For example, in the Verb to soften, the accent is on the first syllable; and therefore we write softened. But when we have occasion to use any Verb in which the accent is on the last syllable, such as to repel, to deter, we write repelled, deterred.

103. While I am on the subject of irregularities, I may as well mention a few more. These are in the active participle, and the third person singular of the Indicative. The active participle is always formed by adding ing to the infinitive; as, to hear, hearing; to feel, feeling. But if the infinitive end in e, that e, is dropped in forming the active participle; as, to love, loving. This is so, however, only when the infinitive ends in a single E; for if there be a double E the general rule is followed; as, to see, seeing. The Verb to be, also follows the general rule, and takes ing after the e; as, to be, being. When the infinitive ends in ie, these letters are changed into y, in forming the active participle; as, to die, dying. When the infinitive ends in a consonant which has a single vowel immediately before it, the ending consonant is doubled in forming the active participle; as, to beg, begging; to hop, hopping. This rule, however, like the one relating to the past time, holds good only with regard to Verbs of one syllable; for if the infinitive have more than one syllable, the consonant is not doubled, unless the accent be on the last syllable; as, to soften softening; to repel, repelling. In the last instance, you see that the accent is on the last syllable; and therefore the ending consonant is doubled. 104. Now let me mention the irregularities which the third person singular of the indicative, is subject to. You will find these directions very similar to those which refer to the forming of the plural number of Nouns in paragraph 42. The general rule of forming the third person singular of thein dicative, is, to add an s to the infinitive; as, to hear, he hears. But if the infinitive end in h, s, x, or z, then es must be added; as, to wish, he wishes; to cross, he crosses; to coax, he coaxes; to buz, it buzzes. When the infinitive ends in y which has a consonant immediately before it, that y is changed into ie; as, to deny, he denies. But if the ending y be not immediately preceded

by a consonant, that is, be preceded by a vowel, the Verb follows the general rule, and takes simply an s; as, to repay, he repays. These two last rules apply also to the second person singular; as, "to deny, thou deniest; to repay, thou repayest."

105. I am now done with these small irregularities; and I am not sorry for it; for I know that they present nothing interesting to you. I would not advise you to commit the rules relating to them to memory; for I do not like much memory work. When the memory has much to do, the judgment has very little. You had better read the rules over a few times, and if this do not give you all the information required, you can at any time in which you may be at a loss, refer to what is here said.

106. These irregularities, though necessary to be attended to, do not prevent us from considering the Verbs in which they occur, as being regular; for grammarians consider every Verb that ends its past time and passive participle in ed, as regular; and every one that does not end its past time, and passive participle in ed, as irregular. Recollect this.

107. There are many irregular Verbs in our language; that is to say, many Verbs which do not end their past time, and passive participle in ed. And as they are of much importance, I will here give you a complete list. In order that you may fully understand the propor use of each of these Verbs, and to accustom your ear to the sound, I will use the first person singular of the Pronouns, before the past time; and the same person, together with part of the Verb to have, before the participle. The reason of my using to have, you will understand, when you come to read the Letter on the Syntax of Verbs: