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26. But what now is manifest and clear is, that neither are there
future nor past things. Nor is it fitly said, "There are three
times, past, present and future;" but perchance it might be fitly
said, "There are three times; a present of things past, a present
of things present, and a present of things future." For these three
do somehow exist in the soul, and otherwise I see them not: present
of things past, memory; present of things present, sight; present of
things future, expectation. If of these things we are permitted to
speak, I see three times, and I grant there are three. It may also
be said, "There are three times, past, present and future," as
usage falsely has it. See, I trouble not, nor gainsay, nor
reprove; provided always that which is said may be understood, that
neither the future, nor that which is past, now is. For there are
but few things which we speak properly, many things improperly; but
what we may wish to say is understood.
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