William Shakespeare

“ Here is the scroll of every man’s name, which is thought fit, through all Athens, to play in our interlude before the duke and the duchess, on his wedding-day at night.
Bottom.
First, good Peter Quince, say what the play treats on, then read the names of the actors, and so grow to a point.
Quince.
Marry, our play is, The most lamentable comedy, and most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisby.
Bottom.
A very good piece of work, I assure you, and a merry. Now, good Peter Quince, call forth your actors by the scroll. Masters, spread yourselves. ”

“ You can play no part but Pyramus; for Pyramus is a sweet-faced man; a proper man, as one shall see in a summer’s day; a most lovely gentleman-like man: therefore you must needs play Pyramus.
Bottom.
Well, I will undertake it. What beard were I best to play it in?
Quince.
Why, what you will.
Bottom.
I will discharge it in either your straw-coloured beard, your orange-tawny beard, your purple-in-grain beard, or your French-crown-colour beard, your perfect yellow. ”

“ You, Pyramus’ father: myself, Thisby’s father. Snug, the joiner; you, the lion’s part: and, I hope, here is a play fitted.
Snug.
Have you the lion’s part written? pray you, if it be, give it me, for I am slow of study.
Quince.
You may do it extempore, for it is nothing but roaring.
Bottom.
Let me play the lion too: I will roar, that I will do any man’s heart good to hear me; I will roar, that I will make the duke say ‘Let him roar again, let him roar again.’
Quince.
An you should do it too terribly, you would fright the duchess and the ladies, that they would shriek ”