Chapter 14 Summary

As the performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream begins, Nat is nervous with excitement. He cannot keep still, and Shakespeare takes hold of his shoulders to calm him down. Nat is in awe of Shakespeare when he is on stage, and regards him as king of the entire world. Nat notes that Shakespeare is not as strong of an actor as Richard Burbage, but has a natural ability to captivate his audience. As Nat goes about his business as the mischievous Puck on stage, an audience member yells to Puck to warn him of a mistake his character is about to make. The comment surprises Nat, but he recovers and continues with the scene. Shakespeare compliments Nat on his composure and professionalism when he exits the stage after the incident. As Nat continues to play his scenes, he is consumed with a high...