"defect"HumorAct 3,Scene 1Lines 27-42An explanation of the humor in Bottom’s misuse of the term “defect” in Act 3, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Bottom Masters, you ought to consider with yourself: 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't. Snout Therefore another prologue must tell he is not a lion. Bottom 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 “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, indeed, let him name his name, and tell them plainly he is Snug the joiner. Bottom means “to the same effect,” not “to the same defect”.
