"A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare, Act V

But all the story of the night told over, And all their minds transfigured so together, More witnesseth than fancy’s images And grows to something of great constancy

But all the story of the night told over, And all their minds transfigured so together, More witnesseth than fancy’s images And grows to something of great constancy

“Merry” and “tragical”? “Tedious” and “brief”? That is hot ice and wondrous strange snow! How shall we find the concord of this discord?

But by ten words, my lord, it is too long, Which makes it tedious; for in all the play, There is not one word apt, one player fitted.

For never anything can be amiss When simpleness and duty tender it.

Trust me, sweet, Out of this silence yet I picked a welcome, And in the modesty of fearful duty, I read as much as from the rattling tongue Of saucy and audacious eloquence.

Trust me, sweet, Out of this silence yet I picked a welcome, And in the modesty of fearful duty, I read as much as from the rattling tongue Of saucy and audacious eloquence.

Then know that I, as Snug the joiner, am A lion fell, nor else no lion’s dam; For if I should as lion come in strife Into this place, ’twere pity on my life.

Approach, ye Furies fell! O Fates, come, come, Cut thread and thrum, Quail, crush, conclude, and quell!

Now the wasted brands do glow, Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud, Puts the wretch that lies in woe In remembrance of a shroud.

Now the wasted brands do glow, Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud, Puts the wretch that lies in woe In remembrance of a shroud.

Now the wasted brands do glow, Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud, Puts the wretch that lies in woe In remembrance of a shroud.

Not a mouse Shall disturb this hallowed house. I am sent with broom before, To sweep the dust behind the door.

First rehearse your song by rote, To each word a warbling note. Hand in hand, with fairy grace, Will we sing and bless this place.

Never mole, harelip, nor scar, Nor mark prodigious, such as are Despisèd in nativity, Shall upon their children be.

With this field-dew consecrate Every fairy take his gait, And each several chamber bless, Through this palace, with sweet peace. And the owner of it blest, Ever shall in safety rest.

So good night unto you all. Give me your hands, if we be friends, And Robin shall restore amends.