The impish faerie character in
William Shakespeare's
A Midsummer Night's Dream, who provides the main vehicle of comedy. Also known as
Robin Goodfellow, servent to the Lord of the Faeries -
Oberon.
Especially remembered for delivering the closing of the play (V.i.423-438):
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumb'red here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call.
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.