Snout. By 'r lakin, a parlous fear.
Star. I believe we must leave the killing out,
when all is done.16
Bot. Not a whit: I have a device to make all
well. Write me a prologue; and let the prologue
seem to say, we will do no harm with our swords,
and that Pyramus is not killed indeed; and,20
for the more better assurance, tell them that I,
Pyramus, am not Pyramus, but Bottom the
weaver: this will put them out of fear.
Quin. Well, we will have such a prologue, and
it shall be written in eight and six.25
Bot. No, make it two more: let it be written
in eight and eight.
Snout. Will not the ladies be afeard of the
lion?29
Star. I fear it, I promise you.
Bot. Masters, you ought to consider with
yourselves: to bring in,—God shield us!—a lion
among ladies, is a most dreadful thing; for there
is not a more fearful wild-fowl than your lion
living, and we ought to look to it.
Snout. Therefore, another prologue must tell
he is not a lion.37
Bot. Nay, you must name his name, and half
his face must be seen through the lion's neck;
and he himself must speak through, saying thus,
or to the same defect, 'Ladies,' or, 'Fair ladies,'
'I would wish you,' or, 'I would request you,' or,42
'I would entreat you, not to fear, not to tremble:
my life for yours. If you think I come hither as
a lion, it were pity of my life: no, I am no such
thing: I am a man as other men are'; and there
14 By 'r lakin: By Our Lady
parlous: perilous
25 eight and six: alternate verses of eight and six syllables
