Original
Modern English
Know of the duke if his last purpose hold, Or whether since he is advised by aught To change the course: he’s full of alteration And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure.
Find out from the duke if he still plans to do what he decided, Or if he’s been convinced to change his mind. He keeps changing his mind And blaming himself: find out what he really wants to do.
Our sister’s man is certainly miscarried.
Our sister’s man has definitely failed.
’Tis to be doubted, madam.
It’s hard to say, madam.
Now, sweet lord, You know the goodness I intend upon you: Tell me--but truly--but then speak the truth, Do you not love my sister?
Now, my dear lord, You know how much I want to do good for you. Tell me—be honest—just tell me the truth: Do you not love my sister?
In honour’d love.
I love her with honour.
But have you never found my brother’s way To the forfended place?
But have you never gone to the place That you’re not supposed to go?
That thought abuses you.
That idea is wrong.
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosom’d with her, as far as we call hers.
I’m afraid you’ve been secretly involved And close with her, as far as we consider her our own.
No, by mine honour, madam.
No, I swear on my honour, madam.
I never shall endure her: dear my lord, Be not familiar with her.
I will never tolerate her: dear lord, Please don’t get too close to her.
Fear me not: She and the duke her husband!
Don’t worry about me: She and the duke her husband!
[Aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister Should loosen him and me.
[Aside] I’d rather lose the battle than let that sister Free him and me.
Our very loving sister, well be-met. Sir, this I hear; the king is come to his daughter, With others whom the rigor of our state Forced to cry out. Where I could not be honest, I never yet was valiant: for this business, It toucheth us, as France invades our land, Not bolds the king, with others, whom, I fear, Most just and heavy causes make oppose.
Our very loving sister, nice to see you. Sir, I hear this: the king has come to his daughter, With others whom our harsh state Made cry out. Where I couldn’t be honest, I’ve never yet been brave: for this situation, It affects us, like France invading our land, Not just the king, with others who, I fear, Have the most just and serious reasons to oppose.
Sir, you speak nobly.
Sir, you speak nobly.
Why is this reason’d?
Why is this being reasoned?
Combine together ’gainst the enemy; For these domestic and particular broils Are not the question here.
Let’s unite against the enemy; For these family squabbles Aren’t the issue here.
Let’s then determine With the ancient of war on our proceedings.
Let’s decide then With the old strategies of war in mind for our next steps.
I shall attend you presently at your tent.
I’ll join you at your tent right away.
Sister, you’ll go with us?
Sister, will you come with us?
No.
No.
’Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us.
It’s most convenient; please, come with us.
[Aside] O, ho, I know the riddle.--I will go.
[Aside] Oh, I see what’s going on. -- I’ll go.
If e’er your grace had speech with man so poor, Hear me one word.
If ever your grace has spoken to someone so poor, Hear me just one word.
I’ll overtake you. Speak.
I’ll catch up with you. Speak.
Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. If you have victory, let the trumpet sound For him that brought it: wretched though I seem, I can produce a champion that will prove What is avouched there. If you miscarry, Your business of the world hath so an end, And machination ceases. Fortune love you.
Before you fight the battle, open this letter. If you win, let the trumpet sound For the one who brought it: miserable though I seem, I can produce a champion who will prove What is claimed there. If you lose, Your worldly business is done, And all plotting ends. Good fortune to you.
Stay till I have read the letter.
Wait until I’ve read the letter.
I was forbid it. When time shall serve, let but the herald cry, And I’ll appear again.
I was told not to. When the time is right, just let the messenger announce it, And I’ll come back.
Why, fare thee well: I will o’erlook thy paper.
Well, goodbye then: I’ll look over your letter.
The enemy’s in view; draw up your powers. Here is the guess of their true strength and forces By diligent discovery; but your haste Is now urged on you.
The enemy is in sight; get your troops ready. Here is an estimate of their true strength, From careful scouting; but your hurry Is now pressing you.
We will greet the time.
We’ll meet the time.
To both these sisters have I sworn my love; Each jealous of the other, as the stung Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take? Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy’d, If both remain alive: to take the widow Exasperates, makes mad her sister Goneril; And hardly shall I carry out my side, Her husband being alive. Now then we’ll use His countenance for the battle; which being done, Let her who would be rid of him devise His speedy taking off. As for the mercy Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia, The battle done, and they within our power, Shall never see his pardon; for my state Stands on me to defend, not to debate.
I’ve sworn my love to both these sisters; Each jealous of the other, like a snake’s sting To the adder. Which one should I choose? Both? One? Or neither? Neither can be enjoyed, If both stay alive: taking the widow Will anger and drive mad her sister Goneril; And it will be hard to carry out my plan, With her husband still alive. Now we’ll use His appearance for the battle; when that’s over, Let her who wants him gone plan His quick execution. As for the mercy He plans to show Lear and Cordelia, Once the battle’s over, and they’re in our hands, They’ll never see his pardon; because my position Forces me to defend, not to argue.