Midsummer Night's Dream of Bottom

ACT ONE SEEN TOO

Enter Peter SNUG BOTTOM & Fruit ...

Peter

all here?

BOTTOM

You were best to call, man by man

First, good Peter, say what this treats
on, then read the names, and so grow
to a point.

A very good piece of work, I assure you, and gay.

Now, good Peter, call forth
Masters, spread yourselves.

Ready. Name what part I am for, and proceed.

a lover, or a tyrant?

Peter

Phibbus a lover, that kills himself most gallant for love.

BOTTOM

That will ask some tears in the true performing of
it: to make all split.

The raging rocks
And shivering shocks
Shall break the locks
And Phibbus'
Shall shine from far
And make and mar
The foolish Fates.
This was lofty! Now name the rest of the players.
This is Ercles' vein; a lover is
more condoling.

Peter

Fruit, you play Thisby, a lady that Pyramus must love.

Fruit

Nay, faith, let me not play a woman; I have a beard coming.

BOTTOM

Then let me play the woman, and you play the man.

—from Shaky Willy's Dream of Bottom