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"weak bond"
Wordplay
Act 3,
Scene 2
Lines 267-269

An explanation of the wordplay on “bond” in Act 3, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Lysander

Demetrius, I will keep my word with thee.

Demetrius

I would I had your bond, for I perceive
A weak bond holds you. I'll not trust your word.

Demetrius plays on the word “bond.” He doesn’t trust Lysander to come with him because he’s letting a “weak bond" — Hermia's grasp — hold him back. He would rather have a security "bond" — a money guarantee — to ensure that Lysander keeps his word.