was as much surprised as Helena: she knew not why Lysander and
Demetrius, who both before loved her, were now become the lovers of
Helena; and to Hermia the matter seemed to be no jest.

The ladies, who before had always been the dearest of friends, now fell
to high words together.

"Unkind Hermia," said Helena, "it is you have set Lysander on to vex me
with mock praises; and your other lover Demetrius, who used almost to
spurn me with his foot, have you not bid him call me Goddess, Nymph,
rare, precious, and celestial? He would not speak thus to me, whom he
hates, if you did not set him on to make a jest of me. Unkind Hermia, to
join with men in scorning your poor friend. Have you forgot our
school-day friendship? How often, Hermia, have we two, sitting on one
cushion, both singing one song, with our needles working the same
flower, both on the same sampler wrought; growing up together in fashion
of a double cherry, scarcely seeming parted! Hermia, it is not friendly
in you, it is not maidenly to join with men in scorning your poor
friend."

"I am amazed at your passionate words," said Hermia: "I scorn you not;
it seems you scorn me." "Ay, do," returned Helena, "persevere,
counterfeit serious looks, and make mouths at me when I turn my back;
then wink at each other, and hold the sweet jest up. If you had any
pity, grace, or manners, you would not use me thus."

While Helena and Hermia were speaking these angry words to each other,
Demetrius and Lysander left them, to fight together in the wood for the
love of Helena.

When they found the gentlemen had left them, they departed, and once
more wandered weary in the wood in search of their lovers.

As soon as they were gone, the fairy king, who with little Puck had been
listening to their quarrels, said to him, "This is your negligence,
Puck; or did you do this wilfully?" "Believe me, king of shadows,"
answered Puck, "it was a mistake; did not you tell me I should know the
man by his Athenian garments? However, I am not sorry this has happened,
for I think their jangling makes excellent sport." "You heard," said
Oberon, "that Demetrius and Lysander are gone to seek a convenient place
to fight in. I command you to overhang the night with a thick fog, and
lead these quarrelsome lovers so astray in the dark, that they shall not
be able to find each other. Counterfeit each of their voices to the
other, and with bitter taunts provoke them to follow you, while they
think