e!_ who _know'st_ a lenient hand to lay Softest on sorrow's
wound.--BOWLES.

Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest
to bear are _those_ which never _come._--LOWELL.

[Sidenote: _A disputed point._]

415. This prepares the way for the consideration of one of the vexed
questions,--whether we should say, "one of the finest books that _has_
been published," or, "one of the finest books that _have_ been
published."

[Sidenote: One of ... [_plural_] that who, _or_ which ... [_singular
or plural_.]]

The pale realms of shade, where _each_ shall take
_His_ chamber in the silent halls of death.
--BRYANT.

Both constructions are frequently found, the reason being a difference
of opinion as to the antecedent. Some consider it to be _one_ [book]
_of the finest books_, with _one_ as the principal word, the true
antecedent; others regard _books_ as the antecedent, and write the
verb in the plural. The latter is rather more frequent, but the former
has good authority.

The following quotations show both sides:--

[Sidenote: _Plural._]

He was one of the very few commanders who _appear_ to have shown
equal skill in directing a campaign, in winning a battle, and in
improving a victory.--LECKY.

He was one of the most distinguished scientists who _have_ ever
lived.--J.T.MORSE, Jr., _Franklin._

It is one of those periods which _shine_ with an unnatural and
delusive splendor.--MACAULAY.

A very little encouragement brought back one of those overflows
which _make_ one more ashamed, etc.--HOLMES.

I am one of those who _believe_ that the real will never find an
irremovable basis till it rests on the ideal.--LOWELL.

French literature of the eighteenth century, one of the most
powerful agencies that _have_ ever existed.--M. ARNOLD.

What man's life is not overtaken by one or more of those
tornadoes that _send_ us out of our course?--THACKERAY.

He is one of those that _deserve_ very well.--ADDISON.

[Sidenote: _Singular._]

The fiery youth ... struck down one of those who _was_ pressing
hardest.--SCOTT.

He appeared to me one of the noblest creatures that ever _was_,
when he derided the shams of society.--HOWELLS.

A rare Roundabout performance,--one of the very best that _has_
ever appeared in this series.--THACKERAY.

Valancourt was the her