Monday, November 24, 2008

Food We Can Believe In

Much of my favorite writing about food is in Middle English. Here's a famous example (I've modernized the spelling somewhat):

Bring us in good ale
Anon

Bring us in good ale and bring us in good ale
For our blessed Lady sake, bring us in good ale.

Bring us in no browne bred for that is mad of bran,
Nor bring us in no whit bred fore therin is is no game [flavour]
But bring us in good ale

Bring us in no befe, for ther is many bones
But bring us in good ale, for that goth down at ones
And bring us in good ale

Bring us in no bacon, for that is passing fat
But bring us in good ale, and give us enought of that
And bring us in good ale

Bring us in no mutton, for that is ofte lene
Nor bring us in no tripes, for they be seldom clene
But bring us in good ale

Bring us in no egges, for ther ar many shelles
But bring us in good ale, and give us nothing elles
And bring us in good ale

Bring us in no butter for therin ar many hores [hairs]
Nor bring us in no pigges flesh, for that will mak us bores
But bring us in good ale

Bring us in no puddinges for therin is all goates blod
Nor bring us in no venison, for that is not for our good
But bring us in good ale

Bring us in no capons flesh for that is often dear
Nor bring us in no duckes flesh for they slobber in the mere
But bring us in good ale

Bring us in good ale and bring us in good ale
For our blessed lady sak, bring us in good ale.

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