Page 2661 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1
P. 2661
Pyramus is not killed indeed; and for the more better assurance, tell them
that I, Pyramus, am not Pyramus, but Bottom the weaver. This will put
them out of fear. [20]
QUINCE
Well, we will have such a prologue; and it shall be written in eight and six.
BOT T OM
No, make it two more; let it be written in eight and eight.
SNOUT
Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion? [25]
ST ARVELING
I fear it, I promise you.
BOT T OM
Masters, you ought to consider with yourself; to bring in (God shield us!) a
lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing; for there is not a more fearful
wild-fowl than your lion living; and we ought to look to’t. [30]
SNOUT
Therefore another prologue must tell he is not a lion.
BOT T OM
Nay, you must name his name, and half his face must be seen through the
lion’s neck; and he himself must speak through, saying thus, or to the
same defect: [35] ‘Ladies,’ or ‘Fair ladies, I would wish you,’ or ‘I would
request you,’ or ‘I would entreat you, not to fear, not to tremble: my life for
yours! If you think I come hither as a lion, it were pity of my life. No, I am
no such thing; I am a man, as other men are’; and there, indeed, let him
[40] name his name, and tell them plainly he is Snug the joiner.
QUINCE
Well, it shall be so. But there is two hard things: that is, to bring the
moonlight into a chamber; for you know, Pyramus and Thisbe meet by
moonlight. [45]
SNOUT
Doth the moon shine that night we play our play?
