Original
Modern English
This is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings; Which in a set hand fairly is engross’d, That it may be this day read over in Paul’s. And mark how well the sequel hangs together: Eleven hours I spent to write it over, For yesternight by Catesby was it brought me; The precedent was full as long a-doing: And yet within these five hours lived Lord Hastings, Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty Here’s a good world the while! Why who’s so gross, That seeth not this palpable device? Yet who’s so blind, but says he sees it not? Bad is the world; and all will come to nought, When such bad dealings must be seen in thought.
This is the charge against Lord Hastings; It’s written in a clear hand, So it can be read today in St. Paul’s. And look how well the story fits together: I spent eleven hours rewriting it, Because Catesby brought it to me last night; The first draft took just as long to do: And yet, within these five hours, Lord Hastings was alive, Untouched, not interrogated, free, and at liberty. What a strange world this is! Who’s so stupid, That can’t see this obvious plot? And yet who’s so blind, that claims he doesn’t see it? The world is bad; and all will fall apart, When such evil actions are allowed to continue.