1634. In simple sentences, the tenses of the subjunctive correspond in
general to the same tenses of the indicative. But the present has a
future meaning; the imperfect sometimes expresses past, sometimes
present action; and the perfect sometimes expresses past action, and
sometimes future action.
1635. The present subjunctive is sometimes used in reference to past
action, like the indicative present of vivid narration (1590): as,
#migrantīs cernās#, V. 4, 401, _you can descry them swarming out_
(1556). #comprehendī iussit; quis nōn pertimēscat?# _V._ 5, 14, _he
ordered them to be arrested; who would not be thoroughly scared?_
(1565). See also 2075.