A Midsummer Night's Dream

For you in my respect are all the world.

Then how can it be said I am alone,

When all the world is here to look on me?

DEMETRIUS I'll run from thee and hide me in the brakes231,

And leave thee to the mercy of wild beasts.

HELENA The wildest hath not such a heart as you.

Run when you will, the story shall

be changed:

Apollo flies, and Daphne holds the chase235;

The dove pursues the griffin, the mild hind236

Makes speed to catch the tiger. Bootless237 speed,

When cowardice pursues and valour flies.

DEMETRIUS I will not stay239 thy questions, let me go;

Or if thou follow me, do not believe

But I shall do thee mischief in the wood.

[|Exit Demetrius|]

HELENA Ay, in the temple, in the town, the field,

You do me mischief. Fie, Demetrius!

Your wrongs do set a scandal on my sex244:

We cannot fight for love, as men may do;

We should be wooed and were not made to woo.

I'll follow thee and make a heaven of hell,

To die upon248 the hand I love so well.

Exit

OBERON Fare thee well, nymph: ere he do leave this grove,

Thou shalt fly him and he shall seek thy love.

Enter [Robin] Puck

Hast thou the flower there? Welcome, wanderer.

ROBIN Ay, there it is.

Shows the flower