Dávid Csáki
BOTTOM
William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 1, Scene 2
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
That’s very brave of you, but are you sure you’re as good as a real lion?
BOTTOM
Not just any lion, but the greatest lion of them all. If you don’t believe me, let us put my skills to test. I demand you bring me a real lion so we can compare our roars.
QUINCE
That is ridiculous! Where are we going to find one, anyway?
BOTTOM
I am glad you asked, because I heard rumors about a wild lion rampaging in a nearby village. The situation seems to be out of control, and that beast has killed over thirty people there.
QUINCE
Are you speaking the truth? And if you are, are your sources reliable? If that is the case. it is our lucky day.
BOTTOM
My source gave his word for it; both he and I are speaking the plain truth.
QUINCE
Very well. Let us go on a journey to capture the beast. We will help the people of the village, and you can have your little showdown with the lion afterwards. Don’t let us down, or we might end up giving the part to the lion after all.
BOTTOM
It is a profitable solution for both ends. You will see that my roars are no different, if not better, than those of a wild lion. You will be convinced that at least one of my parents has to be a beast. That I can guarantee. If I end up failing you, I will surrender myself for the lion to eat.
QUINCE
We’re leaving no later than tomorrow morning. I like your confidence and bravery. Reminds me of some kind of animal.
Exeunt.