Qui.

Have you sent to Bottom's house? is he come home yet?

Sta.

He cannot be heard of. Out of doubt, he is transported.

Flu.

If he come not, then the play is marred; It goes not forward, doth it?

Qui.

It is not possible: you have not a man in all Athens, able to discharge Pyramus, but he.

Flu.

No; he hath simply the best wit of any handycraft man in Athens.

Qui.

Yea, and the best person too: and he is a very paramour, for a sweet voice.

Flu.

You must say, paragon: a paramour is, Heaven bless us, a thing of nought.

Snug.

If our sport had gone forward, we had all been made men.

Bot.

Where are these lads? where are these hearts?

Qui.

Bottom!—O most courageous day! O most happy hour!

Bot.

Masters I am to discourse wonders: but ask me not what; for, if I tell you, I am no true Athenian. I will tell you every thing, right as it fell out.

Qui.

Let us hear, sweet Bottom.

Bot.

Not a word of me. All that I will tell you, is—Get your apparel together; and meet presently at the palace; every man look o'er his part; for, the short and the long is, our play is preferred. In any case, let Thisby have clean linen; and, most dear actors, eat no onions, nor garlick; for we are to utter sweet breath; and I do not doubt, but to hear them say, it is a sweet comedy. No more words; away; go away.

Previous section

Next section