The mechanicals gather in the wood for rehearsal. The Fairy Queen sleeps nearby on the ground. Quince says this green plot is a good stage. They will practice Pyramus and Thisbe for the Duke. Bottom worries Pyramus killing himself will frighten the ladies. Snout and Starveling agree the death seems too scary. Bottom proposes a prologue to say the sword is fake. He says the actor is Bottom the weaver, not Pyramus. Snout asks if the ladies will fear the lion. Starveling admits he is afraid of the roaring beast. Bottom says Snug must show his face through the lion neck. He must speak gently and name himself as a man. Quince worries how to bring moonlight into a chamber. Bottom suggests leaving a window open for the moon. Or a man with a lantern can represent Moonshine. Quince adds they need a wall for the lovers. Puck watches the clowns rehearsing near the sleeping Queen. He thinks he might join them as an actor. Quince corrects Pyramus when he says the wrong words. He tells Thisbe she is speaking her whole part too early. Puck returns with Bottom wearing a donkey head. Quince and the clowns scream and run away. Puck promises to lead them through bog and bush. He will become a horse, hound, hog, bear, or fire. Bottom stays alone and decides not to run. He thinks the clowns are trying to frighten him. He sings loudly to prove he is not afraid. Titania wakes and loves his voice and strange shape. Titania says she is a spirit of no common rate. She commands Bottom to stay and calls her fairies. Bottom greets the tiny fairies and asks their names. Titania orders them to tie his tongue and carry him silently.