The class of verbs that are never employed as active, is small. By
using adverbs in connexion with verbs, we can fairly prove that some
verbs are _not_ active. It is incorrect to say, I am _happily_; They
were _peacefully_; She remains _quietly_; The fields appear
_greenly_. These verbs in their common acceptation, do not express
_action_; for which reason we say, I am _happy_; They are
_peaceful_; &c. But in the expressions, The child sleeps _soundly_;
She sits _gracefully_; They live _happily_ and _contentedly_; we
employ the verbs _sleeps, sits_, and _live_, in an active sense.
When no action is intended, we say, They live _happy_ and
_contented_.
If, on scientific principles, it can be proved that those verbs
generally denominated neuter, _originally_ expressed action, their
present, accepted meaning will still oppose the theory, for the
generality of mankind do not attach to them the idea of _action_.
Thus I have endeavored to present a brief but impartial abstract of
the _modern_ theory of the verb, leaving it with the reader to
estimate it according to its value.
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