English Interjections in Fifteenth Century 19 
VII. Pleading 
Under the head of pleading only one interjectional expression, 
mercy, is listed. The word pity, which today is commonly used 
in the same sense, has been noted with this use only once (Not- 
browne Mayde). Apparently, in Middle English, this word re- 
tained more of its original meaning of piety, or kindness of dis- 
position. 
mercy(e). Meaning, as in modern English, mercy, goodwill, 
kindness. From Latin mers, price. 
Nativity: Mercy, Mary! for now I know. Nativity: Mercy, 
Mary, while I live. Coventry Plays, viii, Anna: A! mercy, 
Lord! mercy! mercy! mercy! We are synfolest. Coventry, 
xxvi, Cives: Wherefore we alle at onys to the exorte, Cryeng 
mercy! mercy! mercye! York, viii, 37, Noe: O! mercy lorde, 
quat may pis meyne? Wisdom, 954: Mercy, Gode! why 
change I nowte. Castell of Perseverance, 116: Mercy, God! 
be now myn frende! Castell of Per., 1300: Mercy, God, pat 
man were a-mendyd! Murning Maiden: Schir, mercy for 
your mycht! 
VIII. Gratitude 
As expressions of gratitude, only the word mercy and its vari- 
ants have been noted. In the fifteenth century, evidently, the 
OE. panc had been completely superseded by the French word. 
gramercy(e), grammercy. Meaning great thanks! From OF. 
grant merci; grant, great, and merci, thanks. Merci formerly 
meant reward, from Latin merx, price. Hence, originally, 
gramercy was equivalent to “May God reward you greatly!” 
Both mercy and gramercy, without modifiers, were used as 
interjections, expressing thanks. Cf. Modern French merci! 
York Plays, vii, 34, Abell: Gramercy! god of thy goodnes. 
York, xiii, 92, Joseph: Gramercy, Marie, saie what chere. 
Siege of Harfleur: Grammercy, Sirs, the king gan say. Every- 
man: Verily, Fellowship, gramercy! Robin Hood Ballad: 
-'Grammercy, Sir, said he. Morte Darthur, i, ch. 14:—and 
gave him King Lott, whereof he said gramercy. - Castell of 
379 
