Original
Modern English
Madam, what makes you in this sudden change?
Madam, what’s causing this sudden change in you?
Why brother Rivers, are you yet to learn What late misfortune is befall’n King Edward?
Why, brother Rivers, don’t you know yet What bad luck has happened to King Edward?
What! loss of some pitch’d battle against Warwick?
What! Did we lose a big battle against Warwick?
No, but the loss of his own royal person.
No, worse than that—he has been captured.
Then is my sovereign slain?
So, is my king dead?
Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner, Either betray’d by falsehood of his guard Or by his foe surprised at unawares: And, as I further have to understand, Is new committed to the Bishop of York, Fell Warwick’s brother and by that our foe.
Almost dead, for he’s been taken prisoner, Either betrayed by his own guards Or caught by his enemy when he wasn’t expecting it. And, as I’ve heard, he’s now been handed over to the Bishop of York, Warwick’s brother, and thus our enemy.
These news I must confess are full of grief; Yet, gracious madam, bear it as you may: Warwick may lose, that now hath won the day.
I must admit, this news fills me with sorrow; But, dear madam, bear it as best as you can: Warwick may lose, even though he’s winning right now.
Till then fair hope must hinder life’s decay. And I the rather wean me from despair For love of Edward’s offspring in my womb: This is it that makes me bridle passion And bear with mildness my misfortune’s cross; Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear And stop the rising of blood-sucking sighs, Lest with my sighs or tears I blast or drown King Edward’s fruit, true heir to the English crown.
Until then, hope must keep me from giving up. And I try harder to avoid despair Because of the child of Edward growing inside me. It’s this that keeps me calm and patient And bear the weight of my misfortune. Yes, yes, it’s for this reason that I hold back my tears And stop myself from sighing too heavily, Lest with my tears or sighs I harm or drown King Edward’s child, the rightful heir to the English throne.
But, madam, where is Warwick then become?
But, madam, where has Warwick gone?
I am inform’d that he comes towards London, To set the crown once more on Henry’s head: Guess thou the rest; King Edward’s friends must down, But, to prevent the tyrant’s violence,-- For trust not him that hath once broken faith,-- I’ll hence forthwith unto the sanctuary, To save at least the heir of Edward’s right: There shall I rest secure from force and fraud. Come, therefore, let us fly while we may fly: If Warwick take us we are sure to die.
I’ve been told he’s coming toward London, To put the crown back on Henry’s head: You can guess the rest; King Edward’s supporters must be removed, But, to stop the tyrant’s cruelty,-- For never trust someone who has broken their word,-- I’ll leave immediately for the sanctuary, To at least protect Edward’s rightful heir: There I’ll be safe from force and trickery. Come, let’s leave while we can: If Warwick catches us, we’re sure to die.