1 You have her father's love, Demetrius.
2 I would my father look'd but with my eyes.
3 No, I assure you; the wall is down that parted their fathers.
4 But in this kind, wanting your father's voice, The other must be held the worthier.
5 You, Pyramus' father; myself, Thisbe's father; Snug, the joiner, you, the lion's part.
6 I pray you, commend me to Mistress Squash, your mother, and to Master Peascod, your father.
7 To you your father should be as a god; One that compos'd your beauties, yea, and one To whom you are but as a form in wax By him imprinted, and within his power To leave the figure, or disfigure it.
8 Take time to pause; and by the next new moon The sealing-day betwixt my love and me For everlasting bond of fellowship, Upon that day either prepare to die For disobedience to your father's will, Or else to wed Demetrius, as he would, Or on Diana's altar to protest For aye austerity and single life.
9 Therefore, fair Hermia, question your desires, Know of your youth, examine well your blood, Whether, if you yield not to your father's choice, You can endure the livery of a nun, For aye to be in shady cloister mew'd, To live a barren sister all your life, Chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitless moon.