| Here is "The Lord's Prayer" in glorious Middle English, from the Wyclif Bible, circa 1390. By comparing this version with the Old English version and Modern English versions, one can quickly draw a thumbnail-sketch understanding of the major differences between these three major periods in the development of the English language.
The Lourdes Preyere
Oure fadir that art in heuenes,
halewid be thi name;
thi kyngdoom come to;
be thi wille don, in erthe as in heuene.
Yyue to vs this dai oure breed ouer othir substaunce,
and foryyue to vs oure dettis, as we foryyuen to oure dettouris;
and lede vs not in to temptacioun, but delyuere vs fro yuel.
Amen. |
