Page 2633 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

So is Lysander.

T HESEUS

In himself he is;
But in this kind, wanting your father’s voice,
The other must be held the worthier. [55]

HERMIA

I would my father look’d but with my eyes.

T HESEUS

Rather your eyes must with his judgement look.

HERMIA

I do entreat your Grace to pardon me.
I know not by what power I am made bold,
Nor how it may concern my modesty [60]
In such a presence here to plead my thoughts,
But I beseech your Grace that I may know
The worst that may befall me in this case,
If I refuse to wed Demetrius.

T HESEUS

Either to die the death, or to abjure [65]
For ever the society of men.
Therefore, fair Hermia, question your desires,
Know of your youth, examine well your blood,
Whether, if you yield not to your father’s choice,
You can endure the livery of a nun, [70]
For aye to be in shady cloister mew’d,
To live a barren sister all your life,
Chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitless moon.
Thrice blessed they that master so their blood
To undergo such maiden pilgrimage; [75]
But earthlier happy is the rose distill’d
Than that which, withering on the virgin thorn,
Grows, lives, and dies, in single blessedness.

HERMIA

So will I grow, so live, so die, my lord,