A Midsummer Night's Dream

And the issue there create397

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 prodigious404, such as are Despised in nativity,

Shall upon their children be.

With this field-dew consecrate407, Every fairy take his gait408, And each several409 chamber bless, Through this palace, with sweet peace.

Ever shall in safety rest,

And the owner of it blest.

Trip away, make no stay413; Meet me all by break of day.

[Exeunt all but Robin]

ROBIN If we shadows have offended,

Think but this, and all is mended,

That you have but slumbered here

While these visions did appear.

And this weak and idle419 theme, No more yielding but420 a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend421.

If you pardon, we will mend422.

And, as I am an honest Puck,

If we have unearned luck

Now to scape the serpent's tongue425, We will make amends ere long:

Else the Puck a liar call.

So, goodnight unto you all.

Give me your hands429, if we be friends, And Robin shall restore amends430.

TEXTUAL NOTES

Q = First Quarto text of 1600

F = First Folio text of 1623

F2 = a correction introduced in the Second Folio text of 1632