Just so folks "get" it: The scene in the stanza re "When they get to Dover" is taking place in 1066 C.E. It's talking about the Norman Invasion. The French did take over the south of England for about 200 years. During that time you could tell the toffs from the commoners: The upper class professional and royal types spoke French, and regular folk spoke English. This is why there's so much regrooved Old French in the English lexicon today.
And... One more thing...
Just so folks "get" it: The scene in the stanza re "When they get to Dover" is taking place in 1066 C.E. It's talking about the Norman Invasion. The French did take over the south of England for about 200 years. During that time you could tell the toffs from the commoners: The upper class professional and royal types spoke French, and regular folk spoke English. This is why there's so much regrooved Old French in the English lexicon today.
LOVE that bit in the song!