Two Puns in Ancrene Wisse

Abstract

IN a note published in the June 2006 issue of this journal, Dr Andrew Breeze makes a strong case for understanding the term bune in the ‘hound of hell’ passage in Ancrene Wisse Part 4 as ‘female beloved’ rather than ‘purchase’.1 Pointing out that a loan from Welsh bun is fully plausible in AB language, he argues that this gives a stronger reading, with the phrase Godes deore bune ‘God's dear beloved’ reminding the female audience of the infinite value of their souls, and anticipating the term spuse ‘spouse’ used in the same context in the following sentence. It remains the case, however, that—as Breeze points out—other occurrences of bune in Ancrene Wisse have the meaning ‘purchase’. Since this meaning is also contextually appropriate here, it seems unlikely not to have been present in the minds of contemporary readers. I should like to suggest that it may in fact be unnecessary to choose between the two alternatives. The author's use of rhetorical and stylistic devices is extensive and masterly,2 and includes frequent use of word play. It is therefore reasonable to wonder whether both meanings of bune were intended.