Original
Modern English
Stand, ho!
Halt!
Give the word, ho! and stand.
Give the signal, halt! and stand still.
What now, Lucilius! is Cassius near?
What’s going on, Lucilius! Is Cassius close?
He is at hand; and Pindarus is come To do you salutation from his master.
He’s nearby; and Pindarus has come To deliver greetings from his master.
He greets me well. Your master, Pindarus, In his own change, or by ill officers, Hath given me some worthy cause to wish Things done, undone: but, if he be at hand, I shall be satisfied.
He greets me well. Your master, Pindarus, In his own way, or because of bad leadership, Has given me good reason to wish That some things had never happened: but if he’s here, I’ll be satisfied.
I do not doubt But that my noble master will appear Such as he is, full of regard and honour.
I’m sure That my noble master will show up Just as he is, full of respect and honor.
He is not doubted. A word, Lucilius; How he received you, let me be resolved.
I don’t doubt it. A word, Lucilius; How did he receive you? Let me know.
With courtesy and with respect enough; But not with such familiar instances, Nor with such free and friendly conference, As he hath used of old.
With enough courtesy and respect; But not with the same friendly gestures, Or the same open and casual conversation, As he used to have before.
Thou hast described A hot friend cooling: ever note, Lucilius, When love begins to sicken and decay, It useth an enforced ceremony. There are no tricks in plain and simple faith; But hollow men, like horses hot at hand, Make gallant show and promise of their mettle; But when they should endure the bloody spur, They fall their crests, and, like deceitful jades, Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?
You’ve described A close friend becoming distant: always remember, Lucilius, When love begins to fade and die, It shows through forced politeness. There’s no trickery in honest, simple loyalty; But hollow men, like horses eager at first, Show off and promise much of their spirit; But when it’s time to endure the hard test, They drop their pride, and like deceitful horses, Fail when it matters. Is his army coming?
They mean this night in Sardis to be quarter’d; The greater part, the horse in general, Are come with Cassius.
They plan to camp in Sardis tonight; Most of the troops, the cavalry in general, Are with Cassius.
Hark! he is arrived.
Listen! He’s arrived.
March gently on to meet him.
March gently on to meet him.
Stand, ho!
Wait, hold on!
Stand, ho! Speak the word along.
Wait, hold on! Pass the word along.
Stand!
Wait!
Stand!
Wait!
Stand!
Wait!
Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.
Most honorable brother, you’ve wronged me.
Judge me, you gods! wrong I mine enemies? And, if not so, how should I wrong a brother?
Judge me, gods! Have I wronged my enemies? And if not, how could I wrong my brother?
Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs; And when you do them--
Brutus, this calm appearance of yours hides wrongs; And when you do them—
Cassius, be content. Speak your griefs softly: I do know you well. Before the eyes of both our armies here, Which should perceive nothing but love from us, Let us not wrangle: bid them move away; Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs, And I will give you audience.
Cassius, calm down. Speak your grievances quietly: I know you well. In front of both our armies here, Who should see only love between us, Let’s not argue: tell them to move away; Then, in my tent, Cassius, explain your grievances, And I’ll listen to you.
Pindarus, Bid our commanders lead their charges off A little from this ground.
Pindarus, Tell our commanders to move their troops A little off this ground.
Lucilius, do you the like; and let no man Come to our tent till we have done our conference. Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door.
Lucilius, do the same; and don’t let anyone Come to our tent until we’re done talking. Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door.