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All Site ContentMidsummer Night's DreamAct 5Scene 1
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"notably discharged"
Double Meaning
Act 5,
Scene 1
Lines 347-361

An explanation of the double meaning in Theseus’ compliment to the players in Act 5, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Theseus

No epilogue, I pray you; for your play needs no
excuse. Never excuse, for when the players are all dead
there needs none to be blamed. Marry, if he that writ it
had played Pyramus and hanged himself in Thisbe's
garter, it would have been a fine tragedy; and so it is,
truly and very notably discharged. But come, your
bergamask. Let your epilogue alone.
[Bottom and Flute dance a bergamask, then exit]
The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve.
Lovers, to bed; 'tis almost fairy time.
I fear we shall outsleep the coming morn
As much as we this night have overwatched.
This palpable-gross play hath well beguiled
The heavy gait of night. Sweet friends, to bed.
A fortnight hold we this solemnity
In nightly revels and new jollity.

Theseus' statement can have either of two interpretations: one intended for the actors, the other expressing his real sentiment. The play is "notable" (memorable) either because it was so good, or because it was so bad.