Publisher's Synopsis
Enter QUINCE, SNUG, BOTTOM, FLUTE, SNOUT and STARVELING.QUINCE.Is all our company here?BOTTOM.You were best to call them generally, man by man, according to the scrip.QUINCE.Here is the scroll of every man's name, which is thought fit through all Athens, to play in our interlude before the Duke and Duchess, on his wedding-day at night.BOTTOM.First, good Peter Quince, say what the play treats on; then read the names of the actors; and so grow to a point.QUINCE.Marry, our play is The most lamentable comedy and most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisbe.BOTTOM.A very good piece of work, I assure you, and a merry. Now, good Peter Quince, call forth your actors by the scroll. Masters, spread yourselves.QUINCE.Answer, as I call you. Nick Bottom, the weaver.BOTTOM.Ready. Name what part I am for, and proceed.QUINCE.You, Nick Bottom, are set down for Pyramus.BOTTOM.What is Pyramus-a lover, or a tyrant?QUINCE.A lover, that kills himself most gallantly for love.BOTTOM.That will ask some tears in the true performing 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.
