The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve; lovers to bed; 'tis almost fairy time

The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve; lovers to bed; 'tis almost fairy time

“The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve; lovers to bed; 'tis almost fairy time” is a line from William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This line is spoken by Puck, a mischievous fairy who serves the fairy king Oberon. In this scene, Puck is preparing the audience for the magical events that are about to unfold in the forest.

The line “The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve” refers to the striking of the clock at midnight, signaling the end of the day and the beginning of a new one. Midnight is often seen as a time of mystery and magic, when the normal rules of the world are suspended and anything can happen. In Shakespeare’s plays, midnight is often a time when supernatural beings like fairies and spirits are most active.

“Lovers to bed” suggests that it is time for the lovers in the play to retire for the night. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the lovers are caught up in a web of mistaken identities and magical enchantments, and their relationships are constantly in flux. The idea of lovers going to bed at midnight adds to the sense of magic and romance that pervades the play.

“'Tis almost fairy time” further emphasizes the magical nature of the night. In Shakespeare’s time, fairies were believed to be real beings that lived in the natural world and had the power to influence human affairs. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the fairies play a central role in the plot, using their magic to manipulate the human characters and create chaos and confusion.

Overall, this line from A Midsummer Night’s Dream captures the sense of mystery and enchantment that pervades the play. It sets the stage for the magical events that are about to unfold and creates a sense of anticipation and wonder in the audience. Shakespeare’s use of language and imagery in this line helps to create a rich and vivid world where anything is possible, and where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred.