Page:Sanskrit Grammar by Whitney p1.djvu/120

 274. The accusative is very often found also as object of verbs which in the related languages are not transitive.

a. It stands especially as the goal of motion, with verbs of going, bringing, sending, and the like: thus, (MBh.) they went to Vidarbha;  (MBh.) they went to heaven;  (MBh.) running to woods and bushes;  (AV.) they carry up waters to the sky;  (AV.) I make offering to the gods.

b. With verbs meaning go, this is an extremely common construction; and the use of such a verb with an abstract noun makes peculiar phrases of becoming: thus, he goes to equality (i.e. becomes equal);  (MBh.) he shall become liable to be slain by me;  (H.) he was resolved into the five elements (underwent dissolution, died).

c. Verbs of speaking follow the same rule: thus, he said to him;  (MBh.) she cried out loudly to the Nishadhan;  (AV.) who spoke to thee.

d. The assumption of an accusative object is exceptionally easy in Sanskrit, and such an object is often taken by a verb or phrase in which is strictly of intransitive character: thus, (RV.) in might thou excellest (lit. art ahead) others,  (MS.) the gods were discussing (lit. were talking together)  (MS.) surely they are cutting me off (lit. are going between) from the offering;  (ÇB.) he had intercourse with her.

275. Examples of the cognate accusative, or accusative of implied object, are not infrequent: thus, (AV.) we do penance;  (ÇB.) they prospered with that prosperity;  (R.) abiding happily.

276. The accusative is often used in more adverbial constructions. Thus:

a. Occasionally, to denote measure of space: thus, (MBh.) to go a hundred ;  (MBh.) six leagues high.

b. Much more often, to denote measure or duration of time: thus, (AV.) he stood a year upright;  (TS.) let him be consecrated three nights;  (MBh.) having traveled three complete days.

c. Sometimes, to denote the point of space, or, oftener, of time: thus, (ÇB.) whatever region his enemy may be in;  (ÇB.) he arrived that night with him;  (MBh.) this current night.

d. Very often, to denote manner or accompanying circumstance. Thus, the neuter accusative of innumerable adjectives, simple or compound