One Uddah Midʻsummah

Shakespeare’s language is the English spoken in his own time. Characters from different backgrounds and social strata speak their version, which also varied based being from different parts of England, or even London. Carrying on that tradition, here are samples of putting Shakespeare into a current vernacular of our time.

Act V, Scene i — Epilogue

PUCK: If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumbered here While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding but a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend: If you pardon, we will mend: And, as I am an honest Puck, If we have unearned luck Now to ‘scape the serpent’s tongue, We will make amends ere long; Else the Puck a liar call; So, good night unto you all. Give me your hands, if we be friends, And Robin shall restore amends.

PAKA If we kolohe have offended, Think but dis, and all stay mended, Dat you wen hiamoe hea While dese visions wen appear. And dis weak and idle theme, No more nuttinʻ but one dream, E, fallahs, mai nuku iaʻu! Cuz if you pardon, we goinʻ mend: And, as I stay one honest Paka, We goinʻ make amends befoa long; Or else da Paka one liar you can call; So, good night unto you all. Give me one shaka, if we be friends, And Paka goinʻ restore all amends. Pipi holo ka ʻao… A hui hou kākou!