Original
Modern English
So, your opinion is, Aufidius, That they of Rome are entered in our counsels And know how we proceed.
So, you think, Aufidius, That the people of Rome have gotten into our plans And know what we’re doing?
Is it not yours? What ever have been thought on in this state, That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome Had circumvention? ’Tis not four days gone Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think I have the letter here; yes, here it is.
Isn’t that your opinion? Whatever has been considered in this matter, That could have been acted on before Rome Could have interfered? It hasn’t been four days since I heard from there; these are the words: I think I have the letter here; yes, here it is.
’They have press’d a power, but it is not known Whether for east or west: the dearth is great; The people mutinous; and it is rumour’d, Cominius, Marcius your old enemy, Who is of Rome worse hated than of you, And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman, These three lead on this preparation Whither ’tis bent: most likely ’tis for you: Consider of it.’
’They’ve raised an army, but it’s not clear Whether it’s heading east or west: the shortage is severe; The people are rebellious; and it’s rumored, Cominius, Marcius, your old enemy, Who is hated in Rome even more than you, And Titus Lartius, a very brave Roman, These three are leading this effort Wherever it’s headed: most likely it’s aimed at you: Think about it.’
Our army’s in the field We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready To answer us.
Our army’s out in the field We never doubted that Rome was ready To respond to us.
Nor did you think it folly To keep your great pretences veil’d till when They needs must show themselves; which in the hatching, It seem’d, appear’d to Rome. By the discovery. We shall be shorten’d in our aim, which was To take in many towns ere almost Rome Should know we were afoot.
Nor did you think it foolish To keep your big plans hidden until they Had to reveal themselves; which, It seemed, was evident to Rome. By the reveal, We’ll be short of our goal, which was To take many towns before Rome Even knew we were on the move.
Noble Aufidius, Take your commission; hie you to your bands: Let us alone to guard Corioli: If they set down before ’s, for the remove Bring your army; but, I think, you’ll find They’ve not prepared for us.
Noble Aufidius, Take your orders; go to your troops: Let us stay here to guard Corioli: If they camp outside, for the retreat Bring your army; but I think you’ll find They haven’t prepared for us.
O, doubt not that; I speak from certainties. Nay, more, Some parcels of their power are forth already, And only hitherward. I leave your honours. If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet, ’Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike Till one can do no more.
Oh, don’t doubt it; I speak from certainty. In fact, Some parts of their army are already moving, And only heading this way. I’ll leave you to it. If we and Caius Marcius happen to meet, We’ve sworn to keep fighting Until one of us can no longer continue.
The gods assist you!
May the gods assist you!
And keep your honours safe!
And keep you safe!
Farewell.
Goodbye.
Farewell.
Goodbye.
Farewell.
Goodbye.