it's a good idea, and wait until daylight when things
will be easier.
HERMIA
Be it so, Lysander. Find you out a bed,
For I upon this bank will rest my head.
HERMIA
Let's do that, Lysander. Find something to cushion you
while you sleep. I'm going to rest my head on this little
slope.
LYSANDER
30
One turf shall serve as pillow for us both.
One heart, one bed, two bosoms, and one troth.
LYSANDER
We can both sleep together on the grass. We'll have one
heart, one bed, two bodies, and one faithful vow.
HERMIA
Nay, good Lysander. For my sake, my dear,
Lie further off yet. Do not lie so near.
HERMIA
No, Lysander. Please, for my sake, sleep a little farther away.
Don't sleep so close to me.
LYSANDER
O, take the sense, sweet, of my innocence.
35
Love takes the meaning in love's conference.
I mean that my heart unto yours is knit
So that but one heart we can make of it.
Two bosoms interchainèd with an oath—
So then two bosoms and a single troth.
40
Then by your side no bed room me deny.
For, lying so, Hermia, I do not lie.
LYSANDER
Oh, sweetheart, I didn't mean anything naughty when I
said that. When lovers talk to each other, their hearts should
understand each other. I just meant that our hearts are joined, so
we can almost think of them as one heart. Our two bodies are linked
together by the promises we've made to each other, so
there are two bodies and one faithful vow. So let me sleep next to
you. If I lie next to you, I
won't lie to
you—I'll be faithful and respect you.
HERMIA
Lysander riddles very prettily.
Now much beshrew my manners and my pride
If Hermia meant to say Lysander lied.
45
But, gentle friend, for love and courtesy
Lie further off in human modesty.
Such separation as may well be said
Becomes a virtuous bachelor and a maid.
So far be distant. And, good night, sweet friend.
50
Thy love ne'er alter till thy sweet life end!
HERMIA
Lysander's got a way with words. I would certainly be
rude and shameful if I had implied that you were a liar. But please,
darling, sleep a little farther away so we can behave properly.
It's only proper for a well-behaved bachelor and a
well-behaved girl to be physically separated like this. Stay away
for now, and good night, my sweet friend. I hope your love for me
remains this strong for your entire life!
LYSANDER
Amen, amen to that fair prayer, say I.
And then end life when I end loyalty!
Here is my bed. Sleep give thee all his rest!
LYSANDER
Amen to that. I hope my life ends before my loyalty to you does.
I'll sleep over here. Sleep well!
