Original
Modern English
Is this the monument of Leonato?
Is this the tomb of Leonato?
It is, my lord.
It is, my lord.
[Reading out of a scroll] Done to death by slanderous tongues Was the Hero that here lies: Death, in guerdon of her wrongs, Gives her fame which never dies. So the life that died with shame Lives in death with glorious fame. Hang thou there upon the tomb, Praising her when I am dumb. Now, music, sound, and sing your solemn hymn. SONG. Pardon, goddess of the night, Those that slew thy virgin knight; For the which, with songs of woe, Round about her tomb they go. Midnight, assist our moan; Help us to sigh and groan, Heavily, heavily: Graves, yawn and yield your dead, Till death be uttered, Heavily, heavily.
[Reading from a scroll] She who lies here was killed by slanderous words. Death, in return for her wrongs, Gives her a reputation that will never die. So the life that ended in disgrace Lives on in death with honor. Hang this there on the tomb, Praising her when I am silent. Now, music, play, and sing your solemn song. SONG. Pardon, goddess of the night, Those who killed your virgin knight; For this, with songs of sorrow, They circle her tomb today. Midnight, help our grieving; Help us sigh and moan, Heavily, heavily: Graves, open and give up your dead, Until death is spoken, Heavily, heavily.
Now, unto thy bones good night! Yearly will I do this rite.
Now, good night to your bones! Every year I will do this ritual.
Good morrow, masters; put your torches out: The wolves have prey’d; and look, the gentle day, Before the wheels of Phoebus, round about Dapples the drowsy east with spots of grey. Thanks to you all, and leave us: fare you well.
Good morning, gentlemen; put out your candles: The wolves have hunted; and look, the bright day, Before the sun rises, paints the sleepy east With shades of grey. Thanks to all of you, now leave us: farewell.
Good morrow, masters: each his several way.
Good morning, gentlemen: each to his own way.
Come, let us hence, and put on other weeds; And then to Leonato’s we will go.
Come, let’s go, change our clothes, And then we’ll head to Leonato’s house.
And Hymen now with luckier issue speed’s Than this for whom we render’d up this woe.
And may Hymen now with happier results succeed Than this, for whom we gave up this grief.