If you study this lecture attentively, you will perceive, that when I
say, I _write_, the verb is in the indicative mood; but when I say, _if_
I write, or, _unless_ I write, &c. the verb is in the subjunctive mood;
_write_ thou, or _write_ ye or you, the imperative; I _may write_, I
_must write_, I _could write, &c._ the potential; and _to write_, the
infinitive. Any other verb (except the defective) may be employed in the
same manner.
* * * * *
II. OF THE TENSES.
TENSE means time.
Verbs have six tenses, the Present, the Imperfect, the Perfect, the
Pluperfect, and the First and Second Future tenses.
The PRESENT TENSE represents an action or event as taking place at the
time in which it is mentioned; as, "I _smile_; I _see_; I _am seen_."
NOTE 1. The present tense is also used in speaking of actions
continued, with occasional intermissions, to the present time; as,
"He _rides_ out every morning."
2. This tense is sometimes applied to represent the actions of
persons long since dead; as, "Seneca _reasons_ and _moralizes_ well;
An honest man _is_ the noblest work of God.
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