Tuesday, April 15, 2008

What's in a name?

I am currently working on editing a largely unedited copy-text of Fair Em, the Miller's Daughter of Manchester, which has, at one point or another, been attributed to Shakespeare. I've included just a bit below - very clever, but in my humble opinion not from Shakespeare's hand.

Valingford. Sir, may a man be so bold,
As to crave a word with you?

Manvile. Yea, two or three: what are they?

Valingford. I say, this maid will have thee to her husband.

Mountney. And I say this: and thereof will I lay a hundred pounds. 95

Valingford. And I say this: whereon I will lay as much.

Manvile. And I say neither: what say you to that?

Mountney. If that be true: then are we both deceived.

Manvile. Why it is true, and you are both deceived.

Marques. In mine eyes, this is the most proper[1] wench. 100
Might I advice thee, take her unto thy wife.

Zweno. It seems to me, she hath refused him.

Marques. Why there’s the spite.[2]

Zweno. If one refuse him, yet may he have the other.

Marques. He will ask but her good will, and all her friends. 105

Zweno. Might I advise thee, let them both alone.

Manvile. Yea, that’s the course, and thereon will I stand,
Such idle love henceforth I will detest.

Valingford. The fox will eat no grapes and why?

Mountney. I know full well, because they hang too high[3]. 110

[1] proper: proprest; OED: no entry.
[2] spite: an annoying matter or affair; OED.
[3] “The fox…high” is a reference to the Aesop fable “The Fox and the Grapes.” See appendix.

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