7. The substitution of -_en_ for -_adh_ in the persons plural of verbs; _hi clepen_ (_they call_) for _hi clypiadh_, &c. The preponderance (not the occasional occurrence) of forms like those above constitute Semi-Saxon in contradistinction to standard Saxon, classical Saxon, or Anglo-Saxon proper. s. 177. _Old English Stage._--Further changes convert Semi-Saxon into Old English. Some, amongst others, are the following:-- 1. The ejection of the dative plural termination -_um_, and the substitution of the preposition _to_ and the plural sign -_s_; as _to smiths_ for _smidhum_. Of the dative singular the -_e_ is retained (_ende_, _worde_); but it is by no means certain that, although recognized in writing, it was recognized in pronunciation also. 2. The ejection of -_es_ in the genitive singular whenever the {120} preposition _of_ came before it; _Godes love_ (_God's love_), but the _love of God_, and not the _love of Godes_. 3. The syllable _-es_ as a sign of the genitive case extended to all genders and to all declensions; _heart's_ for _heortan_; _sun's_ for _sunnan_. 4. The same in respect to the plural number; _sterres_ for _steorran_; _sons_ for _suna_. 5. The ejection of _-na_ in the genitive plural; as _of tunges'_ for _tungena_. 6. The use of the word _the_, as an article, instead of _se_, &c. The preponderance of the forms above (and not their occasional occurrence) constitutes old English in contradistinction to Semi-Saxon. The following extract from Henry's history (vol. viii. append. iv.) is the proclamation of Henry III. to the people of Huntingdonshire, A.D. 1258. It currently passes for the earliest specimen of English. "Henry, thurg Godes fultome, King on Engleneloande, lhoaurd on Yrloand, Duke on Normand, on Acquitain, Eorl on Anjou, send I greting, to alle hise holde, ilaerde & ilewerde on Huntingdonschiere.