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A basic guide to early modern English in literature
Common words and phrases with different meaning in present-day English
Ay = yes (response); ah (regret)
Aye = always
base = low, unworthy, dishonorable
brave = fine, excellent, splendid
become = be fitting, appropriate to
by and by = soon, shortly, immediatly
counterfeit = copy, imitate; pretend, feign
forbear = stop
forswear = sweear falsely, commit perjury
gentle = noble, well-born
haply = perhaps, by chance
humour = mood, disposition
ill = bad, adverse; badly
list = wish
methinks = it seems to me
perplex = trouble, afflict, torment (OED v. 3)
present = immediate, instant
several = separate, different
still = always, constantly
vex = afflict with mental agitation or trouble; distress deeply or seriously; to torment with worry or despair (OED v. 3)
want = lack, need, be without
wanton = sexually unrestrained, lascivious, lecherous; playful, lively ; luxuriant, lush, exuberant
warrant = assure, promise
why = exclamation adding emphasis or expressing surprise
wit = intelligence; mental sharpness
Words and phrases that nowadays are archaic or literary
an = if
anon = soon
aught = anything
eke = also, moreover
ere = before
erst = formerly; not long ago; at first; in the first place
fain = (usually with ‘would’) gladly, willingly
Pedringano. thou wouldst fain furnish me with a halter to disfurnish me of my habit
The King sees me, and fain would hear my suit
had as lief = should like just as much
quoth = said
travail = painful effort
woe = great distress
wot = learn, know, have knowledge
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Discourse markers in dramatic dialogue :
"discourse markers maintain the dynamics of converational interactions" (Crystal & Crystal)
How now = excl. surprise, reproach
I prithee = (I beg you) X draws Y’s attention to a point
But soft = (Stop, hold on) X lets know Y the topic is changing
Nay = (rather) nuance of alternative or contrast
“Nay, answer me” introductory word to a response, expressing reservation
Nay, but = (never mind what you have just said, what about this other topic)
Nay, more = (furthermore) X reformulates or adds to a point
Nay, when = (impatience)
Ay = yes (response); ah (regret)
Alas = exclamation, usually regret or indignation
fie = disgust, indigation, shame
Catching someone’s attention
Lo = (Look!)
Hark / Hark you = (Listen!)
Peace / Soft = (Be quiet!)
Mark / Good now = (Pay attention!)