As much as we this night have overwatch'd.
This palpable-gross play hath well beguil'd376
The heavy gait of night. Sweet friends, to bed.
A fortnight hold we this solemnity,
In nightly revels, and new jollity.[Exeunt.]
Enter Puck.
Puck. Now the hungry lion roars,380
And the wolf behowls the moon;
Whilst the heavy ploughman snores,
All with weary task fordone.
Now the wasted brands do glow,384
Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud,
Puts the wretch that lies in woe
In remembrance of a shroud.
Now it is the time of night388
That the graves, all gaping wide,
Every one lets forth his sprite,
In the church-way paths to glide:
And we fairies, that do run392
By the triple Hecate's team,
From the presence of the sun,
Following darkness like a dream,
Now are frolic; not a mouse396
Shall disturb this hallow'd house:
I am sent with broom before,
To sweep the dust behind the door.
Enter King and Queen of Fairies, with their train.
Obe. Through the house give glimmering light
By the dead and drowsy fire;401
Every elf and fairy sprite
Hop as light as bird from brier;
375 overwatch'd: overwaked
376 palpable-gross: stupid
383 fordone: exhausted
393 Cf. n.
396 frolic: merry
