Page 2641 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Ready. Name what part I am for, and proceed.

QUINCE

You, Nick Bottom, are set down for Pyramus.

BOT T OM

What is Pyramus? A lover, or a tyrant?

QUINCE

A lover, that kills himself most gallant for love. [20]

BOT T OM

That will ask some tears in the true performing of it. If I do it, let the
audience look to their eyes; I will move storms, I will condole in some
measure. To the rest-yet my chief humour is for a tyrant. I could play
Ercles rarely, or a part to tear a cat in, to make all split. [25]

The raging rocks,
And shivering shocks,
Shall break the locks

Of prison-gates;
And Phibbus’ car [30]
Shall shine from far
And make and mar

The foolish fates.
This was lofty. Now name the rest of the players. This is Ercles’ vein, a
tyrant’s vein; a lover is more condoling. [35]

QUINCE

Francis Flute, the bellows-mender?

FLUT E

Here, Peter Quince.

QUINCE

Flute, you must take Thisbe on you.

FLUT E

What is Thisbe? A wandering knight?

QUINCE