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Lysander and Hermia, Lines 41-71
Context and Language Videos
Act 2,
Scene 2
Lines 41-71

A performance of lines 41-71 by Lysander and Hermia in Act 2, Scene 2 of myShakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

myShakespeare | Midsummer Night's Dream 2.2 Performance: Lysander and Hermia Lines 41-71

Lysander

Fair love, you faint with wand’ring in the wood,
And, to speak truth, I have forgot our way.
We'll rest us, Hermia, if you think it good,
And tarry for the comfort of the day.

Hermia

Be it so, Lysander. Find you out a bed,
For I upon this bank will rest my head.
[She lies down]

Lysander

One turf shall serve as pillow for us both;
One heart, one bed, two bosoms, and one troth.

Hermia

Nay, good Lysander. For my sake, my dear,
Lie further off yet; do not lie so near.

Lysander

O, take the sense, sweet, of my innocence!
Love takes the meaning in love's conference.
I mean that my heart unto yours is knit,
So that but one heart we can make of it.
Two bosoms interchainèd with an oath —
So, then, two bosoms and a single troth.
Then by your side no bedroom me deny,
For lying so, Hermia, I do not lie.

Hermia

Lysander riddles very prettily.
Now much beshrew my manners and my pride
If Hermia meant to say Lysander lied.
But, gentle friend, for love and courtesy,
Lie further off in human modesty.
Such separation, as may well be said,
Becomes a virtuous bachelor and a maid.
So far be distant, and good night, sweet friend.
Thy love ne'er alter till thy sweet life end.

Lysander

Amen, amen, to that fair prayer, say I,
And then end life when I end loyalty.
Here is my bed. Sleep give thee all his rest.

Hermia

With half that wish the wisher's eyes be pressed!