Theseus, duke of Athens. Lysander, in love with Hermia. Philostrate, master of the revels to Theseus. Quince, the carpenter. Snug, the joiner. Bottom, the weaver. Flute, the bellows-mender. Starveling, the tailor. Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, betrothed to Theseus. Hermia, daughter to Egeus, in love with Lysander. Helena, in love with Demetrius. Oberon, king of the fairies. Titania, queen of the fairies. Puck, or Robin Good-fellow, a fairy. Peas-blossom, Thisbe, Wall, Moonshine, Characters in the interlude, performed by the Clowns. Lion, Other fairies attending their king and queen. Attendants on Theseus and Hippolyta. Scene, Athens, and a wood not far from it. MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM. ACT I. SCENE I-Athens. A room in the palace of Theseus. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Philos trate, and attendants. Theseus. Now, fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hour Long withering out a young man's revenue. Four nights will quickly dream away the time; New bent in heaven, shall behold the night Stir The. Go, Philostrate, up the Athenian youth to merriments; [Exit Philostrate. With pomp, with triumph, and with revelling. Enter Egeus, Hermia, Lysander, and Demetrius. Ege. Happy be Theseus, our renowned duke! The. Thanks, good Egeus: what's the news with thee? Ege. Full of vexation come I, with complaint I beg the ancient privilege of Athens; The. What say you, Hermia? be advis'd, fair maid: To you your father should be as a god; One that compos'd your beauties; yea, and one By him imprinted, and within his power |