Original
Modern English
Now, my Lord Hastings and Sir William Stanley, Leave off to wonder why I drew you hither, Into this chiefest thicket of the park. Thus stands the case: you know our king, my brother, Is prisoner to the bishop here, at whose hands He hath good usage and great liberty, And, often but attended with weak guard, Comes hunting this way to disport himself. I have advertised him by secret means That if about this hour he make his way Under the colour of his usual game, He shall here find his friends with horse and men To set him free from his captivity.
Now, my Lord Hastings and Sir William Stanley, Stop wondering why I brought you here, To this thickest part of the park. Here’s the situation: you know our king, my brother, Is a prisoner of the bishop here, who treats him well And gives him a lot of freedom, And he often comes hunting this way with only a small guard. I’ve secretly informed him That if he comes this way at this hour, Pretending to hunt as usual, He’ll find his friends here with horses and men To free him from his imprisonment.
This way, my lord; for this way lies the game.
This way, my lord; the game lies this way.
Nay, this way, man: see where the huntsmen stand. Now, brother of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and the rest, Stand you thus close, to steal the bishop’s deer?
No, this way, man: see where the huntsmen are standing. Now, brother of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and the others, Are you really standing here, ready to steal the bishop’s deer?
Brother, the time and case requireth haste: Your horse stands ready at the park-corner.
Brother, the time and the situation require us to hurry: Your horse is ready at the park corner.
But whither shall we then?
But where will we go then?
To Lynn, my lord, And ship from thence to Flanders.
To Lynn, my lord, And from there, ship to Flanders.
Well guess’d, believe me; for that was my meaning.
Well guessed, I swear; that was exactly my plan.
Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness.
Stanley, I’ll repay your eagerness.
But wherefore stay we? ’tis no time to talk.
But why are we waiting? Now’s not the time for talk.
Huntsman, what say’st thou? wilt thou go along?
Huntsman, what do you say? Will you come with us?
Better do so than tarry and be hang’d.
Better to go than stay here and be hanged.
Come then, away; let’s ha’ no more ado.
Alright then, let’s go; no more talking.
Bishop, farewell: shield thee from Warwick’s frown; And pray that I may repossess the crown.
Bishop, goodbye: protect yourself from Warwick’s anger; And pray that I can take back the crown.