William Shakespeare Quotes

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 3, Scene 2. Puck, who has incurred Oberon’s annoyance for putting the love portion on the wrong lover’s eyes, persuades Oberon to have some fun the expense of the lovers. He invites Oberon to watch the Athenians’ silly behavior and enjoy them making fools of themselves. Typical of the mischievous Puck, the lovers’ foolishness is a source of entertainment for him. But Puck’s statement is ironic, since he made the error that caused the lovers to act foolish. The fuller quote: "Shall we their fond pageant see? Lord, what fools these mortals be!"