King John: Act 3, Scene 2 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 3, Scene 2 of King John from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

  Original Text

 Translated Text

  Source: Folger Shakespeare Library

Alarums, excursions.
Enter Bastard with Austria’s head.

BASTARD
Now, by my life, this day grows wondrous hot.
Some airy devil hovers in the sky
And pours down mischief. Austria’s head lie there,
While Philip breathes.

King John's army is going toe-to-toe with King Philip's forces.

The Bastard strolls in, complains about the hot weather, and casually sets Austria's head on the ground. Oh yeah, and he also seems kind of bummed that King Philip is still alive.

Enter King John, Arthur, Hubert.

KING JOHN
Hubert, keep this boy.—Philip, make up. 5
My mother is assailèd in our tent
And ta’en, I fear.

BASTARDMy lord, I rescued her.
Her Highness is in safety, fear you not.
But on, my liege, for very little pains 10
Will bring this labor to an happy end.

They exit.

In walk King John, the Citizen—who is now referred to as Hubert in this edition of the play—and Arthur. 

King John has taken Arthur prisoner. He tells Hubert to watch the little brat while he goes to check on his mom, Queen E.

The Bastard says, "No worries, I rescued her. Now let's end this."