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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