The principles of Latin grammar; comprising the ... - Essan.org

;§ 45 THE VERB.—TENSES. 97170 — 1. There is no distinct form of a future in the subjunctive;all the tenses of this mood sometimes incline to afuture signification. But, when a future subjunctive is required,the future participle in rus, with the verb sum in the subjunc- xtive present, is used; as, liaud dulnto quin facturus sit, "Idoubt not that he will do it."2. The tenses of the subjunctive mood, in Latin, like thoseof the potential, in English, are much less definite, in respectof time, than the tenses of the indicative, being modified bythe time and meaning of the verbs, w r ith which they standconnected.3. All the tenses of the subjunctive mood, are often renderedlike the corresponding tenses of the indicative, 142, 1st.and 3d.17 1.—I. The Pkesent subjunctive is generallyrendered by may or can, expressing presentliberty, or ability; as, scrlbam, "I may write."But,1. This tense is often used in the sense of the imperativemood, to express a command, entreaty, or exhortation; as,amem 7~u let me love." This use is commonly elliptical, 144,and 145.2. After quasi, tanquam, and the like, it is sometimes renderedas the imperfect, or perfect indefinite of the indicativeas, quasi intelligant, " as if they understood."3. When a question is asked, it is frequently rendered asthe indicative; as, Elbquar an sileam? "shall I speak, or besilent V Sometimes by should; as, singula quid referam," why should I relate every thing V f Sometimes by would; as,In /acinus jurasse pities, "you would think they had sworn tocommit wickedness."172.—II. The Impeefect subjunctive is commonlyrendered by the signs might, could, would,or shoidd, expressing past 'liberty, power, will, orobligation ; as, scriberem, " I might, could, would,or should write.' 11. This tense may relate either to what is past, or present,or future ;as, si fata fuissent ut caderem, " if my destiny hadbeen that I should fall ;" si possew., sanior essem, " If I could, 15