77. _Queries on Poems of Richard Rolle_ (Vol. iv., p. 49.).--I should be
glad to ask a question or two of your Cambridge correspondent, touching
his very interesting contribution from the MS. remains of Richard Rolle
of Hampole.
What language is meant by the _deuenisch_?
What is a _guystroun_?
How does the word _chaunsemlees_ come to mean shoes?
An expression very strange to English verse occurs in the line,
"Hir cher was ay _semand_ sori."
I can think of nothing to throw light upon this intensive adverb, except
the Danish _saamænd_, which is generally used in that language (or
rather _was_ used, i.e. when Holberg wrote his comedies) as an
affirmatory oath. Native authorities explain it to mean "_so_ it is, by
the holy _men_," or in other terms, "by the saints I swear."
I have no doubt that the same kindness which led your correspondent to
communicate those delightful extracts, will also make him willing to
assist the understanding of them.