Page images
PDF
EPUB

the student will so write as to divest them of it, and he will introduce it into such sentences as are without it.]

The general having given the word of command, the army rushed on towards the enemy. The night was dark, and we consequently provided ourselves with lamps. The ranks being now broken, a dreadful slaughter ensued. The Emperor having withdrawn for the purpose of refreshment, the conspirators rushed upon him. His whole address was interrupted by the outcries of the assembled multitude, and was in consequence but imperfectly understood. It being out of fashion, she foolishly refused to wear it. His meat was locusts and wild honey; and he was in consequence compared to Elijah.

RULE VI.

What principle is laid down in this rule? What other verbs have a similar government? What principle does this government result from? "He was considered a benefactor." How may benefactor be regarded as governed? Give examples of a similar government. What other construction has the verb to be? &c. &c. (See Observation 4.) "I proclaimed it to be him." "I proclaimed it was he." Account for the difference of construction, and give other examples thereof." (See Observation 5.) "It is us they blame.” "It is we they blame." Which is the more correct?

(See Observation 6.)

Account for the different formulas.

EXERCISES.

I saw a woman who I took to be she. It was me whom he reproved. Whom do men take me to be? It was neither him nor I who said so. I am certain it was not we who did it. I understand it was they. I understood it to have been them. It was I who delivered the report on the subject. She is the individual whom I believed to have been in the room. Who think ye me to be? Whom do ye think me to be? Whom do ye take me to be? It

was them, not me, who made the uproar. If I were he I would not do so. It is me, be not afraid.

RULE VII.

What principle is laid down in this rule? Give examples thereof. Account for the infinitive serving as the object of a verb. What sort of phrase may be used as an equivalent for the infinitive when it expresses a purpose? What classes of words does the infinitive follow? Give examples. State clearly the two-fold construction of the infinitive as laid down in Observation 5; and give examples of each. "I spoke of it as unreasonable to make such exactions." In what relationship do it and the infinite stand towards each other in such expressions? (See Observation 6.) Give examples of the construction. Give a list of verbs which omit to before the infinitive. Mention some whose signification is affected by the presence or absence of to. "He was liable to censure." Account for the construction of such sentences.

EXERCISES.

It is obvious that no exercises to be corrected are necessary under a rule so plain in its principle and application.

RULE VIII.

What principle is laid down in this rule? Shew that it is unnecessary as a distinct rule. What rules is it embraced in? Give examples. Has the relative always a reference to a single noun as an antecedent? Give examples. Prove the expression, "Than whom no one was more economical," incorrect; and account for such a formula. Enumerate the several heads under which that has been discussed as a substitute for who and which; and give examples of such usage under each head. Account for the construction, "Every motive was assigned by which to influence his conduct." Substitute a relative for where, in

in the following sentence: "She pursued him to the top of the house where he was staying." Give similar examples of the convertibility of adverbs of place and relative clauses. "Sextus, the son of Tarquin, whose lust was the cause that led to the abolition of the regal office in Rome." Is there any difficulty in determining the antecedent of the relative in such sentences? How does Latham defend such expressions? What objection may be urged against such defence? How may the difficulty arising from such expressions be obviated? "Somebody, I don't recollect who, exclaimed against the injustice of the decision." Whether is who or whom correct in such a passage? Assign a reason. Give examples of whoever as the subject of a verb in a complex sentence; and explain the use and construction thereof.

EXERCISES.

They which pursue pleasure will make shipwreck of their real interests. (See Observation 6, on the Etymology of the Relative.) The books who were bound. The man which arrived yesterday. The holidays who are approaching. Thou, who have so often relieved my distresses. The benefactor who has so frequently rescued him from ruin. The retreat of the 10,000 Greeks, which has been described by Xenophon. The lion is an animal who, though generally dreaded, has no real courage. Thou who were in the place can relate the circumstance accurately. Thou who came yesterday hast no idea of the state of things. He who groaned under his afflictions is now free from all pain. It is the same individual that your brother met on the way. Who, who has any regard for truth, can say so? Buonaparte was the greatest genius that ever lived. The woman and a part of the coffin which were found, were deposited in consecrated ground. The same person whom Cicero defended. They did not know but what they would be sent for during the night. The Parliament, which now saw the turn affairs were taking, and who were anxious to avoid the odium which such a measure was likely to produce, backed out of it, and rescinded their own Resolution. The gang which remained in the open space,

L

and who evidently were preparing for a second attack, were speedily put to flight. (See Observation 8.) Numa Pompilius, the successor of Romulus, who built the temple of Good Faith. Caligula, the successor of Tiberius, who made his horse a Consul. Titus, the son of Vespasian, who took Jerusalem. (See Observation 11.) Who is that? Me. Whose book is that? He. Whom seek ye? He who escaped. Whom do men believe me to be? Him who destroyed the temple. Who do men say that I am? Him who was promised. Whom are ye seeking? They who committed the outrage. The man that escaped from prison yesterday, he is again apprehended. The people who were shipwrecked, they were relieved by a subscription.

RULE IX.

What principle is laid down in this rule? What class of words may the participle present be substituted for? What usage must be observed regarding the participle so employed? What is the difference between "The master was employed in chastising his slaves," and "The master was employed in the chastising of his slaves?" Give several examples of the usage adverted to in Observation 3; also in Observation 4. What is meant by the active, and what by the passive government of the participle? Give examples of both. (See Observation 5.) What is the difference between "What do you think of my greyhound's coursing to-day," and "What do you think of my greyhound coursing to-day?" What does the present participle frequently express? (See Observation 6.) Account for the present tense of the verb to be being united with the past participle to express a present act. In what sense is the act present which is represented by such a combination? What is the difference in idea between the same verb in the following sentences: "I am washed every night before retiring to rest;" "I am washed, and ready for bed." What purpose do past participles generally serve? State definitely the difference in the construction of two sentences in one of which a past participle, in the other, a relative clause, as an equivalent for it, occurs. Change the par

ticiple in the following sentences into a verb connected with the verb of the sentence by the connecting and :"6 The army being now much fatigued, was ordered to pitch their tents;" "The trumpet having been heard to give the signal for retreat, the soldiers desisted from the pursuit." Alter the following sentences by the converse process: "The fields were covered with water, and the harvest in consequence could not be gathered;" "The room was enveloped in smoke, and it was therefore impossible to proceed with the writing." Supply other examples of these two constructions.

EXERCISES.

He expressed his regret in hearing of three witnesses. He deserved censure for betraying the confidence reposed in him. The attending to this instruction will prove of service. By complaining as to his misconduct the matter was set right. His disobeying of his commands injured his prospects afterwards. (See Observation 3.) By exercising the authority vested in him he restored order. He has wrote the letter. (See Observation 7.) They have began the work. When the sun had arose, the enemy were discovered. His leg was broken by the fall. I have chosen that position. The guests have came. They have

drank all their allowance.

young ones have flown. elephant and calf have half of it is written. lence of the storm.

The markets have fell. The They have stolen my purse. The throve very much of late. The The leaves are shaken by the vio

RULE X.

What principle is laid down in this Rule? Give examples of conjunctions taking after them the indicative, and of conjunctions taking after them the subjunctive mood. What is the distinguishing peculiarity of conjunctions having the latter government? What is meant by one proposition expressing the condition of another? Is there any difference in the idea expressed by the following, "If the day prove fine;" and, "If the day proves

« PreviousContinue »