English (was: Volatile declaration in C++)

[Eric Terrell]

In article <8237 at bunker.UUCP> garys at bunker.UUCP (Gary M. Samuelson) writes:
>In article <2441 at munnari.oz.au> ok at cs.mu.oz.au (Richard O'Keefe) writes:
>>In article <4176 at pegasus.ATT.COM>, psrc at pegasus.ATT.COM (Paul S. R. Chisholm) writes:
>>> And the multitudes ... did sayest, "Huh?"
>
>>English again:  "sayest" is second-person singular present indicative.
>
>Not only that, but it should be the auxiliary which is inflected:
>"Thou didst say," for example.
>
>Gary Samuelson


Mark Twain, of all people, was fascinated with the King James' style of
English, resulting in the outrageously funny "Diary of Methusaleh" and
some caustic flames of the Book of Mormon.  The "Diary" is published in 
"Letters From the Earth", a compendum of works that Twain decided not 
to publish.

In most cases his decisions were well taken.  But the "Diary" is a riot!
Recommended reading to anyone trying to pick up the style.


Terrell