Question

read lines 19–20 of passage 1.
first witch
say if th’ hadst rather hear it from our mouths
or from our masters’.
which modern english interpretation best reflects the meaning of these lines?
○ suppose you heard it from us instead of from our bosses.
○ just say if you want to hear it from us or from our bosses.
○ please tell us if you heard it first from us or from our bosses.
○ let us know if what we say differs from what our bosses say.

Explanation:

The original lines are "Say if th’ hadst rather hear it from our mouths Or from our masters’." The key is to interpret "Say if th’ hadst rather" as "Just say if you want to", "from our mouths" as "from us", and "from our masters’" as "from our bosses". The first option implies a replacement (instead of), but the original is a choice. The third option adds "first" which isn't in the original. The fourth option is about differences, not a choice. The second option correctly reflects the request for a choice between hearing from the witches or their masters.

Answer:

B. Just say if you want to hear it from us or from our bosses.