come stale by repetition. I wish some other method had been found to entrap Beatrice, then that very one which before had been successfully practised on Benedick. Much Ado about Nothing, (as I understand from one of Mr. Vertue's MSS.) formerly passed under the title of Benedick and Beatrix. Heming the player received, on the 20th of May, 1613, the sum of forty pounds, and twenty pounds more as his Majesty's gratuity, for exhibiting six plays at Hampton Court, among which was this comedy. STEEVENS. Theseus, Duke of Athens. Lysander, } in love with Hermia. Demetrius, Philostrate, Master of the Revels to Theseus. Snug, the Joiner. Bottom, the Weaver. Flute, the Bellows-mender Starveling, the Tailor. Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, betrothed to Theseus. Hermia, Daughter to Egeus, in love with Lysander. Helena, in love with Demetrius. Oberon, King of the Fairies. Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Puck, or Robin-goodfellow, a Fairy. Peas-blossom, Other Fairies attending their King and Queen. SCENE, Athens, and a Wood not far from it. MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM. ACT I. SCENE I. Athens. A Room in the Palace of Theseus. Enter THESEUS, HIPPOLYTA, PHILOSTRATE, and Attendants. Theseus. Now, fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hour Long withering out a young man's revenue. Hip. Four days will quickly steep themselves in nights; Four nights will quickly dream away the time; And then the moon, like to a silver bow New bent in heaven, shall behold the night. 'Of our solemnities. The. Go, Philostrate, Stir up the Athenian youth to merriments; [Exit PHILOSTRATE. Hippolyta, I woo'd thee with my sword, |