Original
Modern English
I would not by my will have troubled you; But, since you make your pleasure of your pains, I will no further chide you.
I didn’t mean to trouble you; But since you seem to enjoy your pain, I won’t complain any further.
I could not stay behind you: my desire, More sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth; And not all love to see you, though so much As might have drawn one to a longer voyage, But jealousy what might befall your travel, Being skilless in these parts; which to a stranger, Unguided and unfriended, often prove Rough and unhospitable: my willing love, The rather by these arguments of fear, Set forth in your pursuit.
I couldn’t stay behind you: my desire, Sharper than any blade, urged me to follow; And not just because I wanted to see you, though that was enough To make me go on a longer journey, But because I was worried about what might happen to you on your travels, Since I’m unfamiliar with this place; and for a stranger, Unprotected and without friends, these places Are often dangerous and unwelcoming: my love for you, Driven even more by fear for your safety, Pushed me to follow you.
My kind Antonio, I can no other answer make but thanks, And thanks; and ever [ ] oft good turns Are shuffled off with such uncurrent pay: But, were my worth as is my conscience firm, You should find better dealing. What’s to do? Shall we go see the reliques of this town?
My dear Antonio, All I can say is thank you, And thank you again; and even though good deeds Are often ignored with such poor payment, If I were as worthy as my conscience is strong, You’d find that I would repay you better. So, what shall we do? Should we go see the sights of this town?
To-morrow, sir: best first go see your lodging.
Tomorrow, sir: it’s better to go see your lodging first.
I am not weary, and ’tis long to night: I pray you, let us satisfy our eyes With the memorials and the things of fame That do renown this city.
I’m not tired, and it’s still a long way to night: Please, let’s satisfy our curiosity With the monuments and famous things That make this city renowned.
Would you’ld pardon me; I do not without danger walk these streets: Once, in a sea-fight, ’gainst the count his galleys I did some service; of such note indeed, That were I ta’en here it would scarce be answer’d.
If you’ll excuse me; I can’t walk these streets without risk: Once, in a sea battle, I fought against the Count’s ships, And did such service that, If I’m caught here, I don’t think it will be easily forgiven.
Belike you slew great number of his people.
You must have killed a lot of his men.
The offence is not of such a bloody nature; Albeit the quality of the time and quarrel Might well have given us bloody argument. It might have since been answer’d in repaying What we took from them; which, for traffic’s sake, Most of our city did: only myself stood out; For which, if I be lapsed in this place, I shall pay dear.
The crime wasn’t that severe; Though the time and the nature of the conflict Could have given us a reason for bloodshed. It might have been answered later by repaying What we took from them; which, for trade’s sake, Most people in our city did: only I resisted; And for that, if I’m caught here, I will pay dearly.
Do not then walk too open.
Then don’t walk too openly.
It doth not fit me. Hold, sir, here’s my purse. In the south suburbs, at the Elephant, Is best to lodge: I will bespeak our diet, Whiles you beguile the time and feed your knowledge With viewing of the town: there shall you have me.
It wouldn’t be wise for me. Here, take my purse. In the southern suburbs, at the Elephant, It’s safest to stay: I’ll arrange our meals, While you spend your time exploring the city. You’ll find me there.
Why I your purse?
Why should I take your purse?
Haply your eye shall light upon some toy You have desire to purchase; and your store, I think, is not for idle markets, sir.
Maybe you’ll see something you want to buy, And I think your purse isn’t meant for empty shopping, sir.
I’ll be your purse-bearer and leave you For an hour.
I’ll carry your purse for you and leave you For an hour.
To the Elephant.
To the Elephant.
I do remember.
I remember.