Examples of this kind might be multiplied to an indefinite length.  But the above will suffice to give you an idea of the former use of these words, and also, by comparison with the present, of the changes which have taken place in the method of spelling within a few centuries.

A large portion of adverbs relate to time and place, because many of our ideas, and much of our language, are employed in reference to them; as, then, when, where, there, here, hence, whence, thence, while, till, whether, etc.  These are compound words considerably disguised in their meaning and formation.  Let us briefly notice some of them.

Per annum is a latin phrase, for the year, a year; and the annum is the year, round or period of time, from which it was corrupted gradually into its present shape. Thanne, tha anne, thane, thenne, then, than, are different forms of the same word.

“We see nowe bi a mirror in darcnesse:  thanne forsathe, face to face.  Nowe I know of partye; thanne forsathe schal know as I am knowen.”—­1.  Cor. 13:  12. Translation in 1350.

I have a translation of the same passage in 1586, which stands thus:  “For nowe we see through a glasse darkley:  but thene face to face:  now I know in part:  but then shal I know even as I am knowen.”  Here several words are spelled differently in the same verse.

=Then=, the anne, that time. =When=, wha anne, “wha-icht-anne,” which, or what anne, period of time.

Area means an open space, a plat of ground, a spot or place.  Arena is from the same etymon, altered in application. =There=, the area, the place or spot.  “If we go there,” to that place. =Where=, which, or what ("wha-icht area”) place. =Here=, his (latin word for this,) area, this place.  These words refer to place, state, or condition.

While is another spelling for wheel.  “To while away our time,” is to pass, spend, or wheel it away. While applies to the period, or space of time, in which something wheels, whirls, turns round, or transpires; as, “You had better remain here while (during the time) he examines whether it is prudent for you to go.”

=Till= is to while, to the period at which something is expected to follow.  “If I will that he tarry till (to the time) I come what is that to thee?”

The idea of time and place are often blended together.  It is not uncommon to hear lads and professed scholars, in some parts of our country say “down till the bottom, over till the woods.” etc.  Altho we do not regard such expressions correct, yet they serve to explain the meaning of the word.  The only mistake is in applying it to place instead of time.