A Midsummer Night's Dream

Enter [Robin] Puck

With a broom

ROBIN Now the hungry lion roars,

And the wolf beholds the moon.

Whilst the heavy365 ploughman snores, All with weary task fordone366.

Now the wasted brands367 do glow, Whilst the screech-owl368, 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 sprite373, In the church-way paths to glide.

And we fairies that do run

By the triple Hecate's team376, From the presence of the sun,

Following darkness like a dream,

Now are frolic379; not a mouse Shall disturb this hallowed381 house.

I am sent with broom before,

To sweep the dust behind382 the door.

Enter King and Queen of Fairies [Oberon and Titania] with their train

OBERON Through the house give glimmering light383, By the dead and drowsy fire,

Every elf and fairy sprite

Hop as light as bird from briar,

And this ditty, after me,

Sing, and dance it trippingly388.

TITANIA First, rehearse this song by rote389, To each word a warbling note.

Hand in hand, with fairy grace,

Will we sing and bless this place.

[FAIRIES sing] The Song

Fairies dance

Now until the break of day

Through this house each fairy stray.

To the best bride-bed395 will we, Which by us shall blessed be.