Original
Modern English
I prithee, boy, run to the senate-house; Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone: Why dost thou stay?
Please, boy, run to the senate-house; Don’t stop to answer me, just go: Why are you still here?
To know my errand, madam.
To find out my task, madam.
I would have had thee there, and here again, Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there. O constancy, be strong upon my side, Set a huge mountain ’tween my heart and tongue! I have a man’s mind, but a woman’s might. How hard it is for women to keep counsel! Art thou here yet?
I wanted you to be there and back again, Before I could even tell you what to do there. Oh, determination, be strong for me, Place a giant mountain between my heart and my words! I have the mind of a man, but the strength of a woman. How hard it is for women to keep secrets! Are you here yet?
Madam, what should I do? Run to the Capitol, and nothing else? And so return to you, and nothing else?
Madam, what should I do? Run to the Capitol and nothing else? And then return to you, and nothing else?
Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well, For he went sickly forth: and take good note What Caesar doth, what suitors press to him. Hark, boy! what noise is that?
Yes, bring me word, boy, if your master seems well, Because he left in poor health: and pay attention To what Caesar does, and who approaches him. Listen, boy! What’s that noise?
I hear none, madam.
I don’t hear anything, madam.
Prithee, listen well; I heard a bustling rumour, like a fray, And the wind brings it from the Capitol.
Please, listen carefully; I heard a loud noise, like a fight, And the wind is carrying it from the Capitol.
Sooth, madam, I hear nothing.
Truly, madam, I hear nothing.
Come hither, fellow: which way hast thou been?
Come here, man: where have you been?
At mine own house, good lady.
At my own house, good lady.
What is’t o’clock?
What time is it?
About the ninth hour, lady.
About the ninth hour, lady.
Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol?
Has Caesar left for the Capitol yet?
Madam, not yet: I go to take my stand, To see him pass on to the Capitol.
No, madam, not yet. I’m going to take my place To watch him pass on his way to the Capitol.
Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast thou not?
You have some business with Caesar, don’t you?
That I have, lady: if it will please Caesar To be so good to Caesar as to hear me, I shall beseech him to befriend himself.
I do, lady: if it pleases Caesar To be so kind as to listen to me, I’ll ask him to take care of himself.
Why, know’st thou any harm’s intended towards him?
Why, do you know of any harm that’s meant for him?
None that I know will be, much that I fear may chance. Good morrow to you. Here the street is narrow: The throng that follows Caesar at the heels, Of senators, of praetors, common suitors, Will crowd a feeble man almost to death: I’ll get me to a place more void, and there Speak to great Caesar as he comes along.
None that I know of, but there’s much I fear may happen. Good morning to you. The street is narrow here: The crowd following Caesar, of senators, praetors, and regular people, Will almost crush a weak man to death. I’ll find a more open place, and there Speak to Caesar as he passes by.
I must go in. Ay me, how weak a thing The heart of woman is! O Brutus, The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise! Sure, the boy heard me: Brutus hath a suit That Caesar will not grant. O, I grow faint. Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord; Say I am merry: come to me again, And bring me word what he doth say to thee.
I must go inside. Oh, how weak A woman’s heart is! Oh Brutus, May the heavens help you with your plan! Surely, the boy heard me: Brutus has a request That Caesar will not grant. Oh, I feel faint. Run, Lucius, and give my regards to my lord; Tell him I am cheerful: come back to me, And let me know what he says to you.