Original
Modern English
Prithee, no more prattling; go. I’ll hold. This is the third time; I hope good luck lies in odd numbers. Away I go. They say there is divinity in odd numbers, either in nativity, chance, or death. Away!
Please, no more talking; go. I’ll bet you. This is the third time; I hope good luck comes in odd numbers. I’m off. They say there’s something magical in odd numbers, whether it’s birth, luck, or death. Go!
I’ll provide you a chain; and I’ll do what I can to get you a pair of horns.
I’ll get you a chain; and I’ll do my best to get you a pair of horns.
Away, I say; time wears: hold up your head, and mince.
Go, I say; time is running out: keep your head up, and walk carefully.
How now, Master Brook! Master Brook, the matter will be known to-night, or never. Be you in the Park about midnight, at Herne’s oak, and you shall see wonders.
How’s it going, Master Brook! Master Brook, the plan will be revealed tonight, or never. Be in the Park around midnight, at Herne’s oak, and you’ll see something amazing.
Went you not to her yesterday, sir, as you told me you had appointed?
Didn’t you go to her yesterday, sir, like you told me you were going to?
I went to her, Master Brook, as you see, like a poor old man: but I came from her, Master Brook, like a poor old woman. That same knave Ford, her husband, hath the finest mad devil of jealousy in him, Master Brook, that ever governed frenzy. I will tell you: he beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman; for in the shape of man, Master Brook, I fear not Goliath with a weaver’s beam; because I know also life is a shuttle. I am in haste; go along with me: I’ll tell you all, Master Brook. Since I plucked geese, played truant and whipped top, I knew not what ’twas to be beaten till lately. Follow me: I’ll tell you strange things of this knave Ford, on whom to-night I will be revenged, and I will deliver his wife into your hand. Follow. Strange things in hand, Master Brook! Follow.
I went to her, Master Brook, as you see, like an old man in need: but I left her, Master Brook, like a poor old woman. That rascal Ford, her husband, has the craziest jealousy in him, Master Brook, that ever drove someone mad. I’ll explain: he beat me badly, in the form of a woman; because in the form of a man, Master Brook, I wouldn’t fear Goliath with a weaver’s beam; because I know life is unpredictable. I’m in a hurry; come with me: I’ll tell you everything, Master Brook. Since I herded geese, skipped school, and played with a top, I didn’t know what it was like to be beaten until recently. Come with me: I’ll tell you strange things about this rascal Ford, and tonight I’ll get my revenge, and I’ll hand his wife over to you. Come on. Strange things ahead, Master Brook! Come along.