The Fairies’ Lullaby

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.