OBERON         And gentle puck, take this transformed scalp

From off the head of this Athenian swain,

That he, awaking when the other do,

May all to Athens back again repair,

And think no more of this night’s accidents

But as the fierce vexation of a dream.

But first I will release the Fairy Queen.       (4.1.63-69)

And gentle puck, take this transformed scalp from off the head of this Athenian swain—yes, DO IT, I know it’s your masterwork, those EARS, but it’s time, you’ve had your fun just like I’ve had mine. Just as he’s had his, this hairy-faced Don Juan. Hmmm. Enough: that he, awaking when the other do—the lovers, asleep on the ground, remember—may all to Athens back again repair. Athens, like day, is getting closer, coming into focus, everyday life, ordinary people, work. And they will all think no more of this night’s accidents—everything that’s happened here, it won’t strike them as anything unusual, just a vivid fantasy—nightmare, sometimes—but no more enduring than that, but as the fierce vexation of a dream. Intense, though. Seemed SO REAL at the time. But first I will release the Fairy Queen, lift the enchantment, unenthral her, clear her sight. It’s time.