Rewrites can be problematic.

They call for a certain delicacy of touch, and need to be rooted in respect for the original. You can't impose; you need to work with, matching style for style and diction for diction.

When done well, though, they can potentially both renew and transform the original.

Possibly forever.

 

 I Saw Three Ships

 

I saw three ships come sailing in

on New Year's Day, on New Year's Day

I saw three ships come sailing in

on New Year's Day in the morning.

 

  And what was in those ships all three

on New Year's Day, on New Year's Day

Pray, what was in those ships all three

on New Year's Day in the morning?

 

The Hornëd One and his Ladee

on New Year's Day, on New Year's Day

The Hornëd One and his Ladee

on New Year's Day in the morning.

 

And wither sailed those ships all three

on New Year's Day, on New Year's Day

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three

on New Year's Day in the morning?

 

Oh they sailed into London-town

on New Year's Day, on New Year's Day

Oh they sailed into London-town

on New Year's Day in the morning.

 

He did pipe and she did sing

on New Year's Day, on New Year's Day

and all the Morris bells did ring

on New Year's Day in the morning.

 

Then let us all rejoice amain*

on New Year's Day, on New Year's Day

Then let us all rejoice amain

on New Year's Day in the morning.

 

And now we hope to taste your cheer

on New Year's Day, on New Year's Day

And wish you all a Happy New Year

on New Year's Day in the morning.


*amain: mightily

 

For the Mother Berhta Guerrilla Wassailers' Guild (South)