CHAPTER XXVII.
THE IMPERSONAL VERBS.
[§ 392]. Meseems.—Equivalent to it seems to me; mihi videtur, φαίνεταί μοι. The verb seems is intransitive; consequently the pronoun me has the power of a dative case. The pronoun it is not required to accompany the verb.
[§ 393]. Methinks.—In Anglo-Saxon there are two forms; þencan=to think, and þincan=to seem. It is from the latter form that the verb in methinks comes. Such being the case, it is intransitive, and consequently the pronoun me has the power of a dative case. The pronoun it is not required to accompany the verb.
Of this word we have also the past form methought.
Methought I saw my late espoused wife
Brought to me, like Alcestis, from the grave.
Milton.
[§ 394]. Me listeth, or me lists.—Equivalent to it pleases me=me juvat. Anglo-Saxon lystan=to wish, to choose, also to please, to delight; Norse, lysta. Unlike the other two, the verb is transitive, so that the pronoun me has the power of an accusative case. The pronoun it is not required to accompany the verb.
These three are the only true impersonal verbs in the English language. They form a class by themselves, because no pronoun accompanies them, as is the case with the equivalent expressions it appears, it pleases, and with all the other verbs in the language.
In the old language impersonal verbs, or rather the impersonal use of verbs, was commoner than at present.
Him oughten now to have the lese pain.
Legend of Good Women, 429.
Him ought not to be a tyrant.
Legend of Good Women, 377.
Me mete.—Chaucer.
Well me quemeth.—Conf. Amantis.
In the following lines the construction is, it shall please your Majesty.
I'll muster up my friends to meet your Grace,
Where and what time your Majesty shall please.
Richard III., iv. 4.
See a paper of Mr. Guest's, Phil. Trans., vol. ii. 241.
Strictly speaking, the impersonal verbs are a part of syntax rather than of etymology.