It is that time of year to get in the mood for the Renaissance Fair in Muskogee, Oklahoma. As for the last several years Summerside Vineyards will be there. Each year we suggest our Ambassadors use Old English and in 2010--Betty S. attended The Castle Dialect Class, shared her notes with us. Also, here you will find a few keys points from Renaissance Web Reference.
The Castle in Muskogee is a wonderful time for all ages. So get your costumes ready, start practicing on your Old English so a merry time at the fair will be had by all. Summerside will again be located in the Clock Tower (wine and mead tasting) and also the Italian Quarter (Italian sandwiches, fruit trays and Wine-A-Ritas). The fair is open every weekend from April 28th through May 28th.
When to Use "Thou"
- Those below you on the chain.
- Those to whom you are especially close (family members, best friends, lovers, etc.).
- Those of your own rank whom you wish to insult.
- God, because in Period thought, there is nobody closer to you than God.
Use "you" with the following:
- Those above you on the Great Chain. Always call the King and Queen "you!"
- Those with whom you are doing business.
- Those to whom you wish to show respect for any reason (admiration, personal threat, etc.)
How to Use "Thou"
|
I |
play |
|
thou |
playest |
|
he/she/it |
playeth |
|
we |
play |
|
you |
play |
|
they |
play |
Contractions
Avoid using modern-sounding contractions:
- don't
- can't
- won't
- ain't
- I'll
- it's
Use instead the un-contracted forms ("do not," "can not," etc.)
Other contractions that can be used, however:
- 'tis
- 'twill
- 'twould
- is't
- was't
- shan't
- to't (that's "to it")
- e're
- ne're
The Dreaded Letters, and Other Things to Avoid
Substituting a Period term, such as "'tis well," "most well," "very well," "goodly then," or even "all right" and not use “OK.”
Avoid: the word "fun" use "merriment" or "merry"; the phrase "you guys," and all "-up" expressions ("put up," "clean up," or especially "shut up").
Forming Negatives
"Explode" the contraction to "do not" or "will not.” OR simply insert the "not" into the sentence almost anywhere after the verb. "Give me not an ale."
Imperatives
"Give you me that," or "Give thou that unto me," depending on whom you are speaking to.
Reflexives
|
"I will go to the privies." |
becomes |
"I will take me to the privies." |
|
"He went to court." |
becomes |
"He betook him to court." |
|
"She drank an ale." |
becomes |
"She drank her an ale." |
"aye" for "yes"
"nay" for "no."
“pray” for “please.”
Drop "to"
|
"Give it to me." |
becomes |
"Give it me." |
|
"I will show it to thee." |
becomes |
"I will show it thee." |
Adding "Do"
|
"We find it to our liking." |
becomes |
"We do find it to our liking." |
|||
|
"Thou playest well." |
becomes |
"Thou dost play well." |
|||
|
"He hath a fine leg." |
becomes |
"He doth have a fine leg." |
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Greetings and Farewells
A simple way of adding a Period flavor to your speech is the use of a proper greeting. Period greetings include:
- Good morrow!
- Good day!
- God save you!
A proper farewell is also useful. Remember, this is the last thing the patrons will hear from you, so it is always good to leave them with a Period phrase in their ears!
- Farewell!
- God speed!
- God save you!
Pick a greeting and a farewell for your character. You can use one of the above, or create one that reflects your character's profession (for example, a tavern maid might open conversation with "'Tis a good day for drinkin'").
