f one or more verbs depend on some leading verb, each should
be in the tense that will convey the meaning intended by the writer.

In this sentence from Defoe, "I expected every wave would have
swallowed us up," the verb _expected_ looks forward to something in
the future, while _would have swallowed_ represents something
completed in past time: hence the meaning intended was, "I expected
every wave _would swallow_" etc.

[Sidenote: _Also in verbals_.]

In the following sentence, the infinitive also fails to express the
exact thought:--

I had hoped never to have seen the statues again.--MACAULAY.

The trouble is the same as in the previous sentence; _to have seen_
should be changed to _to see_, for exact connection. Of course, if the
purpose were to represent a prior fact or completed action, the
perfect infinitive would be the very thing.

It should be remarked, however, that such sentences as those just
quoted are in keeping with the older idea of the unity of the
sentence. The present rule is recent.

Exercise.

Explain whether the verbs and infinitives in the following sentences
convey the right meaning; if not, change them to a better form:--

1. I gave one quarter to Ann, meaning, on my return, to have
divided with her whatever might remain.--DE QUINCEY

2. I can't sketch "The Five Drapers," ... but can look and be
thankful to have seen such a masterpiece.--THACKERAY.

3. He would have done more wisely to have left them to find their
own apology than to have given reasons which seemed
paradoxes.--R.W. CHURCH.

4. The propositions of William are stated to have contained a
proposition for a compromise.--PALGRAVE

5. But I found I wanted a stock of words, which I thought I
should have acquired before that time.--FRANKLIN

6. I could even have suffered them to have broken Everet
Ducking's head.--IRVING.

INDIRECT DISCOURSE.

[Sidenote: _Definitions_.]

_447_. Direct discourse--that is, a direct quotation or a direct
question--means the identical words the writer or speaker used; as,--

"I hope you have not killed him?" said Amyas.--KINGSLEY.

Indirect discourse means reported speech,--the thoughts of a writer
or speaker put in the words of the one reporting them.

[Sidenote: _Two samples of indirect discourse_.]

448. Indirect discourse may be of two kinds:--

(1) Following the thoughts and also the exac