Original
Modern English
How now, brother! Where is my cousin, your son? hath he provided this music?
What’s going on, brother? Where’s my cousin, your son? Has he arranged this music?
He is very busy about it. But, brother, I can tell you strange news that you yet dreamt not of.
He’s very busy with it. But, brother, I have some strange news to tell you that you haven’t even dreamed of yet.
Are they good?
Is it good news?
As the event stamps them: but they have a good cover; they show well outward. The prince and Count Claudio, walking in a thick-pleached alley in mine orchard, were thus much overheard by a man of mine: the prince discovered to Claudio that he loved my niece your daughter and meant to acknowledge it this night in a dance: and if he found her accordant, he meant to take the present time by the top and instantly break with you of it.
It’s as good as the outcome makes it, but it looks good on the surface; they seem fine outwardly. The prince and Count Claudio, walking in a thick, enclosed path in my orchard, were overheard by one of my men: the prince told Claudio that he loved my niece, your daughter, and planned to confess it tonight at a dance. If she responds positively, he intends to seize the moment and tell you about it right away.
Hath the fellow any wit that told you this?
Does the man who told you this have any sense?
A good sharp fellow: I will send for him; and question him yourself.
He’s a sharp guy: I’ll send for him and you can question him yourself.
No, no; we will hold it as a dream till it appear itself: but I will acquaint my daughter withal, that she may be the better prepared for an answer, if peradventure this be true. Go you and tell her of it.
No, no; we’ll treat it like a dream until it proves itself. But I’ll tell my daughter about it, so she’s better prepared to respond if by chance it’s true. Go, and tell her.
Cousins, you know what you have to do. O, I cry you mercy, friend; go you with me, and I will use your skill. Good cousin, have a care this busy time.
Cousins, you know what you have to do. Oh, I beg your pardon, friend; come with me, and I’ll put your skills to use. Good cousin, be careful during this busy time.