The History of English Podcast cover image

Episode 168: Witches, Demons and Fairies

The History of English Podcast

00:00

The Fairy Queen in Early Modern English Pronunciation

In presenting these passages, I'm going to do something a little different. First, I'll read them using a contemporary modern English pronunciation. Then we'll play a clip of the same passages in early modern English. This will reflect the style of pronunciation that would have been used at the time. So here is the beginning of the fairy queen: A gentle night was pricking on the plane; and upon his breast a bloody cross he bore,. For whose sweet sake that glorious badge he wore, and dead as living ever him adored. The dark still that tame did he never wield.

Transcript
Play full episode

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app