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"feigning"
Double Meaning
Act 1,
Scene 1
Lines 30-31

An explanation of the double meaning of the word "feigning" in Act 1, Scene 1 of myShakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Egeus

Thou hast by moonlight at her window sung
With feigning voice verses of feigning love,

Egeus is accusing Lysander of having sung to Hermia with a “feigning” (soft) voice, verses of “feigning” (deceitful) love. But feigning can also have a third meaning: affectionate. So Egeus’ statement could be interpreted as saying that Lysander has merely been expressing his affectionate love for Hermia.