A Midsummer Night's Dream

Swift as a shadow, short as any dream:

Brief as the lightning in the collied147 night,

That in a spleen unfolds148 both heaven and earth,

And ere149 a man hath power to say 'Behold!'

The jaws of darkness do devour it up:

So quick bright things come to confusion151.

HERMIA If then true lovers have been ever crossed152,

It stands as an edict in destiny.

Then let us teach our trial154 patience,

Because it is a customary cross,

As due to love as thoughts and dreams and sighs,

Wishes and tears, poor fancy's157 followers.

LYSANDER A good persuasion158. Therefore hear me, Hermia.

I have a widow aunt, a dowager

Of great revenue, and she hath no child.

From Athens is her house removed seven leagues161,

And she respects162 me as her only son.

There, gentle Hermia, may I marry thee,

And to that place the sharp Athenian law

Cannot pursue us. If thou lov'st me, then

Steal forth thy father's house tomorrow night,

And in the wood, a league without167 the town,

Where I did meet thee once with Helena,

To do observance to a morn of May169,

There will I stay170 for thee.

HERMIA My good Lysander!

I swear to thee, by Cupid's172 strongest bow,

By his best arrow with the golden head173,

By the simplicity of Venus' doves174,

By that which knitteth175 souls and prospers love,