Ahead of His Time

Producer: William, we must speak with each other of this new play you’ve written.
Shakespeare: Ah, yes. My latest is the tale of a…
Producer: Yes…yes, the story is fine. More than fine, William. It’s just that we at The Globe take issue with some of your word choices.
Shakespeare: Alas, my words are not a choice! My quill is the true scribe of this volume, I merely act as interpreter!
Producer: Right…right. Yet, we can’t help but notice that numerous words in this play just aren’t – how shall I put this tenderly – words. You’ve invented them, have you not?
Shakespeare: Someday, sir, these words will be as normal as a cloud in the sky or a rat in your stew!
Producer: Someday, perhaps. But not now. Listen, William, it wouldn’t be such a problem if these words had a discernible meaning. But “lackluster”, “impede”, “tranquil”? I couldn’t even begin to imagine what sort of intention lies therein.
Shakespeare: Sir, you’re acting as a muddlelump! Simply read the words in context!
Producer: Have you lost your miggle, sir? To call me a muddlelump only serves to illustrate what a billyham you’re behaving as.
Shakespeare: Billyham?! You sir, can count yourself lucky I am an honorable plebicanian or I would have your nose betwixt my two figglers. So help me God, I shall not be spoken to with such…such qual!
Producer: William, please calm yourself. If these kind of hannyhocks continue I fear this meeting will dissolve into fistifinks, and neither you nor I are the sort for that.
Shakespeare: You are correct, sir. I apologize. When my wenny is up I fear I can become a bit hornish. But I appeal to you on bended knick, please allow the play to be staged with its original words in tact.
Producer: I just don’t know, William. “Gloomy”? “Elbow?” “Advertising,” for God’s sake? You believe the audience will be able to ascertain your intended point?
Shakespeare: Certigishly.
Producer: Well, if you feel so strongly about it, I will let the play go on as written. But I fear for its reception, William. It may be many years before the populace at large understands an utterance such as “bandit.”
Shakespeare: We shall see, shall we not? Good day to you, sir. Bestbigsby!
Producer: Bestbigsby, William.