4 Mary Crawford 
In the Magnyfycence it is not the prince and his good counsellors 
who make generous use of oaths, but Fansy, Foly, Counterfeit 
Countenance, and the like. Fansy, indeed, rarely speaks without 
some imprecation. 
On the whole, the fifteenth century literature seems to reflect 
an increase over earlier periods in the use of interjections. A 
few forms seem to be disappearing, as Chaucer’s avoy! or the ex- 
clamation Jo! in meaning equivalent to the Old English Ja! In 
early Middle English the latter indicated joy, sorrow, or wonder, 
but instances of its use in these meanings are almost wholly lack- 
ing in later Middle English. The fifteenth century Jo! is a call for 
attention, and is perhaps a shortened form of the verb loke (look). 
On the other hand, many expressions found in the early sixteenth 
century are apparently absent in the fifteenth. Among these are 
the following, from Sir David Lyndesay: be sueit Sanct Geill! 
be Sanct Fillane! for God’s luife of heavin! be God’s croun! and 
suyith! (hence, away); also, by Belzabub! by Gis! and by my 
lewtie! 
As regards derivation, it may be noted that while there are many 
interjectional expressions of French as well as of vernacular 
origin, those from the Norse are few and of little relative signifi- 
cance. 
SURVEY OF INTERJECTIONS 
I. Interjections Expressing Surprise, Astonishment 
The most common ejaculations found in the fifteenth century 
are those expressing the more primitive emotions, as wonder, fear, 
anger, or grief. Of these, wonder is represented in greatest 
variety. 
The same interjection often occurs in different uses. In these 
cases, the illustrations quoted may be few, but further examples 
are cited under another head. 
benste, benedicite. In meaning usually equivalent to modern 
bless us! These are shortened forms of the plural imperative 
of Latin benedicere, to praise; later, to bless. 
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