from Act II 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: Both Demetrius and Lysander have been interested in Hermia instead of Helena. Suddenly, however, they both fall in love with Helena because of the magic flower that Oberon uses upon them. Suspicious of this sudden change of heart, Helena believes that Hermia is behind some plot to embarrass her. Angrily, Helena asks Hermia if the friendship between them that has lasted since childhood is now forgotten.