SCENE II.
Enter Puck.
Puck.
Now the hungry lion roars,
And the wolf beholds the moon4 note
;
-- 123 --
Whilst the heavy ploughman snores,
All with weary task fordone5 note
.
Now the wasted brands do glow,
Whilst the scritch-owl, scritching 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 spright,
In the church-way paths to glide:
And we fairies, that do run
By the triple Hecat's team,
From the presence of the sun,
Following darkness like a dream,
Now are frolick; not a mouse
Shall disturb this hallow'd house:
I am sent, with broom, before6 note
,
To sweep the dust behind the door.
-- 124 --
Enter King and Queen of Fairies, with their train.
Ob.
Through this house give glimmering light7 note
,
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.
Tit.
First, rehearse this 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.
Ob.
Now, until the break of day8 note
,
Through this house each fairy stray.
-- 125 --
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 prodigious8 note
, such as are
Despised in nativity,
Shall upon their children be.—
With this field-dew consecrate,
Every fairy take his gate9 note
;
And each several chamber bless,
Through this palace, with sweet peace:
Ever shall it safely rest,
And the owner of it blest.
-- 126 --
Trip away;
Make no stay;
Meet me all by break of day.
[Exeunt King1 note, Queen, 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 luck2 note
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue3 note
,
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 friends4 note,
And Robin shall restore amends.
[Exit5.
