SCENE VII. Her. D Enter Hermia. ARK night, that from the eye his function The ear more quick of apprehenfion makes: Lyf. Why should he stay, whom love doth prefs to go? Her. What love could prefs Lyfander from my fide? Lyf. Lyfander's love, that would not let him 'bide, Fair Helena; who more engilds the night, Than all yon fiery O's and eyes of light. Why feek'st thou me? could not this make thee know, The hate, I bear thee, made me leave thee fo? Her. You speak not, as you think; it cannot be. Now, I perceive, they have conjoin'd all three, Have you confpir'd, have you with these contriv'd Is all the counsel that we two have fhar'd, Had " Had been incorp'rate. So we grew together, Two lovely berries molded on one stem, Our fex, as well as I, may chide you for it; Her. I am amazed at your paffionate words: (Who, even but now, did spurn me with his foot) But by your setting on, by your consent? My My love, my life, my foul, fair Helena! Hel. O excellent! Her. Sweet, do not fcorn her fo. Dem. If fhe cannot entreat, I can compel. Lyf. Thou canst compel, no more than fhe entreat: Thy threats have no more ftrength, than her weak Prayers. Helen, I love thee; by my life, I do; I fwear, by that which I will lofe for thee, Her. Lyfander, whereto tends all this? Dem. No, no, he'll seem To break away; take on as he would follow, But yet come not; you are a tame man, go. Lyf. Hang off, thou cat, thou burr; vile thing, let loofe; Or I will shake thee from me, like a ferpent. Her. Why are you grown fo rude? what change is this? Sweet love! Lyf. Thy love? out, tawny Tartar, out; Out, loathed medicine: hated poison, hence. Her. Do you not jeft? Hel. Yes, footh, and fo do you. Lyf. Demetrius, I will keep my word with thee. Dem. I would, I had your bond; for, I perceive, A weak bond holds you; I'll not truft your word. Lyf. What, fhould I hurt her, ftrike her, kill her dead? Although I hate her, I'll not harm her fo. Her. What, can you do me greater harm, than hate? Hate me! wherefore? O me! what news, my love? Am not I Hermia? are not you Lyfander? I am as fair now, as I was ere-while. Since night, you lov'd me; yet, fince night, you left me; Why then you left me-(O the gods forbid it!) In earnest, fhall I fay? Lyf. Ay, by my life; And never did defire to fee thee more. Her. O me, you jugler; oh, you canker-blossom, You thief of love; what, have you come by night, And ftoll'n my love's heart from him? Hel. Fine, i'faith! Have you no modefty, no maiden fhame, How low am I, thou painted maypole? fpeak, But that my nails can reach unto thine eyes. Hel. I pray you, though you mock me, gentlemen, Let her not hurt me: I was never curst; I have no gift at all in shrewishness; I am a right maid, for my cowardice: Let her not ftrike me. You, perhaps, may think, Her. Lower! hark, again. Hel. Good Hermia, do not be fo bitter with me; I evermore did love you, Hermia, Did ever keep your counfels, never wrong'd you; Save that, in love unto Demetrius, I told him of your ftealth unto this wood: Her. Why, get you gone: who is't that hinders you? Hel. A foolish heart, that I leave here behind. Hel. With Demetrius. Lys. Be not afraid, she shall not harm thee, Helena. Dem. No, Sir, fhe fhall not, though you take her part. Hel. O, when she's angry, she is keen and shrewd; She was a vixen, when she went to school; And though she be but little, fhe is fierce. Her. Little, again? nothing but low, and little? Why will you fuffer her to flout me thus; Let me come to her. Lyf. Get you gone, you dwarf, You Minimus, of hind'ring knot-grass made; Dem. You are too officious, In her behalf that fcorns your fervices. Let her alone, speak not of Helena, Take not her part: for if thou doft intend Never fo little fhew of love to her, Thou shalt aby it. Lyf. Now fhe holds me not; Now follow, if thou dar'ft; to try whose right, Or thine, or mine, is most in Helena. Dem. Follow? nay, I'll go with thee cheek by jowl. Exeunt Lyfander and Demetrius. Her. You, miftrefs, all this coil is long of you: Nay, go not back. Hel. |