Editing: Wither, Wherefore etc.

As we come towards the end of the Shakespeare 400 celebrations, I thought it might be appropriate to look at some of those older words that are often misunderstood. So here is a quick glossary of a handful of common ones for you.

Henceforth: from now onwards
Hither: to/towards this place
Hitherto: until now
Thither: to that place
Wherefore: why

N.B. Many modern readers seem to misunderstand Juliet's balcony scene. When she asks 'Wherefore art thou Romeo?' she wants to know why he has to be Romeo, her enemy. She's not asking where he is. :)