Bot. There are things in this comedy of Pyramus and Thisby that will never please. First, Pyramus must draw 010 a sword to kill himself; which the ladies cannot abide. How answer you that?
[012] Snout. By’r lakin, a parlous fear.
Star. I believe we must leave the killing out, when all is done.
[015] Bot. Not a whit: I have a device to make all well. Write me a prologue; and let the prologue seem to say, we will do no harm with our swords, and that Pyramus is not [018] killed indeed; and, for the more better assurance, tell them that I Pyramus am not Pyramus, but Bottom the weaver: 020 this will put them out of fear.
Quin. Well, we will have such a prologue; and it shall be written in eight and six.
[023] Bot. No, make it two more; let it be written in eight and eight.
[025] Snout. 025 Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion?
Star. I fear it, I promise you.
[027] Bot. 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 wild-fowl [030] than your lion living; and we ought to look to ’t.
Snout. Therefore another prologue must tell he is not a lion.