A fortnight hold we this folemnity,

In nightly revels, and new jollity.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.

Enter PUCK.

Puck. Now the hungry lion roars,
And the wolf behowls the moon;
Whilft the heavy ploughman fnores,
All with weary task fordone.
Now the wafted brands do glow,

Whilft the fcritch-owl, scritching loud,
Puts the wretch, that lies in woe,
In remembrance of a fhrowd.
Now it is the time of night,

That the graves, all gaping wide,
Every one lets forth his sprite,

In the church-way paths to glide:
And we fairies, that do run

By the triple Hecat's team,
From the presence of the sun,
Following darkness like a dream,
Now are frolick; not a mouse
Shall disturb this hallow'd house:
I am fent, with broom, before,
To sweep the dust behind the door.

Enter OBERON and TITANIA, with their Train.

Obe. Through this houfe give glimmering light,
By the dead and drowsy fire:

Every elf, and fairy fprite,

Hop as light as bird from brier; And this ditty, after me,

Sing, and dance it trippingly.

Tita. First, rehearse this song by rote i To each word a warbling note,

Hand in hand, with fairy grace,

Will we fing, and bless this place.

Obe. Now, until the break of day,
Through this houfe each fairy ftray.
To the best bride-bed will we,
Which by us fhall blessed be;
And the iffue, there create,
Ever fhall be fortunate.
So fhall all the couples three
Ever true in loving be:

And the blots of nature's hand
Shall not in their iffue ftand;
Never mole, hare-lip, nor fcar,
Nor mark prodigious, such as are
Despised in nativity,

Shall upon their children be.—

With this field-dew confecrate,

Every fairy take his gait;

And each feveral chamber blefs,

Through this palace, with fweet peace:

E'er shall it in safety rest,

And the owner of it bleft.

Trip away;

Make no stay;

Meet me all by break of day.

[Exeunt. OBERON, TITANIA, and Train.

Puck. If we fhadows have offended,

Think but this, (and all is mended,)
That you bave but slumber'd here,
While thefe vifions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend ;
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I'm an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'fcape the ferpent's tongue,
We will make amends, ere long :
Elfe the Puck a liar call.

So, good night unto you all.

Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin fhall restore amends.

[Exit.