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Re: Concocted early 16th Century English

From:Andreas Johansson <andjo@...>
Date:Wednesday, November 12, 2003, 11:36
Quoting Elliott Lash <erelion12@...>:

> I'm writing a poem...It uses many archaic words and > some archaic syntax. It's not a conlang, it's supposed > to represent the English spoken around 1520 or so, > give or take around 15 years. I suppose any time from > 1490 to 1590 would be a candidate...but I'm not really > an expert. I'd like feedback, and if you can figure it > out, maybe people would like to translate it.
Into a conlang? Well, Tairezazh might be up to the task ... we'll see!
> Thou must needs speak lithely, > It dows thee more, > Who hast well been thewed. > So taught, thou seldom theest > In wickedness, nor wouldst dare. > I make thee no recompense > If loathsome thou wouldst me treat > And speak in manner most unkind. > But with smiles thee I would greet, > When smiles thou me wouldst turn. > Though smiles of guile would I spurn, > But, if thine eyes shine true, > Then smile I and I'll thee sue. > > Beleaguered now, as thou art > By thoughts lingering far after list, > Or, though joy plagues thee yet > Then even twice endoubted, > I shall not thee forget. > A heart once touched, a smile shared, > Is a pittance not swift in want. > Thy wonder fair guise doth guide > the near unwavering surety of my fare. > Though my surance of a time may ‘bate, > In sooth, thy pleasure I will to sate. > Thus inward I would come too late, > An elder youth to nourish and create. > > VOCAB > needs: 'of necessity'
Does this need being translated for native English speakers? If so, I guess I should perhaps better stop using it ... Andreas
> lithely: 'softly, gently' > dow: 'it behooves you, befits you' > thew: 'to instruct in manners and morals' > thees): (2nd person singular of verb: thee) > 'to prosper, grow' > sue: 'pursue, follow with the intention of > wooing' > list: 'desire, pleasure, joy' > endoubt 'to feel doubt' > pittance 'a charitable gift (usually of food or > money, here metaphorical) > want 'lacking, missing' > surety 'certainty of obtaining something' > fare 'proceeding, action, fight' > surance 'confidence' > ‘bate 'abate > > Elliott Lash > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Protect your identity with Yahoo! Mail AddressGuard > http://antispam.yahoo.com/whatsnewfree >

Replies

Chris Bates <christopher.bates@...>
Adam Walker <carrajena@...>