Original
Modern English
This is the hour that Madam Silvia Entreated me to call and know her mind: There’s some great matter she’ld employ me in. Madam, madam!
This is the time that Lady Silvia Asked me to come and find out her thoughts: There’s some important task she wants me to do. Madam, madam!
Who calls?
Who is it?
Your servant and your friend; One that attends your ladyship’s command.
Your servant and your friend; One who is here to do whatever you need.
Sir Eglamour, a thousand times good morrow.
Sir Eglamour, good morning a thousand times.
As many, worthy lady, to yourself: According to your ladyship’s impose, I am thus early come to know what service It is your pleasure to command me in.
As many, noble lady, to you as well: As you asked, I’ve come early to find out what service you want me to perform.
O Eglamour, thou art a gentleman-- Think not I flatter, for I swear I do not-- Valiant, wise, remorseful, well accomplish’d: Thou art not ignorant what dear good will I bear unto the banish’d Valentine, Nor how my father would enforce me marry Vain Thurio, whom my very soul abhors. Thyself hast loved; and I have heard thee say No grief did ever come so near thy heart As when thy lady and thy true love died, Upon whose grave thou vow’dst pure chastity. Sir Eglamour, I would to Valentine, To Mantua, where I hear he makes abode; And, for the ways are dangerous to pass, I do desire thy worthy company, Upon whose faith and honour I repose. Urge not my father’s anger, Eglamour, But think upon my grief, a lady’s grief, And on the justice of my flying hence, To keep me from a most unholy match, Which heaven and fortune still rewards with plagues. I do desire thee, even from a heart As full of sorrows as the sea of sands, To bear me company and go with me: If not, to hide what I have said to thee, That I may venture to depart alone.
Oh, Eglamour, you are a true gentleman-- Don’t think I’m flattering you, because I’m not-- Brave, wise, kind-hearted, well-educated: You know how much I care for the exiled Valentine, And how my father wants me to marry The useless Thurio, whom I can’t stand. You’ve loved too; and I’ve heard you say That no pain has ever hurt you as much As when your lady and true love died, And on her grave you swore chastity. Sir Eglamour, I wish to go to Valentine, To Mantua, where I know he’s staying; And since the journey is dangerous, I want you to come with me, Because I trust your faith and honor. Don’t worry about my father’s anger, Eglamour, Just think of my pain, the pain of a lady, And the justice of my running away, To avoid a terrible marriage, Which heaven and fortune always punish. I beg you, with a heart As full of sorrow as the sea is of sand, To come with me: If not, please keep secret what I’ve said, So I can leave on my own.
Madam, I pity much your grievances; Which since I know they virtuously are placed, I give consent to go along with you, Recking as little what betideth me As much I wish all good befortune you. When will you go?
Madam, I feel great sympathy for your troubles; And since I know they come from a virtuous place, I agree to go with you, Caring little about what happens to me, But wishing you all the best. When shall we leave?
This evening coming.
This evening.
Where shall I meet you?
Where shall I meet you?
At Friar Patrick’s cell, Where I intend holy confession.
At Friar Patrick’s cell, Where I plan to confess my sins.
I will not fail your ladyship. Good morrow, gentle lady.
I won’t fail you, madam. Good morning, gentle lady.
Good morrow, kind Sir Eglamour.
Good morning, kind Sir Eglamour.