from...

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

William Shakespeare

PUCK

Captain of our fairy band
Helena is here at hand
And the youth—mistook by me—
Pleading for a lover’s fee!
Shall we their fond pageant see?
Lord, what fools these mortals be!

Act III, Scene ii

PUCK

If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.

Act V, Scene ii

Back to Selections from SHAKESPEARE... Back to the library... Back to the main page...