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No Fear Translations
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Enter THESEUS , HIPPOLYTA , and PHILOSTRATE , with other attendant lords
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Enter THESEUS , HIPPOLYTA , and PHILOSTRATE , with other attendant lords
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HIPPOLYTA 'Tis strange, my Theseus, that these lovers speak of.
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HIPPOLYTA 'Tis strange, my Theseus, that these lovers speak of.
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THESEUS More strange than true. I never may believe
These antique fables nor these fairy toys.
Lovers and madmen have such seething brains,
5 Such shaping fantasies, that apprehend
More than cool reason ever comprehends.
The lunatic, the lover, and the poet
Are of imagination all compact.
One sees more devils than vast hell can hold—
10 That is the madman. The lover, all as frantic,
Sees Helen’s beauty in a brow of Egypt.
The poet’s eye, in fine frenzy rolling,
Doth glance from heaven to Earth, from Earth to heaven.
And as imagination bodies forth
15 The forms of things unknown, the poet’s pen
Turns them to shapes and gives to airy nothing
A local habitation and a name.
Such tricks hath strong imagination,
That if it would but apprehend some joy,
20 It comprehends some bringer of that joy.
Or in the night, imagining some fear,
How easy is a bush supposed a bear!
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THESEUS More strange than true. I never may believe
These antique fables nor these fairy toys.
Lovers and madmen have such seething brains,
Such shaping fantasies, that apprehend
More than cool reason ever comprehends.
The lunatic, the lover, and the poet
Are of imagination all compact.
One sees more devils than vast hell can hold—
That is the madman. The lover, all as frantic,
Sees Helen’s beauty in a brow of Egypt.
The poet’s eye, in fine frenzy rolling,
Doth glance from heaven to Earth, from Earth to heaven.
And as imagination bodies forth
The forms of things unknown, the poet’s pen
Turns them to shapes and gives to airy nothing
A local habitation and a name.
Such tricks hath strong imagination,
That if it would but apprehend some joy,
It comprehends some bringer of that joy.
Or in the night, imagining some fear,
How easy is a bush supposed a bear!
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HIPPOLYTA But all the story of the night told over,
And all their minds transfigured so together,
25 More witnesseth than fancy’s images
And grows to something of great constancy,
But, howsoever, strange and admirable.
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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 constancy,
But, howsoever, strange and admirable.
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Enter lovers: LYSANDER , DEMETRIUS , HELENA , and HERMIA
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Enter lovers: LYSANDER , DEMETRIUS , HELENA , and HERMIA
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THESEUS Here come the lovers, full of joy and mirth.—
Joy, gentle friends! Joy and fresh days of love
30 Accompany your hearts!
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THESEUS Here come the lovers, full of joy and mirth.—
Joy, gentle friends! Joy and fresh days of love
Accompany your hearts!
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LYSANDER More than to us
Wait in your royal walks, your board, your bed!
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LYSANDER More than to us
Wait in your royal walks, your board, your bed!
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THESEUS Come now, what masques, what dances shall we have
To wear away this long age of three hours
Between our after-supper and bedtime?
35 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.
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THESEUS Come now, what masques, what dances shall we have
To wear away this long age of three hours
Between our after-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.
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PHILOSTRATE Here, mighty Theseus.
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PHILOSTRATE Here, mighty Theseus.
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THESEUS Say, what abridgement have you for this evening?
40 What masque, what music? How shall we beguile
The lazy time if not with some delight?
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THESEUS Say, what abridgement have you for this evening?
What masque, what music? How shall we beguile
The lazy time if not with some delight?
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PHILOSTRATE (giving THESEUS a document)
There is a brief, how many sports are ripe.
Make choice of which your highness will see first.
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PHILOSTRATE (giving THESEUS a document)
There is a brief, how many sports are ripe.
Make choice of which your highness will see first.
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THESEUS “The battle with the Centaurs, to be sung
By an Athenian eunuch to the harp.”
We’ll none of that. That have I told my love,
In glory 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.
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THESEUS “The battle with the Centaurs, to be sung
By an Athenian eunuch to the harp.”
We’ll none of that. That have I told my love,
In glory 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.
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“The thrice three Muses mourning for the death
Of learning, late deceased in beggary.”
50 That is some satire, keen 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”? “Tedious” and “brief”?
That is hot ice and wondrous strange snow.
How shall we find the concord of this discord?
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“The thrice three Muses mourning for the death
Of learning, late deceased in beggary.”
That is some satire, keen 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”? “Tedious” and “brief”?
That is hot ice and wondrous strange snow.
How shall we find the concord of this discord?
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PHILOSTRATE 55 A play there is, my lord, some ten words long,
Which is as brief as I have known a play.
But by ten words, my lord, it is too long,
Which makes it tedious. For in all the play
There is not one word apt, one player fitted.
60 And tragical, my noble lord, it is.
For Pyramus therein doth kill himself.
Which, when I saw rehearsed, I must confess,
Made mine eyes water—but more merry tears
The passion of loud laughter never shed.
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PHILOSTRATE A play there is, my lord, some ten words long,
Which is as brief as I have known a play.
But by ten words, my lord, it is too long,
Which makes it tedious. For in all the play
There is not one word apt, one player fitted.
And tragical, my noble lord, it is.
For Pyramus therein doth kill himself.
Which, when I saw rehearsed, I must confess,
Made mine eyes water—but more merry tears
The passion of loud laughter never shed.
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THESEUS 65 What are they that do play it?
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THESEUS What are they that do play it?
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PHILOSTRATE Hard-handed men that work in Athens here,
Which never labored in their minds till now,
And now have toiled their unbreathed memories
With this same play against your nuptial.
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PHILOSTRATE Hard-handed men that work in Athens here,
Which never labored in their minds till now,
And now have toiled their unbreathed memories
With this same play against your nuptial.
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THESEUS 70 And we will hear it.
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THESEUS And we will hear it.
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PHILOSTRATE No, my noble lord.
It is not for you. I have heard it over,
And it is nothing, nothing in the world—
Unless you can find sport in their intents,
Extremely stretched and conned with cru 'l pain
75 To do you service.
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PHILOSTRATE No, my noble lord.
It is not for you. I have heard it over,
And it is nothing, nothing in the world—
Unless you can find sport in their intents,
Extremely stretched and conned with cru 'l pain
To do you service.
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THESEUS I will hear that play.
For never anything can be amiss
When simpleness and duty tender it.
Go, bring them in.—And take your places, ladies.
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THESEUS I will hear that play.
For never anything can be amiss
When simpleness and duty tender it.
Go, bring them in.—And take your places, ladies.
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Exit PHILOSTRATE
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Exit PHILOSTRATE
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HIPPOLYTA I love not to see wretchedness o'er charged
80 And duty in his service perishing.
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HIPPOLYTA I love not to see wretchedness o'er charged
And duty in his service perishing.
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THESEUS Why, gentle sweet, you shall see no such thing.
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THESEUS Why, gentle sweet, you shall see no such thing.
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HIPPOLYTA He says they can do nothing in this kind.
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HIPPOLYTA He says they can do nothing in this kind.
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THESEUS The kinder we, to give them thanks for nothing.
Our sport shall be to take what they mistake.
85 And what poor duty cannot do, noble respect
Takes it in might, not merit.
Where I have come, great clerks have purposèd
To greet me with premeditated welcomes,
Where I have seen them shiver and look pale,
90 Make periods in the midst of sentences,
Throttle their practiced accent in their fears,
And in conclusion dumbly have broke off,
Not paying me a welcome. Trust me, sweet,
Out of this silence yet I picked a welcome,
95 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.
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THESEUS The kinder we, to give them thanks for nothing.
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, great clerks have purposèd
To greet me with premeditated welcomes,
Where I have seen them shiver and look pale,
Make periods in the midst of sentences,
Throttle their practiced accent in their fears,
And in conclusion dumbly have broke off,
Not 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.
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Enter PHILOSTRATE
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Enter PHILOSTRATE
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PHILOSTRATE 100 So please your grace, the Prologue is addressed.
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PHILOSTRATE So please your grace, the Prologue is addressed.
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THESEUS Let him approach.
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THESEUS Let him approach.
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Enter QUINCE as the PROLOGUE
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Enter QUINCE as the PROLOGUE
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PROLOGUE (delivered by QUINCE)
If we offend, it is with our good will.
That you should think we come not to offend,
105 But with good will. To show our simple skill,
That is the true beginning of our end.
Consider then we come but in despite.
We do not come as minding to contest you,
Our true intent is. All for your delight
110 We are not here. That you should here repent you,
The actors are at hand, and by their show
You shall know all that you are like to know.
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PROLOGUE (delivered by QUINCE)
If we offend, it is with our good will.
That you should think we come not to offend,
But with good will. To show our simple skill,
That is the true beginning of our end.
Consider then we come but in despite.
We do not come as minding to contest you,
Our true intent is. All for your delight
We are not here. That you should here repent you,
The actors are at hand, and by their show
You shall know all that you are like to know.
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THESEUS This fellow doth not stand upon points.
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THESEUS This fellow doth not stand upon points.
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LYSANDER He hath rid his prologue like a rough colt. He knows not the stop. A good moral, my lord: it is not enough to speak, but to speak true.
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LYSANDER He hath rid his prologue like a rough colt. He knows not the stop. A good moral, my lord: it is not enough to speak, but to speak true.
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HIPPOLYTA Indeed he hath played on his prologue like a child on a recorder—a sound, but not in government.
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HIPPOLYTA Indeed he hath played on his prologue like a child on a recorder—a sound, but not in government.
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THESEUS His speech was like a tangled chain. Nothing impaired, but all disordered. Who is next?
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THESEUS His speech was like a tangled chain. Nothing impaired, but all disordered. Who is next?
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Enter BOTTOM as PYRAMUS , and FLUTE as THISBE , and SNOUT as WALL , and STARVELING as MOONSHINE , and SNUG as LION
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Enter BOTTOM as PYRAMUS , and FLUTE as THISBE , and SNOUT as WALL , and STARVELING as MOONSHINE , and SNUG as LION
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PROLOGUE (delivered by QUINCE)
Gentles, perchance you wonder at this show.
But wonder on, till truth make all things plain.
This man is Pyramus, if you would know.
125 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 let no man wonder.
130 This man, with lanthorn, dog, and bush of thorn,
Presenteth Moonshine. For, if you will know,
By moonshine did these lovers think no scorn
To meet at Ninus' tomb—there, there to woo.
This grisly beast, which “Lion” hight by name,
135 The trusty Thisbe, coming first by night,
Did scare away, or rather did affright.
And, as she fled, her mantle she did fall,
Which Lion vile with bloody mouth did stain.
Anon comes Pyramus, sweet youth and tall,
140 And finds his trusty Thisbe’s mantle slain.
Whereat, with blade, with bloody blameful blade,
He bravely broached his boiling bloody breast.
And Thisbe, tarrying in mulberry shade,
His dagger drew, and died. For all the rest,
145 Let Lion, Moonshine, Wall, and lovers twain
At large discourse, while here they do remain.
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PROLOGUE (delivered by QUINCE)
Gentles, perchance you wonder at this show.
But wonder on, till truth make all things plain.
This man is Pyramus, if you 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 let no man wonder.
This man, with lanthorn, dog, and bush of thorn,
Presenteth Moonshine. For, if you will know,
By moonshine did these lovers think no scorn
To meet at Ninus' tomb—there, there to woo.
This grisly beast, which “Lion” hight by name,
The trusty Thisbe, coming first by night,
Did scare away, or rather did affright.
And, as she fled, her mantle she did fall,
Which Lion vile with bloody mouth did stain.
Anon comes Pyramus, sweet youth and tall,
And finds his trusty Thisbe’s mantle slain.
Whereat, with blade, with bloody blameful blade,
He bravely broached his boiling bloody breast.
And Thisbe, tarrying in mulberry shade,
His dagger drew, and died. For all the rest,
Let Lion, Moonshine, Wall, and lovers twain
At large discourse, while here they do remain.
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THESEUS I wonder if the lion be to speak.
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THESEUS I wonder if the lion be to speak.
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DEMETRIUS No wonder, my lord. One lion may when many asses do.
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DEMETRIUS No wonder, my lord. One lion may when many asses do.
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Exeunt PROLOGUE , PYRAMUS , THISBE , LION , and MOONSHINE
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Exeunt PROLOGUE , PYRAMUS , THISBE , LION , and MOONSHINE
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WALL (played by SNOUT) In this same interlude it doth befall
150 That I, one Snout by name, present a wall.
And such a wall, as I would have you think,
That had in it a crannied hole, or chink,
Through which the lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe,
Did whisper often very secretly.
155 This loam, this roughcast, and this stone doth show
That I am that same wall. The truth is so.
And this the cranny is, right and sinister,
Through which the fearful lovers are to whisper.
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WALL (played by SNOUT) In this same interlude it doth befall
That I, one Snout by name, present a wall.
And such a wall, as I would have you think,
That had in it 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 show
That I am that same wall. The truth is so.
And this the cranny is, right and sinister,
Through which the fearful lovers are to whisper.
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THESEUS Would you desire lime and hair to speak better?
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THESEUS Would you desire lime and hair to speak better?
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DEMETRIUS |
DEMETRIUS |
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Enter PYRAMUS
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Enter PYRAMUS
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THESEUS Pyramus draws near the wall. Silence!
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THESEUS Pyramus draws near the wall. Silence!
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PYRAMUS (played by BOTTOM)
O grim-looked night! O night with hue so black!
165 O night, which ever art when day is not!
O night, O night! Alack, alack, alack,
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PYRAMUS (played by BOTTOM)
O grim-looked night! O night with hue so black!
O night, which ever art when day is not!
O night, O night! Alack, alack, alack,
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I fear my Thisbe’s promise is forgot!—
And thou, O Wall, O sweet, O lovely Wall,
That stand’st between her father’s ground and mine.
170 Thou Wall, O Wall, O sweet and lovely Wall,
Show me thy chink to blink through with mine eyne!
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I fear my Thisbe’s promise is forgot!—
And thou, O Wall, O sweet, O lovely Wall,
That stand’st between her father’s ground and mine.
Thou Wall, O Wall, O sweet and lovely Wall,
Show me thy chink to blink through with mine eyne!
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WALL holds up fingers as chink
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WALL holds up fingers as chink
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Thanks, courteous Wall. Jove shield thee well for this!
But what see I? No Thisbe do I see.
O wicked Wall through whom I see no bliss!
175 Cursed be thy stones for thus deceiving me!
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Thanks, courteous Wall. Jove shield thee well for this!
But what see I? No Thisbe do I see.
O wicked Wall through whom I see no bliss!
Cursed be thy stones for thus deceiving me!
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THESEUS The wall, methinks, being sensible, should curse again.
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THESEUS The wall, methinks, being sensible, should curse again.
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BOTTOM (out of character) 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.
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BOTTOM (out of character) 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.
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Enter THISBE
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Enter THISBE
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THISBE (played by FLUTE)
O Wall, full often hast thou heard my moans,
For parting my fair Pyramus and me!
My cherry lips have often kissed thy stones,
185 Thy stones with lime and hair knit up in thee.
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THISBE (played by FLUTE)
O Wall, full often hast thou heard my moans,
For parting my fair Pyramus and me!
My cherry lips have often kissed thy stones,
Thy stones with lime and hair knit up in thee.
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PYRAMUS I see a voice. Now will I to the chink,
To spy an I can hear my Thisbe’s face. Thisbe?
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PYRAMUS I see a voice. Now will I to the chink,
To spy an I can hear my Thisbe’s face. Thisbe?
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THISBE My love thou art, my love, I think.
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THISBE My love thou art, my love, I think.
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PYRAMUS Think what thou wilt, I am thy lover’s grace.
190 And like Limander am I trusty still.
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PYRAMUS Think what thou wilt, I am thy lover’s grace.
And like Limander am I trusty still.
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THISBE And I like Helen, till the Fates me kill.
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THISBE And I like Helen, till the Fates me kill.
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PYRAMUS Not Shafalus to Procrus was so true.
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PYRAMUS Not Shafalus to Procrus was so true.
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THISBE As Shafalus to Procrus, I to you.
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THISBE As Shafalus to Procrus, I to you.
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PYRAMUS Oh, kiss me through the hole of this vile wall!
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PYRAMUS Oh, kiss me through the hole of this vile wall!
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THISBE 195 I kiss the wall’s hole, not your lips at all.
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THISBE I kiss the wall’s hole, not your lips at all.
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PYRAMUS Wilt thou at Ninny’s tomb meet me straightway?
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PYRAMUS Wilt thou at Ninny’s tomb meet me straightway?
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THISBE Tide life, tide death, I come without delay.
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THISBE Tide life, tide death, I come without delay.
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Exeunt PYRAMUS and THISBE
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Exeunt PYRAMUS and THISBE
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WALL Thus have I, Wall, my part dischargèd so.
And, being done, thus Wall away doth go.
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WALL Thus have I, Wall, my part dischargèd so.
And, being done, thus Wall away doth go.
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Exit WALL
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Exit WALL
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THESEUS 200 Now is the mural down between the two neighbors.
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THESEUS Now is the mural down between the two neighbors.
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DEMETRIUS No remedy, my lord, when walls are so willful to hear without warning.
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DEMETRIUS No remedy, my lord, when walls are so willful to hear without warning.
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HIPPOLYTA This is the silliest stuff that ever I heard.
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HIPPOLYTA This is the silliest stuff that ever I heard.
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THESEUS The best in this kind are but shadows, and the worst are no worse if imagination amend them.
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THESEUS The best in this kind are but shadows, and the worst are no worse if imagination amend them.
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HIPPOLYTA It must be your imagination then, and not theirs.
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HIPPOLYTA It must be your imagination then, and not theirs.
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THESEUS |
THESEUS |
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Enter LION and MOONSHINE
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Enter LION and MOONSHINE
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LION (played by SNUG)
You, ladies, you whose gentle hearts do fear
210 The smallest monstrous mouse that creeps on floor,
May now perchance both quake and tremble here,
When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar.
Then know that I, as Snug the joiner, am
A lion fell, nor else no lion’s dam.
215 For if I should as lion come in strife
Into this place, ’twere pity on my life.
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LION (played by SNUG)
You, ladies, you whose gentle hearts do fear
The smallest monstrous mouse that creeps on floor,
May now perchance both quake and tremble here,
When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar.
Then know that I, as Snug the joiner, am
A lion fell, nor else no lion’s dam.
For if I should as lion come in strife
Into this place, ’twere pity on my life.
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THESEUS A very gentle beast, of a good conscience.
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THESEUS A very gentle beast, of a good conscience.
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DEMETRIUS A very best at a beast, my lord, that e'er I saw.
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DEMETRIUS A very best at a beast, my lord, that e'er I saw.
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LYSANDER This lion is a very fox, for his valor.
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LYSANDER This lion is a very fox, for his valor.
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THESEUS 220 True. And a goose for his discretion.
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THESEUS True. And a goose for his discretion.
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DEMETRIUS Not so, my lord. For his valor cannot carry his discretion, and the fox carries the goose.
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DEMETRIUS Not so, my lord. For his valor cannot carry his discretion, and the fox carries the goose.
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THESEUS His discretion, I am sure, cannot carry his valor, for the goose carries not the fox. It is well. Leave it to his discretion, and let us listen to the moon.
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THESEUS His discretion, I am sure, cannot carry his valor, for the goose carries not the fox. It is well. Leave it to his discretion, and let us listen to the moon.
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MOONSHINE (played by STARVELING)
This lanthorn doth the hornèd moon present—
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MOONSHINE (played by STARVELING)
This lanthorn doth the hornèd moon present—
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DEMETRIUS He should have worn the horns on his head.
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DEMETRIUS He should have worn the horns on his head.
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THESEUS He is no crescent, and his horns are invisible within the circumference.
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THESEUS He is no crescent, and his horns are invisible within the circumference.
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MOONSHINE This lanthorn doth the hornèd moon present.
Myself the man i' th' moon do seem to be—
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MOONSHINE This lanthorn doth the hornèd moon present.
Myself the man i' th' moon do seem to be—
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THESEUS This is the greatest error of all the rest. The man should be put into the lanthorn. How is it else the “man i' th' moon”?
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THESEUS This is the greatest error of all the rest. The man should be put into the lanthorn. How is it else the “man i' th' moon”?
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DEMETRIUS |
DEMETRIUS |
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HIPPOLYTA I am aweary of this moon. Would he would change!
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HIPPOLYTA I am aweary of this moon. Would he would change!
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THESEUS It appears by his small light of discretion, that he is in the wane. But yet, in courtesy, in all reason, we must stay the time.
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THESEUS It appears by his small light of discretion, that he is in the wane. But yet, in courtesy, in all reason, we must stay the time.
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LYSANDER Proceed, Moon.
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LYSANDER Proceed, Moon.
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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.
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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.
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DEMETRIUS |
DEMETRIUS |
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Enter THISBE
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Enter THISBE
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THISBE This is old Ninny’s tomb. Where is my love?
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THISBE This is old Ninny’s tomb. Where is my love?
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LION (roaring) Oh!
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LION (roaring) Oh!
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THISBE runs off, dropping her mantle
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THISBE runs off, dropping her mantle
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DEMETRIUS Well roared, Lion!
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DEMETRIUS Well roared, Lion!
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THESEUS 250 Well run, Thisbe!
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THESEUS Well run, Thisbe!
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HIPPOLYTA Well shone, Moon!—Truly, the moon shines with a good grace.
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HIPPOLYTA Well shone, Moon!—Truly, the moon shines with a good grace.
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LION bloodies THISBE ’s mantle
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LION bloodies THISBE ’s mantle
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THESEUS Well moused, Lion!
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THESEUS Well moused, Lion!
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Enter PYRAMUS
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Enter PYRAMUS
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DEMETRIUS And then came Pyramus.
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DEMETRIUS And then came Pyramus.
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Exit LION
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Exit LION
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LYSANDER And so the lion vanished.
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LYSANDER And so the lion vanished.
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PYRAMUS 255 Sweet Moon, I thank thee for thy sunny beams.
I thank thee, Moon, for shining now so bright.
For by thy gracious, golden, glittering gleams,
I trust to take of truest Thisbe sight.—
But stay, O spite!
260 But mark, poor knight,
What dreadful dole is here!
Eyes, do you see?
How can it be?
O dainty duck! O dear!
265 Thy mantle good,
What, stained with blood?
Approach, ye Furies fell!
O Fates, come, come,
Cut thread and thrum.
270 Quail, crush, conclude, and quell!
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PYRAMUS Sweet Moon, I thank thee for thy sunny beams.
I thank thee, Moon, for shining now so bright.
For by thy gracious, golden, glittering gleams,
I trust to take of truest Thisbe sight.—
But stay, O spite!
But mark, poor knight,
What dreadful dole is here!
Eyes, do you see?
How can it be?
O dainty duck! O dear!
Thy mantle good,
What, stained with blood?
Approach, ye Furies fell!
O Fates, come, come,
Cut thread and thrum.
Quail, crush, conclude, and quell!
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THESEUS This passion and the death of a dear friend would go near to make a man look sad.
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THESEUS This passion and the death of a dear friend would go near to make a man look sad.
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HIPPOLYTA Beshrew my heart, but I pity the man.
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HIPPOLYTA Beshrew my heart, but I pity the man.
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PYRAMUS O wherefore, Nature, didst thou lions frame?
275 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!
280 The pap of Pyramus—
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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—
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Ay, that left pap
Where heart doth hop. (stabs himself)
Thus die I, thus, thus, thus.
285 Now am I dead.
Now am I fled.
My soul is in the sky.
Tongue, lose thy light.
Moon, take thy flight.
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Ay, that left pap
Where heart doth hop. (stabs himself)
Thus die I, thus, thus, thus.
Now am I dead.
Now am I fled.
My soul is in the sky.
Tongue, lose thy light.
Moon, take thy flight.
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Exit MOONSHINE
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Exit MOONSHINE
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290 Now die, die, die, die, die.
(dies)
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Now die, die, die, die, die.
(dies)
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DEMETRIUS No die, but an ace for him, for he is but one.
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DEMETRIUS No die, but an ace for him, for he is but one.
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LYSANDER Less than an ace, man. For he is dead. He is nothing.
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LYSANDER Less than an ace, man. For he is dead. He is nothing.
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THESEUS With the help of a surgeon he might yet recover and prove an ass.
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THESEUS With the help of a surgeon he might yet recover and prove an ass.
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HIPPOLYTA How chance Moonshine is gone before Thisbe comes back and finds her lover?
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HIPPOLYTA How chance Moonshine is gone before Thisbe comes back and finds her lover?
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THESEUS She will find him by starlight. Here she comes, and her passion ends the play.
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THESEUS She will find him by starlight. Here she comes, and her passion ends the play.
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Enter THISBE
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Enter THISBE
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HIPPOLYTA 300 Methinks she should not use a long one for such a Pyramus.
I hope she will be brief.
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HIPPOLYTA Methinks she should not use a long one for such a Pyramus.
I hope she will be brief.
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DEMETRIUS A mote will turn the balance, which Pyramus, which Thisbe, is the better. He for a man, God warrant us, she for a woman, God bless us.
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DEMETRIUS A mote will turn the balance, which Pyramus, which Thisbe, is the better. He for a man, God warrant us, she for a woman, God bless us.
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LYSANDER 305 She hath spied him already with those sweet eyes.
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LYSANDER She hath spied him already with those sweet eyes.
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DEMETRIUS And thus she means, videlicet—
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DEMETRIUS And thus she means, videlicet—
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THISBE Asleep, my love?
What, dead, my dove?
O Pyramus, arise!
310 Speak, speak. Quite dumb?
Dead, dead? A tomb
Must cover thy sweet eyes.
These lily lips,
This cherry nose,
315 These yellow cowslip cheeks
Are gone, are gone.
Lovers, make moan.
His eyes were green as leeks.
O Sisters three,
320 Come, come to me
With hands as pale as milk.
Lay them in gore,
Since you have shore
With shears his thread of silk.
325 Tongue, not a word.
Come, trusty sword.
Come, blade, my breast imbrue.(stabs herself)
And, farewell, friends.
Thus Thisbe ends.
330 Adieu, adieu, adieu.
(dies)
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THISBE Asleep, my love?
What, dead, my dove?
O Pyramus, arise!
Speak, speak. Quite dumb?
Dead, dead? A tomb
Must cover thy sweet eyes.
These lily lips,
This cherry nose,
These yellow cowslip cheeks
Are gone, are gone.
Lovers, make moan.
His eyes were green as leeks.
O Sisters three,
Come, come to me
With hands as 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, adieu.
(dies)
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THESEUS Moonshine and Lion are left to bury the dead.
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THESEUS Moonshine and Lion are left to bury the dead.
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DEMETRIUS Ay, and Wall too.
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DEMETRIUS Ay, and Wall too.
|
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BOTTOM (out of character) No, assure you. The wall is down that parted their fathers. Will it please you to see the epilogue, or to hear a Bergomask dance between two of our company?
|
BOTTOM (out of character) No, assure you. The wall is down that parted their fathers. Will it please you to see the epilogue, or to hear a Bergomask dance between two of our company?
|
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THESEUS No epilogue, I pray you, for your play needs no excuse. Never excuse—for when the players are all dead, there needs none to be blamed. Marry, if he that writ it had played Pyramus and hanged himself in Thisbe’s garter, it would have been a fine tragedy. And so it is, truly, and very notably discharged. But come, your Bergomask. Let your epilogue alone.
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THESEUS No epilogue, I pray you, for your play needs no excuse. Never excuse—for when the players are all dead, there needs none to be blamed. Marry, if he that writ it had played Pyramus and hanged himself in Thisbe’s garter, it would have been a fine tragedy. And so it is, truly, and very notably discharged. But come, your Bergomask. Let your epilogue alone.
|
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Bergomask dance Exeunt BOTTOM and FLUTE
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Bergomask dance Exeunt BOTTOM and FLUTE
|
|
The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve.
Lovers, to bed. 'Tis almost fairy time.
345 I fear we shall outsleep the coming morn
As much as we this night have overwatched.
This palpable-gross play hath well beguiled
The heavy gait of night. Sweet friends, to bed.
A fortnight hold we this solemnity,
350 In nightly revels and new jollity.
|
The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve.
Lovers, to bed. 'Tis almost fairy time.
I fear we shall outsleep the coming morn
As much as we this night have overwatched.
This palpable-gross play hath well beguiled
The heavy gait of night. Sweet friends, to bed.
A fortnight hold we this solemnity,
In nightly revels and new jollity.
|
|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|
|
Enter ROBIN
|
Enter ROBIN
|
|
ROBIN Now the hungry lion roars
And the wolf behowls the moon,
Whilst the heavy ploughman snores,
All with weary task fordone.
Now the wasted brands do glow,
Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud,
Puts the wretch that lies in woe
In remembrance of a shroud.
Now it is the time of night
That the graves all gaping wide,
Every one lets forth his sprite,
In the churchway paths to glide.
|
ROBIN Now the hungry lion roars
And the wolf behowls the moon,
Whilst the heavy ploughman snores,
All with weary task fordone.
Now the wasted brands do glow,
Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud,
Puts the wretch that lies in woe
In remembrance of a shroud.
Now it is the time of night
That the graves all gaping wide,
Every one lets forth his sprite,
In the churchway paths to glide.
|
|
And we fairies, that do run
By the triple Hecate’s team
From the presence of the sun,
Following darkness like a dream,
Now are frolic. Not a mouse
Shall disturb this hallowed house.
I am sent with broom before
To sweep the dust behind the door.
|
And we fairies, that do run
By the triple Hecate’s team
From the presence of the sun,
Following darkness like a dream,
Now are frolic. Not a mouse
Shall disturb this hallowed house.
I am sent with broom before
To sweep the dust behind the door.
|
|
Enter OBERON and TITANIA , King and Queen of Fairies, with all their train
|
Enter OBERON and TITANIA , King and Queen of Fairies, with all their train
|
|
OBERON Through the house give glimmering light,
By the dead and drowsy fire.
Every elf and fairy sprite
Hop as light as bird from brier.
355 And this ditty, after me,
Sing and dance it trippingly.
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OBERON Through the house give glimmering light,
By the dead and drowsy fire.
Every elf and fairy sprite
Hop as light as bird from brier.
And this ditty, after me,
Sing and dance it trippingly.
|
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TITANIA First, rehearse your song by rote,
To each word a warbling note.
Hand in hand with fairy grace
360 Will we sing and bless this place.
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TITANIA First, rehearse your song by rote,
To each word a warbling note.
Hand in hand with fairy grace
Will we sing and bless this place.
|
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OBERON , TITANIA , and the FAIRIES sing and dance
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OBERON , TITANIA , and the FAIRIES sing and dance
|
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OBERON (sings)
Now until the break of day,
Through this house each fairy stray.
To the best bride bed will we,
Which by us shall blessèd be.
And the issue there create
Ever shall be fortunate.
So shall all the couples three
Ever true in loving be.
And the blots of Nature’s hand
Shall not in their issue stand.
|
OBERON (sings)
Now until the break of day,
Through this house each fairy stray.
To the best bride bed will we,
Which by us shall blessèd be.
And the issue there create
Ever shall be fortunate.
So shall all the couples three
Ever true in loving be.
And the blots of Nature’s hand
Shall not in their issue stand.
|
|
Never mole, harelip, nor scar,
Nor mark prodigious, such as are
Despisèd in nativity,
Shall upon their children be.
With this field dew consecrate,
Every fairy take his gait.
And each several chamber bless
Through this palace with sweet peace.
And the owner of it blessed
Ever shall in safety rest.
Trip away. Make no stay.
Meet me all by break of day.
|
Never mole, harelip, nor scar,
Nor mark prodigious, such as are
Despisèd in nativity,
Shall upon their children be.
With this field dew consecrate,
Every fairy take his gait.
And each several chamber bless
Through this palace with sweet peace.
And the owner of it blessed
Ever shall in safety rest.
Trip away. Make no stay.
Meet me all by break of day.
|
|
Exeunt all but ROBIN
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Exeunt all but ROBIN
|
|
ROBIN If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended—
That you have but slumbered here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearnèd luck
Now to ’scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long.
Else the Puck a liar call.
So good night unto you all.
Give me your hands if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
|
ROBIN If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended—
That you have but slumbered here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearnèd luck
Now to ’scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long.
Else the Puck a liar call.
So good night unto you all.
Give me your hands if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
|
|
Exit
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Exit
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
Enter THESEUS , HIPPOLYTA , and PHILOSTRATE , with other attendant lords
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Enter THESEUS , HIPPOLYTA , and PHILOSTRATE , with other attendant lords
|
|
HIPPOLYTA 'Tis strange, my Theseus, that these lovers speak of.
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HIPPOLYTA 'Tis strange, my Theseus, that these lovers speak of.
|
|
THESEUS More strange than true. I never may believe
These antique fables nor these fairy toys.
Lovers and madmen have such seething brains,
5 Such shaping fantasies, that apprehend
More than cool reason ever comprehends.
The lunatic, the lover, and the poet
Are of imagination all compact.
One sees more devils than vast hell can hold—
10 That is the madman. The lover, all as frantic,
Sees Helen’s beauty in a brow of Egypt.
The poet’s eye, in fine frenzy rolling,
Doth glance from heaven to Earth, from Earth to heaven.
And as imagination bodies forth
15 The forms of things unknown, the poet’s pen
Turns them to shapes and gives to airy nothing
A local habitation and a name.
Such tricks hath strong imagination,
That if it would but apprehend some joy,
20 It comprehends some bringer of that joy.
Or in the night, imagining some fear,
How easy is a bush supposed a bear!
|
THESEUS More strange than true. I never may believe
These antique fables nor these fairy toys.
Lovers and madmen have such seething brains,
Such shaping fantasies, that apprehend
More than cool reason ever comprehends.
The lunatic, the lover, and the poet
Are of imagination all compact.
One sees more devils than vast hell can hold—
That is the madman. The lover, all as frantic,
Sees Helen’s beauty in a brow of Egypt.
The poet’s eye, in fine frenzy rolling,
Doth glance from heaven to Earth, from Earth to heaven.
And as imagination bodies forth
The forms of things unknown, the poet’s pen
Turns them to shapes and gives to airy nothing
A local habitation and a name.
Such tricks hath strong imagination,
That if it would but apprehend some joy,
It comprehends some bringer of that joy.
Or in the night, imagining some fear,
How easy is a bush supposed a bear!
|
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HIPPOLYTA But all the story of the night told over,
And all their minds transfigured so together,
25 More witnesseth than fancy’s images
And grows to something of great constancy,
But, howsoever, strange and admirable.
|
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 constancy,
But, howsoever, strange and admirable.
|
|
Enter lovers: LYSANDER , DEMETRIUS , HELENA , and HERMIA
|
Enter lovers: LYSANDER , DEMETRIUS , HELENA , and HERMIA
|
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THESEUS Here come the lovers, full of joy and mirth.—
Joy, gentle friends! Joy and fresh days of love
30 Accompany your hearts!
|
THESEUS Here come the lovers, full of joy and mirth.—
Joy, gentle friends! Joy and fresh days of love
Accompany your hearts!
|
|
LYSANDER More than to us
Wait in your royal walks, your board, your bed!
|
LYSANDER More than to us
Wait in your royal walks, your board, your bed!
|
|
THESEUS Come now, what masques, what dances shall we have
To wear away this long age of three hours
Between our after-supper and bedtime?
35 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 Come now, what masques, what dances shall we have
To wear away this long age of three hours
Between our after-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.
|
|
PHILOSTRATE Here, mighty Theseus.
|
PHILOSTRATE Here, mighty Theseus.
|
|
THESEUS Say, what abridgement have you for this evening?
40 What masque, what music? How shall we beguile
The lazy time if not with some delight?
|
THESEUS Say, what abridgement have you for this evening?
What masque, what music? How shall we beguile
The lazy time if not with some delight?
|
|
PHILOSTRATE (giving THESEUS a document)
There is a brief, how many sports are ripe.
Make choice of which your highness will see first.
|
PHILOSTRATE (giving THESEUS a document)
There is a brief, how many sports are ripe.
Make choice of which your highness will see first.
|
|
THESEUS “The battle with the Centaurs, to be sung
By an Athenian eunuch to the harp.”
We’ll none of that. That have I told my love,
In glory 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.
|
THESEUS “The battle with the Centaurs, to be sung
By an Athenian eunuch to the harp.”
We’ll none of that. That have I told my love,
In glory 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 three Muses mourning for the death
Of learning, late deceased in beggary.”
50 That is some satire, keen 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”? “Tedious” and “brief”?
That is hot ice and wondrous strange snow.
How shall we find the concord of this discord?
|
“The thrice three Muses mourning for the death
Of learning, late deceased in beggary.”
That is some satire, keen 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”? “Tedious” and “brief”?
That is hot ice and wondrous strange snow.
How shall we find the concord of this discord?
|
|
PHILOSTRATE 55 A play there is, my lord, some ten words long,
Which is as brief as I have known a play.
But by ten words, my lord, it is too long,
Which makes it tedious. For in all the play
There is not one word apt, one player fitted.
60 And tragical, my noble lord, it is.
For Pyramus therein doth kill himself.
Which, when I saw rehearsed, I must confess,
Made mine eyes water—but more merry tears
The passion of loud laughter never shed.
|
PHILOSTRATE A play there is, my lord, some ten words long,
Which is as brief as I have known a play.
But by ten words, my lord, it is too long,
Which makes it tedious. For in all the play
There is not one word apt, one player fitted.
And tragical, my noble lord, it is.
For Pyramus therein doth kill himself.
Which, when I saw rehearsed, I must confess,
Made mine eyes water—but more merry tears
The passion of loud laughter never shed.
|
|
THESEUS 65 What are they that do play it?
|
THESEUS What are they that do play it?
|
|
PHILOSTRATE Hard-handed men that work in Athens here,
Which never labored in their minds till now,
And now have toiled their unbreathed memories
With this same play against your nuptial.
|
PHILOSTRATE Hard-handed men that work in Athens here,
Which never labored in their minds till now,
And now have toiled their unbreathed memories
With this same play against your nuptial.
|
|
THESEUS 70 And we will hear it.
|
THESEUS And we will hear it.
|
|
PHILOSTRATE No, my noble lord.
It is not for you. I have heard it over,
And it is nothing, nothing in the world—
Unless you can find sport in their intents,
Extremely stretched and conned with cru 'l pain
75 To do you service.
|
PHILOSTRATE No, my noble lord.
It is not for you. I have heard it over,
And it is nothing, nothing in the world—
Unless you can find sport in their intents,
Extremely stretched and conned with cru 'l pain
To do you service.
|
|
THESEUS I will hear that play.
For never anything can be amiss
When simpleness and duty tender it.
Go, bring them in.—And take your places, ladies.
|
THESEUS I will hear that play.
For never anything can be amiss
When simpleness and duty tender it.
Go, bring them in.—And take your places, ladies.
|
|
Exit PHILOSTRATE
|
Exit PHILOSTRATE
|
|
HIPPOLYTA I love not to see wretchedness o'er charged
80 And duty in his service perishing.
|
HIPPOLYTA I love not to see wretchedness o'er charged
And duty in his service perishing.
|
|
THESEUS Why, gentle sweet, you shall see no such thing.
|
THESEUS Why, gentle sweet, you shall see no such thing.
|
|
HIPPOLYTA He says they can do nothing in this kind.
|
HIPPOLYTA He says they can do nothing in this kind.
|
|
THESEUS The kinder we, to give them thanks for nothing.
Our sport shall be to take what they mistake.
85 And what poor duty cannot do, noble respect
Takes it in might, not merit.
Where I have come, great clerks have purposèd
To greet me with premeditated welcomes,
Where I have seen them shiver and look pale,
90 Make periods in the midst of sentences,
Throttle their practiced accent in their fears,
And in conclusion dumbly have broke off,
Not paying me a welcome. Trust me, sweet,
Out of this silence yet I picked a welcome,
95 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 The kinder we, to give them thanks for nothing.
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, great clerks have purposèd
To greet me with premeditated welcomes,
Where I have seen them shiver and look pale,
Make periods in the midst of sentences,
Throttle their practiced accent in their fears,
And in conclusion dumbly have broke off,
Not 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.
|
|
Enter PHILOSTRATE
|
Enter PHILOSTRATE
|
|
PHILOSTRATE 100 So please your grace, the Prologue is addressed.
|
PHILOSTRATE So please your grace, the Prologue is addressed.
|
|
THESEUS Let him approach.
|
THESEUS Let him approach.
|
|
Enter QUINCE as the PROLOGUE
|
Enter QUINCE as the PROLOGUE
|
|
PROLOGUE (delivered by QUINCE)
If we offend, it is with our good will.
That you should think we come not to offend,
105 But with good will. To show our simple skill,
That is the true beginning of our end.
Consider then we come but in despite.
We do not come as minding to contest you,
Our true intent is. All for your delight
110 We are not here. That you should here repent you,
The actors are at hand, and by their show
You shall know all that you are like to know.
|
PROLOGUE (delivered by QUINCE)
If we offend, it is with our good will.
That you should think we come not to offend,
But with good will. To show our simple skill,
That is the true beginning of our end.
Consider then we come but in despite.
We do not come as minding to contest you,
Our true intent is. All for your delight
We are not here. That you should here repent you,
The actors are at hand, and by their show
You shall know all that you are like to know.
|
|
THESEUS This fellow doth not stand upon points.
|
THESEUS This fellow doth not stand upon points.
|
|
LYSANDER He hath rid his prologue like a rough colt. He knows not the stop. A good moral, my lord: it is not enough to speak, but to speak true.
|
LYSANDER He hath rid his prologue like a rough colt. He knows not the stop. A good moral, my lord: it is not enough to speak, but to speak true.
|
|
HIPPOLYTA Indeed he hath played on his prologue like a child on a recorder—a sound, but not in government.
|
HIPPOLYTA Indeed he hath played on his prologue like a child on a recorder—a sound, but not in government.
|
|
THESEUS His speech was like a tangled chain. Nothing impaired, but all disordered. Who is next?
|
THESEUS His speech was like a tangled chain. Nothing impaired, but all disordered. Who is next?
|
|
Enter BOTTOM as PYRAMUS , and FLUTE as THISBE , and SNOUT as WALL , and STARVELING as MOONSHINE , and SNUG as LION
|
Enter BOTTOM as PYRAMUS , and FLUTE as THISBE , and SNOUT as WALL , and STARVELING as MOONSHINE , and SNUG as LION
|
|
PROLOGUE (delivered by QUINCE)
Gentles, perchance you wonder at this show.
But wonder on, till truth make all things plain.
This man is Pyramus, if you would know.
125 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 let no man wonder.
130 This man, with lanthorn, dog, and bush of thorn,
Presenteth Moonshine. For, if you will know,
By moonshine did these lovers think no scorn
To meet at Ninus' tomb—there, there to woo.
This grisly beast, which “Lion” hight by name,
135 The trusty Thisbe, coming first by night,
Did scare away, or rather did affright.
And, as she fled, her mantle she did fall,
Which Lion vile with bloody mouth did stain.
Anon comes Pyramus, sweet youth and tall,
140 And finds his trusty Thisbe’s mantle slain.
Whereat, with blade, with bloody blameful blade,
He bravely broached his boiling bloody breast.
And Thisbe, tarrying in mulberry shade,
His dagger drew, and died. For all the rest,
145 Let Lion, Moonshine, Wall, and lovers twain
At large discourse, while here they do remain.
|
PROLOGUE (delivered by QUINCE)
Gentles, perchance you wonder at this show.
But wonder on, till truth make all things plain.
This man is Pyramus, if you 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 let no man wonder.
This man, with lanthorn, dog, and bush of thorn,
Presenteth Moonshine. For, if you will know,
By moonshine did these lovers think no scorn
To meet at Ninus' tomb—there, there to woo.
This grisly beast, which “Lion” hight by name,
The trusty Thisbe, coming first by night,
Did scare away, or rather did affright.
And, as she fled, her mantle she did fall,
Which Lion vile with bloody mouth did stain.
Anon comes Pyramus, sweet youth and tall,
And finds his trusty Thisbe’s mantle slain.
Whereat, with blade, with bloody blameful blade,
He bravely broached his boiling bloody breast.
And Thisbe, tarrying in mulberry shade,
His dagger drew, and died. For all the rest,
Let Lion, Moonshine, Wall, and lovers twain
At large discourse, while here they do remain.
|
|
THESEUS I wonder if the lion be to speak.
|
THESEUS I wonder if the lion be to speak.
|
|
DEMETRIUS No wonder, my lord. One lion may when many asses do.
|
DEMETRIUS No wonder, my lord. One lion may when many asses do.
|
|
Exeunt PROLOGUE , PYRAMUS , THISBE , LION , and MOONSHINE
|
Exeunt PROLOGUE , PYRAMUS , THISBE , LION , and MOONSHINE
|
|
WALL (played by SNOUT) In this same interlude it doth befall
150 That I, one Snout by name, present a wall.
And such a wall, as I would have you think,
That had in it a crannied hole, or chink,
Through which the lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe,
Did whisper often very secretly.
155 This loam, this roughcast, and this stone doth show
That I am that same wall. The truth is so.
And this the cranny is, right and sinister,
Through which the fearful lovers are to whisper.
|
WALL (played by SNOUT) In this same interlude it doth befall
That I, one Snout by name, present a wall.
And such a wall, as I would have you think,
That had in it 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 show
That I am that same wall. The truth is so.
And this the cranny is, right and sinister,
Through which the fearful lovers are to whisper.
|
|
THESEUS Would you desire lime and hair to speak better?
|
THESEUS Would you desire lime and hair to speak better?
|
|
DEMETRIUS |
DEMETRIUS |
|
Enter PYRAMUS
|
Enter PYRAMUS
|
|
THESEUS Pyramus draws near the wall. Silence!
|
THESEUS Pyramus draws near the wall. Silence!
|
|
PYRAMUS (played by BOTTOM)
O grim-looked night! O night with hue so black!
165 O night, which ever art when day is not!
O night, O night! Alack, alack, alack,
|
PYRAMUS (played by BOTTOM)
O grim-looked night! O night with hue so black!
O night, which ever art when day is not!
O night, O night! Alack, alack, alack,
|
|
I fear my Thisbe’s promise is forgot!—
And thou, O Wall, O sweet, O lovely Wall,
That stand’st between her father’s ground and mine.
170 Thou Wall, O Wall, O sweet and lovely Wall,
Show me thy chink to blink through with mine eyne!
|
I fear my Thisbe’s promise is forgot!—
And thou, O Wall, O sweet, O lovely Wall,
That stand’st between her father’s ground and mine.
Thou Wall, O Wall, O sweet and lovely Wall,
Show me thy chink to blink through with mine eyne!
|
|
WALL holds up fingers as chink
|
WALL holds up fingers as chink
|
|
Thanks, courteous Wall. Jove shield thee well for this!
But what see I? No Thisbe do I see.
O wicked Wall through whom I see no bliss!
175 Cursed be thy stones for thus deceiving me!
|
Thanks, courteous Wall. Jove shield thee well for this!
But what see I? No Thisbe do I see.
O wicked Wall through whom I see no bliss!
Cursed be thy stones for thus deceiving me!
|
|
THESEUS The wall, methinks, being sensible, should curse again.
|
THESEUS The wall, methinks, being sensible, should curse again.
|
|
BOTTOM (out of character) 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 (out of character) 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.
|
|
Enter THISBE
|
Enter THISBE
|
|
THISBE (played by FLUTE)
O Wall, full often hast thou heard my moans,
For parting my fair Pyramus and me!
My cherry lips have often kissed thy stones,
185 Thy stones with lime and hair knit up in thee.
|
THISBE (played by FLUTE)
O Wall, full often hast thou heard my moans,
For parting my fair Pyramus and me!
My cherry lips have often kissed thy stones,
Thy stones with lime and hair knit up in thee.
|
|
PYRAMUS I see a voice. Now will I to the chink,
To spy an I can hear my Thisbe’s face. Thisbe?
|
PYRAMUS I see a voice. Now will I to the chink,
To spy an I can hear my Thisbe’s face. Thisbe?
|
|
THISBE My love thou art, my love, I think.
|
THISBE My love thou art, my love, I think.
|
|
PYRAMUS Think what thou wilt, I am thy lover’s grace.
190 And like Limander am I trusty still.
|
PYRAMUS Think what thou wilt, I am thy lover’s grace.
And like Limander am I trusty still.
|
|
THISBE And I like Helen, till the Fates me kill.
|
THISBE And I like Helen, till the Fates me kill.
|
|
PYRAMUS Not Shafalus to Procrus was so true.
|
PYRAMUS Not Shafalus to Procrus was so true.
|
|
THISBE As Shafalus to Procrus, I to you.
|
THISBE As Shafalus to Procrus, I to you.
|
|
PYRAMUS Oh, kiss me through the hole of this vile wall!
|
PYRAMUS Oh, kiss me through the hole of this vile wall!
|
|
THISBE 195 I kiss the wall’s hole, not your lips at all.
|
THISBE I kiss the wall’s hole, not your lips at all.
|
|
PYRAMUS Wilt thou at Ninny’s tomb meet me straightway?
|
PYRAMUS Wilt thou at Ninny’s tomb meet me straightway?
|
|
THISBE Tide life, tide death, I come without delay.
|
THISBE Tide life, tide death, I come without delay.
|
|
Exeunt PYRAMUS and THISBE
|
Exeunt PYRAMUS and THISBE
|
|
WALL Thus have I, Wall, my part dischargèd so.
And, being done, thus Wall away doth go.
|
WALL Thus have I, Wall, my part dischargèd so.
And, being done, thus Wall away doth go.
|
|
Exit WALL
|
Exit WALL
|
|
THESEUS 200 Now is the mural down between the two neighbors.
|
THESEUS Now is the mural down between the two neighbors.
|
|
DEMETRIUS No remedy, my lord, when walls are so willful to hear without warning.
|
DEMETRIUS No remedy, my lord, when walls are so willful to hear without warning.
|
|
HIPPOLYTA This is the silliest stuff that ever I heard.
|
HIPPOLYTA This is the silliest stuff that ever I heard.
|
|
THESEUS The best in this kind are but shadows, and the worst are no worse if imagination amend them.
|
THESEUS The best in this kind are but shadows, and the worst are no worse if imagination amend them.
|
|
HIPPOLYTA It must be your imagination then, and not theirs.
|
HIPPOLYTA It must be your imagination then, and not theirs.
|
|
THESEUS |
THESEUS |
|
Enter LION and MOONSHINE
|
Enter LION and MOONSHINE
|
|
LION (played by SNUG)
You, ladies, you whose gentle hearts do fear
210 The smallest monstrous mouse that creeps on floor,
May now perchance both quake and tremble here,
When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar.
Then know that I, as Snug the joiner, am
A lion fell, nor else no lion’s dam.
215 For if I should as lion come in strife
Into this place, ’twere pity on my life.
|
LION (played by SNUG)
You, ladies, you whose gentle hearts do fear
The smallest monstrous mouse that creeps on floor,
May now perchance both quake and tremble here,
When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar.
Then know that I, as Snug the joiner, am
A lion fell, nor else no lion’s dam.
For if I should as lion come in strife
Into this place, ’twere pity on my life.
|
|
THESEUS A very gentle beast, of a good conscience.
|
THESEUS A very gentle beast, of a good conscience.
|
|
DEMETRIUS A very best at a beast, my lord, that e'er I saw.
|
DEMETRIUS A very best at a beast, my lord, that e'er I saw.
|
|
LYSANDER This lion is a very fox, for his valor.
|
LYSANDER This lion is a very fox, for his valor.
|
|
THESEUS 220 True. And a goose for his discretion.
|
THESEUS True. And a goose for his discretion.
|
|
DEMETRIUS Not so, my lord. For his valor cannot carry his discretion, and the fox carries the goose.
|
DEMETRIUS Not so, my lord. For his valor cannot carry his discretion, and the fox carries the goose.
|
|
THESEUS His discretion, I am sure, cannot carry his valor, for the goose carries not the fox. It is well. Leave it to his discretion, and let us listen to the moon.
|
THESEUS His discretion, I am sure, cannot carry his valor, for the goose carries not the fox. It is well. Leave it to his discretion, and let us listen to the moon.
|
|
MOONSHINE (played by STARVELING)
This lanthorn doth the hornèd moon present—
|
MOONSHINE (played by STARVELING)
This lanthorn doth the hornèd moon present—
|
|
DEMETRIUS He should have worn the horns on his head.
|
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 is no crescent, and his horns are invisible within the circumference.
|
|
MOONSHINE This lanthorn doth the hornèd moon present.
Myself the man i' th' moon do seem to be—
|
MOONSHINE This lanthorn doth the hornèd moon present.
Myself the man i' th' moon do seem to be—
|
|
THESEUS This is the greatest error of all the rest. The man should be put into the lanthorn. How is it else the “man i' th' moon”?
|
THESEUS This is the greatest error of all the rest. The man should be put into the lanthorn. How is it else the “man i' th' moon”?
|
|
DEMETRIUS |
DEMETRIUS |
|
HIPPOLYTA I am aweary of this moon. Would he would change!
|
HIPPOLYTA I am aweary of this moon. Would he would change!
|
|
THESEUS It appears by his small light of discretion, that he is in the wane. But yet, in courtesy, in all reason, we must stay the time.
|
THESEUS It appears by his small light of discretion, that he is in the wane. But yet, in courtesy, in all reason, we must stay the time.
|
|
LYSANDER Proceed, Moon.
|
LYSANDER Proceed, Moon.
|
|
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 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.
|
|
DEMETRIUS |
DEMETRIUS |
|
Enter THISBE
|
Enter THISBE
|
|
THISBE This is old Ninny’s tomb. Where is my love?
|
THISBE This is old Ninny’s tomb. Where is my love?
|
|
LION (roaring) Oh!
|
LION (roaring) Oh!
|
|
THISBE runs off, dropping her mantle
|
THISBE runs off, dropping her mantle
|
|
DEMETRIUS Well roared, Lion!
|
DEMETRIUS Well roared, Lion!
|
|
THESEUS 250 Well run, Thisbe!
|
THESEUS Well run, Thisbe!
|
|
HIPPOLYTA Well shone, Moon!—Truly, the moon shines with a good grace.
|
HIPPOLYTA Well shone, Moon!—Truly, the moon shines with a good grace.
|
|
LION bloodies THISBE ’s mantle
|
LION bloodies THISBE ’s mantle
|
|
THESEUS Well moused, Lion!
|
THESEUS Well moused, Lion!
|
|
Enter PYRAMUS
|
Enter PYRAMUS
|
|
DEMETRIUS And then came Pyramus.
|
DEMETRIUS And then came Pyramus.
|
|
Exit LION
|
Exit LION
|
|
LYSANDER And so the lion vanished.
|
LYSANDER And so the lion vanished.
|
|
PYRAMUS 255 Sweet Moon, I thank thee for thy sunny beams.
I thank thee, Moon, for shining now so bright.
For by thy gracious, golden, glittering gleams,
I trust to take of truest Thisbe sight.—
But stay, O spite!
260 But mark, poor knight,
What dreadful dole is here!
Eyes, do you see?
How can it be?
O dainty duck! O dear!
265 Thy mantle good,
What, stained with blood?
Approach, ye Furies fell!
O Fates, come, come,
Cut thread and thrum.
270 Quail, crush, conclude, and quell!
|
PYRAMUS Sweet Moon, I thank thee for thy sunny beams.
I thank thee, Moon, for shining now so bright.
For by thy gracious, golden, glittering gleams,
I trust to take of truest Thisbe sight.—
But stay, O spite!
But mark, poor knight,
What dreadful dole is here!
Eyes, do you see?
How can it be?
O dainty duck! O dear!
Thy mantle good,
What, stained with blood?
Approach, ye Furies fell!
O Fates, come, come,
Cut thread and thrum.
Quail, crush, conclude, and quell!
|
|
THESEUS This passion and the death of a dear friend would go near to make a man look sad.
|
THESEUS This passion and the death of a dear friend would go near to make a man look sad.
|
|
HIPPOLYTA Beshrew my heart, but I pity the man.
|
HIPPOLYTA Beshrew my heart, but I pity the man.
|
|
PYRAMUS O wherefore, Nature, didst thou lions frame?
275 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!
280 The pap of Pyramus—
|
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.
285 Now am I dead.
Now am I fled.
My soul is in the sky.
Tongue, lose thy light.
Moon, take thy flight.
|
Ay, that left pap
Where heart doth hop. (stabs himself)
Thus die I, thus, thus, thus.
Now am I dead.
Now am I fled.
My soul is in the sky.
Tongue, lose thy light.
Moon, take thy flight.
|
|
Exit MOONSHINE
|
Exit MOONSHINE
|
|
290 Now die, die, die, die, die.
(dies)
|
Now die, die, die, die, die.
(dies)
|
|
DEMETRIUS No die, but an ace for him, for he is but one.
|
DEMETRIUS No die, but an ace for him, for he is but one.
|
|
LYSANDER Less than an ace, man. For he is dead. He is nothing.
|
LYSANDER Less than an ace, man. For he is dead. He is nothing.
|
|
THESEUS With the help of a surgeon he might yet recover and prove an ass.
|
THESEUS With the help of a surgeon he might yet recover and prove an ass.
|
|
HIPPOLYTA How chance Moonshine is gone before Thisbe comes back and finds her lover?
|
HIPPOLYTA How chance Moonshine is gone before Thisbe comes back and finds her lover?
|
|
THESEUS She will find him by starlight. Here she comes, and her passion ends the play.
|
THESEUS She will find him by starlight. Here she comes, and her passion ends the play.
|
|
Enter THISBE
|
Enter THISBE
|
|
HIPPOLYTA 300 Methinks she should not use a long one for such a Pyramus.
I hope she will be brief.
|
HIPPOLYTA Methinks she should not use a long one for such a Pyramus.
I hope she will be brief.
|
|
DEMETRIUS A mote will turn the balance, which Pyramus, which Thisbe, is the better. He for a man, God warrant us, she for a woman, God bless us.
|
DEMETRIUS A mote will turn the balance, which Pyramus, which Thisbe, is the better. He for a man, God warrant us, she for a woman, God bless us.
|
|
LYSANDER 305 She hath spied him already with those sweet eyes.
|
LYSANDER She hath spied him already with those sweet eyes.
|
|
DEMETRIUS And thus she means, videlicet—
|
DEMETRIUS And thus she means, videlicet—
|
|
THISBE Asleep, my love?
What, dead, my dove?
O Pyramus, arise!
310 Speak, speak. Quite dumb?
Dead, dead? A tomb
Must cover thy sweet eyes.
These lily lips,
This cherry nose,
315 These yellow cowslip cheeks
Are gone, are gone.
Lovers, make moan.
His eyes were green as leeks.
O Sisters three,
320 Come, come to me
With hands as pale as milk.
Lay them in gore,
Since you have shore
With shears his thread of silk.
325 Tongue, not a word.
Come, trusty sword.
Come, blade, my breast imbrue.(stabs herself)
And, farewell, friends.
Thus Thisbe ends.
330 Adieu, adieu, adieu.
(dies)
|
THISBE Asleep, my love?
What, dead, my dove?
O Pyramus, arise!
Speak, speak. Quite dumb?
Dead, dead? A tomb
Must cover thy sweet eyes.
These lily lips,
This cherry nose,
These yellow cowslip cheeks
Are gone, are gone.
Lovers, make moan.
His eyes were green as leeks.
O Sisters three,
Come, come to me
With hands as 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, adieu.
(dies)
|
|
THESEUS Moonshine and Lion are left to bury the dead.
|
THESEUS Moonshine and Lion are left to bury the dead.
|
|
DEMETRIUS Ay, and Wall too.
|
DEMETRIUS Ay, and Wall too.
|
|
BOTTOM (out of character) No, assure you. The wall is down that parted their fathers. Will it please you to see the epilogue, or to hear a Bergomask dance between two of our company?
|
BOTTOM (out of character) No, assure you. The wall is down that parted their fathers. Will it please you to see the epilogue, or to hear a Bergomask dance between two of our company?
|
|
THESEUS No epilogue, I pray you, for your play needs no excuse. Never excuse—for when the players are all dead, there needs none to be blamed. Marry, if he that writ it had played Pyramus and hanged himself in Thisbe’s garter, it would have been a fine tragedy. And so it is, truly, and very notably discharged. But come, your Bergomask. Let your epilogue alone.
|
THESEUS No epilogue, I pray you, for your play needs no excuse. Never excuse—for when the players are all dead, there needs none to be blamed. Marry, if he that writ it had played Pyramus and hanged himself in Thisbe’s garter, it would have been a fine tragedy. And so it is, truly, and very notably discharged. But come, your Bergomask. Let your epilogue alone.
|
|
Bergomask dance Exeunt BOTTOM and FLUTE
|
Bergomask dance Exeunt BOTTOM and FLUTE
|
|
The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve.
Lovers, to bed. 'Tis almost fairy time.
345 I fear we shall outsleep the coming morn
As much as we this night have overwatched.
This palpable-gross play hath well beguiled
The heavy gait of night. Sweet friends, to bed.
A fortnight hold we this solemnity,
350 In nightly revels and new jollity.
|
The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve.
Lovers, to bed. 'Tis almost fairy time.
I fear we shall outsleep the coming morn
As much as we this night have overwatched.
This palpable-gross play hath well beguiled
The heavy gait of night. Sweet friends, to bed.
A fortnight hold we this solemnity,
In nightly revels and new jollity.
|
|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|
|
Enter ROBIN
|
Enter ROBIN
|
|
ROBIN Now the hungry lion roars
And the wolf behowls the moon,
Whilst the heavy ploughman snores,
All with weary task fordone.
Now the wasted brands do glow,
Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud,
Puts the wretch that lies in woe
In remembrance of a shroud.
Now it is the time of night
That the graves all gaping wide,
Every one lets forth his sprite,
In the churchway paths to glide.
|
ROBIN Now the hungry lion roars
And the wolf behowls the moon,
Whilst the heavy ploughman snores,
All with weary task fordone.
Now the wasted brands do glow,
Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud,
Puts the wretch that lies in woe
In remembrance of a shroud.
Now it is the time of night
That the graves all gaping wide,
Every one lets forth his sprite,
In the churchway paths to glide.
|
|
And we fairies, that do run
By the triple Hecate’s team
From the presence of the sun,
Following darkness like a dream,
Now are frolic. Not a mouse
Shall disturb this hallowed house.
I am sent with broom before
To sweep the dust behind the door.
|
And we fairies, that do run
By the triple Hecate’s team
From the presence of the sun,
Following darkness like a dream,
Now are frolic. Not a mouse
Shall disturb this hallowed house.
I am sent with broom before
To sweep the dust behind the door.
|
|
Enter OBERON and TITANIA , King and Queen of Fairies, with all their train
|
Enter OBERON and TITANIA , King and Queen of Fairies, with all their train
|
|
OBERON Through the house give glimmering light,
By the dead and drowsy fire.
Every elf and fairy sprite
Hop as light as bird from brier.
355 And this ditty, after me,
Sing and dance it trippingly.
|
OBERON Through the house give glimmering light,
By the dead and drowsy fire.
Every elf and fairy sprite
Hop as light as bird from brier.
And this ditty, after me,
Sing and dance it trippingly.
|
|
TITANIA First, rehearse your song by rote,
To each word a warbling note.
Hand in hand with fairy grace
360 Will we sing and bless this place.
|
TITANIA First, rehearse your song by rote,
To each word a warbling note.
Hand in hand with fairy grace
Will we sing and bless this place.
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OBERON , TITANIA , and the FAIRIES sing and dance
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OBERON , TITANIA , and the FAIRIES sing and dance
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OBERON (sings)
Now until the break of day,
Through this house each fairy stray.
To the best bride bed will we,
Which by us shall blessèd be.
And the issue there create
Ever shall be fortunate.
So shall all the couples three
Ever true in loving be.
And the blots of Nature’s hand
Shall not in their issue stand.
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OBERON (sings)
Now until the break of day,
Through this house each fairy stray.
To the best bride bed will we,
Which by us shall blessèd be.
And the issue there create
Ever shall be fortunate.
So shall all the couples three
Ever true in loving be.
And the blots of Nature’s hand
Shall not in their issue stand.
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Never mole, harelip, nor scar,
Nor mark prodigious, such as are
Despisèd in nativity,
Shall upon their children be.
With this field dew consecrate,
Every fairy take his gait.
And each several chamber bless
Through this palace with sweet peace.
And the owner of it blessed
Ever shall in safety rest.
Trip away. Make no stay.
Meet me all by break of day.
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Never mole, harelip, nor scar,
Nor mark prodigious, such as are
Despisèd in nativity,
Shall upon their children be.
With this field dew consecrate,
Every fairy take his gait.
And each several chamber bless
Through this palace with sweet peace.
And the owner of it blessed
Ever shall in safety rest.
Trip away. Make no stay.
Meet me all by break of day.
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Exeunt all but ROBIN
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Exeunt all but ROBIN
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ROBIN If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended—
That you have but slumbered here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearnèd luck
Now to ’scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long.
Else the Puck a liar call.
So good night unto you all.
Give me your hands if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
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ROBIN If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended—
That you have but slumbered here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearnèd luck
Now to ’scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long.
Else the Puck a liar call.
So good night unto you all.
Give me your hands if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
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Exit
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Exit
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