The Fairies’ Lullaby

William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

From “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Act II. Sc. 2.

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, etc.

1 FAIRY.—Hence away; now all is well:

One, aloof, stand sentinel.

[Exeunt Fairies. TITANIA sleeps.