1 I wonder if the lion be to speak.
2 One lion may, when many asses do.
3 This lion is a very fox for his valour.
4 Here come two noble beasts in, a man and a lion.
5 SNOUT Therefore another prologue must tell he is not a lion.
6 If you think I come hither as a lion, it were pity of my life.
7 You, Pyramus' father; myself, Thisbe's father; Snug, the joiner, you, the lion's part.
8 For there is not a more fearful wild-fowl than your lion living; and we ought to look to it.
9 Now the hungry lion roars, And the wolf behowls the moon; Whilst the heavy ploughman snores, All with weary task fordone.
10 In any case, let Thisbe have clean linen; and let not him that plays the lion pare his nails, for they shall hang out for the lion's claws.
11 Then know that I, one Snug the joiner, am A lion fell, nor else no lion's dam; For if I should as lion come in strife Into this place, 'twere pity on my life.'
12 You, ladies, you, whose gentle hearts do fear The smallest monstrous mouse that creeps on floor, May now, perchance, both quake and tremble here, When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar.