Her. What love could press Lysander from my side? 389 Lys. 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. Why seek'st thou me? could not this make thee know, The hate I bear thee made me leave thee so? Her. You speak not as you think; it cannot be. Hel. Lo, she is one of this confederacy! Now I perceive they have conjoin'd, all three, To fashion this false sport in spight of me. Injurious Hermia! most ungrateful maid! Have you conspir'd, have you with these contriv'd To bait me with this foul derision? Is all the counsel that we two have shar'd, The sisters' vows, the hours that we have spent, All school-day friendship, childhood innocence? 899 410 Two lovely berries molded on one stem : So, with two seeming bodies, but one heart; Two Two of the first, like coats in heraldry, Due but to one, and crowned with one crest. To join with men in scorning your poor friend? 420 It is not friendly, 'tis not maidenly: Our sex, as well as I, may chide you for it ; Though I alone do feel the injury. Her. I am amazed at your passionate words : 430 Her. I understand not what you mean by this. 440 Hel. Ay, do, persever, counterfeit sad looks, Make mouths upon me when I turn my back; Wink at each other; hold the sweet jest up: This sport, well carry'd, shall be chronicled. If you have any pity, grace, or manners, You would not make me such an argument. But, But, fare ye well: 'tis partly mine own fault; Her. Sweet, do not scorn her so. Dem. If she cannot entreat, I can compel. 450 Lys. Thou canst compel no more than she entreat; Thy threats have no more strength, than her weak prayers. Helen, I love thee; by my life, I do; I swear by that which I will lose for thee, Το prove him false, that says I love thee not. Lys. If thou say so, withdraw, and prove it too. Her. Lysander, whereto tends all this? Lys. Away, you Ethiop! Dem. No, no, sir, he'll 461 Seem to break loose; take on, as you would follow ; But yet come not: You are a tame man, go! Lys. Hang off, thou cat, thou burr: vile thing, let loose; Or I will shake thee from me, like a serpent. Her. Why are you grown so rude? what change is this, Sweet love? Lys. Thy love? out, tawny Tartar, out! Out, loathed medicine! hated potion, hence! Her. Do you not jest? F 470 Hel. Hel. Yes, 'sooth; and so do you. Lys. Demetrius, I will keep my word with thee. Dem. I would, I had your bond: for, I perceive, A weak bond holds you; I'll not trust your word. Lys. What, should I hurt her, strike her, kill her dead? Although I hate her, I'll not harm her so. Her. What, can you do me greater harm, than hate ? 480 Hate me! wherefore? O me! what news, my love? Am not I Hermia? Are not you Lysander? I am as fair now, as I was erewhile. Since night, you lov'd me; yet, since night, you left me: Why, then you left me,-O the gods forbid !- In earnest, shall I say ? Lys. Ay, by my life; And never did desire to see thee more. Therefore, be out of hope, of question, doubt, That I do hate thee, and love Helena. 490 Her. O me! you jugler! oh, you canker-blossom! You thief of love! what, have you come by night, And stol'n my love's heart from him? Hel. Fine, i'faith! Have you no modesty, no maiden shame, No touch of bashfulness? What, will you tear 499 Now Now I perceive that she hath made compare Her height, forsooth, she hath prevail'd with him.- But that my nails can reach unto thine eyes. Hel. I pray you, though you mock me, gentle men, Let her not hurt me: I was never curst; I have no gift at all in shrewishness; I am a right maid for my cowardice; 510 Let her not strike me: You, perhaps, may think, Her. Lower! hark, again. Hel. Good Hermia, do not be so bitter with me. I evermore did love you, Hermia, Did ever keep your counsels, never wrong'd you; I told him of your stealth unto this wood : Fij 521 Her. |