Prologue

That so much yes yes only turns out no

Texts forwards days, near-tears, mostly truth;

Whether another, and will anything soothe,

Or stop time? Is this the end, or the go?

What do you see in them? ask the prolix.

Refer to your blameless past and your blog.

Yes “well, we will have such a prologue

And it shall be written in eight and six”

Where dream is clue and reality’s what’s-on;

Choice makes us fools despite rational powers;

Where the course of true love is the main meal.

Then, for respite from all this want and feel  

Attend how your friends play their parts two hours,

As Francis Flute and Robin Starveling and Nick Bottom.

When Peter Quince discusses which forms to use for his play (Act III i) we get insight into Shakespeare’s writing method. We are led to believe he can work with any form, something we hear happening in the Dream itself. To write in eight and six means alternate syllable counts, like in the metrical psalms, but it also draws attention to the sonnet, which is an Italian poem written in eight (the argument) and six (the conclusion) lines. Quince’s actual play is not written in any of the forms listed in Act III, so a further surprise for those in the audience who notice this, and why different characters rhyme in different ways, chosen by Shakespeare.