Thesus proves himself a wise leader in Act IV. After having witnessed the young lovers asleep in the woods when he and his queen arrive for the hunt, he has them awakened and, after teasing them some, he inquires the reason for their being in the forest. When Lysander explains that he and Hermia fled Athenian law so they could be married, Hermia's angered father, Egeus, demands,
Enough, enough, my lord; you have enough:
I beg the law, the law, upon his head (4.1.155-156)
But, Demetrius interrupts, explaining that he, at first, also ran into the woods to find Hermia, but in the course of things, he realizes that he no longer loves her; instead, he is in love with Helena, with whom he originally was betrothed. Having heard the words of the youths, Thesus realizes that Demetrius has resolved his own dilemmas, so there is no need to enforce the law and make Hermia and Lysander miserable. Therefore, he tells them,
Fair lovers, you are fortunately met:
Of this discourse we more will hear anon.
Egeus, I will overbear your will;
For in the temple, by and by, with us
These couples shall eternally be knit....(4.1.178-182)
