One that compos'd your beauties, yea, and one
To whom you are but as a form in wax49
By him imprinted, and within his power
To leave the figure or disfigure it.
Demetrius is a worthy gentleman.52
Her. So is Lysander.
The.In himself he is;
But, in this kind, wanting your father's voice,
The other must be held the worthier.
Her. I would my father look'd but with my eyes.56
The. Rather your eyes must with his judgment look.
Her. I do entreat your Grace to pardon me.
I know not by what power I am made bold,
Nor how it may concern my modesty60
In such a presence here to plead my thoughts;
But I beseech your Grace that I may know
The worst that may befall me in this case,
If I refuse to wed Demetrius.64
The. Either to die the death, or to abjure
For ever the society of men.
Therefore, fair Hermia, question your desires;
Know of your youth, examine well your blood,68
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,72
Chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitless moon.
Thrice blessed they that master so their blood,
To undergo such maiden pilgrimage;
But earthlier happy is the rose distill'd,76
51 disfigure: destroy
54 kind: respect, i.e., as husband
60 concern: befit
71 mew'd: shut up
75 pilgrimage: the journey of life
76 distill'd: reduced to essence
