1 Truly, the moon shines with a good grace.
2 We the globe can compass soon, Swifter than the wand'ring moon.
3 It is well; leave it to his discretion, and let us listen to the moon.
4 Why, all these should be in the lantern, for all these are in the moon.
5 Therefore the moon, the governess of floods, Pale in her anger, washes all the air, That rheumatic diseases do abound.
6 Why, then may you leave a casement of the great chamber window, where we play, open; and the moon may shine in at the casement.
7 The moon, methinks, looks with a watery eye, And when she weeps, weeps every little flower, Lamenting some enforced chastity.
8 Now the hungry lion roars, And the wolf behowls the moon; Whilst the heavy ploughman snores, All with weary task fordone.
9 MOON All that I have to say, is to tell you that the lantern is the moon; I the man i the moon; this thorn-bush my thorn-bush; and this dog my dog.
10 But I might see young Cupid's fiery shaft Quench'd in the chaste beams of the watery moon; And the imperial votress passed on, In maiden meditation, fancy-free.
11 Four days will quickly steep themselves in night; Four nights will quickly dream away the time; And then the moon, like to a silver bow New bent in heaven, shall behold the night Of our solemnities.
12 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.
13 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.