A pun on the common medieval phrase "with an o and an i." It has also been noted that the sound difference between "i" and "o" represents the greatest possible difference in the English vowel system, thus allowing enormous range in speaking as well as alluding to a wide range in emotions, such as Lysander has traversed in his feelings for Hermia.
Annotations
Jan 15, 2022
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, III, 2