Gæð a Bucge wyrd swa hio scel"
This phrase appears to be written in Old English (or inspired by it), the Germanic language spoken in England roughly between the 5th and 11th centuries. Let’s break it down and interpret it, assuming it relates to "Bognorians" as people from Bognor Regis, per your previous question.
"Gæð": This resembles the Old English verb "gān" (to go), in the third-person singular present tense, "gǣþ" (he/she/it goes). The "ð" (eth) is a common Old English letter for a "th" sound.
"a": Could be "ā" (always, ever) or a preposition like "on" (in, on, at), depending on context. Without more, I’ll lean toward "ā" as it fits a poetic or general statement.
"Bognorians": Not an Old English word, obviously—it’s modern English for people from Bognor Regis. In Old English, a place-based term would be constructed differently (e.g., "Bognorisc" or "Bognorware" for "people of Bognor"), but let’s assume it’s a modern insertion for clarity.
"swa": Means "so" or "as" in Old English, a versatile conjunction or adverb.
"hie": Old English for "they" (nominative or accusative plural), referring to the Bognorians.
"scel": Likely "sculan" (shall, must, ought to), here possibly in a subjunctive form like "scyle" (they should), adjusted for poetic brevity or error. "Scel" isn’t standard, so I’m inferring intent.
"ond": Old English for "and."
"biþ": Third-person singular of "bēon" (to be), meaning "is" or "will be."
"ful": Means "fully" or "very."
"ārǣd": From "ārǣdan" (to prepare, advise, or determine), here likely an adjective or past participle, "prepared" or "ready."
A plausible translation could be:
"The Bognorians go as they should and are fully prepared."
Alternatively, if "a" is "on" (in), it might mean: "The Bognorians go on as they should and are fully prepared"—suggesting persistence or continuity.
