Master Will of Stratford; A Midwinter Night's Dream in Three Acts, with a Prologue and an Epilogue

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1916. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Act m Scene: The Forest of Arden in the moonlight. Sir Thomas is in the center of the clearing making fantastic and despairing efforts to remove the asshead. Fairy bells tinkle. Enter Titania and her train. Seeing Sir Thomas they burst into peals of mirth. FAIRIES Ring a ring a rosie, What a funny nosey! Here's a merry mortal On our forest portal. He's so big and eary He shall be our deary. Perfect time he keepeth As his body leapeth. How his feet are prancing, Tuned to joyous dancing! Bear him, gentle grasses-- He's the King of Asses. [They circle round him in a dance.] TITANIA Oh, you roguish fellow! I do love you for your drolleries. [She sways in a gust of laughter.] SIR THOMAS You mock me cruelly. I would lose this head. CADENCE He wishes to lose his head. CHALICE Verily, he is the merriest ass mine eyes have looked upon. SIR THOMAS Give me air! give me air! DULCET If 'tis an heir you are seeking, pray take me. I am as poor as a cathedral mousie. MELODY Ah, Dulcet, think you twice. What if you should inherit those generous ears? DULCET I could drink in sweet sounds by the hogshead. CADENCE Or that prodigal nosey? DULCET I could follow it and never get lost. SIR THOMAS Give me air! give me air! TITANIA 'Tis not an heir he wishes--'tis atmosphere in motion. [They wave their tiny fans about him in playful solicitude.] SIR THOMAS Cease your fooleries! Have you no hearts? TITANIA [Importantly.] Yea, I am growing one, --a veritable mother-heart. [The Fairies hang their heads.] SIR THOMAS Then by that heart, I conjure you to hear me. I am full of misery because this ass-head hath been clapped upon my shoulders and clings thereto like a million leeches. TITANIA O thou poor dear! Come thou here and be comforted. Cadence! Dulcet! Chalice! Melody! Stand you back. You h...