Back in Athens, Quince, Flute, Snout and Starveling are desperate to find Bottom. If he cannot be located, they will have to cancel their play. Snug enters, with the news that the Duke has just left the Temple with several lords and ladies who have just been married. He regrets that their play is not going to happen, for it would have brought them the favor of the Duke.  

Bottom suddenly enters and says he has a wonderful story to tell them . . . but he will keep it for later. He urges them all to get prepared immediately to perform their play.