Page:A Midsummer-Nights Dream (Rackham).djvu/185

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Indeed he hath played on his prologue like a child on

a recorder; a sound, but not in government.

His speech was like a tangled chain; nothing impaired,

but all disordered. Who is next?

Gentles, perchance you wonder at this show;

But wonder on, till truth make all things plain.

This man is Pyramus, if you would know;

This beauteous lady Thisby is certain.

This man, with lime and rough-cast, doth present

Wall, that vile Wall which did these lovers sunder;

And through Wall’s chink, poor souls, they are content

To whisper. At the which let no man wonder.

This man, with lanthorn, dog, and bush of thorn,

Presenteth Moonshine; for, if you will know,

By moonshine did these lovers think no scorn

To meet at Ninus’ tomb, there, there to woo.

This grisly beast, which Lion hight by name.

The trusty Thisby, coming first by night,

Did scare away, or rather did affright;