Negative imperative without "do not"

[Barto017]

Hello!
Could anyone explain to me why in the lyrics below forms "Bear not" and "Lay not" were used instead of "don't bear" and "don't lay". What is this grammar rule? Is it an archaic one? May it have something to do with a word "lest"?

"Bear not your eyes upon him lest steel or silver draw
Lay not your breast against him or lips to ease his roar."

- "The Song of the White Wolf", lyrics: Declan de Barra.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[probus]

"Lest" is an old-fashioned word meaning "in order to prevent" more or less. As to the rest, song lyrics are generally regarded as poetry, so old-fashioned or flowery usage is okay.

 

[Skrej]

Also, it sounds less repetitive than starting each line with 'do not'.

It also changes the tone from some kind of strict imperative warning to cautious suggestion.

 

[bubbha]

If the writer used "do not", it would detract from the old-fashioned tone of the poem.

 

[Rover_KE]

Welcome to the forum, Barto.

Always tell us the source and writer of any text you quote, please.

 

[Barto017]

Many thanks for your help!

I would need clarification of one more thing concerning these lyrics. Since the word "lest" was mentioned, I wonder whether the first sentence, if keeping rhythm and rhymes was not necessary, should sound:

"Bear not your eyes upon him lest he should draw steel or silver"

by analogy to the sentence:

"He keeps his wife's jewels in the bank lest the house should be burgled"

which I found in my English class materials. Does "lest" require "should", and can "should" be replaced by the subjunctive mood? I understand the grammar of these lyrics as the subjunctive mood (because the verb "draw" is an infinitive) with additional, non-standard omission of the pronoun "he" for sake of rhythm. This belief of mine is strengthened by the following verse where this time the pronoun "he" appears in the sentence:

"Cast not your eyes upon him, lest he kiss you with his sword"

and where, again, the verb is in the infinitive form. I am not sure though, if I am on the right track.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I can't answer all of that, but here's a start:

Many thanks for your help!

I would need clarification of one more thing concerning these lyrics. Since the word "lest" was mentioned, I wonder whether the first sentence, if keeping rhythm and rhymes was not necessary, should sound:

"Bear not your eyes upon him lest he should draw steel or silver."

That's fine if you add a period.

by analogy to the sentence:

"He keeps his wife's jewels in the bank lest the house should be burgled."

That's fine, too, if you add a period.

which I found in my English class materials. Does "lest" require "should",

No.

and can "should" be replaced by the subjunctive mood?

The should is fine as is.

I understand the grammar of these lyrics as the subjunctive mood (because the verb "draw" is an infinitive)

Is it? If it were past tense, you could say: "I bore not my eyes upon him lest he drew steel or silver."

I think. But people don't use lest very often — at least, not in the U.S. So let's see what others say.

with additional, non-standard omission of the pronoun "he" for sake of rhythm. This belief of mine is strengthened by the following verse where this time the pronoun "he" appears in the sentence:

"Cast not your eyes upon him, lest he kiss you with his sword."

and where, again, the verb is in the infinitive form.

It would mean the same as "lest he kisses you with his sword." So again, are you sure we're dealing with an infinitive here? I kiss, you kiss, he kisses. (Or, as your quote says, he kiss.)

I am not sure though, if I am on the right track.

Your grammar mastery is good. But as mentioned above, old poetry doesn't always conform to current usage.

 

[Tdol]

I could tell you the following:

Post not offensive materials on this forum.

Mind you, I would sound like a pretentious fool unless I was wearing a suit of armour.

 

[SoothingDave]

Kennedy would not have sounded the same had he said "don't ask what your country can do for you."


But speechwriting is not the same as normal conversation.