In Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Philostrate is Duke Theseus's “Master of Revels,” and it is his job to organize the entertainment for Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding reception. A group of Athenian “mechanicals” (craftsmen) have prepared a brief play loosely (very loosely) telling the story of Pyramus and Thisbe. They want to perform it at the reception, but Philostrate is appalled by the very thought of it.

Philostrate tells Theseus that it is bound to be a horrible play and far too long (even ten words would be too long with this bunch of players). What's more, the story is supposed to be a tragedy, but when Philostrate watches a rehearsal, he laughs so hard he cries. It is positively ridiculous.

Philostrate then explains that the working men of Athens are putting it on, and they have certainly “never labour'd in their minds till now.” Theseus, however, is intrigued by all this, and he tells Philostrate, “And we will hear it.”

Philostrate tries to argue with Theseus, telling him that this play “is not for you.” It is actually “nothing, nothing in the world.” In fact, watching it is actually quite painful, and Theseus and the ladies might even be offended by it. Theseus, however, won't budge. He tells Philostrate that nothing “can be amiss” if it is done with “simpleness and duty,” and he orders Philostrate to bring in the players.