from Act I of the English opera A Midsummer Night's Dream by Benjamin Britten

Libretto: Benjamin Britten

Role: Helena, in love with Demetrius

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: lyric soprano

Setting: the wood at twilight, near Athens, Greece

Synopsis: Helena is desperately pursuing the man she loves, Demetrius, into the woods. Demetrius does not return the affection and is, in fact, chasing after Hermia, who has run away with her love Lysander. In an attempt to attract Demetrius's attentions in some way, Helena tells him that the more he treats her like a dog, the more faithful she will be to him.