Act One Scene 2

Question 1

Is all our company here?

Answer 1

You were best to call them generally, man by man, according to the script.

Question 2

…to play our interlude before the duke and duchess on his wedding-day at night -Quince

Answer 2

First, good Peter Quince, say what the play treats on; then read the names of the actors, and so grow to a point

Question 3

…and the most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisby -Quince

Answer 3

A very good price of work, I assure you, and a merry. Now, good Peter Quince, call forth your actors by the script. Master, spread yourselves.

Question 4

Answer as I call you. Nick Bottom -Quince

Answer 4

Ready. Name what part I am for and proceed.

Question 5

You, nick bottom, are set down for Pyramus-Quince

Answer 5

What is Pyramus? A lover or a tyrant

Question 6

A lover, that kills himself most gallantly for love -Quince

Answer 6

That will ask some tears in the true performance of it: if I do it, let the audience look to their eyes; I will move storms, I will condole in some measure. to the rest yet my chief humour is for a tyrant: I could play Ercles rarely, or a part to tear a cat in, to make all split

Question 7

That will ask some tears in the true performance of it: if I do it, let the audience look to their eyes; I will move storms, I will condole in some measure. to the rest yet my chief humour is for a tyrant: I could play Ercles rarely, or a part to tear a cat in, to make all split

Answer 7

The raging rocks
And shivering shocks
Shall break the locks
Of prison-gates
And Phibbus’ car
Shall shine from far,
And make and mar
The foolish Fates

Question 8

The raging rocks
And shivering shocks
Shall break the locks
Of prison-gates
And Phibbus’ car
Shall shine from far,
And make and mar
The foolish Fates

Answer 8

This was lofty! Now name the rest of the players. This is Ercles’ vein, a tyrants vein; a lover is more condoling.

Question 9

…and you may speak as small as you will -Quince

Answer 9

An I may hide my face, let me play thisby too, I’ll speak in a monstrous little voice, ‘Thisne, Thisne,’ ‘Ah, Pyramus, my lover dear! Thy Thisby dear and lady dear!’

Question 10

…And Flute, you Thisby. -Quince

Answer 10

Well, proceed

Question 11

You may do it extempore, for it is nothing but roaring. -Quince

Answer 11

Let me play the lion too: I will roar, that I will do any man’s heart good to hear me; I will roar, that I will make the duke say, ‘Let him roar again, let him roar again.’

Question 12

That would hang us, every mothers son -Everyone

Answer 12

I grant you , friends, if you should fright the ladies of their wits, they will have no more discretion but to hang us: but I will aggravate my voice so, that I will roar you as gently as any sucking dove; I will roar you an ‘twere any nightingale

Question 13

…therefore, you must needs play Pyramus. -Quince

Answer 13

Well, I will undertake it

Question 14

I pray you, fail me not -Quince

Answer 14

We will meet; and there we may rehearse more obscenely and courageously. Take pains; or perfect: adieu

Question 15

At the dukes oak we meet -Quince

Answer 15

Enough; hold or cut bow strings