in Thisbe's garter, it would have been a fine tragedy: and so it is, truly; and very notably discharged. But come, your Bergomask: let your epilogue alone. [Here a dance of Clowns. The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve:- I fear we shall out-sleep the coming morn, In nightly revels, and new jollity. SCENE II. Enter Puck. [Exeunt. Puck. Now the hungry lion roars, That the graves, all gaping wide, By the triple Hecat's team, Enter Oberon and Titania, with their Train. Obe. Through this house give glimmering light, By the dead and drowsy fire: Every elf, and fairy sprite, Hop as light as bird from brier; And this ditty, after me, Sing and dance it trippingly. Tita. First rehearse this song by rote: To each word a warbling note, Hand in hand, with fairy grace, Will we sing, and bless this place. SONG AND DANCE. Obe. Now, until the break of day, And the blots of nature's hand Shall upon their children be.- With this field-dew consecrate, Every fairy take his gaitt; And each several chamber bless, Through this palace with sweet peace: E'er shall it in safety rest, And the owner of it blest. Trip away; Make no stay; Meet me all by break of day. [Exeunt Oberon, Titania, and Train. Puck. If we shadows have offended, Think but this (and all is mended), Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue, So, good night unto you all. Give me your hands, if we be friends, [Exit. Wild and fantastical as this play is, all the parts in their various modes are well written, and give the kind of pleasure which the author designed. Fairies in his time were much in fashion; common tradition had made them familiar, and Spencer's poem had made them great. JOHNSON. |