PORTIA: Madam President, there is more to read.
JESSICA: Sit you down, Portia, and let me read my report upon the ducats in our treasury.
PORTIA: Jessica, thou art indeed thy father’s child. Shylock ever thought upon the ducats.
LADY MACBETH: Ladies, enough of this. Ambition for our Club is our dear wish. Let’s on with business. Who hath considered this matter and can name some fair flowers to carpet Avon’s banks?
(looks about questioningly, a member rises)
Ah Titania!
TITANIA: Madam President, my suggestions come from realms of fairy land as I dream, half-waking, on a bank where the wild thyme blows; where oxlips and the nodding violet grows. Quite over canopied with luscious woodbine, with sweet musk roses, and with eglantine. I dream of pease blossoms and mustard seed and canker roses (tho some call them wild) and honeysuckle and ivy—(which I trow is feminine because it requires support). I give you dewberries and apricots, and love-in-idleness, and there is cupid’s flower and Dian’s bud, which is but an herb, but brewed will keep men and women chaste.
MISTRESS FORD: (aside) Best brew some for Cleopatra.
TITANIA: (continues) These, Madam President, are what I would grow on Avon’s marshy banks. (sits down)
LADY MACBETH: Titania hath named a worthy list, let all in favor signify in the usual way.