The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 13.0568  Monday, 25 February 2002

From:           Gareth M. Euridge <
 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 >
Date:           Monday, 25 Feb 2002 14:54:57 -0500
Subject:        Thrice This and That

Friends:

Perhaps a silly question, but . . . why, in Shakespeare, are people
being thriced?  Where does this come from?  Why not twice or quadruple?
Some examples below.

Best wishes,
Gareth

Upon the life of this thrice-famed duke.        2H6

Why, so you are, my thrice renowned liege.      R3

Then, thrice-gracious queen,            R2

So, thrice fair lady, stand I, even so;  MoV

To send for Lucius, thy thrice-valiant son,             Titus

Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio!     Oth

_______________________________________________________________
S H A K S P E R: The Global Shakespeare Discussion List
Hardy M. Cook, 
 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
The S H A K S P E R Web Site <http://www.shaksper.net>

DISCLAIMER: Although SHAKSPER is a moderated discussion list, the
opinions expressed on it are the sole property of the poster, and the
editor assumes no responsibility for them.