Assignment 2

Everything Old is New Again!
Translating Early Modern English into Modern English
Below are some lines from some of William Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, written in Early
Modern English. On the lines below each quote, translate each sentence into Modern English, as we might speak it today.


"To thine own self be true; and it must follow, as the night the day, thou can'st not then be false to any man." Hamlet, Act i, Sc.3

I think he is trying to say don't be afraid to be yourself, because it is only natural to be only you.

"What is best, that best I wish in thee." Troilus & C, Act ii, Sc.2
He's saying learn what makes you unique, then use that uniqueness to shine through and show who you truly are.

"Safe may'st thou wander, safe return again!" Cymbeline, Act iii, Sc.5
Have a safe interesting trip and return home safely.

"Give me thy hand, 'tis late; farewell, good night." Rom & Jul, Act iii, Sc.3
"Let me walk you to your room and put you to bed, it is late, goodnight."

"Have more than though showest; speak less than thou knowest; lend less than thou owest." K Lear, Act i, Sc.4
Think before you talk, walk, think before any action and understand the consequences.

"Thy glass will show thee how thy beauties wear, thy dial how thy precious minutes waste."
Sonnet 77
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"This above all: to thine own self be true." Hamlet, Act i, Sc.3
Be true to who you are, that is all that matters.