Gergely Sülye
TITANIA
William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 2, Scene 1
…As from a voyage, rich with merchandise.
But she, being mortal, of that boy did die;
And for her sake do I rear up her boy,
And for her sake I will not part with him.
OBERON
And how do you know that boy’s will
To be eagerly under your care is true?
Has he ever conversed with you,
Or asked for protection on his mother’s bill?
I shall see if what has been said holds up,
Because it only takes a word from me;
And the boy will be here.
TITANIA
It is not the boy’s wish nor mine,
His mother’s honor is what commends my
Heart and body to respect what and
Everything she left behind.
Enter the boy.
BOY
Where am I? Who is there?
OBERON
Fear not, it is I the fairy king Oberon
And Titania, my one and only queen.
TITANIA
You have been summoned to answer;
Do you want to stay within my protection,
Or do you wish to join up with Oberon?
Don’t hesitate to talk, dear.
BOY
I don’t want to be here.
OBERON
Do you find her presence unsightly?
Shall we go to a different place,
Like an empty field that’s flowery?
BOY
No, I don’t know who you are. I want to go home.
TITANIA
It seems you have misunderstood the question.
We want to know your opinion:
With which one of us you would be comfortable?
Under whose protection?
BOY
Please! I didn’t do anything wrong! Let me go home!
OBERON
Titania, your faults know no bounds.
You have made an innocent young boy cry
With nothing at that, but words.
I don’t know what your intention is,
But he will have to go back home nigh,
And he shall stay until you have better reasons.