Dusty Phrases

Hi! Welcome to “Dusty Phrases.” You will find below an ancient phrase in one language or another, along with its English translation. You may also find the power to inspire your friends or provoke dread among your enemies.

For other examples, visit HERE:

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Middle English:

man com & se how schal alle dede li

English:

Man, come and see how all dead men shall lie


Middle English is a fun transition period for the language. It’s relatively readable and interpretable. The quote above here is from an ancient epitaph. More from wiki:

Epitaph of John the smyth, died 1371

Further information: Brightwell Baldwin

An epitaph from a monumental brass in an Oxfordshire parish church:

Original textTranslation by Patricia Utechin
man com & se how schal alle dede li: wen þow comes bad & barenoth hab ven ve awaẏ fare: All ẏs wermēs þt ve for care:—bot þt ve do for godẏs luf ve haue nothyng yare:hundyr þis graue lẏs John þe smẏth god yif his soule heuen gritMan, come and see how all dead men shall lie: when that comes bad and bare,we have nothing when we away fare: all that we care for is worms:—except for that which we do for God’s sake, we have nothing ready:under this grave lies John the smith, God give his soul heavenly peace

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