Speculum Vitae
Encyclopedia
Speculum Vitae is a Middle English
poem possibly by William of Nassyngton
, written in the middle or late 14th century. However, the exact date has not been established and there is also debate about whether Nassyngton was the author or not. The title translates as Mirror of Life.
Middle English
Middle English is the stage in the history of the English language during the High and Late Middle Ages, or roughly during the four centuries between the late 11th and the late 15th century....
poem possibly by William of Nassyngton
William of Nassyngton
William of Nassyngton is believed to be the author of the middle English poem, Speculum Vitae written in the mid to late fourteenth century....
, written in the middle or late 14th century. However, the exact date has not been established and there is also debate about whether Nassyngton was the author or not. The title translates as Mirror of Life.
Extract
- In English tonge I schall you telle,
- yif ye with me so longe wil dwelle.
- No Latyn wil I speke no waste,
- But Englisch, that men vse mast,
- That can ech man vnderstonde,
- That is born in Ingelande.
- For that langage is most chewyd,
- Os wel among lered as lewyd.
- Latyn, as I trowe, can nane
- But tho, that haueth it in scol tane.
- And somme can frenssche and no Latyn,
- That vsed hav cowrt and dwellen therein.
- And somme can of Latyn a party,
- That can of Frensche but febly.
- And somme vnderstonde wel Englysch,
- That can nother Laty nor Frankys.
- Bothe lered and lewed, olde and yonge,
- Alle vnderstonden english tonge.