Original
Modern English
But are my brother’s powers set forth?
But have my brother’s forces been sent out?
Ay, madam.
Yes, madam.
Himself in person there?
Is he there in person?
Madam, with much ado: Your sister is the better soldier.
Madam, with much effort: Your sister is the better soldier.
Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home?
Didn’t Lord Edmund speak to your lord at home?
No, madam.
No, madam.
What might import my sister’s letter to him?
What could my sister’s letter to him mean?
I know not, lady.
I don’t know, lady.
’Faith, he is posted hence on serious matter. It was great ignorance, Gloucester’s eyes being out, To let him live: where he arrives he moves All hearts against us: Edmund, I think, is gone, In pity of his misery, to dispatch His nighted life: moreover, to descry The strength o’ the enemy.
Honestly, he left here on serious business. It was sheer ignorance, with Gloucester being blind, To let him live: wherever he goes, he turns Everyone’s heart against us: Edmund, I think, has gone, Out of pity for his misery, to end His dark life: also, to scout The strength of the enemy.
I must needs after him, madam, with my letter.
I must follow him, madam, with my letter.
Our troops set forth to-morrow: stay with us; The ways are dangerous.
Our soldiers leave tomorrow: stay with us; The roads are dangerous.
I may not, madam: My lady charged my duty in this business.
I can’t, madam: My lady has given me orders for this task.
Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you Transport her purposes by word? Belike, Something--I know not what: I’ll love thee much, Let me unseal the letter.
Why should she write to Edmund? Can’t you Carry her message by word of mouth? Maybe, Something—I’m not sure what: I’ll like you a lot, Let me open the letter.
Madam, I had rather--
Madam, I’d rather not--
I know your lady does not love her husband; I am sure of that: and at her late being here She gave strange oeillades and most speaking looks To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom.
I know your lady doesn’t love her husband; I’m certain of that: and when she was here recently, She gave strange glances and meaningful looks To noble Edmund. I know you’re close to her.
I, madam?
Me, madam?
I speak in understanding; you are; I know’t: Therefore I do advise you, take this note: My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talk’d; And more convenient is he for my hand Than for your lady’s: you may gather more. If you do find him, pray you, give him this; And when your mistress hears thus much from you, I pray, desire her call her wisdom to her. So, fare you well. If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor, Preferment falls on him that cuts him off.
I’m speaking from understanding; you are; I know it: So I advise you, take this note: My lord is dead; Edmund and I have talked; And he’s a better match for me Than for your lady’s hand: you can get more from him. If you find him, please give him this; And when your mistress hears this from you, I ask that she calls on her wisdom. So, goodbye. If you happen to hear about that blind traitor, The reward goes to the one who takes him down.
Would I could meet him, madam! I should show What party I do follow.
I wish I could meet him, madam! I’d show Which side I’m on.
Fare thee well.
Goodbye.