A Midsummer Night's Dream by Robert Swindells

Author:Robert Swindells
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A&C Black
Published: 2009-09-25T04:00:00+00:00

In another part of the wood, Oberon paced, impatient for Puck to report back. I wonder if Titania’s awake yet? he fretted, and if so, what sort of creature is she mooning over?

He hadn’t long to wonder. Puck blew in, looking as pleased as Punch.

‘Now then, madcap,’ greeted Oberon. ‘How did it go?’

Puck told him about the students, their rehearsal, and the trick he’d played on Bottom. ‘His mates all freaked when they saw his makeover,’ he laughed. ‘I wish you’d been there – it was classic. And that wasn’t the best bit. The best bit was when the donkey-headed plonker woke Titania with his braying, and she fell bonce over bum in love with him.’

Oberon slapped his knees. ‘Even better than I expected,’ he laughed. ‘And the other mortal – the disdainful lover – you managed to anoint his eyelids with the juice?’

Puck nodded. ‘I did. The scorned maid lay close by – he’s sure to see her first when he wakes up.’

‘Splendid.’ Oberon rubbed his hands together. ‘A fine night’s work, little friend, though I say it myself.’

The pair were still congratulating themselves when Demetrius appeared with Hermia.

‘Sssh,’ hissed Oberon, ‘here’s the man himself!’

Puck shook his head. ‘That’s the maid all right, but it’s a different guy.’

The two mortals were yelling at each other. ‘Why don’t you get off my case?’ cried Demetrius. ‘I love you. Save your anger for your enemy.’

‘You are my enemy,’ screeched Hermia. ‘You killed my precious Lysander.’

The youth shook his head. ‘No, I did not. I haven’t even seen him.’

‘Yes, you have, Demetrius. You must have. He wouldn’t have walked away in the night and left me sleeping.’

The youth shrugged. ‘I haven’t seen him, I tell you. He’s alive as far as I know.’

‘Ha!’ spat Hermia. ‘It’s a waste of time talking to you. I’m off, and if I never set eyes on you again it’ll be too soon.’

She strode away. Demetrius watched her go and shook his head. It was useless trying to reason with her in that mood, and anyway he was shattered. He decided to grab a nap, and lay down.

Oberon looked at the elf. ‘Looks like you fouled up big time, Puck. Juiced the wrong guy. Listen, go find the maid, Helena, quick as you like. Bring her here. Tell her lies if you have to, just get her here. Meanwhile, I’ll juice this lad’s eyes, so she’ll be the first thing they light on when he wakes.’

‘Watch,’ grinned the elf. ‘Now you see me – now you don’t.’

Oberon bent over the sleeping youth and spoke a spell, dribbling juice onto his eyelids.

Presently Puck returned. ‘I found Helena,’ he chirped. ‘She’ll be here in a minute. The guy I juiced by mistake is with her, trying to get her interested.’ He grinned. ‘Can we stay and watch? Lord, what fools these mortals be!’

‘Sssh!’ Oberon pulled the elf aside. ‘Their noise will wake Demetrius.’

‘I know, and he’ll fall for Helena, then she’ll have both guys after her.’ Puck rubbed his hands together.

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