GRAMMATICAL OBSERVATIONS XXIII
The ind. pres. pi. occurs as cumæð (10.1), beside cumað (10.2). The opt. pres. sg. has often the older -æ instead of -e, as in gelȳfæ (11.18) and lufiæ (15.22), magæ and mægæ (23.16); while the plural offers the following variations: leorniæn (68 8), findan (12.19), findon (12.18).
These examples might be multiplied, but are sufficient to show the state of the language. Doubtless, when the field of Anglo-French is thoroughly worked over, Skeat's suggestion that these seeming abnormalities may prove important facts as to the date and writer of the manuscript, will be found true.[1]
- ↑ W. W. Skeat: Notes on English Etymology, Introd. XV.
