Listen Here:
Narrator: All the other Fairies and Elves have gone, and Puck is now alone. Speaking to his audience, he apologizes “if we shadows have offended,” and he notes that we, as the audience, should remember that created here on stage is a magical world. It is a world of imagination which we have experienced together – an enchantment that is “no more yielding but a dream.”
(Alone on the stage, Puck thinks about his words before addressing his audience. He smiles warmly, and addresses them good-naturedly.)
Puck: If we shadows have offended,
Think but this and all is mended.
That you have but slumbered here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream.
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call.
So, goodnight unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.