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Susan Watkin
Category:
Language
Type: Non-Fiction
An exploration of old phrase books, from William Caxton in the 15th century to the nineteenth century.
These phrase books give a fascinating insight into living conditions and concerns over several centuries.
And yes "As Brisky as a Body Louse" does appear in a phrase book!
Excerpt
" It is so cold that it freezes between two in a bed."
" You break my Head."
" Do you not hear the sweet Melody of the Birds?"
" Let us make a Nosegay."
" Comb my Wig.
Put some Essence to that Wig.
Put some Powder.
Comb the Powder off."
" Give me my black Velvet Petticoat, and my grey Gown.
Lace me very tight."
" I wish we did not go so fast, and that the sea was not quite so rough.
What! are you afraid?
This is a trifle. It is but a little rocking.
I am not fond of that sort of rocking.
Thank God, we are arrived safe and sound."
" The wind overturned towers, cottages, palaces and churches.
Coach, horses and postillion, all fell into the river."
" In Holland, in the country, one can find every thing in the same room, men, horses, cows and poultry."
" A girl of fifteen with an old man of eighty is a strange match."
" Where can I buy some lamb's-wool stockings?"
" My horse is rather skittish."
" I am unhinged."
" We must have pity on those poor horses."
" Ho! driver, postilion, get us to that hovel as quickly as possible."
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