What Is The Story Of Pyramus And Thisbe, Which Is Performed In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”?

A group of labourers decide to perform the story of Pyramus and Thisbe to entertain the guests at a wedding. This story is found in the "Metamorphoses" of the Roman poet Ovid, and tells the story of two lovers, forbidden to marry, who meet secretly at night and whisper through the high wall of Thisbe's father's garden. One night, Thisbe arrives early and is attacked by a lion. She runs away, but loses her veil. When Pyramus arrives, he finds the bloodstained veil and, believing her to be dead, kills himself with his sword. Later Thisbe returns, finds the body, draws Pyramus' sword and kills herself too. The mulberry tree where the lovers met, which previously had white berries, is red forever after the tragedy.
The labourers intend to create a moving drama, but in fact their efforts result in a brilliant farce, with "wall" and "moon" emerging as characters in the action, and Bottom, who plays Pyramus, frequently interrupting to explain everything to the audience.

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