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All Site ContentMidsummer Night's DreamAct 3Scene 2
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“fiery O’s and eyes”
Wordplay
Act 3,
Scene 2
Lines 185-190

An explanation of the phrase “fiery O’s and eyes” in Act 3, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Hermia

What love could press Lysander from my side?

Lysander

Lysander's love that would not let him bide,
Fair Helena who more engilds the night
Than all yon fiery O’s and eyes of light.
Why seek'st thou me? Could not this make thee know
The hate I bear thee made me leave thee so?

This is a pun on the letters "O" and "I." O's were shiny sequins on fancy dresses, and the fiery "eyes" (I’s) of light are the stars.