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Sampler (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). 2001. Hand embroidery on linen. 29 3/4 x 18 3/8 in. (75.6 x 46.7 cm)

 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Helena: We, Hermia, like two artificial gods,
Have with our needles created both one flower,
Both on one sampler, sitting on one cushion,
Both warbling of one song, both in one key,
As if our hands, our sides, voices, and minds
Had been incorporate. So we grew together,
Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,
But yet an union in partition,
Two lovely berries moulded on one stem;
So with two seeming bodies, but one heart.
And will you rent our ancient love asunder,
To join with men in scorning your poor friend?
It is not friendly, ‘tis not maidenly.
Our sex, as well as I, may chide you for it.

— William Shakespeare