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Characters In the Play

The following is a list of characters that appear in this cutting of Richard III.

Twenty characters appeared in the original production. This number can be increased to about thirty or decreased to about twelve by having actors share or double roles.

For the full breakdown of characters, see Sample Program.

Richard, Duke oF Gloucester: later King Richard III 

Clarence: Brother to King Edward and Richard

Guard

Lady Anne: Widow of Prince Edward (son to the late King   Henry VI), later wife to Richard

Queen Elizabeth: King Edward’s wife (formerly the Lady Grey)

Duke of Buckingham

Queen Margaret: Widow of King Henry VI

James Tyrrell: Gentleman

Narrator

Duchess of York: Mother of Richard, Edward, and Clarence

Ghost of Prince Edward 

Ghost of King Henry VI 

Ghost oF Lady Anne 

Ghost oF Duke of Buckingham 

Ghosts of Two Princes 

Lord Stanley: Earl of Derby 

Earl oF Richmond: Henry Tudor, later King Henry VII 

Scene 1. (act i, Scene i.)

Richard 

Now is the winter of our discontent 

Made glorious summer by this son of York, 

Grim-visaged war hath smoothed his wrinkled front; He capers nimbly in a lady’s chamber To the lascivious pleasing of a lute. 

But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks, 

I, that am rudely stamped by dissembling nature, 

Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time 

Into this breathing world scarce half made up, 

And that so lamely and unfashionable

That dogs bark at me as I halt by them— 

And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover I am determinèd to prove a villain. 

Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous, 

By drunken prophecies, libels, and dreams, 

To set my brother Clarence and the King 

In deadly hate, the one against the other. . 

Dive, thoughts, down to my soul. 

Here Clarence comes.

Clarence 

I must, perforce. Farewell. 

Brother, good day. What means this armèd guard That waits upon your Grace?

Clarence 

His Majesty, 

Tend’ring my person’s safety, hath appointed This conduct to convey me to the Tower.

Richard 

Why, this it is when men are ruled by women. ’Tis not the King that sends you to the Tower. My Lady Grey his wife, Clarence, ’tis she That tempers him to this extremity.  

We are not safe, Clarence; we are not safe. 

Brother, farewell. I will unto the King, 

Meantime, this disgrace in brotherhood 

Touches me deeper than you can imagine.

Clarence

I know it pleaseth neither of us well.

Richard 

Well, your imprisonment shall not be long. 

I will deliver you or else lie for you.

Meantime, have patience.

Richard 

 

Go tread the path that thou shalt ne’er return. 

Simple, plain Clarence, I do love thee so 

That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven, 

Clarence hath not another day to live; 

Which done, God take King Edward to His mercy, And leave the world for me to bustle in. For then I’ll marry Warwick’s youngest daughter. 

What though I killed her husband and her father? 

Scene 2. (act i, scene ii.)

Anne 

Poor key-cold figure of a holy king, 

Thou bloodless remnant of that royal blood, 

O, cursèd be the hand that made these holes; 

Cursèd the heart that had the heart to do it; If ever he have wife, let her be made More miserable by the death of him.

Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell. 

Thou hadst but power over his mortal body; 

His soul thou canst not have. Therefore begone.

Richard 

Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst.

Anne 

Behold this pattern of thy butcheries.  O, see, see dead Henry’s wounds ! 

Open their congealed mouths and bleed afresh!— 

Blush, blush, thou lump of foul deformity, 

For ’tis thy presence that exhales this blood 

From cold and empty veins where no blood dwells. 

Thy deeds, inhuman and unnatural, 

Provokes this deluge most unnatural.—

Richard 

Divine perfection of a woman, I did not kill your husband.

Anne 

Why then, he is alive.

Richard 

Nay, he is dead, and slain by Edward’s hands. 

Anne 

In thy foul throat thou liest. Queen Margaret saw Thy murd’rous falchion smoking in his blood.

Richard 

I was provokèd by her sland’rous tongue. Anne 

Thou wast provokèd by thy bloody mind, That never dream’st on aught but butcheries. Didst thou not kill this king?

Richard) I grant you.

Anne 

Dost grant me, hedgehog? 

O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous.

Richard 

The better for the King of heaven that hath him. Anne 

He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come. And thou unfit for any place but hell.

Richard 

Yes, one place else, if you will hear me name it.

Anne 

Some dungeon.

 Richard 

Your bedchamber. 

Your beauty was the cause of that effect— Your beauty, that did haunt me in my sleep To undertake the death of all the world, 

So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom.

Anne 

Black night o’ershade thy day, and death thy life. It is  a quarrel just and reasonable 

To be revenged on him that killed my husband.

Richard 

He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband Did it to help thee to a better husband.

Anne 

Where is he?

Richard Here.

Anne spits at richard..

Why dost thou spit at me? Anne 

Would it were mortal poison for thy sake. 

Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes.

Richard 

Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine. 

Thy beauty hath, and made them blind with weeping. 

Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword, And humbly beg the death upon my knee. 

Anne 

Arise, dissembler. Though I wish thy death, I will not be thy executioner.

Richard

Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it.

Vouchsafe to wear this ring.

Anne 

To take is not to give.

. Richard 

Look how my ring encompasseth thy finger; 

Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart. 

And if thy poor devoted servant may But beg one favor at thy gracious hand, 

Thou dost confirm his happiness forever.

Anne

 What is it?

Richard 

After I have solemnly interred And wet his grave with my repentant tears, I will with all expedient duty see you. 

Grant me this boon.

Anne 

With all my heart, and much it joys me too To see you are become so penitent.— Farewell.

Richard 

Was ever woman in this humor wooed?

Was ever woman in this humor won? 

I’ll have her, but I will not keep her long. 

What, I that killed her husband and his father, And I no friends to back my suit at all But the plain devil and dissembling looks? 

Ha! 

Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass, That I may see my shadow as I pass.

Scene 3. (act i, Scene iii.)

 Richard 

They do me wrong, and I will not endure it! Who is it that complains unto the King That I, forsooth, am stern and love them not? I must be held a rancorous enemy.

Queen Elizabeth Come, come, we know your meaning, brother Gloucester. 

You envy my advancement, and my friends’.

Richard Our brother is imprisoned by your means, Myself disgraced, and the nobility Held in contempt.

Queen Elizabeth I never did incense his Majesty Against the Duke of Clarence. 

My lord, you do me shameful injury Falsely to draw me in these vile suspects. 

Small joy have I in being England’s queen.

Queen Margaret Thy honor, state, and seat is due to me.

. Richard 

’Tis time to speak, my pains are quite forgot.

Queen Margaret) Out, devil! Thou killed’st my husband Henry in  

the Tower, 

And Edward, my poor son, at Tewkesbury. 

A murd’rous villain, and so still thou art.

Richard 

Foul, wrinkled witch, what mak’st thou in my sight? Wert thou not banishèd on pain of death?

Queen Margaret 

I was, but I do find more pain in banishment Than death can yield me here by my abode. 

A husband and a son thou ow’st to me; 

And thou a kingdom;— all of you, allegiance. 

This sorrow that I have by right is yours, 

And all the pleasures you usurp are mine. 

Can curses pierce the clouds and enter heaven? 

Why then, give way, dull clouds, to my quick curses! Edward thy son, that now is 

Prince of Wales, 

For Edward our son, that was Prince of Wales, 

Die in his youth by like untimely violence. 

Thyself a queen, 

for me that was a queen, 

Outlive thy glory, like my wretched self. 

Long mayst thou live to wail thy children’s death And see another, as I see thee now, 

Decked in thy rights, as thou art stalled in mine. 

Long die thy happy days before thy death, 

And, after many lengthened hours of grief, 

Die neither mother, wife, nor England’s queen.—

Queen Elizabeth.

Have done thy charm, thou hateful, withered hag.

Queen Margaret 

And leave out thee? Stay, dog, for thou shalt hear me.

No sleep close up that deadly eye of thine, Unless it be while some tormenting dream Affrights thee with a hell of ugly devils. 

Thou elvish-marked, abortive, rooting hog, 

The slave of nature and the son of hell, 

Thou slander of thy heavy mother’s womb, 

Thou loathèd issue of thy father’s loins, 

 Poor painted queen, vain flourish of my fortune, Why strew’st thou sugar on that bottled spider, Whose deadly web ensnareth thee about? 

Fool, fool, thou whet’st a knife to kill thyself. 

The day will come that thou shalt wish for me To help thee curse this poisonous bunch-backed toad. 

O Buckingham, take heed of yonder dog! 

Look when he fawns, 

Beware of him. ; 

Sin, death, and hell have set their marks on him 

Richard 

What doth she say, my lord of Buckingham?

Buckingham 

Nothing that I respect, my gracious lord.

Queen Margaret 

What, dost thou scorn me for my gentle counsel, And soothe the devil that I warn thee from? 

O, but remember this another day, 

When he shall split thy very heart with sorrow.

Buckingham 

My hair doth stand an end to hear her curses.

Richard

The secret mischiefs that I set abroach 

I lay unto the grievous charge of others. 

And thus I clothe my naked villainy 

With odd old ends stol’n forth of Holy Writ, 

And seem a saint when most I play the devil

Scene 4. (act iV, Scene ii.)

Narrator 

We are now in Act 4. A lot has happened since Act 

1. Richard has caused the murder of his brother 

Clarence. (Note to Richard: nobody likes a bully.) Somehow, Richard manages to become king. But he is not happy yet! So he asks his ally Buckingham to murder Elizabeth’s sons, the two young princes. Richard is on a roll!

Richard 

Cousin of Buckingham.

Buckingham 

My gracious sovereign.

Richard 

Give me thy hand.

Ah, Buckingham, now do I play the touch, To try if thou be current gold indeed: 

Young Edward lives; think now what I would speak.

Buckingham 

 Say on, my loving lord.

Richard 

Why, Buckingham, I say I would be king.

Buckingham 

Why so you are, my thrice-renownèd lord.

Richard 

Ha! Am I king? ’Tis so—but Edward lives.

Buckingham 

True, noble prince.

Richard

Shall I be plain? I wish the bastards dead, And I would have it suddenly performed.

Buckingham Give me some little breath, some pause, dear lord, Before I positively speak in this.

Richard 

High-reaching Buckingham grows circumspect.— No more shall he be the neighbor to my counsels.

Tyrrel 

James Tyrrel, and your most obedient subject.

Richard 

Dar’st thou resolve to kill a friend of mine?

Tyrrel 

Please you. But I had rather kill two enemies.

Richard 

Why then, thou hast it. Two deep enemies, Tyrrel, I mean those bastards in the Tower..

Tyrrel 

I will dispatch it straight.

Buckingham 

My lord, I claim the gift, my due by promise, 

For which your honor and your faith is pawned— Th’ earldom of Hereford 

Which you have promisèd I shall possess.

I am not in the giving vein today.

Buckingham 

And is it thus? Repays he my deep service 

With such contempt? Made I him king for this? O, let me be gone while my fearful head is on!

Scene 5. (act iV, Scene iV.)

Queen Margaret 

So now prosperity begins to mellow And drop into the rotten mouth of death. Here in these confines slyly have I lurked To watch the waning of mine enemies. Who comes here?

Queen Elizabeth 

Ah, my poor princes! Ah, my tender babes, Hover about me with your airy wings And hear your mother’s lamentation.

Duchess 

So many miseries have crazed my voice That my woe-wearied tongue is still and mute.

Queen Margaret 

I had an Edward till a Richard killed him;

I had a husband till a Richard killed him. Thou hadst an Edward till a Richard killed him; Thou hadst a Richard till a Richard killed him. From forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept A hellhound that doth hunt us all to death—

Duchess

That foul defacer of God’s handiwork 

Thy womb let loose to chase us to our graves. Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar, To have him suddenly conveyed from hence. 

Cancel his bond of life, dear God I pray, 

That I may live and say “The dog is dead”.

 Queen Elizabeth

 Thou didst usurp my place, and dost thou not Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow? Now thy proud neck bears half my burdened yoke, From which even here I slip my weary head And leave the burden of it all on thee. Farewell, York’s wife, and queen of sad mischance. These English woes shall make me smile in France.

Richard 

Who intercepts me in my expedition?

Queen Elizabeth) 

Tell me, thou villain-slave, where are my children?

Duchess Art thou my son?

Richard 

Madam, I have a touch of your condition, That cannot brook the accent of reproof.

Duchess 

Thou cam’st on Earth to make the Earth my hell. 

A grievous burden was thy birth to me; 

Therefore take with thee my most grievous curse,) The little souls of Edward’s children. 

Bloody thou art; bloody will be thy end. 

Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend.

Richard 

Stay, madam. I must talk a word with you. You have a daughter called Elizabeth, I love thy daughter. 

And do intend to make her Queen of England.

Queen Elizabeth 

How canst thou woo her?

That would I learn of you.

Queen Elizabeth 

Shall I be tempted of the devil thus?

Richard 

Ay, if the devil tempt you to do good. 

Queen Elizabeth 

Yet thou didst kill my children.

Richard 

But in your daughter’s womb I bury them, 

Where, in that nest of spicery, they will breed Selves of themselves, to your recomforture.

Queen Elizabeth (comforted and hypnotized by this idea) Shall I go win my daughter to thy will?

Richard 

And be a happy mother by the deed.

Queen Elizabeth 

I go.

Richard 

Relenting fool and shallow, changing woman!

Scene 6. (act V, Scene iii.)

Narrator 

Guess what happened to Richard’s only real ally Buckingham for refusing to kill the two young princes? You guessed it: Execution! Meanwhile, Richmond and his army are preparing to march against Richard. Richard tries to get some rest in his tent, but the pesky ghosts of people he has killed interrupt his beauty sleep. Sorry, Richard. Payback is a bitch. 

. Richard 

Up with my tent!—Here will I lie tonight. But where tomorrow?

.

Ghost of Edward 

 Let me sit heavy on thy soul tomorrow. Think how thou stabbed’st me in my prime of youth Despair therefore, and die! 

 Despair therefore, and die!

Ghost oF Henry VI 

When I was mortal, my anointed body By thee was punchèd full of deadly holes. 

Think on the Tower and me. Despair and die! 

 Despair and die!

Ghost of Anne  

Richard, thy wife, that wretched Anne thy wife, That never slept a quiet hour with thee, Now fills thy sleep with perturbations. Tomorrow, in the battle, think on me, 

And fall thy edgeless sword. Despair and die! 

Despair and die!

Ghost of Buckingham 

The first was I that helped thee to the crown; The last was I that felt thy tyranny. O, in the battle think on Buckingham, And die in terror of thy guiltiness. 

 And die in terror of thy  guiltiness!

Ghosts of Princes (to Richard) 

Dream on thy cousins smothered in the Tower. Let us be lead within thy bosom, Richard, 

And weigh thee down to ruin, shame, and death. 

Thy nephews’ souls bid thee despair and die. 

Despair and

Die!

. Richard  

Give me another horse! Bind up my wounds! 

Have mercy, Jesu!— 

Soft, I did but dream. 

O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me! What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by. 

My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, And every tongue brings in a several tale, 

And every tale condemns me for a villain. I shall despair. There is no creature loves me, And if I die no soul will pity me.

Scene 7. (act V, Scenes 4 and 5)

Richard 

A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!

[Richmond takes his sword and, in slow motion, stab the terrified Richard and kills him].

 Richmond 

God and your arms be praised, victorious friends! 

The day is ours; the bloody dog is dead. 

“The bloody dog is dead!”

Stanley 

Courageous Richmond 

Wear it, enjoy it, and make much of it. 

Richmond 

England hath long been mad and scarred herself: 

The brother blindly shed the brother’s blood; 

The father rashly slaughtered his own son; 

The son, compelled, been butcher to the sire.

O, now let Richmond and Elizabeth, 

The true succeeders of each royal house, 

By God’s fair ordinance conjoin together, 

All 

Now civil wounds are stopped, peace lives again. That she may long live here, God say amen. 

ALL hold hands and take a bow!

Hello all!  Here is the Word doc version of the script to Let's Make a Scene: Othello!:

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Here it is in a Text document:

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See you Wed Sep 28 at 7 PM EST!

****

CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY

The following is a list of the characters that appear in this cutting of Othello.

IAGO: An ensign and a villain

BRABANTIO: A senator; father to Desdemona DUKE: Duke of Venice, a great admirer of Othello MESSENGER

FIRST SENATOR: A senator in the council chamber DESDEMONA: Wife to Othello, daughter to Brabantio CASSIO: An honorable lieutenant

MONTANO: Governor of Cyprus

LODOVICO: A noble Venetian, brother to Brabantio

Emilia: Wife to Iago

Bianca:

A courtesan SOLDIERS

SINGERS 

NARRATOR  

       

SCENE 1. (ACT I, SCENE I)

Venice. A street.

NARRATOR

In the streets of Venice, Roderigo and Iago inform the Senator, Brabantio, of his daughter Desdemona’s secret marriage to Othello. Enraged, Brabantio sets out in search of his daughter.

IAGO

Call up her father,

Rouse him, poison his delight.

RODERIGO

What ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho!

IAGO

Awake! Brabantio! Look to your daughter!BRABANTIO

What is the matter there?

IAGO

’Zounds, sir! Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. You’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse, you’ll have your nephews neigh to you! Your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs.

BRABANTIO

Give me a taper. Call up my people. Light, I say, light!

SCENE 2. (ACT I, SCENE III)

Venice. A council-chamber.

Narrator

       

The Duke, preparing for a Turkish invasion of 

Cyprus, welcomes the arrival of Othello and 

Brabantio. Brabantio announces his dismay at 

Desdemona’s marriage to Othello. Iago begins to 

outline his plot to use Cassio in order to make 

Othello jealous.

Duke

      Now, what’s the business?

Messenger

       A Turkish fleet, of thirty sail: 

        Their purposes toward Cyprus.

First Senator

          Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor.

Duke

      Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you 

Against the general enemy Ottoman.)

Brabantio, why, what’s the matter?

Brabantio

       My daughter! O, my daughter!

First Senator

      Dead?

Brabantio

       

Ay, to me;

She is abused, stol’n from me, and corrupted. 

Here is the man, this Moor. 

Duke 

      What, in your own part, can you say to this? 

Othello

       

My very noble and approved good masters, 

Rude am I in my speech,

And little bless’d with the soft phrase of peace; 

And little of this great world can I speak, 

More than pertains to feats of broil and battle; 

   I won his daughter.

Brabantio

     

To fall in love with what she fear’d to look on! 

It is a judgment maim’d and most imperfect.

First Senator

      

But, Othello, speak:

Did you subdue and poison this young maid’s 

   affections?

Othello

    

 Duke, I do beseech you,

Send for the lady to the Sagittary,

And let her speak of me before her father. 

  Fetch Desdemona hither.

Brabantio

      

 Come hither, gentle mistress.

Do you perceive in all this noble company 

Where most you owe obedience?

Desdemona

     

 My noble father,

I do perceive here a divided duty:

I am hitherto your daughter: but here’s my husband; 

That I did love the Moor to live with him 

My downright violence and storm of fortunes 

May trumpet to the world. My heart’s subdued 

Even to the very quality of my Lord. 

    Let me go with him.

Brabantio

     Come hither, Moor:

I here do give thee that with all my heart 

I would keep from thee. For your sake, jewel, 

     I am glad at soul I have no other child.

Duke

      To mourn a mischief that is past and gone

Is the next way to draw new mischief on. 

The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes 

   for Cyprus.

First Senator

     You must away to-night. 

Othello

     With all my heart.

Duke

      Good night to every one 

And, noble signior,

If virtue no delighted beauty lack,

   Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.

Brabantio 

     Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: 

Othello

      My life upon her faith! 

Honest Iago,

My Desdemona must I leave to thee: 

Come, Desdemona; I have but an hour 

Of love, of worldly matters and direction, 

   To spend with thee.

Iago 

      I hate the Moor;

And it is thought abroad, that ’twixt my sheets 

He has done my office: I know not if ’t be true; 

But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,

Will do as if for surety. 

Cassio’s a proper man: let me see now; 

After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear 

That he is too familiar with his wife: 

I have’t; it is engender’d: hell and night

Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.

SCENE 3. (ACT II, SCENE III)

Cyprus. A hall in the castle.

NARRATOR

We are now in Cyprus. Iago persuades Cassio to drink too much, which is part of Iago’s devious plan of action.

OTHELLO 

Good Michael, look you to the guard to-night: Good night.

        CASSIO

     

Welcome, Iago. We must to the watch.

IAGO

Come, lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine; to the health of black Othello

Cassio

Not tonight, good Iago.  I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking

Iago

What, man! ’Tis a night of revels: the gallants desire it.

Cassio

I’ll do’t; but it dislikes me.

Iago 

If I can fasten but one cup upon him, He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress’ dog.

Cassio

To the health of our general!                 

Montano

I am for it, lieutenant; and I’ll do you justice.

Iago

O sweet England!

ALL (singing)

And let me the cannikin clink, clink And let me the cannikin clink.

A soldier’s a man,

O man’s life’s but a span,

Why, then let a soldier drink Why, then let a soldier drink!

Iago

Some wine, ho!

CASSIO [pours more wine for himself)

Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other. Do not think, gentlemen. I am drunk: this is my ancient; this is my right hand, and this is my left:

I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and speak well enough.

IAGO

How now, Roderigo!

I pray you, after the lieutenant; go.

RODERIGO

Help! Help!

     

CASSIO

’Zounds, you rogue! You rascal!

A knave teach me my duty! [strikes RODERIGO]

Montano 

                         Nay, good lieutenant; I pray you, sir, hold your hand.       

Cassio

Let me go, sir, or I’ll knock you o’er the mazard.

            Montano

Come, come, you’re drunk.

Cassio

Drunk!

IAGO 

Away, I say, go out; and cry a mutiny!

           

 OTHELLO

What is the matter here?

Are we turn’d Turks? Honest Iago, Speak, who began this?

Iago

I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth Than it should do offense to Michael Cassio; But men are men; the best sometimes forget.

OTHELLO

I know, Iago,

Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee; But never more be officer of mine.

CASSIO

Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.

IAGO

As I am an honest man, I’ll tell you what you shall do. Our general’s wife is now the general: confess yourself freely to her; importune her help to put you in your place again.

CASSIO

You advise me well. In the morning I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me: Good night, honest Iago.

IAGO 

Whiles this honest fool

Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes,

And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear,

That she repeals him for her body’s lust; So will I turn her virtue into pitch; And out of her own goodness make the net That shall enmesh them all.

SCENE 4. (ACT III, SCENE III)

Cyprus. The garden of the castle.

NARRATOR

Desdemona pleads for Cassio’s reinstatement while Iago causes Othello to doubt Desdemona and her friendship with Cassio. Keep an eye out for a very important handkerchief.

                    CASSIO

My general will forget my love and service.

DESDEMONA

If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it

To the last article: my lord shall never rest;

I’ll watch him tame, and talk him out of patience.

   Emilia                   

Madam, here comes my lord.

Cassio

      Madame I’ll take my leave.

          

  IAGO

Ha! I like not that.

Othello

Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?

Iago

Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it, That he would steal away so guilty-like, Seeing you coming.

DESDEMONA

How now, my lord!

I have been talking with a suitor here,

A man that languishes in your displeasure.

Othello

Who is’t you mean?

DESDEMONA

Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, If I have any grace or power to move you,

I prithee, call him back.

          

OTHELLO

No, not tonight

 DESDEMONA

Why, then, to-morrow night; or Tuesday morn.

         

OTHELLO 

Prithee, no more: let him come when he will; I will deny thee nothing.

DESDEMONA

Whate’er you be, I am obedient.               

OTHELLO

Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul, But I do love thee! And when I love thee not, Chaos is come again.

Iago

For Michael Cassio,

I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.

Othello

I think so too.

           Iago

                      Men should be what they seem.

Othello

Certain, men should be what they seem.

Iago

Why, then, I think Cassio’s an honest man.

Othello

Nay, yet there’s more in this: Give thy worst of thoughts The worst of words.

IAGO

O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;

It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mockThe meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss 

Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; 

But, O, what damned minutes tells he o’er 

Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves! 

Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; 

She did deceive her father, marrying you

And when she seem’d to shake and fear your looks, 

She loved them most.

My lord, I take my leave.

OTHELLO 

Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.

IAGO 

My lord, I would I might entreat your honor Note if your lady strain Cassio’s entertainment With any strong or vehement importunity; Much will be seen in that. In the mean time Let me be thought too busy in my fears.

I once more take my leave.

    OTHELLO

This fellow’s of exceeding honesty, If I do prove her haggard,

Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, I’ld whistle her off, and let her down the wind,

To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black, And have not those soft parts of conversation That chamberers have; or, for I am declined Into the vale of years, yet that’s not much;

She’s gone; I am abused; and my relief Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,

That we can call these delicate creatures ours, And not their appetites!

Desdemona comes:

If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself! I’ll not believe’t. 

DESDEMONA 

How now, my dear Othello! Are you not well?

Othello

I have a pain upon my forehead here.

DESDEMONA

I am very sorry that you are not well.

[DESDEMONA takes out her handkerchief and swabs OTHELLO’S forehead.  DESDEMONA drops the handkerchief by accident as they walk off stage]

EMILIA [spots handkerchief and picks it up]

I

 am glad I have found this napkin:

This was her first remembrance from the Moor: My wayward husband hath a hundred times Woo’d me to steal it; I nothing but to please his fantasy.          

IAGO

How now! What do you here alone?

Emilia

Do not you chide; I have a thing for you.

Why, the handkerchief the Moor first gave to Desdemona;

That which so often you did bid me steal.

Iago

A good wench; give it me  I have use for it. Go, leave me. I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin, And let him find it. Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong

As proofs of holy writ: this may do something. The Moor already changes with my poison.

OTHELLO.

Ha! Ha! False to me?

Iago

How now, my lord!

     OTHELLO

What sense had I of her stol’n hours of lust? Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!

Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, Be sure of it; I’ll have some proof: her name,

that was as fresh

As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black As mine own face.

Give me a living reason she’s disloyal.

IAGO

She may be honest yet. Tell me but this,

Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief Spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand?

Othello

I gave her such a one. ‘Twas my first gift.

Iago

I know not that: but such a handkerchief— I am sure it was your wife’s—did I to-day See Cassio wipe his beard with.

Othello

Now do I see ’tis true. Look here, Iago;

All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven: ’Tis gone. 

Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell! Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne To tyrannous hate! O, blood, blood, blood!

IAGO 

Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change.

OTHELLO 

Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea,

My bloody thoughts, with violent pace,

Shall ne’er look back, ne’er ebb to humble love, Till that a capable and wide revenge

Swallow them up. I will withdraw,

To furnish me with some swift means of death For the fair devil. 

Now art thou my lieutenant.

IAGO

I am your own for ever.

SCENE 5 (ACT III, SCENE IV)

Before the castle.

NARRATOR

Othello asks Desdemona for the handkerchief that she has lost, but she tries to talk to him about Cassio. (pauses) Not a good idea.

DESDEMONA

Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?

        Emilia

                  I know not, madam.

[to Othello] How is’t with you, my lord?

Othello

Well, my good lady. (aside)

O, hardness to dissemble!

How do you, Desdemona?

DESDEMONA

Well, my good lord.

I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you.

Othello

Lend me thy handkerchief.

DESDEMONA [takes out a plain handkerchief]

Here, my lord.

Othello

That which I gave you.

DESDEMONA

I have it not about me.

Othello

That is a fault. That handkerchief

Did an Egyptian to my mother give; she, dying, gave it me;

Fetch’t, let me see’t.

DESDEMONA

Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now.

Othello

Fetch me the handkerchief: my mind misgives.

EMILIA 

Is not this man jealous?

DESDEMONA

I ne’er saw this before.

Something hath puddled his clear spirit Alas the day! I never gave him cause.

Emilia

Jealous souls will not be answer’d so; They are not ever jealous for the cause,

But jealous for they are jealous: ’tis a monster Begot upon itself, born on itself.

DESDEMONA 

Heaven keep that monster from Othello’s mind!

          Emilia 

Lady, amen.            

 BIANCA

Save you, friend Cassio!

Cassio

Sweet Bianca,

[ CASSIO gives DESDEMONA’S handkerchief to BIANCA.]

Take me this work out.

         

BIANCA

Why, whose is it?

Cassio

    I know not, sweet: I found it in my chamber. I like the work well: I’d have it copied:

Take it, and do’t; I’ll see you soon.

BIANCA

’Tis very good; I must be circumstanced.

SCENE 6 (ACT IV, SCENE III)

Cyprus. Another room in the castle.

         NARRATOR

While Desdemona is preparing for bed, she talks to Emilia about unfaithful wives.           

OTHELLO

O, Desdemona.

DESDEMONA

My lord?

Othello

Get you to bed on th’instant; I will be return’d forthwith.

DESDEMONA

I will, my lord.

EMILIA

                     How goes it now? 

DESDEMONA

O, these men, these men!

Dost thou in conscience think,—tell me, Emilia,— That there be women do abuse their husbands

In such gross kind?

EMILIA

There be some such, no question. Let husbands know

Their wives have sense like them: they see, and smell,

And have their palates both for sweet and sour, As husbands have. What is it that they do When they change us for others? Is it sport?

I think it is: and doth affection breed it? I think it doth: is’t frailty that thus errs? It is so too: and have not we affections,

Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? Then let them use us well: else let them know, The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.

DESDEMONA

Good night, good night: God me such usage send, Not to pick bad from bad, 

but by bad mend!

        SINGERS

The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree Sing all a green willow.

                  Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee Sing         

willow willow willow.

The fresh streams ran by her and murmured her moans,

Sing all a green willow.

Her salt tears fell by her and softened the stones. Sing willow willow willow.

Sing all a green willow must be my garland.

SCENE 7 (ACT V, SCENE II)

Cyprus. Outside of a bedchamber in the castle.

NARRATOR

The scene takes place outside Desdemona’s bedroom. The hard truth is revealed.

OTHELLO 

She must die, else she’ll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.

[OTHELLO re-enters. He has just smothered

DESDEMONA]   

      

 EMILIA

O, my good lord, foul murders done!

O, who hath done This deed?OTHELLO

She’s, like a liar, gone to burning hell: ’Twas I that kill’d her.

Emilia

O, the more angel she, And you the blacker devil!

Othello

She turn’d to folly, and she was a whore.

Emilia

O, she was heavenly true!

Othello

Cassio did top her; ask thy husband else.

Emilia

That she was false to wedlock? My husband?

Othello

Ay, ’twas he that told me first: An honest man he is.

Emilia

My husband!

Othello

My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago

Emilia

If he say so, may his pernicious soul

Rot half a grain a day! He lies to th’heart: Help! Help, ho! Help!

The Moor hath kill’d my mistress! Murder! Murder!             

MONTANO

What is the matter? How now, general!

Emilia

O, are you come, Iago? You have done well, That men must lay their murders on your neck. My mistress here lies murder’d in her bed,

[to Iago]

And your reports have set the murder on.

Othello

Nay, stare not, masters: it is true, indeed.

Montano

O monstrous act!

Othello

O, she was foul!

’Tis pitiful; but yet Iago knows

That she with Cassio hath the act of shame

A thousand times committed; Cassio confess’d it: And she did gratify his amorous works

With that recognizance and pledge of love Which I first gave her; I saw it in his hand: It was a handkerchief, an antique token My father gave my mother.

Emilia

O heaven! O heavenly powers!

Iago

Come, hold your peace.            

  EMILIA

I will not.

O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak’st of I found by fortune, and did give my husband;

For often, with a solemn earnestness—

More than, indeed, belong’d to such a trifle— He begg’d of me to steal it.

Iago

Filth, thou liest!

Emilia

By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.

O murderous coxcomb! What should such a fool Do with so good a wife!

Othello

Are there no stones in heaven

But what serve for the thunder? Precious villain!

              [ IAGO stabs EMILIA ]

     EMILIA

Ay, ay: O, lay me by my mistress’ side.

Othello

Who can control his fate? Where should Othello go? O cursed, cursed slave!

O Desdemona! Desdemona! Dead! 

O! O! O!

  LODOVICO

Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.

Othello

If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.

[OTHELLO wounds IAGO.]

          

[Cassio takes Othello’s sword]             

IAGO

I bleed, sir; but not kill’d.

From this time forth I never will speak word.

Othello

How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief That was my wife’s?

Cassio

I found it in my chamber:

And he himself confess’d but even now

That there he dropp’d it for a special purpose.

              OTHELLO

O, Fool! Fool! Fool!

LODOVICO   [to OTHELLO]

You must forsake this room, and go with us: Your power and your command is taken off, And Cassio rules in Cyprus.

Othello

Soft you; a word or two before you go. I pray you, in your letters,

When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of one that loved not wisely, but too well.

[OTHELLO pulls out a dagger he had hidden on his person and stabs himself].

Cassio

He was great of heart. (to IAGO)

O Spartan dog,

Myself will straight aboard, and to the state This heavy act with heavy heart relate.

[All hold hands and take a bow!]

Hey all!

Here is the script for Tuesday August 30th 7 PM- EST "Let's Make a Scene": The Tempest: The 30-Minute Shakespeare:

Here it is in Word

Here it is in Rich Text:

(Here is Zoom link):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3711348751?pwd=YnJQdVRwOUVZbitPdXFrNy9UeHJ1Zz09

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And here is script text pasted : (You can print any of these out or read em on your iPads etc.

The Tempest: The 30-Minute Shakespeare

Let’s Make a Scene Script

Characters in the play

The following is a list of characters that appear in this cutting of The Tempest: The 30-Minute Shakespeare

For the full breakdown of characters, see Sample Program. 

Prospero: Former Duke of Milan, now a magician on a Mediterranean island 

Sailors
Master of the ship
Boatswain of the ship
Alonso: King of Naples
Sebastian: Alonso’s brother
Antonio: Usurping Duke of Milan, and Prospero’s brother

Ferdinand: Prince of Naples, and Alonso’s son
Gonzalo: Counselor to Alonso, and friend to Prospero 

Miranda: Prospero’s daughter
Ariel: An airy spirit, servant to Prospero
Caliban: A savage inhabitant of the island, servant to Prospero 

Trinculo: Servant to Alonso
Stephano: Alonso’s drunken butler
Strange shapes
Dogs
Narrator 

Scene I [Act 1 Scene 1]
On a ship at sea.

Narrator 

On board a ship carrying King Alonso of Naples and his men, a boatswain directs the crew to fight a great storm, but the ship appears destined to sink! 

Master 

Boatswain! 

Boatswain 

Here, master: What cheer? 

Master 

Good, speak to the mariners: fall to’t, yarely, or we run ourselves aground: bestir, bestir. 

Boatswain 

Heigh, my hearts! Cheerly! Yare, yare! Take in the topsail! 

Alonso 

Good Boatswain, have care

Boatswain 

I pray now, keep below. 

Antonio 

Where is the Master, Boatswain?

Boatswain 

You mar our labor: keep your cabins! 

Gonzalo 

Nay good, be patient.

Boatswain 

When the sea is. Hence! What cares these roarers for the name of king? To cabin: trouble us not. Out of our way, I say. 

Gonzalo 

I have great comfort from this fellow: methinks he hath no drowning mark upon him. 

Boatswain 

Down with the topmast! Yare! Lower, lower! Yet again! What do you here? Have you a mind to sink? 

Sebastian 

A pox o’ your throat, you bawling, blasphemous, incharitable dog! 

Boatswain 

Work you then. 

Antonio 

Hang, cur, hang you whoreson insolent noisemaker!  We are less afraid to be drowned than thou art.

Boatswain 

Lay her a-hold! What, must our mouths be cold? 

Antonio 

We are merely cheated of our lives by drunkards: Let’s all sink with the king. 

Gonzalo 

Now would I give a thousand furlongs of sea for an acre of barren ground. 

scene II (act 1, Scene 2) The island. Before Prospero’s cell. 

Narrator 

Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, has been stranded on a barren island for twelve years with his daughter, Miranda. He explains to her that he used his magic to raise the recent storm, but no one was harmed. King Alonso’s son, Ferdinand, falls instantly in love with Miranda, to Prospero’s delight. 

Miranda 

If by your art, my dearest father, you have Put the wild waters in this roar, allay them A brave vessel, dash’d all to pieces. 

Prospero 

Be collected: There’s no harm done.
I should inform thee farther. Pluck my magic garment from me. Thou must now know farther. Twelve year since, Miranda,
Thy father was the Duke of Milan. 

Miranda 

O the heavens! 

Prospero 

Thy uncle, call’d Antonio, did believe he was indeed the duke; The King of Naples and Antonio prepared a rotten carcass of a boat; There they hoist us, to cry to the sea that roar’d to us. 

Miranda 

How came we ashore?

Prospero 

By Providence divine. 

Miranda 

And now I pray you sir, Your reason for raising this sea storm?

Prospero 

By accident most strange hath mine enemies brought to this shore. Here cease more questions: Thou art inclined to sleep. Come, servant.
Approach, my Ariel, come. 

Ariel 

All hail, great master! I come to answer thy best pleasure; To ride on the curl’d clouds, Ariel and all her quality. 

Prospero 

Hast thou, spirit,
Perform’d to point the tempest that I bade thee? 

Ariel 

To every article.
I boarded the king’s ship; I flamed amazement. The king’s son, Ferdinand, was the first man that leap’d, Not a hair perish’d; In troops I have dispersed them ’bout the isle. The king’s son have I landed by himself. 

Prospero

Ariel, there’s more work. 

Ariel

Is there more toil?
Let me remember thee what thou hast promised, My liberty. 

Prospero 

Do so, and after two days I will discharge thee.
Go make thyself invisible. 

[To Miranda] Awake, dear heart, awake! Thou hast slept well; awake!

Ferdinand 

Where should this music be? I’ the air or the earth? 

Ariel

Full fathom five thy father lies; Those are pearls that were his eyes. 

Ferdinand 

The ditty does remember my drown’d father. 

Miranda 

What is’t? A spirit? It carries a brave form. I might call her a thing divine. 

Prospero  [Aside to Ariel] 

It goes on, I see, As my soul prompts it. 

Ferdinand 

My prime request is, O you wonder! If you be maid or no? 

Miranda

No wonder, sir; but certainly a maid. 

Prospero [aside]

They are both in either’s powers. 

Ferdinand 

My father’s loss, the wreck of all my friends, are but light to me, Might I but through my prison once a day Behold this maid. 

Prospero [aside)]

It works.  Thou hast done well, fine Ariel! Thou shalt be free
As mountain winds: but then exactly do All points of my command. 

Ariel 

To the syllable.

Prospero 

Come, follow. 

Scene III. [Act 2, Scene 2]
Another part of the island.

Narrator 

Having escaped the apparently sinking ship, Trinculo hides under a cloak to weather the storm, where he discovers the island’s ornery monster, Caliban. Drunk Stephano finds them both and shares his bottle with them, which livens things up! 

Caliban 

Lo, now, lo!
Here comes a spirit of his. I’ll fall flat. 

Trinculo 

All the infections that the sun sucks up From bogs on Prosper fall. 

[hides under his cloak] 

Another storm brewing;
I know not where to hide my head:
What have we here? A man or a fish? Dead or alive? 

[lifts up the cloak]

A fish: he smells like a fish.
A strange fish! Legged like a man and his fins like arms! Warm o’ my troth! Alas, the storm is come again! My best way is to creep under his gaberdine. 

Stephano 

I shall no more to sea, to sea,
Here shall I die ashore
This is a scurvy tune too: but here’s my comfort. [drinks]

Caliban 

Do not torment me: oh! 

Stephano 

I have not scaped drowning to be afeard now of your four legs. 

Caliban 

Do not torment me, prithee. 

Stephano 

He’s in his fit now. He shall taste of my bottle: Open your mouth. 

Trinculo 

I should know that voice: it should be—but he is drowned. 

Stephano 

Four legs and two voices: a most delicate monster!
I will pour some in thy other mouth. 

Trinculo 

Stephano! Stephano! I am Trinculo—be not afeard— thy good friend Trinculo. 

Stephano 

I’ll pull thee by the lesser legs. Thou art very Trinculo indeed! How camest thou to be the siege of this moon-calf? Can he vent Trinculos? 

Trinculo

But art thou not drowned, Stephano? 
O Stephano, two Neapolitans ’scaped! 

Stephano 

Prithee, do not turn me about; my stomach is not constant. 

Caliban

That’s a brave god and bears celestial liquor. I will kneel to him. 

Stephano 

How didst thou ’scape? 

Trinculo 

Swum ashore. Man, like a duck. 

Stephano 

Here, kiss the book. 

 Caliban 

I’ll kiss thy foot; I’ll swear myself thy subject. I’ll fish for thee and get thee wood enough. A plague upon the tyrant that I serve!
I’ll follow thee, thou wondrous man. Farewell master; farewell, farewell! 

Trinculo

A howling monster: a drunken monster! 

Caliban

’Ban, ’Ban, Ca-caliban
Has a new master: get a new man. Freedom, hie-day! Hie-day, freedom! 

stephano

O brave monster! Lead the way. 

Scene IV (Act 3, Scene 3)
Before Prospero’s cell.

Narrator 

Ferdinand is visited by Miranda. Prospero observes them, unseen, as they exchange marriage vows. Things are starting to heat up! 

Ferdinand 

This my mean task would be heavy to me, but The mistress which I serve quickens what’s dead And makes my labors pleasures. 

Miranda 

Work not so hard: rest yourself; 
I’ll bear your logs the while. 

Ferdinand 

No, precious creature;
I had rather break my back,
Than you should such dishonor undergo, While I sit lazy by. 

Prospero 

Poor worm, thou art infected! 

Ferdinand 

What is your name? 

Miranda 

Miranda.—O my father,
I have broke your hest to say so! 

Ferdinand 

Admired Miranda!
O you are created of every creature’s best! 

Miranda

How features are abroad,
I am skilless of. I would not wish
Any companion in the world but you

Ferdinand 

The very instant that I saw you, did My heart fly to your service; And for your sake am I this patient log-man. 

Miranda 

Do you love me? 

Ferdinand 

I beyond all limit of what else i’ the world Do love, prize, honor you. 

Miranda 

I am a fool
To weep at what I am glad of. 

Prospero 

Fair encounter
Of two most rare affections! 

Miranda 

I am your wife, if you will marry me. 

Ferdinand 

Ay, with a heart as willing
As bondage e’er of freedom: here’s my hand. 

Miranda

And mine, with my heart in’t; and now farewell.

Ferdinand 

A thousand thousand!

Prospero 

So glad of this as they I cannot be,
Who are surprised withal; but my rejoicing at nothing can be more. I’ll to my book, For yet ere supper-time must I perform Much business appertaining. 

Scene V [act 3 Scene 2]
Another part of the island.. 

Narrator 

Trinculo and Caliban quarrel with the help of the invisible fairy Ariel. Caliban urges Stephano to kill Prospero. What a monstrous thing to do! 

Stephano 

Servant-monster, drink to me. 

Caliban 

Let me lick thy shoe. I thank my noble lord. As I told thee before, I am subject to a tyrant,
a sorcerer, that by his cunning hath cheated me of the island. 

Ariel [invisible, making trouble]

Thou liest. 

Caliban 

Thou liest, thou jesting monkey, thou! I do not lie. 

Stephano 

Trinculo, if you trouble him any more, I will supplant some of your teeth. 

Trinculo 

I did nothing. 

Stephano 

Didst thou not say he lied?

Ariel [still invisible]

Thou liest. 

Stephano 

Do I so? Take thou that. 

[beats Trinculo with his hat]

 Proceed. 

Caliban

Why, as I told thee, ’tis a custom with Prospero
I’ th’ afternoon to sleep: there thou mayst brain him, With a log or cut his wezand with thy knife. Remember first to possess his books; for without them He’s but a sot, as I am, nor hath not
One spirit to command:
And that most deeply to consider is
The beauty of his daughter;
She will become thy bed,
And bring thee forth brave brood. 

Stephano 

Monster, I will kill this man: his daughter and I will be king and queen—save our graces!—and Trinculo and thyself shall be viceroys. Come on, Trinculo, let us sing. 

[singing]

Flout ’em and scout ’em And scout ’em and flout ’em Thought is free. 

Caliban 

Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, That give delight and hurt not. 

Stephano 

This will prove a brave kingdom to me, where I shall have my music for nothing. Lead, monster; we’ll follow. 

Scene VI (Act 3, Scene 3) Another part of the island. 

Narrator 

King Alonso and his party are visited by strange shapes that invite them to a banquet. Ariel appears as a large winged bird called a harpy and accuses three of the men of overthrowing Prospero’s dukedom, threatening them with a fate worse than death. Rule number one: Never mess with a harpy! 

Gonzalo 

I can go no further, sir. My old bones ache. 

Alonso 

Sit down, and rest. Even here I will put off my hope; he is drown’d Whom thus we stray to find. Well, let him go. 

Antonio 

[aside to Sebastian]

 I am right glad that he’s so out of hope. 

Sebastian [aside to Antonio]

The next advantage will we take throughly. 

Antonio 

Let it be tonight.

[Enter several “strange shapes”]

Alonso 

What harmony is this? 

Gonzalo 

Marvelous sweet music! 

Sebastian 

Now I will believe
That there are unicorns. 

Gonzalo

If in Naples
I should report this now, would they believe me? 

Alonso

I will stand to and feed. 

Ariel [disguised as Harpy]

You are three men of sin, whom Destiny,
Hath caused to belch up you; I have made you mad.You fools! Your swords may as well Wound the loud winds, or
Kill the still-closing waters. You three
From Milan did supplant good Prospero; Exposed unto the sea,
Him and his innocent child.

(to Alonso]

Thee of thy son, Alonso,
They have bereft; and do pronounce by me: Lingering perdition. 

Prospero 

Bravely the figure of this harpy hast thou Perform’d, my Ariel. My high charms work And these mine enemies now are in my power. 

Alonso 

O, it is monstrous, monstrous. 

Gonzalo 

All three of them are desperate: their great guilt, Like poison now ’gins to bite the spirits. 

Scene VII (Act 4, Scene 1]
Before Prospero’s cell.

Narrator 

Prospero gives his daughter’s hand to Ferdinand and the couple are married. He suddenly remembers
the threat posed by Caliban and company and drives them out with spirits disguised as dogs. Rule number two: Never mess with a magician. 

Prospero 

Take my daughter. 

Ferdinand 

I hope for quiet days, fair issue and long life. 

Prospero 

What, Ariel! My industrious servant, Ariel! 

Ariel 

Here I am. 

Prospero 

I must use you in such another trick. Go bring the rabble, O’er whom I give thee power, here to this place. 

Ariel 

Before you can say ‘come’ and ‘go,’ Each one, tripping on his toe, Will be here with mop and mow. Do you love me, master? No? 

Prospero 

Dearly my delicate Ariel. 

[aside, suddenly very angry]

I had forgot that foul conspiracy Of the beast Caliban and his confederates Against my life: the minute of their plot Is almost come. 

Ferdinand 

This is strange: your father’s in some passion That works him strongly. 

Miranda 

Never till this day
Saw I him touch’d with anger so distemper’d. 

 

 

Prospero 

My brain is troubled. 

Ferdinand 

We wish your peace. 

Prospero 

Ariel: come. 

Ariel 

What’s thy pleasure? 

Prospero 

Spirit,
We must prepare to meet with Caliban. Where didst thou leave these varlets? 

Ariel 

I left them i’ the filthy-mantled pool beyond your cell. 

Prospero 

This was well done, my bird.
Thy shape invisible retain thou still. 

Ariel 

I go, I go. 

Prospero 

I will plague them all, even to roaring. 

Caliban

Pray you, tread softly.

 Trinculo

Monster, I do smell all horse-piss;
at which my nose is in great indignation. 

Stephano 

So is mine. 

Caliban 

Be patient, my king, be quiet.
This is the mouth o’ the cell:
Do that good mischief which may make this island Thine own for ever, and I, thy Caliban,
Thy foot-licker. 

Prospero [gesturing towards dogs]

Hey, Mountain, hey! 

Ariel 

Silver I there it goes, Silver! 

Prospero 

Fury, fury! There, there! Hark! Hark! 

Ariel

Hark, they roar! 

Prospero 

Let them be hunted soundly. At this hour Lie at my mercy all mine enemies: Follow, and do me service. 

Scene  VIII [Act V, Scene 1]
Before Prospero’s cell.

Narrator 

Prospero releases Alonso and his party from their charmed state and renounces the further use of
his magic. Prospero’s dukedom is restored, all is forgiven, and family members are reunited. Almost everyone is well on the way to being free! This must be a Shakespearean comedy! 

Prospero 

Now does my project gather to a head: My charms crack not; my spirits obey. How fares the king and his followers? 

Ariel 

Just as you left them; all prisoners, sir,
Gonzalo’s tears run down his beard, like winter’s drops From eaves of reeds. 

Prospero 

I am struck to the quick, The rarer action is In virtue than in vengeance: Go release them, Ariel:
My charms I’ll break. 

Ariel

I’ll fetch them, sir. 

Prospero 

I have bedimm’d
The noontide sun, call’d forth the mutinous winds, And ’twixt the green sea and the azured vault
Set roaring war: but this rough magic
I here abjure, I’ll break my staff,
I’ll drown my book. There stand,
For you are spell-stopp’d.
Most cruelly didst thou, Alonso, use me and my daughter:
Thy brother was a furtherer in the act, Would here have kill’d your king; Quickly, spirit; thou shalt ere long be free. 

Ariel  [singing]
Merrily, merrily shall I live now Under the blossom that hangs on the bough. 

Prospero 

My dainty Ariel! To the king’s ship,
There shalt thou find the master and the boatswain. Enforce them to this place, presently. 

Ariel 

I drink the air before me, and return

Prospero [to Alonso]

 Behold, sir king, The wronged Duke of Milan, Prospero. 

Alonso 

Thy pulse
Beats as of flesh and blood; and, since I saw thee, The affliction of my mind amends,
Thy dukedom I resign and do entreat
Thou pardon me my wrongs.

Prospero [aside to Sebastian and Antonio]
But you, my brace of lords, were I so minded, I here could justify you traitors. 

Sebastian [aside]
The devil speaks in him. 

Prospero [to Antonio]
No. For you, most wicked sir, I do forgive Thy rankest fault. 

Alonso

I have lost my dear son Ferdinand. 

Prospero 

I have lost my daughter.
I will requite you with as good a thing. 

[Enter Ferdinand and Miranda. Alonso  is astonished and joyful to see his son alive] 

Alonso 

If this prove
A vision of the Island, one dear son Shall I twice lose. 

Sebastian 

A most high miracle! 

Ferdinand [to Alonso]

Though the seas threaten, they are merciful; I have cursed them without cause. 

Miranda 

O, wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, That has such people in’t! 

Prospero 

’Tis new to thee. 

Alonso 

Is she the goddess that hath sever’d us, And brought us thus together? 

Ferdinand 

Sir, she is mortal;
But by immortal Providence she’s mine:
She is daughter to this famous Duke of Milan, And second father this lady makes him to me. 

Alonso

I am hers:
I must ask my child forgiveness!
Give me your hands. 

Gonsalo

Be it so! Amen! [to Boatswain] What is the news? 

Boatswain 

We have safely found
Our king and company. Our ship—
Which we gave out split—
Is tight and yare and bravely rigg’d as when We first put out to sea. 

Prospero [aside to Ariel]

My tricksy spirit! Thou shalt be free.
Set Caliban and his companions free; Untie the spell. 

Prospero [to Alonso]
How fares my gracious sir? There are yet missing of your company. 

Sebastian 

Ha, ha!
What things are these, my lord Antonio? Will money buy ’em? 

Antonio 

One of them
Is a plain fish, and, no doubt, marketable. 

Prospero 

This misshapen demi-devil
had plotted with them to take my life. 

Caliban 

I shall be pinch’d to death. 

Alonso 

Is not this Stephano, my drunken butler? And Trinculo is reeling ripe:
How camest thou in this pickle? 

Trinculo 

I have been in such a pickle since I saw you last. 

Sebastian 

How now, Stephano! 

stephano 

I am not Stephano, but a cramp. 

Prospero [to Caliban]

 Go, sirrah, to my cell. 

Caliban 

Ay, that I will; what a thrice-double ass Was I, to take this drunkard for a god And worship this dull fool! 

Prospero 

Your highness; in the morn
I’ll bring you to your ship;
And thence retire me to my Milan, where Every third thought shall be my grave. 

Alonso 

I long
To hear the story of your life, which must Take the ear strangely. 

Prospero 

I’ll deliver all;
And promise you calm seas, auspicious gales. (aside to Ariel) My Ariel, chick,
To the elements be free, and fare thou well! 

Prospero 

Now my charms are all o’erthrown, And what strength I have’s mine own, But release me from my bands With the help of your good hands:
As you from crimes would pardon’d be, Let your indulgence set me free. Our revels now are ended. These our actors, Were all spirits and
Are melted into air, into thin air:
We are such stuff As dreams are made on, and our little life Is rounded with a sleep. 

All hold hands and take a bow!

 

Curtain!

Standing ovation!

Hey all!

Here is the script for Let's Make a Scene: The Taming of the Shrew!

I will attach it as a Word doc and a text doc,

and also paste it below.

You can read the script printed out or on a tablet while we do the Zoom reading!

(Here is the Zoom link for the Let's Make a Scene: Thursday July 28 7 PM EST)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82970638505?pwd=aUpuMmFkcjJiY1ZXMHEwZC9xK25kZz09

Look at the small download links underneath to download Text or Word copy)

*****

By the way, here is your FREE PDF of the full 30-Minute version (with lots of fun and silly stage directions)

Your 

reward! (To download: look below the PDF for the tiny blue-lettered download link)

Hey all!

Here is the Script for Let's Make a Scene

A Midsummer Night's Dream: The 30-Minute Shakespeare.

Our event is on Zoom Thursday June 30th 2022 at 7 PM.

(Here is the Zoom link):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83988197043?pwd=Y9k8bk1-hReV-sLQShcljQXq8ziPnf.1

And here is the script, which you can print or read on a tablet or whatever!

Here it is as Text format:

***

And here it is pasted:

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The 30-Minute Shakespeare

 Let’s Make a Scene!  Thursday June 30^th, 2022 7 PM Easetern

Characters in the Play 

The following is a list of characters that appear in this cutting. For the full breakdown of characters, see Sample Program. 

Theseus: Duke of Athens, father to Hermia

Hippolyta: Queen of the Amazons
Egeus: Father to Hermia
Philostrate: Master of the Revels to Theseus 

Lysander:/ Demetrius/Hermia/Helena: Four lovers

Oberon: King of the Fairies
Titania: Queen of the Fairies
Robin Goodfellow (Puck): A hobgoblin in Oberon’s service

 Peasblossom/Cobweb/Mustardseed: Fairies attending upon Titania                     
Nick Bottom The weaver/Pyramus
Peter Quince The carpenter/Prologue 

Tom Snout The Tinker/Wall
Snug The Joiner/Lion
Robin Starveling The Tailor/Moon

SCENE 1 (ACT III, SCENE II).

NARRATOR  

In the woods outside of Athens, Oberon, the king of the fairies, and Puck, a hobgoblin in Oberon’s service are wreaking havoc on the love lives of our characters by anointing their eyes with love juice, sometimes with unexpected consequences!

OBERON
I wonder if Titania be awaked;
Then, what it was that next came in her eye,
Which she must dote on in extremity.-
Here comes my messenger.
            [Enter PUCK] 
How now, mad spirit!
What night-rule now about this haunted grove?

 

PUCK

My mistress with a monster is in love. 
A crew of patches, rude mechanicals,
Were met together to rehearse a play,
The shallowest thickskin of that barren sort,
An ass’s nole I fixed on his head:
So, at his sight, away his fellows fly;
When in that moment,—so it came to pass,—
Titania waked, and straightway loved an ass.

 

OBERON

This falls out better than I could devise.
But hast thou yet latch’d the Athenian’s eyes
With the love-juice, as I did bid thee do?

 

PUCK
I took him sleeping,—that is finish’d too,—
And the Athenian woman by his side;
That, when he waked, of force she must be eyed.

 

OBERON

Stand close: this is the same Athenian. 

.

PUCK

This is the woman, but not this the man.

 

DEMETRIUS
O, why rebuke you him that loves you so?

 

HERMIA
For thou, I fear, hast given me cause to curse.
If thou hast slain Lysander in his sleep,
See me no more, whether he be dead or no.

 

DEMETRIUS
There is no following her in this fierce vein:
Here therefore for a while I will remain.
            

OBERON
What hast thou done? thou hast mistaken quite,
And laid the love-juice on some true-love’s sight:
About the wood go swifter than the wind,
And Helena of Athens look thou find:
By some illusion see thou bring her here:
I’ll charm his eyes against she do appear.

 

PUCK
I go, I go; look how I go,
Swifter than arrow from the Tartar’s bow.

 

OBERON Flower of this purple dye,
Hit with Cupid’s archery,

            Sink in apple of his eye!
When his love he doth espy,
Let her shine as gloriously
As the Venus of the sky. 

 

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!

 

LYSANDER
Why should you think that I should woo in scorn?
Scorn and derision never come in tears:
Look, when I vow, I weep.

 

HELENA 
You do advance your cunning more and more.
When truth kills truth, O devilish-holy fray!
These vows are Hermia’s: will you give her o’er?

 

LYSANDER
I had no judgment when to her I swore.
Demetrius loves her, and he loves not you.

 

DEMETRIUS 
O Helen, goddess, nymph, perfect, divine!
Thy lips, those kissing cherries, tempting grow!
O, let me kiss
This princess of pure white, this seal of bliss! 
            

HELENA

O spite! O hell! I see you all are bent
To set against me for your merriment:
You both are rivals, and love Hermia;
And now both rivals, to mock Helena. 
            

LYSANDER
You are unkind, Demetrius; be not so;
For you love Hermia;- this you know I know:

 

DEMETRIUS
Lysander, keep thy Hermia; I will none:
If e’er I lov’d her, all that love is gone.

 

DEMETRIUS (to Lysander)
Look, where thy love comes; yonder is thy dear.

 

Enter HERMIA

 

HERMIA
Lysander, found; 
Mine ear, I thank it, brought me to thy sound.
But why unkindly didst thou leave me so?

 

LYSANDER 
Why should he stay, whom love doth press to go?

 

HERMIA 
What love could press Lysander from my side?

 

LYSANDER 
Lysander’s love, that would not let him bide,- 
Fair Helena; who more engilds the night
Than all yon fiery O’s and eyes of light.
(to Hermia) Why seek’st thou me? could not this make thee know,
The hate I bear thee made me leave thee so?

 

HERMIA 
You speak not as you think: it cannot be.

 

HELENA, 
Lo, she is one of this confederacy!
Now I perceive they have conjoin’d all three
To fashion this false sport in spite of me.
Injurious Hermia! most ungrateful maid!
Have you conspired, have you with these contrived
To bait me with this foul derision?

 

HERMIA 

I am amazed at your passionate words.
I scorn you not: it seems that you scorn me.

 

HELENA
Have you not set Lysander, as in scorn,
To follow me, and praise my eyes and face?
And made your other love, Demetrius—
Who even but now did spurn me with his foot—
To call me goddess, nymph, divine, and rare.

 

LYSANDER
Stay, gentle Helena; hear my excuse:
My love, my life, my soul, fair Helena!

 

HELENA
O excellent!

 

HERMIA 
Sweet, do not scorn her so.

 

LYSANDER 
Helen, I love thee; by my life, I do. 

 

DEMETRIUS 
I say I love thee more than he can do.

 

LYSANDER 
If thou say so, withdraw, and prove it too.   

.

DEMETRIUS
Quick, come!

 

HERMIA
Lysander, whereto tends all this? 

 

LYSANDER (to Hermia)
Hang off, thou cat, thou burr! vile thing, let loose,
Or I will shake thee from me like a serpent! 

 

HERMIA
Am not I Hermia? are not you Lysander?
I am as fair now as I was erewhile.
Since night you loved me; yet since night you left me:

 

LYSANDER
Ay, by my life;
And never did desire to see thee more.
Be certain, nothing truer; ‘tis no jest
That I do hate thee, and love Helena.

 

HERMIA [to Helena]
O me!— you juggler! you canker-blossom!
You thief of love! what, have you come by night
And stol’n my love’s heart from him?

 

HELENA 
Fie, fie! you counterfeit, you puppet, you!

 

HERMIA
Puppet! why, so; ay, that way goes the game.
Now I perceive that she hath made compare
Between our statures; she hath urged her height;
And are you grown so high in his esteem,
Because I am so dwarfish and so low?
How low am I, thou painted maypole? Speak;
How low am I? I am not yet so low
But that my nails can reach unto thine eyes. 

 

HELENA I pray you, though you mock me, gentlemen,
Let her not hurt me: 
You perhaps may think,
Because she is something lower than myself,
That I can match her.

 

HERMIA
Lower! hark, again.

 

HELENA
O, when she’s angry, she is keen and shrewd!
And though she be but little, she is fierce.

HERMIA

Little again! Let me come to her. 
            

LYSANDER

Get you gone, you dwarf;
You minimus, of hind’ring knot-grass made;
You bead, you acorn.

 

LYSANDER [to Demetrius]
Now follow, if thou darest, to try whose right,
Of thine or mine, is most in Helena.

 

DEMETRIUS
Follow! nay, I’ll go with thee, cheek by jowl

 

HELENA
Your hands than mine are quicker for a fray;
My legs are longer though, to run away. 

 

Exit HELENA

 

HERMIA
I am amazed, and know not what to say.

 

OBERON
This is thy negligence. 

 

PUCK
Believe me, king of shadows, I mistook.

 

OBERON
Thou see’st these lovers seek a place to fight:
Hie therefore, Robin, overcast the night;
Then crush this herb into Lysander’s eye;
And make his eyeballs roll with wonted sight.
When they next wake, all this derision
Shall seem a dream and fruitless vision.

.

PUCK 
Up and down, up and down,
I will lead them up and down:
Here comes one.

LYSANDER
Where art thou, proud Demetrius? speak thou now.

 

PUCK [imitating Demetrius]
Here, villain; drawn and ready. 
Follow me, then,
To plainer ground.

 

LYSANDER 
When I come where he calls,
then he is gone.Here will I rest me. 

DEMETRIUS  [not seeing Lysander]
Lysander! speak again:
Thou runaway, thou coward, art thou fled?

 

PUCK
Ho, ho, ho! Coward, why comest thou not? 
            

DEMETRIUS
Thou runn’st before me, shifting every place.
Faintness constraineth me
To measure out my length on this cold bed. 
            .

HELENA
O weary night, O long and tedious night,
Sleep, that sometime shuts up sorrow’s eye,
Steal me awhile from mine own company. 
            

PUCK
Yet but three? Come one more;
Two of both kinds makes up four.
Here she comes, curst and sad:-
Cupid is a knavish lad,
Thus to make poor females mad.

 

HERMIA
Never so weary, never so in woe;
I can no further crawl, no further go;
Here will I rest me till the break of day.
            

PUCK
On the ground
Sleep sound:
I’ll apply
To your eye,
Gentle lover, remedy

When thou wakest,
Thou takest
True delight
In the sight
Of thy former lady’s eye

 

SCENE 2 (ACT IV, SCENE I)

 

NARRATOR 
Through magical fairie mischief, Bottom the Weaver has been transformed into an ass, and Titania, Queen of the fairies has fallen in love with him. We are still in the woods . . .

 

TITANIA
Come, sit thee down upon this flowery bed, 
While I thy amiable cheeks do coy,
And stick musk-roses in thy sleek smooth head,
And kiss thy fair large ears, my gentle joy.

 

BOTTOM
Where’s Peas-blossom?

 

PEAS-BLOSSOM
Ready.

 

BOTTOM
Scratch my head, Peas-blossom.
Where’s Monsieur Cobweb?

 

COBWEB
Ready.

 

BOTTOM
Monsieur Cobweb, good monsieur, get your weapons in your hand, and kill me a red-hipp’d humble-bee on the top of a thistle; and, good monsieur, bring me the honey-bag.

Where’s Monsieur Mustard-Seed?

 

MUSTARD-SEED
What’s your will?

 

BOTTOM
Nothing, good monsieur, but to help Cavalery Peas-blossom to scratch.

I must to the barber’s, monsieur; for methinks I am
marvelous hairy about the face; and I am such a
tender ass, if my hair do but tickle me, I must scratch.

 

TITANIA
What, wilt thou hear some music, my sweet love?

 

BOTTOM
I have a reasonable good ear in music: let’s have the tongs and bones. 

 I have an exposition of sleep come upon me.

 

TITANIA
Sleep thou, and I will wind thee in my arms.-
Fairies, be gone, and be all ways away.
O, how I love thee! how I dote on thee! 

 

OBERON

Welcome, good Robin. See’st thou this sweet sight?
Her dotage now I do begin to pity: I will undo
This hateful imperfection of her eyes:
And, gentle Puck, take this transformed scalp
From off the head of this Athenian swain;
That he, awaking when the other do,
May all to Athens back again repair,
And think no more of this night’s accidents,
But as the fierce vexation of a dream.
But first I will release the fairy queen.
Be as thou wast wont to be

See as thou wast wont to see:
Now, my Titania: wake you, my sweet queen.

 

TITANIA 
My Oberon! what visions have I seen!
Methought I was enamour’d of an ass.

 

OBERON 
There lies your love.

 

TITANIA 
How came these things to pass?)
O, how mine eyes do loathe his visage now! 
            

OBERON
Silence awhile.—Robin, take off this head.—
Titania, music call; and strike more dead
Than common sleep of all these five the sense.

 

TITANIA
Music, ho! music, such as charmeth sleep. 

 

PUCK
Now, when thou wakest, with thine own fool’s eyes peep. 
            

TITANIA
Come, my lord; and in our flight,
Tell me how it came this night
That I sleeping here was found
With these mortals on the ground.

 

THESEUS
We will, fair queen, up to the mountain’s top,
But, soft! what nymphs are these? 
            

EGEUS
My lord, this is my daughter here asleep
And this, Lysander; this Demetrius is;
This Helena, I wonder of their being here together.

 

THESEUS 
Wake them.

 

LYSANDER
Pardon, my lord. 
            

THESEUS
I pray you all, stand up.
I know you two are rival enemies: 
How comes this gentle concord in the world,
That hatred is so far from jealousy,
To sleep by hate, and fear no enmity?

 

LYSANDER
My lord, 
I cannot truly say how I came here;
I came with Hermia hither 

EGEUS
I beg the law, the law, upon his head.

 

DEMETRIUS
But, my good lord, I wot not by what power,—
But by some power it is,—my love to Hermia,
Melted as the snow,
And all the faith, the virtue of my heart,
The object, and the pleasure of mine eye,
Is only Helena. 
            

THESEUS
Fair lovers, you are fortunately met:
Egeus, I will overbear your will;
For in the temple, by and by, with us
These couples shall eternally be knit:
Away with us to Athens! three and three,
We’ll hold a feast in great solemnity.
Come, Hippolyta.

 

DEMETRIUS

Are you sure
That we are awake? It seems to me
That yet we sleep, we dream.- 
Let’s follow him;
And, by the way, let us recount our dreams.

 

BOTTOM [awaking]
I have had a most rare vision. I have had a dream,—past the wit of man to say what dream it was: man is but an ass, if he go about to expound this dream. Methought I was (and methought I had) but man is but a patch’d fool, if he will offer to say what methought I had. I will get Peter Quince to write a ballad of this dream: it shall be called Bottom’s Dream, because it hath no bottom; and I will sing it in the latter end of a play before the duke:

 

SCENE 3 (ACT V, SCENE I)

.

NARRATOR 
To complete our festive comedy, Bottom and the
“rude mechanicals” perform the merry and tragical play of Pyramus and Thisbe for Theseus and Hippolyta and our newly married lovers. The fairies bless the three marriages and all is well. But still we wonder, has this all been a dream?

 

THESEUS
Here come the lovers, full of joy and mirth.
Come now; what masks, what dances shall we have,
What revels are in hand? Call Philostrate.

 

PHILOSTRATE 
Here, mighty Theseus.

 

THESEUS
Say, what abridgement have you for this evening?
What mask? what music?

 

PHILOSTRATE
Make choice of which your highness will see first.
            

THESEUS [reading]
“The battle with the Centaurs, to be sung
By an Athenian eunuch to the harp.”
We’ll none of that: 
[reading]“The riot of the tipsy Bacchanals,”
That is an old device; 
[reading]“A tedious brief scene of young Pyramus
And his love Thisbe; very tragical mirth.”
Merry and tragical! tedious and brief!
That is, hot ice and wondrous strange snow.
How shall we find the concord of this discord?

 

PHILOSTRATE
A play there is, my lord, some ten words long,
But by ten words, my lord, it is too long,
There is not one word apt, one player fitted:

 

THESEUS
What are they that do play it?

 

PHILOSTRATE
Hard-handed men, that work in Athens here,
Which never labour’d in their minds till now;

 

THESEUS
And we will hear it.

 

PHILOSTRATE
No, my noble lord;
It is not for you: I have heard it over,
And it is nothing, nothing in the world;

 

THESEUS
I will hear that play;
For never any thing can be amiss,
When simpleness and duty tender it.
Go, bring them in:-and take your places, ladies.

 

PHILOSTRATE
So please your grace, the Prologue is address’d.

 

THESEUS
Let him approach. 

.

PROLOGUE
If we offend, it is with our good will.
That is the true beginning of our end.
The actors are at hand; and, by their show,
You shall know all that you are like to know.
            

THESEUS
This fellow doth not stand upon points.

 

LYSANDER
He hath rid his prologue like a rough colt;

 

HIPPOLYTA
Indeed he hath play’d on his prologue like a child 
on a recorder.

 

THESEUS
Who is next?

 

PROLOGUE
Gentles, perchance you wonder at this show;
But wonder on, till truth make all things plain.

 

WALL 
In this same interlude it doth befall
That I, one Snout by name, present a wall;
And such a wall, as I would have you think,
That had in it a crannied hole or chink,
Through which the lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe,
Did whisper often very secretly.

 

THESEUS
Pyramus draws near the wall: silence!

 

PYRAMUS
O grim-look’d night! O night with hue so black!
O night, which ever art when day is not!
I fear my Thisbe’s promise is forgot!—
And thou, O wall, O sweet, O lovely wall,
That stand’st between her father’s ground and mine!
Show me thy chink, to blink through with mine eyne!.
Thanks, courteous wall: Jove shield thee well for this!
But what see I? No Thisbe do I see.
O wicked wall, through whom I see no bliss!
            

THISBE
O wall, full often hast thou heard my moans,
My cherry lips have often kiss’d thy stones. 

 

PYRAMUS
I see a voice: now will I to the chink,
To spy an I can hear my Thisbe’s face.—
Thisbe!

 

THISBE
My love! thou art my love, I think.

 

PYRAMUS
O, kiss me through the hole of this vile wall!

 

THISBE
I kiss the wall’s hole, not your lips at all. 

 

PYRAMUS
Wilt thou at Ninny’s tomb meet me straightway?

 

QUINCE, Ninus’ Tomb!

 

THISBE
‘Tide life, ‘tide death, I come without delay.

 

WALL
Thus have I, wall, my part discharged so;
And, being done, thus wall away doth go.

 

HIPPOLYTA
This is the silliest stuff that e’er I heard.

 

THESEUS
Here come two noble beasts in, a moon and a lion.

.

LION
You, ladies may now perchance both quake 
and tremble here,
When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar.
Then know that I one 
Snug the joiner am,

 

THESEUS
A very gentle beast, and of a good conscience.
Let us listen to the moon.

 

MOONSHINE 
This lantern doth the horned moon present;
Myself the man-i’-th’-moon do seem to be.

 

HIPPOLYTA 
I am aweary of this moon. Would he would change.

 

LYSANDER
Proceed, moon.

 

MOONSHINE
All that I have to say is, to tell you that the lantern 
is the moon; I, the man-i’-th’-moon; this thorn-bush, my thorn-bush; and this dog, my dog.

 

DEMETRIUS
Here comes Thisbe.

 

THISBE
This is old Ninny’s tomb. 

 

QUINCE, 
Ninus’ tomb, man!

 

THISBE
This is old Ninnies’ tomb!. Where is my love?

 

QUINCE [cries out], “Aarrrgh!” [from backstage]

 

DEMETRIUS
Well roar’d, lion.

 

THESEUS
Well run, Thisbe.

 

HIPPOLYTA
Well shone, moon.

 

THESEUS
Well moused, lion.

 

DEMETRIUS
And then came Pyramus.

 

PYRAMUS
Sweet moon, I thank thee for thy sunny beams;
But mark, poor knight,
What dreadful dole is here!
Eyes, do you see?
How can it be?
O dainty duck! O dear!
Thy mantle good,
What, stain’d with blood?
Come, tears, confound;
Out, sword, and wound
The pap of Pyramus,—
Ay, that left pap,
Where heart doth hop: [stabs himself]
Thus die I, thus, thus.

Now am I dead,
Now am I fled;
My soul is in the sky:
Tongue, lose thy light;
Moon, take thy flight:.
Now die, die, die, die, die. (dies)

 

THESEUS
With the help of a surgeon he might yet recover, 
and yet prove an ass.

 

THISBE

Asleep, my love?
What, dead my dove?
O Pyramus, arise!
Speak, speak. Quite dumb?
Dead, dead? A tomb
Must cover thy sweet eyes.
His eyes were green as leeks.
Come, trusty sword;
Come, blade, my breast imbrue [stabs herself]
And, farewell, friends,—
Thus Thisbe ends,-
Adieu, adieu, adieu. [dies]

 

BOTTOM 
Will it please you to see the epilogue, or to hear a Bergomask dance between two of our company?

 

THESEUS
No epilogue, I pray you; for your play needs no excuse.       

The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve:
Lovers, to bed; ’tis almost fairy-time. 

 

OBERON
Now, until the break of day,
Through this house each fairy stray.
So shall all the couples three
Ever true in loving be; 

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,
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,

PUCK
And Robin shall restore amends!

 

ALL REPEAT

And Robin shall restore amends!

 

[All raise arms holding hands, and bow.]