THE ENGLISH TONGUE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1685, 15 June 1904, Page 60

THE ENGLISH TONGUE

When the English tongue, we speak Why is break not rhymed with “freak ?” Will you tell me why it’s true We say ""sew/* but likewise "few;” And the maker of a verse Cannot cap his "horse” with worse? "Beard” sounds not ! the same as "heard;” “Cord” is different from "word;” "Cow” is cow. but 'Tow” is "low; "Shoe” is never rhymed with "foe.” Think of "hose” and "dose” and "lose; * And of "goose”—‘and yet of "choose,” Think of "comb” and "tomb” and

"bomb” "Doll” and "roll;” and "home” and . "some,” And since "pay” is rhymed .with "say,” Why not "paid” with "said,” I pray? We have "blood” and "food” and "good;” "Mould” is not pronounced with "could,” Wherefore "done,” but "gone” aiid

• "lone?” Is there any reason known ? And, iii short, it seems to me Sound and letters disagree. —"Bangaler’s Magazine.”