It would be odd indeed if the subject of "let" were the same as its compound object in the plural "us."  I think that analysis is a dead end.  

Bruce

>>> [log in to unmask] 03/30/01 09:57AM >>>
** Reply to note from Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar              <[log in to unmask]>         Fri, 30 Mar 2001 08:54:27 -0700

When I was reading Bruce Despain's post, the phrase "nominative of direct address"
popped into my head. So I did a quick Google search and found "Ladies and genlemen,
start your engines"  as a familiar example of such a constuction. Additionally, it
still works in the following: "Start your engines, ladies and gentlemen." I guess I'll
concur with TSE.

I suspect the funny feeling Eliot's usage might cause comes from the logically odd
notion of needing to directly address yourself.

________________________________________________
David E. Sawyer
Coordinator, Dept. of English
North Hennepin Community College
7411 85th Ave. N.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445-2299
Treasurer, NCTE Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar
[H](612) 929-3713; [O](763) 424-0832

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