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In another part of the wood, Helena is sure that both men are mocking her - for just a little while ago they were both in love with Hermia. She begs them not make a mockery of her, but both Lysander and Demetrius assure her they love her and not Hermia. Hermia, hearing Lysander's voice, returns. But Lysander no longer cares for her, and is totally taken up with Helena. Helena and Hermia accuse each other of betrayal and mockery, while Demetrius and Lysander go off to fight each other for Helena.
Oberon tells Puck to set the muddle right, for it is his fault that it has happened. He orders Puck to make sure that the men do not fight each other, but that all four lovers fall asleep, and once asleep, to crush upon Lysander's eyes the juice of another herb which will remove the magic of the love-juice from his sight. Puck makes a dense fog come down on the four lovers, and, unknown to each other, they all come together, and one by one, fall asleep. Puck applies the cure to Lysander's eyes, so that upon waking, he would be in love with Hermia again.
Meanwhile, Oberon takes pity on Titania making a fool of herself over Bottom. He goes to his queen, and asks her for the child to be his page. Titania, totally taken up with Bottom, hands the child over without a murmur. Oberon then releases her from the spell. While Bottom sleeps in the wood, Puck restores his human appearance.
Morning comes, and Theseus and Hippolyta, accompanied by Egeus, Hermia's father, come into the wood to hunt. They find the four lovers asleep, and wake them up. Demetrius is still in love with Helena, and she with him, and Lysander is again in love with Hermia. Theseus pardons Lysander and Hermia, and the two couples are married, along with Theseus and Hippolyta.
Meanwhile, Bottom the weaver has woken up, and is convinced that he has had the most marvellous dream. He returns to the city, where his companions welcome him with wonder and relief.
A Midsummer Night's Dream cont'd...
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