An Ancient Tale New Told - Volume 3

The stories told in the plays of William Shakespeare are among the most beloved in all literature. In this unique three-volume set, award-winning author and historian John Missall retells each play in modern prose while retaining Shakespeare's original language for the characters' conversations. The stories closely follow the action of the plays, retaining the Act/Scene structure of the originals. By using little added embellishment and minimal paraphrasing, the author allows the reader to easily understand these timeless dramatic works and appreciate Shakespeare's powerful yet beautiful wording. Volume III: The Comedies includes the most familiar works, such as "Much Ado About Nothing," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "The Merchant of Venice," and "The Tempest," plus the lesser-known plays, such as "Cymbeline" and "Pericles." Illustrated with numerous Shakespeare-inspired works of art (Print edition only), "An Ancient Tale New Told" is the perfect tool for those who would like to become familiar with the greatest works in the English language. From the text: Act III. Scene 1: Another part of the forest. Later, in the same woods, the Athenian craftsmen have come to rehearse their play. Not far off, but unseen by the men, is the sleeping fairy queen, Titania. As the would-be actors gather, Bottom voices a concern: "There are things in this comedy of Pyramus and Thisbe that will never please. First, Pyramus must draw a sword to kill himself; which the ladies cannot abide. How answer you that?" Snout doesn't know what to do; Starveling says they must leave the killing out. Bottom has already come up with his own answer. Quince will give a Prologue and will tell the audience that, "We will do no harm with our swords, and that Pyramus is not killed indeed; and, for the more better assurance, tell them that I, Pyramus, am not Pyramus, but Bottom the weaver. This will put them out of fear." Snout has another concern: "Will not the ladies be afraid of the lion?" Bottom agrees. "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 than your lion living; and we ought to look to it." Again, it is agreed upon that the Prologue will inform the audience that the lion is actually Snug the joiner. Quince has noticed other problems. First there is the fact Pyramus and Thisbe meet by moonlight. How will they provide the moonlight? Snout wonders if the moon will be shining that night. They check an almanac, and it will be. Bottom suggests leaving a window open for the moonlight to shine in, but Quince has a better solution: "One must come in with a bush of thorns and a lantern, and say he comes to disfigure, or to present, the person of moonshine." Next there is the problem of needing a wall, "for Pyramus and Thisbe, says the story, did talk through the chink [hole] of a wall." Snug remarks, "You can never bring in a wall. What say you, Bottom?" Bottom thinks a bit, then comes up with a solution. "Some man or other must present 'Wall'; and let him have some plaster, or some loam, or some rough-cast about him, to signify wall; and let him hold his fingers thus, and through that cranny shall Pyramus and Thisbe whisper."