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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE FAIRIES' LULLABY, FR. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Poet Analysis

First Line: COME, NOW A ROUNDEL AND A FAIRY SONG
Last Line: [EXEUNT FAIRIES. TITANIA SLEEPS.]
Subject(s): FAIRIES; ELVES;

Enter Titania, with her train.
TITANIA. -- Come, now a roundel, and a fairy song;
Then, for the third part of a minute, hence; --
Some, to kill cankers in the musk-rose buds;
Some war with rear-mice for their leathern wings,
To make my small elves coats; and some keep back
The clamorous owl, that nightly hoots, and wonders
At our quaint spirits. Sing me now asleep;
Then to your offices, and let me rest.
SONG.
1 FAIRY. -- You spotted snakes, with double tongue,
Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen;
Newts and blind-worms, do no wrong:
Come not near our fairy queen.
CHORUS. -- Philomel, with melody,
Sing in our sweet lullaby;
Lulla, lulla, lullaby; lulla, lulla, lullaby:
Never harm,
Nor spell nor charm,
Come our lovely lady nigh;
so, good-night, with lullaby.
2 FAIRY. -- Weaving spiders, come not here,
Hence, you long-legged spinners, hence!
Beetles black, approach not near;
Worm, nor snail, do no offence.
CHORUS. -- Philomel, with melody,
Sing in our sweet lullaby;
Lulla, lulla, lullaby; lulla, lulla, lullaby:
Never harm,
Nor spell nor charm,
Come our lovely lady nigh;
So, good-night, with lullaby.
1 FAIRY. -- Hence away; now all is well:
One, aloof, stand sentinel.
[Exeunt Fairies. Titania sleeps.]



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