Original
Modern English
Come, come; we’ll couch i’ the castle-ditch till we see the light of our fairies. Remember, son Slender, my daughter.
Come on, let’s hide in the ditch by the castle until we see the light from our fairies. Remember, son Slender, my daughter.
Ay, forsooth; I have spoke with her and we have a nay-word how to know one another: I come to her in white, and cry ’mum;’ she cries ’budget;’ and by that we know one another.
Yes, truly; I’ve spoken with her and we have a secret way to recognize each other: I’ll come to her dressed in white, and say ‘mum’; she’ll say ‘budget’; and by that we’ll know each other.
That’s good too: but what needs either your ’mum’ or her ’budget?’ the white will decipher her well enough. It hath struck ten o’clock.
That’s good too: but why do we need either your ’mum’ or her ’budget?’ the white will figure her out fine enough. It’s struck ten o’clock.
The night is dark; light and spirits will become it well. Heaven prosper our sport! No man means evil but the devil, and we shall know him by his horns. Let’s away; follow me.
The night is dark; light and spirits will suit it well. Heaven bless our fun! No one means harm except the devil, and we’ll know him by his horns. Let’s go; follow me.