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Modern English
Never talk to me; I will weep.
Don’t talk to me; I’m going to cry.
Do, I prithee; but yet have the grace to consider that tears do not become a man.
Go ahead, I beg you; but at least remember that tears don’t suit a man.
But have I not cause to weep?
But don’t I have a reason to cry?
As good cause as one would desire; therefore weep.
As good a reason as anyone could want; so go ahead and cry.
His very hair is of the dissembling colour.
His hair is the same deceitful color.
Something browner than Judas’s marry, his kisses are Judas’s own children.
It’s a little browner than Judas’s, and his kisses are just like Judas’s children.
I’ faith, his hair is of a good colour.
In truth, his hair is a good color.
An excellent colour: your chestnut was ever the only colour.
A great color: your chestnut was always the best color.
And his kissing is as full of sanctity as the touch of holy bread.
And his kissing is as holy as the touch of sacred bread.
He hath bought a pair of cast lips of Diana: a nun of winter’s sisterhood kisses not more religiously; the very ice of chastity is in them.
He’s bought a pair of lips like Diana’s: a nun from the sisterhood of winter kisses no more devoutly; the very coldness of purity is in them.
But why did he swear he would come this morning, and comes not?
But why did he swear he would come this morning, and still hasn’t come?
Nay, certainly, there is no truth in him.
No, really, there’s no truth in him.
Do you think so?
Do you think so?
Yes; I think he is not a pick-purse nor a horse-stealer, but for his verity in love, I do think him as concave as a covered goblet or a worm-eaten nut.
Yes; I don’t think he’s a thief or a horse thief, but when it comes to being honest in love, I think he’s as hollow as a covered goblet or a worm-eaten nut.
Not true in love?
Not true in love?
Yes, when he is in; but I think he is not in.
Yes, when he’s in love; but I don’t think he is.
You have heard him swear downright he was.
You’ve heard him swear he was.
’Was’ is not ’is:’ besides, the oath of a lover is no stronger than the word of a tapster; they are both the confirmer of false reckonings. He attends here in the forest on the duke your father.
“Was” isn’t “is”: besides, the vow of a lover is no stronger than the word of a bartender; they both confirm false promises. He’s waiting here in the forest with your father, the duke.
I met the duke yesterday and had much question with him: he asked me of what parentage I was; I told him, of as good as he; so he laughed and let me go. But what talk we of fathers, when there is such a man as Orlando?
I met the duke yesterday and talked with him a lot: he asked me who my parents were; I told him they were as good as his; so he laughed and let me go. But why are we talking about fathers, when there’s such a man as Orlando?
O, that’s a brave man! he writes brave verses, speaks brave words, swears brave oaths and breaks them bravely, quite traverse, athwart the heart of his lover; as a puisny tilter, that spurs his horse but on one side, breaks his staff like a noble goose: but all’s brave that youth mounts and folly guides. Who comes here?
Oh, he’s a great man! he writes great poetry, speaks great words, swears great oaths, and breaks them bravely, right through the heart of his lover; like a beginner in jousting, who spurs his horse on only one side, breaks his lance like a noble goose: but everything’s brave when youth is in charge and foolishness is the guide. Who’s coming here?
Mistress and master, you have oft inquired After the shepherd that complain’d of love, Who you saw sitting by me on the turf, Praising the proud disdainful shepherdess That was his mistress.
Mistress and master, you’ve often asked about the shepherd who complained about love, who you saw sitting with me on the grass, praising the proud, disdainful shepherdess who was his lady.
Well, and what of him?
Well, and what about him?
If you will see a pageant truly play’d, Between the pale complexion of true love And the red glow of scorn and proud disdain, Go hence a little and I shall conduct you, If you will mark it.
If you want to see a true show, between the pale face of true love and the red heat of scorn and pride, come a little way with me and I’ll show you, if you’ll pay attention.
O, come, let us remove: The sight of lovers feedeth those in love. Bring us to this sight, and you shall say I’ll prove a busy actor in their play.
Oh, come on, let’s leave: The sight of lovers gives strength to those who are in love. Take us to this sight, and you’ll say I’ll play a busy role in their story.