Original
Modern English
I know you well, sir, and you know me: your name, I think, is Adrian.
I know you well, sir, and you know me: your name, I think, is Adrian.
It is so, sir: truly, I have forgot you.
It is, sir: honestly, I’ve forgotten who you are.
I am a Roman; and my services are, as you are, against ’em: know you me yet?
I’m a Roman; and my loyalties are, just like yours, against them: do you remember me now?
Nicanor? no.
Nicanor? No.
The same, sir.
The same, sir.
You had more beard when I last saw you; but your favour is well approved by your tongue. What’s the news in Rome? I have a note from the Volscian state, to find you out there: you have well saved me a day’s journey.
You had more facial hair when I saw you last; but your appearance is still recognizable by your voice. What’s the news in Rome? I have a message from the Volscian state, to find you out here: you’ve saved me a whole day’s travel.
There hath been in Rome strange insurrections; the people against the senators, patricians, and nobles.
There have been strange uprisings in Rome; the people against the senators, patricians, and nobles.
Hath been! is it ended, then? Our state thinks not so: they are in a most warlike preparation, and hope to come upon them in the heat of their division.
Have there been! Is it over, then? Our state doesn’t think so: they are preparing for war, and hope to catch them while they’re divided.
The main blaze of it is past, but a small thing would make it flame again: for the nobles receive so to heart the banishment of that worthy Coriolanus, that they are in a ripe aptness to take all power from the people and to pluck from them their tribunes for ever. This lies glowing, I can tell you, and is almost mature for the violent breaking out.
The main conflict is over, but a small spark could make it flare up again: the nobles are so deeply affected by the banishment of the worthy Coriolanus, that they are ready to take all power from the people and permanently remove their tribunes. This situation is brewing, I can tell you, and it’s nearly ready to explode.
Coriolanus banished!
Coriolanus banished!
Banished, sir.
Banished, sir.
You will be welcome with this intelligence, Nicanor.
You’ll be happy to hear this news, Nicanor.
The day serves well for them now. I have heard it said, the fittest time to corrupt a man’s wife is when she’s fallen out with her husband. Your noble Tullus Aufidius will appear well in these wars, his great opposer, Coriolanus, being now in no request of his country.
The timing is perfect for them now. I’ve heard it said that the best time to corrupt a woman’s morals is when she’s had a falling-out with her husband. Your noble Tullus Aufidius will do well in these wars, with his greatest rival, Coriolanus, now out of favor with his country.
He cannot choose. I am most fortunate, thus accidentally to encounter you: you have ended my business, and I will merrily accompany you home.
He can’t avoid it. I’m lucky to run into you like this: you’ve settled my business, and I’ll gladly accompany you home.
I shall, between this and supper, tell you most strange things from Rome; all tending to the good of their adversaries. Have you an army ready, say you?
I’ll tell you some very strange things from Rome before dinner; all of it working in favor of their enemies. Do you have an army ready, you say?
A most royal one; the centurions and their charges, distinctly billeted, already in the entertainment, and to be on foot at an hour’s warning.
A very royal one; the centurions and their troops, each properly assigned, already being entertained, and ready to march at an hour’s notice.
I am joyful to hear of their readiness, and am the man, I think, that shall set them in present action. So, sir, heartily well met, and most glad of your company.
I’m glad to hear they’re prepared, and I think I’m the one who’ll get them moving right away. So, sir, it’s great to see you, and I’m very happy to have your company.
You take my part from me, sir; I have the most cause to be glad of yours.
You’re taking my part, sir; I should be the one glad to have yours.
Well, let us go together.
Well, let’s go together.