Enter PUCK. |
| Puck. 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 church-way 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 hallow'd house: |
| I am sent with broom before, |
| To sweep the dust behind the door. |
| |
Enter OBERON and TITANIA, with their Train |
| Obe. 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. |
| Tita. 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. [Song and dance. |
| Obe. Now, until the break of day, |
| Through this house each fairy stray. |
| To the best bride-bed will we, |
| Which by us shall blessed 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, hare-lip, nor scar, |
| Nor mark prodigious, such as are |
| Despised 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; |
| Ever shall in safety rest, |
| And the owner of it blest. |
| Trip away; |
| Make no stay; |
| Meet me all by break of day. [Exeunt OBERON, TITANIA, and Train. |
| Puck. If we shadows have offended, |
| Think but this, and all is mended, |
| That you have but slumber'd 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'm an honest Puck, |
| If we have unearned 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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