Then how can it be said I am alone,
When all the world is here to look on me?
Dem. I'll run from thee and hide me in the brakes,
And leave thee to the mercy of wild beasts.228
Hel. The wildest hath not such a heart as you.
Run when you will, the story shall be chang'd;
Apollo flies, and Daphne holds the chase;
The dove pursues the griffin; the mild hind232
Makes speed to catch the tiger: bootless speed,
When cowardice pursues and valour flies.
Dem. I will not stay thy questions: let me go;
Or, if thou follow me, do not believe236
But I shall do thee mischief in the wood.
Hel. Ay, in the temple, in the town, the field,
You do me mischief. Fie, Demetrius!
Your wrongs do set a scandal on my sex.240
We cannot fight for love, as men may do;
We should be woo'd and were not made to woo.
[Exit Demetrius.]
I'll follow thee and make a heaven of hell,
To die upon the hand I love so well.Exit.
Obe. Fare thee well, nymph: ere he do leave this grove,245
Thou shalt fly him, and he shall seek thy love.
Enter Puck.
Hast thou the flower there? Welcome, wanderer.
Puck. Ay, there it is.
Obe.I pray thee, give it me.248
I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
227 brakes: thickets
231 Cf. n.
232 griffin: fabulous monster, half lion, half eagle
235 stay . . . questions: listen to thy talk
249 blows: blooms
