Page:The Esperanto Teacher.pdf/44

Tiuj ĉi du amikoj promenas ĉiam duope. Kvinope ili sin ĵetis sur min, sed mi venkis ĉiujn kvin atakantojn.

In the examples already given the verbs ending in -as, -is, -os express action or being (state) going on in present, past, or future time, as Mi skribas, I am writing; Li legis, He read; Ni iros, We shall go.

If we wish merely to express the idea of action or state indefinitely, without reference to any time or any subject, the verb must end in -i, as Vivi, To live; Mi deziras lerni, I wish to learn; Ni devas labori, We must work.

(This is called the Indefinite or Infinitive Mood (manner of expression), because not limited by reference to time or subject).

To give an order or command, or to express will, desire, purpose, etc., the verb must end in u, as Donu al mi panon, Give (to) me bread; Iru for, Go away; Estu feliĉa, May you be happy! Vivu la rego! (Long) live the king!

In such cases as Tell him to come, I want you to sing, Allow her to speak, we have to use a second sentence with the verb ending in “u” and beginning with “ke,” that, as Diru al li, ke li venu, Tell (say to) him, that he should come; Mi deziras, ke vi kantu, I wish that you sing; Permesu al ŝi, ke ŝi parolu, Allow her, that she speak. Sentences like the last are often contracted, only the last subject and verb being used, as Ŝi parolu, Let her speak; Ĝi kusu Let it lie; Ni iru, Let us go; Ili dormu, Let them sleep. Ĉu vi volas ke mi tion faru? Do you wish me to do that? Ĉu mi tion faru? Shall I do that?