Advice to a neighbour

Original

Kontrevak
Puha vedn Kavas an gwel skians ol,
Gwith compas do benegas Egliz Paul.
Gazow do gerriow zans gus Arleth Deu,
Gen Kolon, Brez, ha Ena guîr es D’ew,
Diskeutha Trueth do Deez guadn Pleu ma,
Ha senzhia ol guz dethiow Bownans da.
Della pidzha JB.

SWF

Piw a vedn kavos an gwella skians oll,
Gwith kompes dhe venyga Eglos Pol.
Goslow' dhe eryow sans 'gas Arlodh Duw,
Gen kolon, bres hag ena gwir eus dhewgh,
Diskwedho' truedh dhe dus wadn [an] pluw ma,
Ha senjo' oll 'gas dedhyow bownans da.
Yndella peji JB.

Translation

Neigbour
He that will the chiefest wisdom find,
Keep right the holy church of Paul in mind,
To the pure words of God your lord give ear;
In heart, in mind and soul be you sincere;
Show mercy to the weak men of this parish;
And hold all your days a good life.
So prayeth
JB

Links

• Modern Cornish http://moderncornish.net/late-texts/Boson-John-moraladvice.html

Notes

• John Boson 1720
• Moral Advice
• Gatley MS, RIC, f.15v, also Bilbao MS & Borlase MS, p 169 OC VolIV No 3 Summer 1944.