Which character in a play by William Shakespeare says, "The course of true love never did run smooth."?

The line, "The course of true love never did run smooth." was first used by William Shakespeare in his play "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It was said by Lysander to Hermia in Act 1, Scene 1. Lysander was telling Hermia that true love always encounters difficulties.

In this play, Hermia's father (Egeus) hates the thought of his daughter and Lysander being together. Lysander however doesn't want his love to worry. He is not going to allow anyone to stop them from being together and in love. This is something that he really thinks and his love must understand about him.

To make his position clear to everyone, Lysander tells us love is like a river. It flows wherever the path leads it. Sometimes it goes over rocks. Other times, it must go through rough terrain. He points out that sometimes love is challenged by friends and by the ages of the couple, but love can always win. Love is unique; it never fails when people don't give up on it.