Original
Modern English
The world and my great office will sometimes Divide me from your bosom.
The world and my important job will sometimes Separate me from you.
All which time Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers To them for you.
During that time I will pray to the gods for you on my knees.
Good night, sir. My Octavia, Read not my blemishes in the world’s report: I have not kept my square; but that to come Shall all be done by the rule. Good night, dear lady. Good night, sir.
Good night, sir. My Octavia, Don’t let the world’s gossip make you think badly of me: I haven’t acted properly, but from now on I’ll follow the rules. Good night, my dear lady. Good night, sir.
Good night.
Good night.
Now, sirrah; you do wish yourself in Egypt?
Now, sir, do you wish you were in Egypt?
Would I had never come from thence, nor you Thither!
I wish I had never left there, nor you gone there!
If you can, your reason?
Why? What’s your reason?
I see it in My motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet Hie you to Egypt again.
I can see it in My actions, but I can’t say it: still, You should go back to Egypt.
Say to me, Whose fortunes shall rise higher, Caesar’s or mine?
Tell me, Who’s fortune will rise higher, Caesar’s or mine?
Caesar’s. Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side: Thy demon, that’s thy spirit which keeps thee, is Noble, courageous high, unmatchable, Where Caesar’s is not; but, near him, thy angel Becomes a fear, as being o’erpower’d: therefore Make space enough between you.
Caesar’s. So, Antony, don’t stay near him: Your spirit, which controls you, is Noble, brave, high, and unbeatable, While Caesar’s is not; but when you’re near him, your angel Becomes a fear, as if it’s overpowered: so Keep some distance between you.
Speak this no more.
Don’t say that again.
To none but thee; no more, but when to thee. If thou dost play with him at any game, Thou art sure to lose; and, of that natural luck, He beats thee ’gainst the odds: thy lustre thickens, When he shines by: I say again, thy spirit Is all afraid to govern thee near him; But, he away, ’tis noble.
Only to you; not again, unless to you. If you play any game with him, You’re sure to lose; and by that natural luck, He beats you against the odds: your brilliance fades, When he’s around: I say again, your spirit Is too scared to control you when he’s near; But, with him gone, it’s noble.
Get thee gone: Say to Ventidius I would speak with him:
Go away: Tell Ventidius I want to speak with him:
He shall to Parthia. Be it art or hap, He hath spoken true: the very dice obey him; And in our sports my better cunning faints Under his chance: if we draw lots, he speeds; His cocks do win the battle still of mine, When it is all to nought; and his quails ever Beat mine, inhoop’d, at odds. I will to Egypt: And though I make this marriage for my peace, I’ the east my pleasure lies.
He’ll go to Parthia. Whether by skill or luck, He’s told the truth: the dice obey him; And in our games, my better strategy fails Under his luck: if we draw lots, he wins; His roosters always win the battle against mine, When everything’s lost; and his quails always Beat mine, even when they’re under odds. I’ll go to Egypt: And although I marry for peace, My real pleasure is in the East.
O, come, Ventidius, You must to Parthia: your commission’s ready; Follow me, and receive’t.
Come on, Ventidius, You must go to Parthia: your orders are ready; Follow me, and take them.