Chapter I · Chapter 1

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lago Maggiore, July 20,1864.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

consider or hold as true

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

in the past

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

call upon in supplication; entreat

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

divisible by two

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

having or deserving or conferring glory

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading Lago Maggiore, July 20,1864.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lago Maggiore, July 20,1864.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Lago Maggiore, July 20,1864.

come together

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

Recollections of past events.

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

as might be expected

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

not any; not one

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading NOTICE.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

many times at short intervals

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

on one occasion

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

emotions experienced when not in a state of well-being

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

express in words

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

continue to live and avoid dying

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the starting point for a new state or experience

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

an individual instance of a type of symbol

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

precisely as stated

From this reading As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

which person or people

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

in the company of; together with

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the act of creating written works

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book,--if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago--of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness,--and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”--you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend, CORNELIUS O’DOWD.