Original
Modern English
Dear master, I can go no further. O, I die for food! Here lie I down, and measure out my grave. Farewell, kind master.
Dear master, I can’t go any further. Oh, I’m dying from hunger! Here I lie down, and mark out my grave. Goodbye, kind master.
Why, how now, Adam! no greater heart in thee? Live a little; comfort a little; cheer thyself a little. If this uncouth forest yield any thing savage, I will either be food for it or bring it for food to thee. Thy conceit is nearer death than thy powers. For my sake be comfortable; hold death awhile at the arm’s end: I will here be with thee presently; and if I bring thee not something to eat, I will give thee leave to die: but if thou diest before I come, thou art a mocker of my labour. Well said! thou lookest cheerly, and I’ll be with thee quickly. Yet thou liest in the bleak air: come, I will bear thee to some shelter; and thou shalt not die for lack of a dinner, if there live any thing in this desert. Cheerly, good Adam!
What’s wrong, Adam! Don’t lose heart now! Live a little longer; comfort yourself a little; cheer up a little. If this strange forest has anything wild, I will either become its food or bring it to you as food. You’re closer to death in your mind than in your body. For my sake, hang on a little longer; keep death away for a bit: I’ll be back with you soon; and if I don’t bring you something to eat, I’ll let you die: but if you die before I get back, you’re mocking my efforts. Well done! You look cheerful, and I’ll be back with you soon. But you’re lying in this cold air: come, I’ll carry you to some shelter; and you won’t die from hunger, if there’s anything alive in this wilderness. Cheer up, good Adam!