Original
Modern English
Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool?
Did my father hit my servant for scolding his fool?
Yes, madam.
Yes, madam.
By day and night he wrongs me; every hour He flashes into one gross crime or other, That sets us all at odds: I’ll not endure it: His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us On every trifle. When he returns from hunting, I will not speak with him; say I am sick: If you come slack of former services, You shall do well; the fault of it I’ll answer.
He wrongs me day and night; every hour He gets into some big trouble or another, That causes arguments: I won’t put up with it: His knights cause chaos, and he criticizes us Over every little thing. When he comes back from hunting, I won’t speak to him; tell him I’m sick: If you come up short on previous duties, You’ll do fine; I’ll take the blame for it.
He’s coming, madam; I hear him.
He’s coming, madam; I hear him.
Put on what weary negligence you please, You and your fellows; I’ll have it come to question: If he dislike it, let him to our sister, Whose mind and mine, I know, in that are one, Not to be over-ruled. Idle old man, That still would manage those authorities That he hath given away! Now, by my life, Old fools are babes again; and must be used With cheques as flatteries,--when they are seen abused. Remember what I tell you.
Put on whatever careless attitude you want, You and your men; I’ll have it questioned: If he doesn’t like it, let him go to our sister, Whose mind and mine, I know, are the same on this, Not to be swayed. Foolish old man, Who still tries to control those powers That he’s given away! Now, by my life, Old fools are like babies again; they must be handled With checks disguised as flattery,--when they’re treated badly. Remember what I say.
Well, madam.
Alright, madam.
And let his knights have colder looks among you; What grows of it, no matter; advise your fellows so: I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall, That I may speak: I’ll write straight to my sister, To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner.
And let his knights have colder glares from you; What comes of it, doesn’t matter; tell your men so: I want to stir up trouble from here, and I will, So I can speak: I’ll write directly to my sister, To keep my course steady. Get ready for dinner.