<l n="1006">So at his sight, away his fellowes flye,</l>
<l n="1007">And at our stampe, here ore and ore one fals;</l>
<l n="1008">He murther cries, and helpe from<hi rend="italic">Athens</hi>cals.</l>
<l n="1009">Their sense thus weake, lost with their fears thus strong,</l>
<l n="1010">Made senselesse things begin to do them wrong.</l>
<l n="1011">For briars and thornes at their apparell snatch,</l>
<l n="1012">Some sleeues, some hats, from yeelders all things catch,</l>
<l n="1013">I led them on in this distracted feare,</l>
<l n="1014">And left sweete<hi rend="italic">Piramus</hi>translated there:</l>
<l n="1015">When in that moment (so it came to passe)</l>
<l n="1016">
<hi rend="italic">Tytania</hi>waked, and straightway lou'd an Asse.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-obe">
<speaker rend="italic">Ob.</speaker>
<l n="1017">This fals out better then I could deuise:</l>
<l n="1018">But hast thou yet lacht the<hi rend="italic">Athenians</hi>eyes,</l>
<l n="1019">With the loue iuyce, as I did bid thee doe?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Rob.</speaker>
<l n="1020">I tooke him sleeping (that is finisht to)</l>
<l n="1021">And the<hi rend="italic">Athenian</hi>woman by his side,</l>
<l n="1022">That when he wak't, of force she must be eyde.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Demetrius and Hermia.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-obe">
<speaker rend="italic">Ob.</speaker>
<l n="1023">Stand close, this is the same<hi rend="italic">Athenian</hi>.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Rob.</speaker>
<l n="1024">This is the woman, but not this the man.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1025">O why rebuke you him that loues you so?</l>
<l n="1026">Lay breath so bitter on your bitter foe.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1027">Now I but chide, but I should vse thee worse.</l>
<l n="1028">For thou (I feare) hast giuen me cause to curse,</l>
<l n="1029">If thou hast slaine<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>in his sleepe,</l>
<l n="1030">Being ore shooes in bloud, plunge in the deepe, and kill
<lb/>me too:</l>
<l n="1031">The Sunne was not so true vnto the day,</l>
<l n="1032">As he to me. Would he haue stollen away,</l>
<l n="1033">From sleeping<hi rend="italic">Hermia</hi>? Ile beleeue as soone</l>
<l n="1034">This whole earth may be bord, and that the Moone</l>
<l n="1035">May through the Center creepe, and so displease</l>
<l n="1036">Her brothers noonetide, with th'<hi rend="italic">Antipodes</hi>.</l>
<l n="1037">It cannot be but thou hast murdred him,</l>
<l n="1038">So should a mutrherer looke, so dead, so grim.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1039">So should the murderer looke, and so should I,</l>
<l n="1040">Pierst through the heart with your stearne cruelty:</l>
<l n="1041">Yet you the murderer looks as bright as cleare,</l>
<l n="1042">As yonder<hi rend="italic">Venus</hi>in her glimmering spheare.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1043">What's this to my<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>? where is he<hi rend="italic">?</hi>
</l>
<l n="1044">Ah good<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>, wilt thou giue him me?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1045">I'de rather giue his carkasse to my hounds.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1046">Out dog, out cur, thou driu'st me past the bounds</l>
<l n="1047">Of maidens patience. Hast thou slaine him then?</l>
<l n="1048">Henceforth be neuer numbred among men.</l>
<l n="1049">Oh, once tell true, euen for my sake,</l>
<l n="1050">Durst thou a lookt vpon him, being awake?</l>
<l n="1051">And hast thou kill'd him sleeping? O braue tutch:</l>
<l n="1052">Could not a worme, an Adder do so much?</l>
<l n="1053">An Adder did it: for with doubler tongue</l>
<l n="1054">Then thine (thou serpent) neuer Adder stung.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1055">You spend your passion on a<choice>
<orig>mispri'sd</orig>
<corr>mispris'd</corr>
</choice>mood,</l>
<l n="1056">I am not guiltie of<hi rend="italic">Lysanders</hi>blood:</l>
<l n="1057">Nor is he dead for ought that I can tell.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1058">I pray thee tell me then that he is well.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1059">And if I could, what should I get therefore?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1060">A priuiledge, neuer to see me more;</l>
<l n="1061">And from thy hated presence part I: see me no more</l>
<l n="1062">Whether he be dead or no.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1063">There is no following her in this fierce vaine,</l>
<l n="1064">Here therefore for a while I will remaine.</l>
<l n="1065">So sorrowes heauinesse doth heauier grow:</l>
<l n="1066">For debt that bankrout slip doth sorrow owe,</l>
<l n="1067">Which now in some slight measure it will pay,</l>
<pb facs="FFimg:axc0174-0.jpg" n="154"/>
<cb n="1"/>
<l n="1068">If for his tender here I make some stay.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Lie downe.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-obe">
<speaker rend="italic">Ob.</speaker>
<l n="1069">What hast thou done? Thou hast mistaken quite</l>
<l n="1070">And laid the loue iuyce on some true loues sight:</l>
<l n="1071">Of thy misprision, must perforce ensue</l>
<l n="1072">Some true loue turn'd, and not a false turn'd true.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Rob.</speaker>
<l n="1073">Then fate ore‑rules, that one man holding troth,</l>
<l n="1074">A million faile, confounding oath on oath.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-obe">
<speaker rend="italic">Ob.</speaker>
<l n="1075">About the wood, goe swifter then the winde,</l>
<l n="1076">And<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>of<hi rend="italic">Athens</hi>looke thou finde.</l>
<l n="1077">All fancy sicke she is, and pale of cheere,</l>
<l n="1078">With sighes of loue, that costs the fresh bloud deare.</l>
<l n="1079">By some illusion see thou bring her heere,</l>
<l n="1080">Ile charme his eyes against she doth appeare.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Robin.</speaker>
<l n="1081">I go, I go, looke how I goe,</l>
<l n="1082">Swifter then arrow from the<hi rend="italic">Tartars</hi>bowe.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-obe">
<speaker rend="italic">Ob.</speaker>
<l n="1083">Flower of this purple die,</l>
<l n="1084">Hit with<hi rend="italic">Cupids</hi>archery,</l>
<l n="1085">Sinke in apple of his eye,</l>
<l n="1086">When his loue he doth espie,</l>
<l n="1087">Let her shine as gloriously</l>
<l n="1088">As the<hi rend="italic">Venus</hi>of the sky.</l>
<l n="1089">When thou wak'st if she be by,</l>
<l n="1090">Beg of her for remedy.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Pucke.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Puck.</speaker>
<l n="1091">Captaine of our Fairy band,</l>
<l n="1092">
<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>is heere at hand,</l>
<l n="1093">And the youth, mistooke by me,</l>
<l n="1094">Pleading for a Louers fee.</l>
<l n="1095">Shall we their fond Pageant see?</l>
<l n="1096">Lord, what fooles these mortals be!</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-obe">
<speaker rend="italic">Ob.</speaker>
<l n="1097">Stand aside: the noyse they make,</l>
<l n="1098">Will cause<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>to awake.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Puck.</speaker>
<l n="1099">Then will two at once wooe one,</l>
<l n="1100">That must needs be sport alone:</l>
<l n="1101">And those things doe best please me,</l>
<l n="1102">That befall preposterously.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Lysander and Helena.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1103">Why should you think y<hi rend="superscript">t</hi>I should wooe in scorn?</l>
<l n="1104">Scorne and derision neuer comes in teares:</l>
<l n="1105">Looke when I vow I weepe; and vowes so borne,</l>
<l n="1106">In their natiuity all truth appeares.</l>
<l n="1107">How can these things in me, seeme scorne to you?</l>
<l n="1108">Bearing the badge of faith to proue them true.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1109">You doe aduance your cunning more & more,</l>
<l n="1110">When truth kils truth, O diuelish holy fray!</l>
<l n="1111">These vowes are<hi rend="italic">Hermias</hi>. Will you giue her ore?</l>
<l n="1112">Weigh oath with oath, and you will nothing weigh.</l>
<l n="1113">Your vowes to her, and me, (put in two scales<hi rend="italic">)</hi>
</l>
<l n="1114">Will euen weigh, and both as light as tales.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1115">I had no iudgement, when to her I swore.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1116">Nor none in my minde, now you giue her ore.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1117">
<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>loues her, and he loues not you.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Awa.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1118">O Helen, goddesse, nimph, perfect, diuine,</l>
<l n="1119">To what my, loue, shall I compare thine eyne!</l>
<l n="1120">Christall is muddy, O how ripe in show,</l>
<l n="1121">Thy lips, those kissing cherries, tempting grow!</l>
<l n="1122">That pure congealed white, high<hi rend="italic">Taurus</hi>snow,</l>
<l n="1123">Fan'd with the Easterne winde, turnes to a crow,</l>
<l n="1124">When thou holdst vp thy hand. O let me kisse</l>
<l n="1125">This Princesse of pure white, this seale of blisse.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hell.</speaker>
<l n="1126">O spight! O hell! I see you are all bent</l>
<l n="1127">To set against me, for your merriment:</l>
<l n="1128">If you were ciuill, and knew curtesie,</l>
<l n="1129">You would not doe me thus much iniury.</l>
<cb n="2"/>
<l n="1130">Can you not hate me, as I know you doe,</l>
<l n="1131">But you must ioyne in soules to mocke me to?</l>
<l n="1132">If you are men, as men you are in show,</l>
<l n="1133">You would not vse a gentle Lady so;</l>
<l n="1134">To vow, and sweare, and superpraise my parts,</l>
<l n="1135">When I am sure you hate me with your hearts.</l>
<l n="1136">You both are Riuals, and loue<hi rend="italic">Hermia</hi>;</l>
<l n="1137">And now both Riuals to mocke<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>.</l>
<l n="1138">A trim exploit, a manly enterprize,</l>
<l n="1139">To coniure teares vp in a poore maids eyes,</l>
<l n="1140">With your derision; none of noble sort,</l>
<l n="1141">Would so offend a Virgin, and extort</l>
<l n="1142">A poore soules patience, all to make you sport.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lysa.</speaker>
<l n="1143">You are vnkind<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>; be not so,</l>
<l n="1144">For you loue<hi rend="italic">Hermia</hi>; this you know I know;</l>
<l n="1145">And here with all good will, with all my heart,</l>
<l n="1146">In<hi rend="italic">Hermias</hi>loue I yeeld you vp my part;</l>
<l n="1147">And yours of<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>, to me bequeath,</l>
<l n="1148">Whom I do loue, and will do to my death.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1149">Neuer did mockers wast more idle breth.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1150">
<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>, keep thy<hi rend="italic">Hermia</hi>, I will none:</l>
<l n="1151">If ere I lou'd her, all that loue is gone.</l>
<l n="1152">My heart to her, but as guest‑wise soiourn'd,</l>
<l n="1153">And now to<hi rend="italic">Helen</hi>it is home return'd,</l>
<l n="1154">There to remaine.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1155">It is not so.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">De.</speaker>
<l n="1156">Disparage not the faith thou dost not know,</l>
<l n="1157">Lest to thy perill thou abide it deare.</l>
<l n="1158">Looke where thy Loue comes, yonder is thy deare.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Hermia.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1159">Dark night, that from the eye his function takes,</l>
<l n="1160">The eare more quicke of apprehension makes,</l>
<l n="1161">Wherein it doth impaire the seeing sense,</l>
<l n="1162">It paies the hearing double recompence.</l>
<l n="1163">Thou art not by mine eye,<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>found,</l>
<l n="1164">Mine eare (I thanke it) brought me to that sound.</l>
<l n="1165">But why vnkindly didst thou leaue me so?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lysan.</speaker>
<l n="1166">Why should hee stay whom Loue doth presse
<lb rend="turnover"/>
<pc rend="turnover">(</pc>to go?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1167">What loue could presse<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>from my side?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1168">
<hi rend="italic">Lysanders</hi>loue (that would not let him bide)</l>
<l n="1169">Faire<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>; who more engilds the night,</l>
<l n="1170">Then all yon fierie oes, and eies of light.</l>
<l n="1171">Why seek'st thou me? Could not this make thee know,</l>
<l n="1172">The hate I bare thee, made me leaue thee so?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1173">You speake not as you thinke; it cannot be.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1174">Loe, she is one of this confederacy,</l>
<l n="1175">Now I perceiue they haue conioyn'd all three,</l>
<l n="1176">To fashion this false sport in spight of me.</l>
<l n="1177">Iniurous Hermia, most vngratefull maid,</l>
<l n="1178">Haue you conspir'd, haue you with these contriu'd</l>
<l n="1179">To baite me, with this foule derision?</l>
<l n="1180">Is all the counsell that we two haue shar'd,</l>
<l n="1181">The sisters vowes, the houres that we haue spent,</l>
<l n="1182">When wee haue chid the hasty footed time,</l>
<l n="1183">For parting vs; O, is all forgot?</l>
<l n="1184">All schooledaies friendship, child‑hood innocence?</l>
<l n="1185">We Hermia, like two Artificiall gods,</l>
<l n="1186">Haue with our needles, created both one flower,</l>
<l n="1187">Both on one sampler, sitting on one cushion,</l>
<l n="1188">Both warbling of one song, both in one key;</l>
<l n="1189">As if our hands, our sides, voices, and mindes</l>
<l n="1190">Had beene incorporate. So we grew together,</l>
<l n="1191">Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,</l>
<l n="1192">But yet a vnion in partition,</l>
<pb facs="FFimg:axc0175-0.jpg" n="155"/>
<cb n="1"/>
<l n="1193">Two louely berries molded on one stem,</l>
<l n="1194">So with two seeming bodies, but one heart,</l>
<l n="1195">Two of the first life coats in Heraldry,</l>
<l n="1196">Due but to one and crowned with one crest.</l>
<l n="1197">And will you rent our ancient loue asunder,</l>
<l n="1198">To ioyne with men in scorning your poore friend?</l>
<l n="1199">It is not friendly, 'tis not maidenly.</l>
<l n="1200">Our sexe as well as I, may chide you for it,</l>
<l n="1201">Though I alone doe feele the iniurie.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1202">I am amazed at your passionate words,</l>
<l n="1203">I scorne you not; It seemes that you scorne me.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1204">Haue you not set<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>, as in scorne</l>
<l n="1205">To follow me, and praise my eies and face?</l>
<l n="1206">And made your other loue,<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>
</l>
<l n="1207">(Who euen but now did spurne me with his foote)</l>
<l n="1208">To call me goddesse, nimph, diuine, and rare,</l>
<l n="1209">Precious, celestiall? Wherefore speakes he this</l>
<l n="1210">To her he hates? And wherefore doth<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>
</l>
<l n="1211">Denie your loue (so rich within his soule)</l>
<l n="1212">And tender me (forsooth<hi rend="italic">)</hi>affection,</l>
<l n="1213">But by your setting on, by your consent?</l>
<l n="1214">What though I be not so in grace as you,</l>
<l n="1215">So hung vpon with loue, so fortunate?</l>
<l n="1216">(But miserable most, to loue vnlou'd)</l>
<l n="1217">This you should pittie, rather then despise.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1218">I vnderstand not what you meane by this.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1219">I, doe, perseuer, counterfeit sad lookes,</l>
<l n="1220">Make mouthes vpon me when I turne my backe,</l>
<l n="1221">Winke each at other, hold the sweete iest vp:</l>
<l n="1222">This sport well carried, shall be chronicled.</l>
<l n="1223">If you haue any pittie, grace, or manners,</l>
<l n="1224">You would not make me such an argument:</l>
<l n="1225">But fare ye well, 'tis partly mine owne fault,</l>
<l n="1226">Which death or absence soone shall remedie.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1227">Stay gentle<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>, heare my excuse,</l>
<l n="1228">My loue, my life, my soule, faire<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1229">O excellent!</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1230">Sweete, do not scorne her so.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1231">If she cannot entreate, I can compell.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1232">Thou canst compell, no more then she entreate.</l>
<l n="1233">Thy threats haue no more strength then her weak praise.</l>
<l n="1234">
<hi rend="italic">Helen</hi>, I loue thee, by my life I doe;</l>
<l n="1235">I sweare by that which I will lose for thee,</l>
<l n="1236">To proue him false, that saies I loue thee not.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1237">I say, I loue thee more then he can do.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1238">If thou say so, with‑draw and proue it too.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1239">Quick, come.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1240">
<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>, whereto tends all this?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1241">Away, you<hi rend="italic">Ethiope</hi>.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1242">No, no, Sir, seeme to breake loose;</l>
<l n="1243">Take on as you would follow,</l>
<l n="1244">But yet come not: you are a tame man, go.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1245">Hang off thou cat, thou bur; vile thing let loose,</l>
<l n="1246">Or I will shake thee from me like a serpent.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1247">Why are you growne so rude?</l>
<l n="1248">What change is this sweete Loue?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1249">Thy loue? out tawny<hi rend="italic">Tartar</hi>, out;</l>
<l n="1250">Out loathed medicine; O hated poison hence.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1251">Do you not iest?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1252">Yes sooth, and so do you.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1253">
<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>: I will keepe my word with thee.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1254">I would I had your bond: for I perceiue</l>
<l n="1255">A weake bond holds you; Ile not trust your word.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1256">What, should I hurt her, strike her, kill her dead?</l>
<l n="1257">Although I hate her, Ile not harme her so.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1258">What, can you do me greater harme then hate?</l>
<cb n="2"/>
<l n="1259">Hate me, wherefore? O me, what newes my Loue?</l>
<l n="1260">Am not I<hi rend="italic">Hermia</hi>? Are not you<hi rend="italic">Lysander?</hi>
</l>
<l n="1261">I am as faire now, as I was ere while.</l>
<l n="1262">Since night you lou'd me: yet since night you left me.</l>
<l n="1263">Why then you left me (O the gods forbid</l>
<l n="1264">In earnest, shall I say?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1265">I, by my life;</l>
<l n="1266">And neuer did desire to see thee more.</l>
<l n="1267">Therefore be out of hope, of question, of doubt;</l>
<l n="1268">Be certaine, nothing truer: 'tis no iest,</l>
<l n="1269">That I doe hate thee, and loue<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1270">O me, you iugler, you canker blossome,</l>
<l n="1271">You theefe of loue; What, haue you come by night,</l>
<l n="1272">And stolne my loues heart from him?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1273">Fine yfaith:</l>
<l n="1274">Haue you no modesty, no maiden shame,</l>
<l n="1275">No touch of bashfulnesse? What, will you teare</l>
<l n="1276">Impatient answers from my gentle tongue?</l>
<l n="1277">Fie, fie, you counterfeit, you puppet, you.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1278">Puppet? why so? I, that way goes the game.</l>
<l n="1279">Now I perceiue that she hath made compare</l>
<l n="1280">Betweene our statures, she hath vrg'd her height,</l>
<l n="1281">And with her personage, her tall personage,</l>
<l n="1282">Her height (forsooth) she hath preuail'd with him.</l>
<l n="1283">And are you growne so high in his esteeme,</l>
<l n="1284">Because I am so dwarfish, and so low?</l>
<l n="1285">How low am I, thou painted May‑pole? Speake,</l>
<l n="1286">How low am I? I am not yet so low,</l>
<l n="1287">But that my nailes can reach vnto thine eyes.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1288">I pray you though you mocke me, gentlemen,</l>
<l n="1289">Let her not hurt me; I was neuer curst:</l>
<l n="1290">I haue no gift at all in shrewishnesse;</l>
<l n="1291">I am a right maide for my cowardize;</l>
<l n="1292">Let her not strike me: you perhaps may thinke,</l>
<l n="1293">Because she is something lower then my selfe,</l>
<l n="1294">That I can match her.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1295">Lower? harke againe.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1296">Good<hi rend="italic">Hermia</hi>, do not be so bitter with me,</l>
<l n="1297">I euermore did loue you<hi rend="italic">Hermia</hi>,</l>
<l n="1298">Did euer keepe your counsels, neuer wronged you,</l>
<l n="1299">Saue that in loue vnto<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>,</l>
<l n="1300">I told him of your stealth vnto this wood.</l>
<l n="1301">He followed you, for loue I followed him,</l>
<l n="1302">But he hath chid me hence, and threatned me</l>
<l n="1303">To strike me, spurne me, nay to kill me too;</l>
<l n="1304">And now, so you will let me quiet go,</l>
<l n="1305">To<hi rend="italic">Athens</hi>will I beare my folly backe,</l>
<l n="1306">And follow you no further. Let me go.</l>
<l n="1307">You see how simple, and how fond I am.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1308">Why get you gone: who ist that hinders you?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1309">A foolish heart, that I leaue here behinde.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1310">What, with<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1311">With<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1312">Be not afraid, she shall not harme thee<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1313">No sir, she shall not, though you take her part.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1314">O when she's angry, she is keene and shrewd,</l>
<l n="1315">She was a vixen when she went to schoole,</l>
<l n="1316">And though she be but little, she is fierce.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1317">Little againe? Nothing but low and little?</l>
<l n="1318">Why will you suffer her to flout me thus?</l>
<l n="1319">Let me come to her.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1320">Get you gone you dwarfe,</l>
<l n="1321">You<hi rend="italic">minimus</hi>, of hindring knot‑grasse made,</l>
<l n="1322">You bead, you acorne.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1323">You are too officious,</l>
<l n="1324">In her behalfe that scornes your seruices.</l>
<pb facs="FFimg:axc0176-0.jpg" n="156"/>
<cb n="1"/>
<l n="1325">Let her alone, speake not of<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>,</l>
<l n="1326">Take not her part. For if thou dost intend</l>
<l n="1327">Neuer so little shew of loue to her,</l>
<l n="1328">Thou shalt abide it.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1329">Now she holds me not,</l>
<l n="1330">Now follow if thou dar'st, to try whose right,</l>
<l n="1331">Of thine or mine is most in<hi rend="italic">Helena</hi>.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1332">Follow? Nay, Ile goe with thee cheeke by
<lb/>iowle.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Lysander and Demetrius.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1333">You Mistris, all this coyle is long of you.</l>
<l n="1334">Nay, goe not backe.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1335">I will not trust you I,</l>
<l n="1336">Nor longer stay in your curst companie.</l>
<l n="1337">Your hands then mine, are quicker for a fray,</l>
<l n="1338">My legs are longer though to runne away.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Oberon and Pucke.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-obe">
<speaker rend="italic">Ob.</speaker>
<l n="1339">This is thy negligence, still thou mistak'st,</l>
<l n="1340">Or else committ'st thy knaueries willingly.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Puck.</speaker>
<l n="1341">Beleeue me, King of shadowes, I mistooke,</l>
<l n="1342">Did not you tell me, I should know the man,</l>
<l n="1343">By the<hi rend="italic">Athenian</hi>garments he hath on?</l>
<l n="1344">And so farre blamelesse proues my enterprize,</l>
<l n="1345">That I haue nointed an Athenians eies,</l>
<l n="1346">And so farre am I glad, it so did sort,</l>
<l n="1347">As this their iangling I esteeme a sport.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-obe">
<speaker rend="italic">Ob.</speaker>
<l n="1348">Thou seest these Louers seeke a place to fight,</l>
<l n="1349">Hie therefore<hi rend="italic">Robin</hi>, ouercast the night,</l>
<l n="1350">The starrie Welkin couer thou anon,</l>
<l n="1351">With drooping fogge as blacke as<hi rend="italic">Acheron</hi>,</l>
<l n="1352">And lead these testie Riuals so astray,</l>
<l n="1353">As one come not within anothers way.</l>
<l n="1354">Like to<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>, sometime frame thy tongue,</l>
<l n="1355">Then stirre<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>vp with bitter wrong;</l>
<l n="1356">And sometime raile thou like<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>;</l>
<l n="1357">And from each other looke thou leade them thus,</l>
<l n="1358">Till ore their browes, death‑counterfeiting, sleepe</l>
<l n="1359">With leaden legs, and Battie‑wings doth creepe:</l>
<l n="1360">Then crush this hearbe into<hi rend="italic">Lysanders</hi>eie,</l>
<l n="1361">Whose liquor hath this vertuous propertie,</l>
<l n="1362">To take from thence all error, with his might,</l>
<l n="1363">And make his eie‑bals role with wonted sight.</l>
<l n="1364">When they next wake, all this derision</l>
<l n="1365">Shall seeme a dreame, and fruitlesse vision,</l>
<l n="1366">And backe to<hi rend="italic">Athens</hi>shall the Louers wend</l>
<l n="1367">With league, whose date till death shall neuer end.</l>
<l n="1368">Whiles I in this affaire do thee imply,</l>
<l n="1369">Ile to my Queene, and beg her<hi rend="italic">Indian</hi>Boy;</l>
<l n="1370">And then I will her charmed eie release</l>
<l n="1371">From monsters view, and all things shall be peace.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Puck.</speaker>
<l n="1372">My Fairie Lord, this must be done with haste,</l>
<l n="1373">For night‑swift Dragons cut the Clouds full fast,</l>
<l n="1374">And yonder shines<hi rend="italic">Auroras</hi>harbinger;</l>
<l n="1375">At whose approach Ghosts wandring here and there,</l>
<l n="1376">Troope home to Church‑yards; damned spirits all,</l>
<l n="1377">That in crosse‑waies and flouds haue buriall,</l>
<l n="1378">Alreadie to their wormie beds are gone;</l>
<l n="1379">For feare least day should looke their shames vpon,</l>
<l n="1380">They wilfully themselues dxile from light,</l>
<l n="1381">And must for aye consort with blacke browd night.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-obe">
<speaker rend="italic">Ob.</speaker>
<l n="1382">But we are spirits of another sort:</l>
<l n="1383">I, with the mornings loue haue oft made sport,</l>
<l n="1384">And like a Forrester, the groues may tread,</l>
<l n="1385">Euen till the Easterne gate all fierie red,</l>
<l n="1386">Opening on<hi rend="italic">Neptune</hi>, with faire blessed beames,</l>
<l n="1387">Turnes into yellow gold, his salt greene streames.</l>
<cb n="2"/>
<l n="1388">But notwithstanding haste, make no delay:</l>
<l n="1389">We may effect this businesse, yet ere day.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Puck.</speaker>
<p n="1390">Vp and downe, vp and downe, I will leade
<lb n="1391"/>them vp and downe: I am fear'd in field and towne.
<lb n="1392"/>
<hi rend="italic">Goblin</hi>, lead them vp and downe: here comes one.</p>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Lysander.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1393">Where art thou, proud<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>?</l>
<l n="1394">Speake thou now.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Rob.</speaker>
<l n="1395">Here villaine, drawne & readie. Where art thou?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1396">I will be with thee straight.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Rob.</speaker>
<l n="1397">Follow me then to plainer ground.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Demetrius.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1398">
<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>, speake againe;</l>
<l n="1399">Thou runaway, thou coward, art thou fled?</l>
<l n="1400">Speake in some bush: Where dost thou hide thy head?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Rob.</speaker>
<l n="1401">Thou coward, art thou bragging to the stars,</l>
<l n="1402">Telling the bushes that thou look'st for wars,</l>
<l n="1403">And wilt not come? Come recreant, come thou childe,</l>
<l n="1404">Ile whip thee with a rod. He is defil'd</l>
<l n="1405">That drawes a sword on thee.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1406">Yea, art thou there?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Ro.</speaker>
<l n="1407">Follow my voice, we'l try no manhood here.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-lys">
<speaker rend="italic">Lys.</speaker>
<l n="1408">He goes before me, and still dares me on,</l>
<l n="1409">When I come where he cals, then he's gone.</l>
<l n="1410">The villaine is much lighter heel'd then I:</l>
<l n="1411">I followed fast, but faster he did flye;</l>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">shifting places.</stage>
<l n="1412">That fallen am I in darke vneuen way,</l>
<l n="1413">And here wil rest me. Come thou gentle day:</l>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">lye down.</stage>
<l n="1414">For if but once thou shew me thy gray light,</l>
<l n="1415">Ile finde<hi rend="italic">Demetrius</hi>, and reuenge this spight.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Robin and Demetrius.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Rob.</speaker>
<l n="1416">Ho, ho, ho; coward, why com'st thou not?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1417">Abide me, if thou dar'st. For well I wot,</l>
<l n="1418">Thou runst before me, shifting euery place,</l>
<l n="1419">And dar'st not stand, nor looke me in the face.</l>
<l n="1420">Where art thou?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Rob.</speaker>
<l n="1421">Come hither, I am here.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-dem">
<speaker rend="italic">Dem.</speaker>
<l n="1422">Nay then thou mock'st me; thou shalt buy this
<lb/>deere,</l>
<l n="1423">If euer I thy face by day‑light see.</l>
<l n="1424">Now goe thy way: faintnesse constraineth me,</l>
<l n="1425">To measure out my length on this cold bed,</l>
<l n="1426">By daies approach looke to be visited.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Helena.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-hel">
<speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
<l n="1427">O weary night, O long and tedious night,</l>
<l n="1428">Abate thy houres, shine comforts from the East,</l>
<l n="1429">That I may backe to Athens by day‑light,</l>
<l n="1430">From these that my poore companie detest;</l>
<l n="1431">And sleepe that sometime shuts vp sorrowes eie,</l>
<l n="1432">Steale me a while from mine owne companie.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Sleepe.</stage>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Rob.</speaker>
<l n="1433">Yet but three? Come one more,</l>
<l n="1434">Two of both kindes makes vp foure.</l>
<l n="1435">Here she comes, curst and sad,</l>
<l n="1436">
<hi rend="italic">Cupid</hi>is a knauish lad,</l>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Hermia.</stage>
<l n="1437">Thus to make poore females mad.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1438">Neuer so wearie, neuer so in woe,</l>
<l n="1439">Bedabbled with the dew, and torne with briars,</l>
<l n="1440">I can no further crawle, no further goe;</l>
<l n="1441">My legs can keepe no pace with my desires.</l>
<l n="1442">Here will I rest me till the breake of day,</l>
<l n="1443">Heauens shield<hi rend="italic">Lysander</hi>, if they meane a fray.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-mnd-puc">
<speaker rend="italic">Rob.</speaker>
<l n="1444">On the ground sleepe sound,</l>
<l n="1445">Ile apply your eie gentle louer, remedy.</l>
<l n="1446">When thou wak'st, thou tak'st</l>
<l n="1447">True delight in the sight of thy former Ladies eye,</l>
<pb facs="FFimg:axc0177-0.jpg" n="157"/>
<cb n="1"/>
<l n="1448">And the Country Prouerb knowne,</l>
<l n="1449">That euery man should take his owne,</l>
<l n="1450">In your waking shall be showne.</l>
<l n="1451">
<hi rend="italic">Iacke</hi>shall haue<hi rend="italic">Iill</hi>, nought shall goe ill,</l>
<l n="1452">The man shall haue his Mare againe, and all shall bee
<lb/>well.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">They sleepe all the Act.</stage>
</div>