Original
Modern English
Master Fenton, talk not to me; my mind is heavy: I will give over all.
Master Fenton, don’t talk to me; my mind is heavy: I am giving up on everything.
Yet hear me speak. Assist me in my purpose, And, as I am a gentleman, I’ll give thee A hundred pound in gold more than your loss.
But listen to me. Help me with my plan, And, as I’m a gentleman, I’ll give you A hundred pounds in gold more than you lost.
I will hear you, Master Fenton; and I will at the least keep your counsel.
I will listen to you, Master Fenton; and I’ll at least keep your secret.
From time to time I have acquainted you With the dear love I bear to fair Anne Page; Who mutually hath answer’d my affection, So far forth as herself might be her chooser, Even to my wish: I have a letter from her Of such contents as you will wonder at; The mirth whereof so larded with my matter, That neither singly can be manifested, Without the show of both; fat Falstaff Hath a great scene: the image of the jest I’ll show you here at large. Hark, good mine host. To-night at Herne’s oak, just ’twixt twelve and one, Must my sweet Nan present the Fairy Queen; The purpose why, is here: in which disguise, While other jests are something rank on foot, Her father hath commanded her to slip Away with Slender and with him at Eton Immediately to marry: she hath consented: Now, sir, Her mother, ever strong against that match And firm for Doctor Caius, hath appointed That he shall likewise shuffle her away, While other sports are tasking of their minds, And at the deanery, where a priest attends, Straight marry her: to this her mother’s plot She seemingly obedient likewise hath Made promise to the doctor. Now, thus it rests: Her father means she shall be all in white, And in that habit, when Slender sees his time To take her by the hand and bid her go, She shall go with him: her mother hath intended, The better to denote her to the doctor, For they must all be mask’d and vizarded, That quaint in green she shall be loose enrobed, With ribands pendent, flaring ’bout her head; And when the doctor spies his vantage ripe, To pinch her by the hand, and, on that token, The maid hath given consent to go with him.
From time to time, I’ve told you About the deep love I have for fair Anne Page; And she has returned my affection, As much as she could choose for herself, Just as I wished: I have a letter from her With such news that will surprise you; The joy of it is so wrapped up in my story, That neither part can be told alone, Without mentioning the other; fat Falstaff Has a big role: I’ll tell you the whole joke. Listen, good innkeeper. Tonight, at Herne’s Oak, between twelve and one, My sweet Nan will appear as the Fairy Queen; The reason why, is here: in this disguise, While other schemes are taking shape, Her father has told her to slip Away with Slender and marry him at Eton Right away: she’s agreed. Now, sir, Her mother, always against that match And firm in supporting Doctor Caius, has arranged For him to take her away too, While others are distracted, And at the deanery, where a priest is waiting, They’ll marry her immediately: to this, her mother’s plan She has also promised to obey the doctor. Now, here’s the plan: Her father insists she’ll wear all white, And in that outfit, when Slender sees the chance To take her by the hand and tell her to go, She’ll go with him: her mother has arranged, To make it clear to the doctor, That while they’re all masked and hidden, In green she’ll be dressed loosely, With ribbons hanging, flaring around her head; And when the doctor sees the right moment, He’ll pinch her hand, and, with that sign, The girl will have agreed to go with him.
Which means she to deceive, father or mother?
So, is she trying to deceive her father or her mother?
Both, my good host, to go along with me: And here it rests, that you’ll procure the vicar To stay for me at church ’twixt twelve and one, And, in the lawful name of marrying, To give our hearts united ceremony.
Both, my good host, to go with me: And here’s the plan: you’ll get the vicar To wait for me at church between twelve and one, And, in the legal act of marriage, To join our hearts in a wedding ceremony.
Well, husband your device; I’ll to the vicar: Bring you the maid, you shall not lack a priest.
Alright, I’ll handle your plan; I’ll go to the vicar: Bring the girl, and you won’t be without a priest.
So shall I evermore be bound to thee; Besides, I’ll make a present recompense.
Then I’ll always be grateful to you; Plus, I’ll give you a nice reward.