To whom you are but as a form in wax, But in this kind, wanting your father's voice, The other must be held the worthier. Her. I would, my father look'd but with my eyes. In fuch a presence here, to plead my thoughts: If I refuse to wed Demetrius. The. Either to die the death, or to abjure For ever the fociety of men. Therefore, fair Hermia, question your defires, Chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitless moon. But earthlier happy is the rose distill'd, Than that, which, withering on the virgin thorn, Her. So will I grow, fo live, fo die, my lord, Unto his lordship, whose unwished yoke My foul consents not to give fovereignty. The. Take time to paufe: and, by the next new moon, (The fealing-day betwixt my love and me, For everlasting bond of fellowship,) Upon that day either prepare to die, Or elfe to wed Demetrius, as he would: For aye, austerity and single life. Dem. Relent, fweet Hermia ;-And, Lyfander, yield Thy crazed title to my certain right. Lyf. You have her father's love, Demetrius; Ege. Scornful Lyfander! true, he hath my love; I do eftate unto Demetrius. Lyf. I am, my lord, as well deriv'd as he, And, which is more than all thefe boafts can be, Why should not I then profecute my right? Upon this fpotted and inconftant man. The. I must confefs, that I have heard fo much, And with Demetrius thought to have spoke thereof; But, being over-full of felf-affairs, My mind did lose it.-But, Demetrius, come; And And come, Egeus; you fhall go with me, I have fome private schooling for you both.→→ I must employ you in fome business [Exeunt THES. HIP. EGE. DEM. and train. Lys. How now, my love? Why is your cheek fo pale? How chance the roses there do fade fo faft? Her. Belike, for want of rain; which I could well Beteem them from the tempest of mine eyes. Lyf. Ah me! for aught that ever I could read, Could ever hear by tale or history, The course of true love never did run fmooth: Her. O cross! too high to be enthrall'd to low! Swift as a fhadow, fhort as any dream; Brief as the lightning in the collied night, That, in a spleen, unfolds both heaven and earth, The jaws of darkness do devour it up : So quick bright things come to confusion. Her. If then true lovers have been ever crofs'd, It stands as an edíct in destiny: Then let us teach our trial patience, Because it is a customary cross; As due to love, as thoughts, and dreams, and fighs, Lyf. A good perfuafion; therefore, hear me, Hermia. I have a widow aunt, a dowager Of great revenue, and she hath no child: From Athens is her house remote feven leagues; There, gentle Hermia, may I marry thee; There will I stay for thee. Her. My good Lyfander! I fwear to thee, by Cupid's ftrongest bow; By his best arrow with the golden head; By the fimplicity of Venus' doves; By that which knitteth souls, and profpers loves ; Lyf. Keep promise, love: Look, here comes Helena. Enter Enter HELENA. Her. God speed, fair Helena! Whither away? Your eyes are lode-stars; and your tongue's sweet air Her. I frown upon him, yet he loves me still. Hel. O, that your frowns would teach my smiles fuch skill! Her. I give him curfes, yet he gives me love. Hel. O, that my prayers could fuch affection move! Her. His folly, Helena, is no fault of mine. Hel. None, but your beauty; 'Would that fault were mine! Her. Take comfort; he no more shall see my face; O then, what graces in my love do dwell, |