Measure for Measure: Act 4, Scene 6 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 4, Scene 6 of Measure for Measure from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

Original Text	Translated Text
Source: Folger Shakespeare Library
Enter Isabella and Mariana. ISABELLA To speak so indirectly I am loath. I would say the truth, but to accuse him so That is your part; yet I am advised to do it, He says, to veil full purpose. MARIANA Be ruled by him. 5 ISABELLA Besides, he tells me that, if peradventure He speak against me on the adverse side, I should not think it strange, for ’tis a physic That’s bitter to sweet end. MARIANA I would Friar Peter— 10 Enter Friar Peter. ISABELLA O peace, the Friar is come. FRIAR PETER Come, I have found you out a stand most fit, Where you may have such vantage on the Duke He shall not pass you. Twice have the trumpets sounded. 15 The generous and gravest citizens Have hent the gates, and very near upon The Duke is entering. Therefore hence, away. They exit.	On a street near the gate to Vienna, we catch Mariana and Isabella in mid-conversation about the plan to punk Angelo. Isabella reveals that the Friar (who is really the Duke) has advised her to accuse Angelo of sleeping with her. Even though she knows it's a lie (Angelo really slept with Mariana without knowing it), she's willing to go along with the scheme. We also learn that Isabella has been told she shouldn't worry if the Friar pretends like he's not on her side. It's all part of the plan. Friar Peter announces that the women should get ready because the Duke is coming.

Original Text

Translated Text

Enter Isabella and Mariana.

ISABELLA
To speak so indirectly I am loath.
I would say the truth, but to accuse him so
That is your part; yet I am advised to do it,
He says, to veil full purpose.

MARIANA
Be ruled by him. 5

ISABELLA
Besides, he tells me that, if peradventure
He speak against me on the adverse side,
I should not think it strange, for ’tis a physic
That’s bitter to sweet end.

MARIANA
I would Friar Peter— 10

Enter Friar Peter.

ISABELLA
O peace, the Friar is come.

FRIAR PETER
Come, I have found you out a stand most fit,
Where you may have such vantage on the Duke
He shall not pass you. Twice have the trumpets
sounded. 15
The generous and gravest citizens
Have hent the gates, and very near upon
The Duke is entering. Therefore hence, away.

They exit.

On a street near the gate to Vienna, we catch Mariana and Isabella in mid-conversation about the plan to punk Angelo.

Isabella reveals that the Friar (who is really the Duke) has advised her to accuse Angelo of sleeping with her. Even though she knows it's a lie (Angelo really slept with Mariana without knowing it), she's willing to go along with the scheme.

We also learn that Isabella has been told she shouldn't worry if the Friar pretends like he's not on her side. It's all part of the plan.

Friar Peter announces that the women should get ready because the Duke is coming.

Measure for Measure: Act 4, Scene 6 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 4, Scene 6 of Measure for Measure from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

Original Text

Translated Text

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