Such a use, however, is but the fragment of an extensive system of reflective verbs thus formed, developed in different degrees in the different Gothic languages; but in all more than in the English.
[§ 507]. Equivocal reflectives.—The proper place of the reflective is after the verb.
The proper place of the governing pronoun is, in the indicative and subjunctive moods, before the verb.
Hence in expressions like the preceding there is no doubt as to the power of the pronoun.
The imperative mood, however, sometimes presents a complication. Here the governing person may follow the verb.
Mount ye=either be mounted, or mount yourselves. In phrases like this, and in phrases
Busk ye, busk ye, my bonny, bonny bride,
Busk ye, busk ye, my winsome marrow,
the construction is ambiguous. Ye may either be a nominative case governing the verb busk, or an accusative case governed by it.
This is an instance of what may be called the equivocal reflective.