Midsummer Night's Dream Act 1

A Midsummer Night's Dream Translation Act v, Scene 1

Enter THESEUS, HIPPOLYTA, and PHILOSTRATE, with other bellboy lords

HIPPOLYTA

'Tis foreign, my Theseus, that these lovers speak of.

HIPPOLYTA

My dear Theseus, what these lovers are describing is strange.

THESEUS

More strange than true. I never may believe These antique fables nor these fairy toys. Lovers and madmen take such seething brains, Such shaping fantasies, that apprehend More than cool reason always comprehends. The lunatic, the lover, and the poet Are of imagination all compact. 1 sees more than devils than vast hell can agree— That is the madman. The lover, all every bit frantic, Sees Helen's beauty in a forehead of Egypt. The poet's eye, in fine frenzy rolling, Doth glance from heaven to Earth, from Earth to sky. And as imagination bodies forth The forms of things unknown, the poet'south pen Turns them to shapes and gives to blusterous zero A local habitation and a name. Such tricks hath strong imagination, That if information technology would but apprehend some joy, It comprehends some bringer of that joy. Or in the night, imagining some fearfulness, How like shooting fish in a barrel is a bush supposed a bear!

THESEUS

I think the story is more strange than it is truthful. I don't believe any of these ancient stories or fairy tales. Lovers and madmen have and so much going on in their heads, such agile imaginations, that they run into and hear things that cool, calm, rational people can't understand. Madmen, lovers, and poets all are all controlled by their imaginations: The ones who see devils and monsters all over the place—those are the madmen. Lovers, who are but as wild, see a gypsy's face and think information technology is as beautiful as Helen of Troy's. Poets, who are e'er glancing around as if they are overcome by passion, make constant connections between things that are earthly and things that are heavenly. And they accept the unreal things that tumble out of their imagination and write most them as if they were actual places or things. When people who have such strong imaginations feel some kind of joy, they imagine that it must exist some entity or power that brings or creates that joy. Or if, in the night, they experience some fear, they see a bush-league and imagine it'due south a bear!

HIPPOLYTA

But all the story of the night told over, And all their minds transfigured so together, More witnesseth than fancy's images And grows to something of great continuance, Simply, howsoever, foreign and admirable.

HIPPOLYTA

But the total story that the lovers are telling about last night—along with the fact that they all described information technology the same way—suggests that information technology'southward something that they really experienced rather than some imagined fantasy. Information technology has a consistency to it that suggests truth, even if it is strange and unbelievable.

THESEUS

Here come up the lovers, full of joy and mirth. Joy, gentle friends! Joy and fresh days of beloved Accompany your hearts!

THESEUS

Here come up the lovers, full of joy and laughter. Joy to you lot, kind friends! May joy and sweet days of beloved be with you always.

The lovers enter: LYSANDER, DEMETRIUS, HELENA, and HERMIA.

LYSANDER

More than to us Wait in your royal walks, your board, your bed!

LYSANDER

May even more than joy than you wish for us await you—on your imperial journeys, at your table, and in your bed!

THESEUS

Come up now, what masques, what dances shall we have To wearable away this long age of 3 hours Between our later-supper and bedtime? Where is our usual manager of mirth? What revels are in hand? Is there no play, To ease the anguish of a torturing hour? Call Philostrate.

THESEUS

Now, what performances and dances will we see to pass these three hours between dinner and bedtime? Where is our Primary of the Revels ? What entertainments exercise nosotros have ready? Isn't there a play for us to picket to ease the torture of free time? Call Philostrate.

PHILOSTRATE

Here, mighty Theseus.

PHILOSTRATE

I'm here, Theseus.

THESEUS

Say, what abridgement take you for tonight? What masque, what music? How shall we beguile The lazy fourth dimension if not with some delight?

THESEUS

Tell us, what entertainment do you have that volition shorten the evening? What plays, what music? How will we bask this boring time without some entertainment?

PHILOSTRATE

[Giving THESEUS a paper] There is a cursory, how many sports are ripe. Brand choice of which your highness will encounter first.

PHILOSTRATE

[Giving THESEUS a piece of paper] That is a list of all of the performances that are ready to go. Choose which one your highness would like to encounter first.

THESEUS

[Reads] "The battle with the Centaurs, to exist sung By an Athenian eunuch to the harp." We'll none of that. That have I told my love, In celebrity of my kinsman Hercules. "The riot of the tipsy Bacchanals, Tearing the Thracian singer in their rage." That is an old device, and it was played When I from Thebes came last a conqueror. "The thrice 3 Muses mourning for the expiry Of learning, late deceased in beggary." That is some satire, neat and critical, Not sorting with a nuptial ceremony. "A tedious brief scene of young Pyramus And his love Thisbe. Very tragical mirth." "Merry" and "tragical?" "Ho-hum" and "brief?" That is hot ice and wondrous strange snow. How shall we discover the concord of this discord?

THESEUS

[Reading] "The battle between Hercules and the Centaurs at the nuptials feast of Pirothous, sung past an Athenian eunuch accompanied by a harp." No, we don't desire that. I've already told that story to Hippolyta, telling her of the celebrity of my cousin Hercules. What else? "The riot of the drunk Bacchanals who in the grip of their drunken frenzy rip the singer Orpheus to shreds." That's a story often told in plays, and I saw information technology when I returned from conquering Thebes. "The 9 Muses mourning the death of learning and the arts, which lately have go so reduced." That's a satire—a sharp and critical satire—and wouldn't be correct to perform at a wedding ceremony. "A tiresome curt drama about young Pyramus and his honey Thisbe. Very sad and funny." Funny and distressing? Brusque merely still dull? That's like hot ice and very strange snow. What will we think of this play which claims to exist such contradictory things?

PHILOSTRATE

A play there is, my lord, some x words long, Which is as cursory as I have known a play. But by ten words, my lord, it is as well long, Which makes it wearisome. For in all the play There is not one discussion apt, one histrion fitted. And tragical, my noble lord, it is. For Pyramus therein doth impale himself. Which, when I saw rehearsed, I must confess, Fabricated mine eyes water—but more than merry tears The passion of loud laughter never shed.

PHILOSTRATE

My lord, it is a play that'southward about ten words long, which is the shortest play I've always encountered. Merely, my lord, it'due south ten words too long, which is what makes it wearisome. In the entire play, at that place is not 1 well-placed word, and not 1 actor is a practiced fit for his part. Information technology is tragic, my noble lord, because Pyramus does kill himself. When I saw the suicide during rehearsal, I must admit that it brought tears to my eyes—but I've never cried tears of such loud and merry laughter.

THESEUS

What are they that exercise play information technology?

THESEUS

Who are the people performing it?

PHILOSTRATE

Difficult-handed men that work in Athens here, Which never labored in their minds till now, And at present have toiled their unbreathed memories With this same play against your nuptial.

PHILOSTRATE

Manual workers from here in Athens who have never until now spent much doing anything that required thinking. At present they've overburdened their nether-exercised brains to create this play for your wedding.

THESEUS

And we will hear it.

THESEUS

And we will watch information technology.

PHILOSTRATE

No, my noble lord. Information technology is not for you. I have heard it over, And it is null, aught in the world— Unless you can notice sport in their intents, Extremely stretched and bamboozled with cru '50 pain To do you lot service.

PHILOSTRATE

No, my noble lord. Information technology's not something you'll like. I've seen it, and information technology's worthless, as worthless every bit anything ever created —unless y'all find their sad attempt funny, with their bad acting and incorrectly remembered lines.

THESEUS

I will hear that play. For never anything can be awry When simpleness and duty tender it. Go, bring them in. And take your places, ladies.

THESEUS

I'll watch this play. Considering nothing can be bad when information technology's motivated by a simple desire to bring pleasure to a person's betters. Become and bring them in. And find your seats, ladies.

HIPPOLYTA

I love not to see wretchedness o'er charged And duty in his service perishing.

HIPPOLYTA

I don't enjoy seeing incompetent people overwhelmed and made to look bad when they are merely trying to serve.

THESEUS

Why, gentle sugariness, you shall see no such thing.

THESEUS

Why, my noble love, you won't see whatever such matter.

HIPPOLYTA

He says they can do goose egg in this kind.

HIPPOLYTA

Philostrate says they're non good at acting.

THESEUS

The kinder we, to requite them thanks for cypher. Our sport shall be to take what they mistake, And what poor duty cannot do, noble respect Takes it in might, not merit. Where I have come up, great clerks have purposèd To greet me with premeditated welcomes, Where I have seen them shiver and look pale, Brand periods in the midst of sentences, Throttle their practiced accent in their fears, And in conclusion dumbly have broke off, Non paying me a welcome. Trust me, sweet, Out of this silence yet I picked a welcome, And in the modesty of fearful duty I read as much as from the rattling tongue Of saucy and audacious eloquence. Love, therefore, and tongue-tied simplicity In least speak most, to my capacity.

THESEUS

And so we're even more kind, for giving them thanks for something they're not good at. Our entertainment will be to watch their mistakes, and what their own poor talent tin't accomplish. Our noble generosity volition see the endeavor they are giving rather than the quality of their performance. When I have visited foreign cities, great scholars have tried to greet me with speeches they've rehearsed. And I have seen them shiver and plough pale from nervousness, and pause incorrectly in the middle of their sentences, and mess upwardly the tones of voice they've skilful, and then end by of a sudden breaking off without fifty-fifty welcoming me. Trust me, my love, even in their silence I could sense the welcome they meant to requite. I can empathise the same meaning from those who are minor and frightened but also desire to do their duty as I tin from those who can rattle off a speech communication with wit, talent, and eloquence. Every bit I run across it, my beloved, tongue-tied simplicity says the most precisely by saying the least.

PHILOSTRATE

And so please your grace, the Prologue is addressed.

PHILOSTRATE

If it please your Grace, the actor who will evangelize the prologue is prepare.

THESEUS

Let him arroyo.

THESEUS

Let him come forward.

QUINCE enters, performing every bit the PROLOGUE.

PROLOGUE

If we offend, it is with our good volition. That you should think we come non to offend, But with skilful will. To show our simple skill, That is the true beginning of our end. Consider and then we come but in despite. We do not come as minding to contest you, Our true intent is. All for your delight Nosotros are not here. That you should here repent you lot, The actors are at hand, and by their bear witness You shall know all that yous are like to know.

PROLOGUE

If our play offends you, it is our intention . That you lot know we have not come here to offend, just information technology is our intention. Showing off the picayune skill nosotros take in acting will stop up getting u.s. executed. Empathise, and then, that we come in a spirit of ill will. Nosotros don't come up here with the purpose of making you happy. We did not come here for your complete delight. Y'all should regret that the actors are fix. By watching their show, you'll detect out everything you're likely to know.

THESEUS

This young man doth not stand upon points.

THESEUS

This guy doesn't pay attention to punctuation.

LYSANDER

He hath rid his prologue similar a rough filly. He knows non the stop. A skilful moral, my lord: information technology is not enough to speak, but to speak true.

LYSANDER

He rode his prologue like a wild colt. He didn't know how to brand it stop. The moral here, my lord, is that it'due south not enough to speak. Y'all have to speak correctly.

HIPPOLYTA

Indeed he hath played on his prologue like a child on a recorder—a sound, only not in government.

HIPPOLYTA

Yes, he's performed the prologue like a kid plays a recorder—he can brand sounds, but not with any purposeful control.

THESEUS

His spoken language was like a tangled chain. Nothing impaired, but all disordered. Who is next?

THESEUS

His speech was like a tangled chain. Unbroken, but all jumbled up. Who'south adjacent?

Enter BOTTOM every bit PYRAMUS; FLUTE every bit THISBE; SNOUT as WALL; STARVELING as MOONSHINE; and SNUG as LION.

PROLOGUE

Gentles, maybe you wonder at this show. But wonder on, till truth make all things plain. This human is Pyramus, if yous would know. This beauteous lady Thisbe is certain. This man, with lime and roughcast, doth present Wall, that vile wall which did these lovers sunder. And through Wall's chink, poor souls, they are content To whisper. At the which permit no man wonder. This man, with lanthorn, dog, and bush of thorn, Presenteth Moonshine. For, if you will know, Past moonshine did these lovers call up no contemptuousness To meet at Ninus' tomb—at that place, there to woo. This grisly beast, which "Lion" hight past name, The trusty Thisbe, coming first by dark, Did scare away, or rather did affright. And, as she fled, her drape she did autumn, Which Lion vile with bloody mouth did stain. Betimes comes Pyramus, sweet youth and tall, And finds his trusty Thisbe's mantle slain. Whereat, with bract, with encarmine blameful blade, He bravely broached his boiling bloody chest. And Thisbe, tarrying in mulberry shade, His dagger drew, and died. For all the residue, Permit King of beasts, Moonshine, Wall, and lovers twain At large discourse, while hither they practice remain.

PROLOGUE

Ladies and gentlemen, possibly yous're wondering about the discipline of this play. Continue on wondering, until the truth makes everything articulate. This man is Pyramus, if you lot'd like to know. It'south certain that this cute lady is Thisbe. This man, dusted in lime and plaster, is playing the Wall, that atrocious wall that separated these lovers. Through a little hole in the Wall, the poor souls are content to whisper. And no one should be amazed by that. This human being, who has the lantern, dog, and thorn bush, is playing the function of Moonshine. Because, if you'd like to know, the lovers didn't think information technology was shameful to meet each other in the moonlight past Ninus's tomb—there, they would woo each other. This dreadful beast, which is called "Lion," scared away, or rather frightened, the true-blue Thisbe when she arrived first at the coming together place ane nighttime. And, as she ran abroad, she dropped her cloak, which the atrocious Panthera leo stained with his encarmine rima oris. Soon Pyramus arrives, a sweet and tall young human, and finds his faithful Thisbe's cloak covered in blood. Considering of that, he raised his sword—his bloodthirsty responsible bract—and bravely stabbed his raging, ferocious breast. Then Thisbe, waiting in the shade of the mulberry bushes, took out his dagger and killed herself. To hear the rest of the story, allow Lion, Moonshine, Wall, and the two separated lovers explain it more fully while they stand here on the stage.

THESEUS

I wonder if the panthera leo be to speak.

THESEUS

I wonder if the lion will speak.

DEMETRIUS

No wonder, my lord. 1 king of beasts may when many asses practice.

DEMETRIUS

It wouldn't be shocking, my lord. When a bunch of asses are up on phase talking, a king of beasts might talk besides.

WALL

In this same interlude it doth befall That I, one Snout by proper name, present a wall. And such a wall, as I would accept you lot recollect, That had in information technology a crannied hole, or chink, Through which the lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe, Did whisper often very secretly. This loam, this roughcast, and this stone doth prove That I am that aforementioned wall. The truth is so. And this the cranny is, correct and sinister, Through which the fearful lovers are to whisper.

WALL

At this moment of the play I, Snout, play a wall. I want you to know that this wall has a little hole in it, through which the lovers Pyramus and Thisbe oftentimes secretly whispered. This clay, this plaster, and this stone that I have on me evidence that I'm that wall. That's the truth. And this is the crack, running horizontally correct to left, through which the fated lovers will whisper.

PROLOGUE, THISBE, LION, and MOONSHINE exit.

THESEUS

Would you desire lime and hair to speak better?

THESEUS

Would you ever hope to hear plaster speak more than eloquently?

DEMETRIUS

It is the wittiest sectionalization that always I heard discourse, my lord.

DEMETRIUS

It'due south the smartest barrier that I've e'er heard speak, my lord.

THESEUS

Pyramus draws near the wall. Silence!

THESEUS

Pyramus is approaching the wall. Be quiet!

PYRAMUS

O grim-looked night! O dark with hue then black! O nighttime, which always fine art when mean solar day is non! O night, O dark! Alack, alack, alack, I fearfulness my Thisbe's promise is forgot! And thou, O Wall, O sweet, O lovely Wall, That stand'st between her father'due south ground and mine. Chiliad Wall, O Wall, O sweet and lovely Wall, Show me thy chink to blink through with mine eyne!

PYRAMUS

Oh, grim-looking dark! Oh, night colored and so blackness! Oh night, which ever exists when day does not! Oh night, oh night! Sad, sad, sad. I'1000 afraid my Thisbe has forgotten her promise! And you lot, oh Wall, oh sugariness, oh lovely Wall, which stands between Thisbe's father's land and mine. You Wall, oh Wall, oh sweet and lovely Wall. Show me your pigsty that I can peer through with my eye!

WALL holds up two fingers, spread a fleck apart.

Thanks, courteous Wall. Jove shield thee well for this! Only what run into I? No Thisbe do I see. O wicked Wall through whom I see no bliss! Cursed be thy stones for thus deceiving me!

Thanks, considerate Wall. May Jove protect yous for doing this. Merely what do I see? I don't encounter Thisbe. Oh wicked Wall, through which I see no happiness! Curse your stones for tricking me like this!

THESEUS

The wall, methinks, existence sensible, should curse once more.

THESEUS

Since the wall has thoughts and feelings, I think information technology should curse back at him.

Lesser

No, in truth, sir, he should not. "Deceiving me" is Thisbe's cue. She is to enter now and I am to spy her through the wall. You shall see, it will fall pat as I told you. Yonder she comes.

BOTTOM

[As himself] No, in fact, sir, he shouldn't. "Tricking me" is the cue for Thisbe to speak. She's going to enter now, and I'll spot her through the wall. You'll see, information technology'll happen just equally I am telling yous. In that location she comes.

THISBE

O Wall, total often hast thou heard my moans, For parting my off-white Pyramus and me! My cherry lips have often kissed thy stones, Thy stones with lime and hair knit up in thee.

THISBE

Oh Wall, you've so oft heard my moans because y'all separate me from my handsome Pyramus! My ruddy lips have frequently kissed your stones which are held together by plaster.

PYRAMUS

I see a vocalization. Now will I to the chink, To spy an I can hear my Thisbe's face. Thisbe?

PYRAMUS

I see a voice! At present I'll go to the hole to find out if I can hear my Thisbe's confront. Thisbe?

THISBE

My dearest yard art, my dear, I think.

THISBE

You are my love, my beloved, I think.

PYRAMUS

Think what 1000 wilt, I am thy lover'southward grace. And like Limander am I trusty yet.

PYRAMUS

Whatever you call back, I am your gracious lover. And, like Limander, I'm however faithful to yous.

THISBE

And I like Helen, till the Fates me kill.

THISBE

And I'll exist as faithful as Helen of Troy, until the day I'yard destined to dice.

PYRAMUS

Non Shafalus to Procrus was so true.

PYRAMUS

Not even Shafalus was as faithful to his lover Procrus as I am to you.

THISBE

As Shafalus to Procrus, I to y'all.

THISBE

I'm as faithful to you as Shafalus was to Procrus.

PYRAMUS

Oh, kiss me through the hole of this vile wall!

PYRAMUS

Oh, kiss me through the hole in this awful wall.

THISBE

I buss the wall'due south pigsty, not your lips at all.

THISBE

I'one thousand kissing the wall's pigsty, not your lips at all.

PYRAMUS

Wilt thou at Ninny's tomb meet me straightway?

PYRAMUS

Will you meet me at Ninny'due south grave right at present?

THISBE

Tide life, tide death, I come without delay.

THISBE

No matter what comes in life or death, I volition be at that place without delay.

WALL

Thus have I, Wall, my part dischargèd so. And, being washed, thus Wall away doth go.

WALL

In this mode, I, Wall, have played my role. Now, since I'1000 done, Wall can go away.

THESEUS

Now is the moon downwardly between the two neighbors.

THESEUS

With the wall gone, at present the two lovers volition see each other by the light of the moon.

DEMETRIUS

No remedy, my lord, when walls are then willful to hear without warning.

DEMETRIUS

There'southward nothing you can do about it, my lord, when walls have ears.

HIPPOLYTA

This is the silliest stuff that e'er I heard.

HIPPOLYTA

This is the silliest thing I've always seen.

THESEUS

The all-time in this kind are just shadows, and the worst are no worse if imagination improve them.

THESEUS

The best plays are a kind of illusion, and the worst are no worse if you use your imagination to fix them up.

HIPPOLYTA

Information technology must be your imagination then, and not theirs.

HIPPOLYTA

And then it's your imagination that'southward good, not theirs.

THESEUS

If we imagine no worse of them than they of themselves, they may pass for excellent men. Hither come up two noble beasts in, a human and a king of beasts.

THESEUS

If we imagine these actors as being no worse than they imagine themselves to be, then they'd seem similar accomplished actors. Hither come 2 noble beasts, a homo and a panthera leo.

LION

You, ladies, you whose gentle hearts exercise fear The smallest monstrous mouse that creeps on flooring, May now perchance both quake and tremble here, When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar. And then know that I, as Snug the joiner, am A panthera leo vicious, nor else no panthera leo'due south dam. For if I should as panthera leo come in strife Into this place, 'twere compassion on my life.

Panthera leo

Y'all gentle-hearted ladies—who fear even the smallest monstrous mouse that sneaks along the floor—may shake and tremble when the wild panthera leo roars in its most fierce rage. Therefore, know that I, Snug the carpenter, am neither a roughshod lion nor a lioness, because if I were a panthera leo that had come to this identify in order to fight, so it would cost me my life.

LION and MOONSHINE enter.

THESEUS

A very gentle beast, of a good censor.

THESEUS

It's a noble creature, with a expert conscience.

DEMETRIUS

A very all-time at a creature, my lord, that due east'er I saw.

DEMETRIUS

He's the best player at existence a beast that I've ever seen, my lord.

LYSANDER

This lion is a very fox for his valor.

LYSANDER

This king of beasts seems like a fox, by being more sly than courageous.

THESEUS

True. And a goose for his discretion.

THESEUS

Truthful. And he's just almost equally wise equally a goose—that is, non wise at all!

DEMETRIUS

Non so, my lord. For his valor cannot acquit his discretion, and the fox carries the goose.

DEMETRIUS

Not true, my lord. He's non courageous enough pull off being unimposing, just as the fox pulls forth the goose by carrying it in its mouth.

THESEUS

His discretion, I am certain, cannot conduct his valor, for the goose carries non the fox. Information technology is well. Leave it to his discretion, and allow us heed to the moon.

THESEUS

He'due south not discreet enough to be dauntless, really, simply as the goose tin't carry the fox. It doesn't matter. Let's leave all this to his discretion, and listen to the what the moon has to say.

MOONSHINE

This lanthorn doth the hornèd moon present—

MOONSHINE

This lantern symbolizes the horned moon.

DEMETRIUS

He should have worn the horns on his caput.

DEMETRIUS

He should have worn the horns on his head.

THESEUS

He is no crescent, and his horns are invisible within the circumference.

THESEUS

He's not shaped like a crescent moon, and so his horns are probably invisible inside the circle.

MOONSHINE

This lanthorn doth the hornèd moon nowadays. Myself the homo i' thursday' moon exercise seem to be.

MOONSHINE

This lantern represents the crescent moon. I am pretending to be the man in the moon.

THESEUS

This is the greatest fault of all the rest. The man should exist put into the lanthorn. How is it else the "man i' th' moon?"

THESEUS

That's a bigger mistake that all the others. The man should be put inside the lantern. How else can he be the "homo in the moon?"

DEMETRIUS

He dares not come there for the candle. For y'all see, it is already in snuff.

DEMETRIUS

He doesn't dare to go in at that place on account of the candle. Because, you see, the candle must get-go be put out.

HIPPOLYTA

I am aweary of this moon. Would he would change!

HIPPOLYTA

I'm tired of this moon. If merely he would wane away.

THESEUS

Information technology appears by his pocket-sized light of discretion, that he is in the wane. Merely however, in courtesy, in all reason, we must stay the time.

THESEUS

It seems by the meager amount of lite he's giving off that he is waning. Only, to be polite, we'll have to look to find out.

MOONSHINE

All that I have to say is to tell you that the lanthorn is the moon; I, the man in the moon; this thornbush, my thornbush; and this dog, my dog.

MOONSHINE

All I accept to say is that the lantern is the moon. I'k the man in the moon. This thorn bush is my thorn bush-league. And this dog is my dog.

DEMETRIUS

Why, all these should be in the lanthorn, for all these are in the moon. But silence! Here comes Thisbe.

DEMETRIUS

Well, all of these should be in the lantern, considering all of them are in the moon. But be quiet! Hither comes Thisbe.

THISBE

This is one-time Ninny's tomb. Where is my love?

THISBE

This is erstwhile Ninny's tomb. Where is my love?

THISBE runs off, leaving her cloak backside.

DEMETRIUS

Well roared, King of beasts!

DEMETRIUS

Nice roar, Lion!

THESEUS

Well run, Thisbe!

THESEUS

Nice running, Thisbe!

HIPPOLYTA

Well shone, Moon! Truly, the moon shines with a adept grace.

HIPPOLYTA

Dainty shining, Moon! Really, the Moon shines quite well.

King of beasts bites and shakes THISBE's cloak, staining it with claret.

THESEUS

Well moused, King of beasts!

THESEUS

Way to shake that mantle around the way a true cat shakes a mouse, Lion!

DEMETRIUS

And so came Pyramus.

DEMETRIUS

And and so Pyramus arrived.

LYSANDER

And so the lion vanished.

LYSANDER

So and then the panthera leo disappeared.

PYRAMUS

Sweetness Moon, I thank thee for thy sunny beams. I thank thee, Moon, for shining now so bright. For by thy gracious, aureate, glittering gleams, I trust to take of truest Thisbe sight. Just stay, O spite! But marker, poor knight, What dreadful dole is here! Eyes, do y'all come across? How can it be? O dainty duck! O dear! Thy mantle good, What, stained with blood? Approach, ye Furies brutal! O Fates, come, come, Cut thread and thrum. Quail, beat out, conclude, and quell!

PYRAMUS

Sweetness Moon, I give thanks you lot for your sunny beams. I cheers, Moon, for shining now so bright, because past the calorie-free of your helpful, golden, glittering beams, I will be able to see my faithful Thisbe. But wait. Oh, misfortune! Look, you poor knight, what an awful sight! Eyes, practice you see? How can this be? Oh, my prissy duck! Oh, my dear! What? Your beautiful cloak, is it stained with blood? Come, you cruel Furies! Come up, come you Fates, and cut the thread of my life. Conquer, crush, bring to an end, and kill!

THESEUS

This passion and the decease of a love friend would become near to make a human being expect sad.

THESEUS

Watching this operation would exist almost enough to make a man sad—so long as a good friend of yours died while you were watching it.

HIPPOLYTA

Beshrew my heart, but I compassion the man.

HIPPOLYTA

Curse my heart, but I experience deplorable for this man.

PYRAMUS

O wherefore, Nature, didst thou lions frame? Since lion vile hath here deflowered my dear, Which is—no, no—which was the fairest dame That lived, that loved, that liked, that looked with cheer. Come, tears, confound! Out, sword, and wound! The pap of Pyramus— Ay, that left pap Where heart doth hop. [Stabs himself] Thus die I, thus, thus, thus. Now am I expressionless. At present am I fled. My soul is in the sky. Tongue, lose thy light. Moon, take thy flight.

PYRAMUS

Oh why, Mother Nature, did you create lions? A dreadful panthera leo has deflowered my darling, who is—no, no—who was the most cute woman that e'er lived, loved, liked, or smiled. Come, tears, overwhelm me! Come out, sword, and wound me in the breast—yep, on the left side where the heart beats. [He stabs himself] And and then, I die, so, so, so. Now I am expressionless. At present my soul has flown from my body. Tongue, encounter no more. Moon, disappear.

DEMETRIUS

No die, but an ace for him, for he is but ane.

DEMETRIUS

This guy is just a unmarried face of a die—the one, because he'south a true original.

At present dice, die, die, die, die.
[He dies]

Now dice, die, die, die, die. [He dies]

LYSANDER

Less than an ace, man. For he is expressionless. He is nothing.

LYSANDER

He's a die with even fewer than i dot. He'due south dead, so he'due south cypher.

THESEUS

With the help of a surgeon he might yet recover and prove an ass.

THESEUS

With the help of a doctor he might recover and become an ass.

HIPPOLYTA

How chance Moonshine is gone before Thisbe comes back and finds her lover?

HIPPOLYTA

What's going to happen since Moonshine has left before Thisbe comes back. How volition she be able to find her lover?

THESEUS

She will discover him past starlight. Hither she comes, and her passion ends the play.

THESEUS

She'll meet him by starlight. Here she comes. Her crying will end the play.

HIPPOLYTA

Methinks she should not utilize a long one for such a Pyramus. I hope she volition be cursory.

HIPPOLYTA

I don't think this Pyramus deserves a whole lot of crying. I hope she does her function chop-chop.

DEMETRIUS

A mote will turn the balance, which Pyramus, which Thisbe, is the better. He for a man, God warrant usa, she for a woman, God bless us.

DEMETRIUS

The difference in who's better between Pyramus and Thisbe is razor sparse. God save us from him, as a man. Merely God save us from her, as a woman.

LYSANDER

She hath spied him already with those sweetness eyes.

LYSANDER

She'southward seen him already with those sweet eyes of hers.

DEMETRIUS

And thus she means , videlice t —

DEMETRIUS

And and so she'll showtime moaning, as we expected—

THISBE

Asleep, my love? What, dead, my pigeon? O Pyramus, arise! Speak, speak. Quite impaired? Dead, expressionless? A tomb Must comprehend thy sweet eyes. These lily lips, This carmine olfactory organ, These yellow cowslip cheeks Are gone, are gone. Lovers, brand moan. His eyes were dark-green as leeks. O Sisters three, Come, come to me With hands equally pale as milk. Lay them in gore, Since you have shore With shears his thread of silk. Tongue, not a word. Come, trusty sword. Come, blade, my breast imbrue. [Stabs herself] And, farewell, friends. Thus Thisbe ends. Adieu, adieu, cheerio. [She dies]

THISBE

Are you asleep, my dear? What, are you dead, my dove? Oh, Pyramus, wake up! Speak, speak. Can you talk? Dead, dead? A tomb must encompass your sweet optics. Your lily-white lips, your cherry-cherry-red olfactory organ, your marigold-yellow cheeks are gone, gone. Lovers, moan. His optics were every bit green equally leeks. Oh, you three Fates, come up, come to me, with hands equally stake as milk. Identify your easily in blood, since you have cut with scissors the thread of his life. Natural language, don't say a word. Come up, trusty sword. Come, trusted sword, stain my breast with claret. [She stabs herself] Goodbye, friends! This is how Thisbe dies. Adieu, goodbye, goodbye. [She dies]

THESEUS

Moonshine and Lion are left to bury the expressionless.

THESEUS

Moonshine and Lion are left to bury the dead.

DEMETRIUS

Ay, and Wall too.

DEMETRIUS

Yes, and Wall too.

BOTTOM

[Out of grapheme] No, assure y'all. The wall is down that parted their fathers. Will it please you lot to encounter the epilogue, or to hear a Bergomask dance between two of our company?

BOTTOM

[As himself] No, I clinch you. The wall that separated their fathers' country has been taken down. Would yous similar to see the epilogue or meet ii of our actors perform a land trip the light fantastic toe?

THESEUS

No epilogue, I pray you, for your play needs no excuse. Never excuse—for when the players are all dead, at that place needs none to exist blamed. Marry, if he that writ it had played Pyramus and hanged himself in Thisbe's garter, it would take been a fine tragedy. And and so information technology is, truly, and very notably discharged. Merely come up, your Bergomask. Permit your epilogue alone.

THESEUS

No epilogue, delight. Your play does not need to offer any apology for itself through an epilogue. Never apologize—when the actors are all dead, no one must be blamed. In fact, if the man who wrote the play had performed as Pyramus and hanged himself with Thisbe's stockings, it would take been a very good tragedy. And that's exactly what it is, honestly, and remarkably performed. Now please, perform your country trip the light fantastic. But don't worry about performing your epilogue.

The actors trip the light fantastic. Bottom and FLUTE leave.

The iron natural language of midnight hath told twelve. Lovers, to bed. 'Tis nearly fairy time. I fear we shall outsleep the coming morning time Every bit much every bit we tonight have overwatched. This palpable-gross play hath well beguiled The heavy gait of dark. Sweet friends, to bed. A fortnight hold we this solemnity, In nightly revels and new jollity.

The easily of the clock have struck midnight. Lovers, let's go to bed. Information technology'southward well-nigh fairy time. I'm afraid we're going to sleep past morning because nosotros've stayed up and then late tonight. This apparently idiotic play has done a skillful job to aid us pass the tired hours of dark. Sweet friends, permit'south become to bed. For 2 weeks we volition continue to celebrate, with parties and new fun every night.

ROBIN

Now the hungry king of beasts roars And the wolf behowls the moon, Whilst the heavy ploughman snores, All with weary task fordone. Now the wasted brands exercise glow, Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud, Puts the wretch that lies in woe In remembrance of a shroud. Now it is the fourth dimension of night That the graves all gaping wide, Every ane lets along his sprite, In the churchway paths to glide. And we fairies, that do run By the triple Hecate'due south squad From the presence of the sunday, Post-obit darkness like a dream, Now are frolic. Not a mouse Shall disturb this hallowed business firm. I am sent with broom before To sweep the dust behind the door.

ROBIN

Now the hungry panthera leo roars and the wolf howls at the moon, while the tired farmer snores, wearied from all the work he's done. The embers of the burn glow, while the owl's screeching hoot makes the man lying in his sickbed think about the shroud that will comprehend him in death. Now is the time of night when the graves all open wide, and release their spirits to glide over the paths of graveyards. And nosotros fairies—who run from the sun just like Hecate , following darkness similar a dream—are jolly. I will ensure that not even a mouse will disturb this blessed firm. I've been sent ahead with a broom to sweep the grit behind the door.

OBERON and TITANIA enter with all their servants and followers.

OBERON

Through the firm requite glimmering low-cal, By the expressionless and drowsy burn down. Every elf and fairy sprite Hop every bit light every bit bird from brier. And this ditty, subsequently me, Sing and dance it trippingly.

OBERON

The dying fire gives off a glimmering lite throughout the house. At present every elf and fairy, hop equally lightly equally a bird on a twig, and sing this little song along with me, and dance.

TITANIA

First, rehearse your song by rote, To each word a warbling notation. Manus in hand with fairy grace Will we sing and bless this place.

TITANIA

Starting time rehearse your vocal from memory, and sing each give-and-take with a bird-like note. With everyone holding hands, we'll sing and bless this place with fairy grace.

OBERON

[Sings] Now until the break of day, Through this house each fairy stray. To the best helpmate bed will we, Which past us shall blessèd exist. And the issue at that place create Always shall be fortunate. So shall all the couples iii Ever true in loving be. And the blots of Nature's hand Shall not in their event stand up. Never mole, harelip, nor scar, Nor mark prodigious, such as are Despisèd in nativity, Shall upon their children exist. With this field dew consecrate, Every fairy have his gait. And each several sleeping accommodation bless Through this palace with sweet peace. And the possessor of information technology blessed Ever shall in safety rest. Trip abroad. Make no stay. Run into me all by break of day.

OBERON

[Singing]
Now, until the dawn,
Each fairy wander through this firm.
Titania and I will go
To the bless the royal union bed,
Then that the children conceived in information technology
Volition have good luck.
All 3 of the couples will always be
Faithful in love,
And none of the defects of nature
Will appear in their children.
They won't have moles, or cleft lips, or scars,
Or abnormal birthmarks,
All of which will cause upset
If a baby is born with it.
Fairies, have this holy dew from the fields,
And every bit you walk
Through the rooms of the palace,
Bless them with sugariness peace.
And the possessor of the palace
Volition ever be blessed and safe.
Now go, but don't stay long.
Encounter me at dawn.

OBERON and TITANIA and the FAIRIES sing and dance.

All go out except for ROBIN.

ROBIN

If we shadows have offended, Call up but this, and all is mended— That you have but slumbered here While these visions did announced. And this weak and idle theme, No more than yielding only a dream, Gentles, do non reprehend. If you pardon, we will mend. And, as I am an honest Puck, If nosotros have unearnèd luck At present to 'scape the serpent's natural language, Nosotros will brand amends ere long. Else the Puck a liar call. So expert night unto yous all. Requite me your hands if we exist friends, And Robin shall restore amends.

ROBIN

If we actors have offended y'all, just call back nigh information technology this way, and everything will be ameliorate: you just slept hither, and saw these visions in a dream. This foolish and light-headed plot was only a dream. Ladies and gentlemen, don't rebuke me. If you forgive us, nosotros'll brand everything better. And since I, Puck, am honest, I promise to make everything amend—if we're lucky enough to escape your boos and hisses. Otherwise, call me a liar. So, expert nighttime to all of you. If we are friends, please give us a round of applause—and Robin will make it all up to you.