King John Translation Act 5, Scene 5
Enter LEWIS and his train
LEWIS
The sun of heaven methought was loath to set, But stay'd and made the western welkin blush, When English measure backward their own ground In faint retire. O, bravely came we off, When with a volley of our needless shot, After such bloody toil, we bid good night; And wound our tattering colours clearly up, Last in the field, and almost lords of it!
LEWIS
I thought the sun seemed reluctant to set, and instead stayed and made the western sky blush when the English retreated weakly over their own ground. We came off bravely when, shooting unnecessarily after them, we said good night after such bloody work and wrapped our ripped banners up, last on the battlefield and almost winners of it!
Enter a Messenger
MESSENGER
Where is my prince, the Dauphin?
MESSENGER
Where is my prince, the Dauphin?
LEWIS
Here: what news?
LEWIS
Here: what news do you have?
MESSENGER
The Count Melun is slain; the English lords By his persuasion are again fall'n off, And your supply, which you have wish'd so long, Are cast away and sunk on Goodwin Sands.
MESSENGER
The Count Melun has been killed. He persuaded the English lords to desert. Your reinforcements that you've waited for so long have been shipwrecked and sunk on Goodwin Sands.
LEWIS
Ah, foul shrewd news! beshrew thy very heart! I did not think to be so sad to-night As this hath made me. Who was he that said King John did fly an hour or two before The stumbling night did part our weary powers?
LEWIS
Oh, terrible bad news! Damn your heart! I didn't think I'd be as sad tonight as this news made me. Who was it who said King John ran away an hour or two before our tired armies stopped fighting for the night?
MESSENGER
Whoever spoke it, it is true, my lord.
MESSENGER
Whoever said it, it's true, my lord.
LEWIS
Well; keep good quarter and good care to-night:The day shall not be up so soon as I,To try the fair adventure of to-morrow.
LEWIS
Well. Sleep well and take care tonight. The sun won't be up as soon as I am to see what luck tomorrow will bring us.
Exeunt