In Competition No. 2657 you were invited to imagine what merry band Chaucer might bring together if he were writing today.
It was another bumper entry this week, and you fell into two camps. There were those who reasoned that were Chaucer writing today he’d probably use modern English. Others, though, couldn’t resist the lure of Middle English, which was used to great comic effect. As spelling in the 14th century was a fluid affair (despite Chaucer’s attempts to standardise it), I didn’t worry too much on that score. What was more important was to capture the wit and vibrancy of his writing, and many of you did so admirably.
Commendations go to unlucky losers Marion Shore, Brian Murdoch, Gerard Benson, Bill Greenwell, Paul Griffin and G.W. Tapper; the winners, printed below, are rewarded with £25 each. The bonus fiver goes to Mary Holtby.
A yonge Cook ther was, who Jamye hight,
In fresshe foode was hys whol delit;
He wolde fede the smale children so
For Turkey Twizzlers were to hym unknowe.
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