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)