How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to Folger's online edition.
Quote #7
BOTTOM
I see their knavery. This is to make an ass of
me, to fright me, if they could. (3.1.122-123)
Of course, when Bottom accuses his friends of trying to "make an ass" of him, it's funny to us because we know something that Bottom doesn't—he literally has been made into an ass. (Also, his name, Bottom, becomes very fitting.)
Quote #8
TITANIA
On the first view to say, to swear, I love thee.BOTTOM
Methinks, mistress, you should have little
reason for that. And yet, to say the truth, reason
and love keep little company together nowadays. (3.1.143-146)
Here we see Shakespeare's usual little trick where the fool of the play is sometimes given to the wisest insights. Here, Bottom sums up Titania's silliness by pointing out that there's no reason for her to be in love with him.
Quote #9
PUCK
Captain of our fairy band,
Helena is here at hand,
And the youth mistook by me,
Pleading for a lover's fee.
Shall we their fond pageant see?
Lord, what fools these mortals be! (3.2.112-117)
Though the Athenian lovers are suffering, for an observer like Puck, the lovers' foolishness is source of entertainment.