Page 2656 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

HERMIA They sleep.

Nay, good Lysander; for my sake, my dear,
Lie further off yet; do not lie so near.

LY SANDER

O take the sense, sweet, of my innocence!
Love takes the meaning in love’s conference. [45]
I mean that my heart unto yours is knit,
So that but one heart we can make of it:
Two bosoms interchained with an oath,
So then, two bosoms and a single troth.
Then by your side no bed-room me deny; [50]
For lying so, Hermia, I do not lie.

HERMIA

Lysander riddles very prettily.
Now much beshrew my manners and my pride,
If Hermia meant to say Lysander lied!
But, gentle friend, for love and courtesy, [55]
Lie further off, in human modesty;
Such separation as may well be said
Becomes a virtuous bachelor and a maid,
So far be distant; and good night, sweet friend:
Thy love ne’er alter till thy sweet life end! [60]

LY SANDER

Amen, amen, to that fair prayer say I;
And then end life when I end loyalty!
Here is my bed; sleep give thee all his rest.

HERMIA

With half that wish the wisher’s eyes be press’d.

Enter Puck.

PUCK

Through the forest have I gone; [65]
But Athenian found I none
On whose eyes I might approve