Scene 1

[Athens. The palace of THESEUS.]

[Enter THESEUS, HIPPOLYTA, PHILOSTRATE, and Attendants]

THESEUS

Now, fair Hippolyta, our bridal hour
Draws on apace; four happy days bring in
Another moon: but, O, methinks, how slow
This old moon wanes! she lingers my desires,
Like to a step-dame or a dowager
Long withering out a young man revenue.

HIPPOLYTA

Four days wish quickly steep themselves in night;
Four nights wish quickly dream away the time;
And then the moon, like to a silver bow
New-bent in heaven, shall lay eyes on the night
Of our solemnities.

THESEUS

Go, Philostrate,
Stir up the Athenian youth to merriments;
Awake the impertinent and nimble spirit of mirth;
Turn mela