English Interjections in Fifteenth Century 21 
O endles Wysdom! how may I haue knowynge Off pi Godhede 
incomprehensyble? Wisdom, 99: O soueren Auctour, most 
credyble! 
X. Joy, Merriment 
With one exception, the expressions of merriment listed in this 
division are confined to natural exclamations, repeated to form 
various combinations. Modern usage has added nothing to this 
mode of showing merriment. 
a, ah. For discussion, see a! ah! used to express sorrow, in III. 
above. Cf. also a! ah! expressing anger, in IV. In the first 
example cited, the définite meaning is satisfied expectancy. 
The Nativity: Prophet: A! I preceive the seed.... 
In the second example is shown enjoyment of a joke, purely 
merriment : 
Magnyfycence, 1297: A, Syr, a, a! howe by that? 
aha, aha. A combination of a/ and ha! formerly written sepa- 
rately. In the first example, again, the meaning is definitely 
a hope fulfilled. 
Nativity, Pastor: Aha! now is come the time that old fathers 
hath told. Magnyfycence, 2448: A ha! Fansy and Foly met 
with you, I trowe. Mankind, 606: A ha! well! on! ron! Gode 
gyff hym ewyll grace! 
ha, ha. The ordinary representation of laughter. For this form 
in OE., see ha expressing irritation, in IV above. 
York Plays, xv, 65, Pastor: Ha! ha! pis was a mery Here 
Towneley, xii, 226, Pastor: Ha, ha, goderhayll! I let for no 
cost. Eneydos, ch. 57: Ha ha, valyaunte bacheler! Magnyfy- 
cence, 1110, Foly: Ha, ha, ha! herke, Syrs, harke! Magn., 
1202, Fansy: Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Magn., 2160:. Ha, ha, 
ha! For laughter I am lyke to brast. 
hay, ha. Indicates merriment in greeting. 
Towneley Plays, xii, 86, Pastor: hay, ha! are ye in this 
towne ? 
ut hoy. An expression of joy. Ut is the name of a musical 
ate. ee . 
