Original
Modern English
The sun of heaven methought was loath to set, But stay’d and made the western welkin blush, When English measure backward their own ground In faint retire. O, bravely came we off, When with a volley of our needless shot, After such bloody toil, we bid good night; And wound our tattering colours clearly up, Last in the field, and almost lords of it!
The sun seemed reluctant to set, But stayed and made the western sky blush, When the English retreated backward In weak retreat. Oh, we left bravely, When, after such bloody work, we said good night, And rolled up our tattered flag, Last on the field, and nearly masters of it!
Where is my prince, the Dauphin?
Where is my prince, the Dauphin?
Here: what news?
Here: what’s the news?
The Count Melun is slain; the English lords By his persuasion are again fall’n off, And your supply, which you have wish’d so long, Are cast away and sunk on Goodwin Sands.
Count Melun is dead; the English lords Have turned back to their side, thanks to his persuasion, And the reinforcements you’ve been hoping for Are lost and sunk in the Goodwin Sands.
Ah, foul shrewd news! beshrew thy very heart! I did not think to be so sad to-night As this hath made me. Who was he that said King John did fly an hour or two before The stumbling night did part our weary powers?
Ah, terrible news! Damn your heart! I didn’t think I’d be so sad tonight But this has made me. Who was the one who said King John ran away an hour or two before The failing night separated our tired forces?
Whoever spoke it, it is true, my lord.
Whoever said it, it’s true, my lord.
Well; keep good quarter and good care to-night: The day shall not be up so soon as I, To try the fair adventure of to-morrow.
Alright; stay alert and be careful tonight: The day won’t come up as soon as I will, To face the fair challenge of tomorrow.