Dolly Pentreath
This woodcut is supposed to be based on a picture hanging in St Michael's Mount. The appearance is of a different person than portrayed by Richard Scaddan in 1770, and different from one described by Daines Barrington in 1768.
Well known name and some 'facts' and myths abound, but even on the much copied Wikipedia, there is precious little about her. I am attempting to dig around for more.
An open question for our Cornish Speaker, trepolpen.
Coth Doll Pentreath cans her dean
Marow ha kledys ed Paul pleu -
Na ed an Egloz gan pobel braz,
Bes ed Eglos-hay coth Dolly es. Translated as
Old Doll Pentreath, one houndred ag'd and two,
Deceased and buried in Paul parish too -
Not in the Church, with people great and high,
but in the churchyard doth Old Dolly lie.
-------
My question is, exactly in what meaning is lie to be taken, as in English there are two meanings at least.
Was it Mr Tonkin's joke? I am trying to get to the bottom of a lot of writing in 19th century writings on her. I know Mr Jenner was of the mind that she was not the last speaker of Cornish as a natural matter.
Grammatically this Cornish is Late Cornish and very highly corrupted by English. Literally, I am pretty sure it would translate as: Old Doll Pentreath, a hundred and two, Dead and buried in Paul Parish - Not in the Church with grand folk, But in a Church enclosure old Dolly is.
I need to refer to some of my books and see what I have myself on the subject of Dolly. I wrote a song called Deus yn-rag, Dolli! / 'Come on, Dolly!' that achieved a bit of success for me in Ireland back in 1991 oddly enough.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.