The phrase "wert wary of", which means "be cautious of", is spelled using Old English spelling conventions. "Wert" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "be", and is pronounced /wərt/ (wuhrt) in IPA phonetic transcription. "Wary" is spelled the same as in modern English, but the pronunciation is slightly different, with the second vowel pronounced as a schwa /ə/ (uh). Therefore, "wary" is pronounced /wɛəri/ (WAIR-ee) in IPA. Together, the phrase is pronounced /wərt 'wɛəri ʌv/ (wuhrt 'WAIR-ee uhv).
"Wert wary of" is a phrase derived from Old English, consisting of two parts. "Wert" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "to be," which was used in archaic English to denote the present subjunctive mood. "Wary," on the other hand, is an adjective derived from the Old English word "warig," meaning cautious, watchful, or prudent.
When combined, the phrase "wert wary of" implies a state of being cautious or watchful in the past. It suggests that the individual referred to was exercising discretion or vigilance in their actions or decisions during a specific time frame, where "wert" represents a second person singular subject.
For instance, if someone says, "Thou wert wary of the unknown path," it means that in the past, the person being addressed was cautious or careful about embarking on an unfamiliar journey or pursuing an uncharted course of action. It indicates an acknowledgment or recognition of their past prudence or wariness.
Overall, "wert wary of" is a combination of a past subjunctive verb tense and an adjective that conveys the idea of exercising caution or being watchful in a previous period.