Bottom. Masters, you ought to consider with yourselves to bring in—God shield us! a lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing; for there is not a more fearful wildfowl than your lion living, and we ought to look to it.
Snout. Therefore another prologue must tell, he is not a lion.
Bottom. Nay, you must name his name, and half his face must be seen through the lion's neck; and he must himself speak through, saying thus, or to the same effect—"Ladies," or "Fair ladies, I would wish you," or "I would request you," or "I would entreat you not to fear, nor to tremble: my life for yours. If you think I come hither as a lion, it were pity of my life: no, I am no such thing. I am a man as other men are," and there then let him name his name and tell them plainly he is Snug the joiner.
When the play comes on for performance and Snug the joiner roars "like any sucking dove," the Duke Theseus remarks—
A very gentle beast, and of a good conscience.
Demetrius. The very best as a beast, my lord, that e'er I saw.
Lysander. This lion is a very fox for his valour.
Theseus. True, and a goose for his discretion.
Demetrius. Not so, my lord, for his valour cannot carry his discretion, and the fox carries the goose.
Theseus. His discretion, I am sure, cannot carry his valour, for the goose carries not the fox.