Emily Dickinson Lexicon

THESE, pron.

[plur. of This: pronounced theez, and used as an adjective or substitute. These is opposed to those, as this is to that, and when two persons or things or collections of things are named, these refers to the things or persons which are nearest in place or order, or which are last mentioned. Some place the bliss in action, some in case; / Those call it pleasure, and contentment these. Pope. Hence these is a substitute for these persons, and for the persons last mentioned, who place their bliss in ease.