Original
Modern English
Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well; The common people by numbers swarm to us.
Believe me, my lord, everything’s going well so far; The common people are flocking to us in great numbers.
But see where Somerset and Clarence come! Speak suddenly, my lords, are we all friends?
But look, here come Somerset and Clarence! Speak quickly, my lords, are we all allies?
Fear not that, my lord.
Don’t worry about that, my lord.
Then, gentle Clarence, welcome unto Warwick; And welcome, Somerset: I hold it cowardice To rest mistrustful where a noble heart Hath pawn’d an open hand in sign of love; Else might I think that Clarence, Edward’s brother, Were but a feigned friend to our proceedings: But welcome, sweet Clarence; my daughter shall be thine. And now what rests but, in night’s coverture, Thy brother being carelessly encamp’d, His soldiers lurking in the towns about, And but attended by a simple guard, We may surprise and take him at our pleasure? Our scouts have found the adventure very easy: That as Ulysses and stout Diomede With sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus’ tents, And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds, So we, well cover’d with the night’s black mantle, At unawares may beat down Edward’s guard And seize himself; I say not, slaughter him, For I intend but only to surprise him. You that will follow me to this attempt, Applaud the name of Henry with your leader.
Then, good Clarence, welcome to Warwick; And welcome, Somerset: I think it’s cowardice To be suspicious when a noble heart Has offered a hand as a sign of love; Otherwise, I might think that Clarence, Edward’s brother, Was just pretending to be our friend: But welcome, sweet Clarence; my daughter will be yours. And now, what’s left but, in the cover of night, While your brother is carelessly camped, His soldiers hiding in nearby towns, And only guarded by a simple watch, We can surprise him and take him whenever we want? Our scouts say it will be very easy: Just like Ulysses and brave Diomede Stole into Rhesus’ camp with skill and bravery, And brought back the fatal Thracian horses, We, well hidden by the night’s dark cloak, Can catch Edward’s guard off-guard And capture him; I’m not saying kill him, I only mean to surprise him. Those of you who want to join me in this mission, Shout ‘Henry’ with your leader.
Why, then, let’s on our way in silent sort: For Warwick and his friends, God and Saint George!
Why, then, let’s go quietly: For Warwick and his friends, God and Saint George!