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All Site ContentMidsummer Night's DreamAct 4Scene 1
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“my natural state”
Metaphor
Act 4,
Scene 1
Lines 163-179

An explanation of Demetrius’ metaphorical description of his love for Helena in Act 4, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Demetrius

Of this their purpose hither to this wood,
And I, in fury, hither followed them,
Fair Helena, in fancy, following me.
But, my good lord, I wot not by what power —
But by some power it is — my love to Hermia
Melted as the snow, seems to me now
As the remembrance of an idle gaud
Which in my childhood I did dote upon.
And all the faith, the virtue of my heart,
The object and the pleasure of mine eye
Is only Helena. To her, my lord,
Was I betrothed ere I saw Hermia.
But like in sickness did I loathe this food,
But as in health come to my natural taste;
Now I do wish it, love it, long for it,
And will for evermore be true to it.

Theseus

Fair lovers, you are fortunately met.

When you're sick, you may detest a food that you will love once again when your natural tastes return. Demetrius is saying that he was not himself when he preferred Hermia, but now that his natural desires have returned, he's once again in love with Helena.