The inscription "TIS THY DESERT HATH WOONE MY HEART" is a poetic way of saying, "It is your worth or merit that has won my heart."
Similar to what Bardolph said earlier:
'Desert' in this context refers to a person's worth, virtue, or deserving qualities (not a barren landscape).
The phrase "just deserts" (meaning someone getting what they deserve, whether good or bad) originates from the use of the word "deserts" in English to mean "that which one deserves"—a sense derived from the Old French word deservir, meaning "to deserve" or "to earn."
Historical Usage:
The noun desert (plural deserts) in this sense dates back to the 13th century and is unrelated to desert meaning a barren area of land.
Shakespeare used it in Sonnet 72: "For I am shamed by that which I bring forth, / And so should you, to love things nothing worth; / Then if he have my deserts, let him know / My deserts were nothing to deserve his love."
Spelling Confusion:
Many mistakenly think it should be spelled "just desserts", associating it with sweet treats. However, the correct spelling "just deserts" aligns with the archaic meaning of desert as "merit" or "due reward."
Figurative Use:
By the 16th century, just deserts was a well-known idiom in English, often used in contexts of moral or karmic justice—receiving punishment or reward in proportion to one’s actions.
Note spelling at that time had still not been standardised and so single and double letters were a common occurrence.
For info
The word "dessert" was first used in English in the 17th century, derived from the French word desservir, meaning "to clear the table." It referred to the final course of a meal, typically consisting of fruits, nuts, or sweet dishes served after the main courses.
Origins in French:
The French term desservir literally means "to un-serve," i.e., to clear away the main meal, making room for lighter, sweet dishes.
It entered English during the 1600s, reflecting influences from French culinary practices.
First Recorded Use:
The first recorded use of dessert in English was in the late 1600s, often referring to the final course, which at that time was typically composed of fruit or confections.
Modern Usage:
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the term expanded to include a variety of sweet puddings, cakes, and other sugary dishes, aligning with evolving culinary traditions
Soz for being so boring
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SR
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