Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar for Schools and Colleges
J. B. Greenough, G. L. Kittredge, A. A. Howard, Benj. L. D'Ooge, Ed.

1. “hōs latrōnēs interficiāmus ” (B. G. 7.38) , let us kill these robbers.
2. “ caveant intemperantiam, meminerint verēcundiae ” (Off. 1.122) , let them shun excess and cherish modesty.

[*] Note 1.--The hortatory subjunctive occurs rarely in the perfect (except in prohibitions: § 450): as, “—Epicūrus hōc vīderit” (Acad. 2.19) , let Epicurus look to this.

[*] Note 2.--The term hortatory subjunctive is sometimes restricted to the first person plural, the second and third persons being designated as the jussive subjunctive; but the constructions are substantially identical.

[*] Note 3.--Once in Cicero and occasionally in the poets and later writers the negative with the hortatory subjunctive is nōn : as,—ā “lēgibus nōn recēdāmus” (Clu. 155) , let us not abandon the laws.

[*] a. The Second Person of the hortatory subjunctive is used only of an indefinite subject, except in prohibitions, in early Latin, and in poetry:—

1. “iniūriās fortūnae, quās ferre nequeās, dēfugiendō relinquās ” (Tusc. 5.118) , the wrongs of fortune, which you cannot bear, leave behind by flight.
2. “ exoriāre aliquis ultor ” (Aen. 4.625) , rise, some avenger.
3. “istō bonō ūtāre dum adsit, cum absit nē requīrās ” (Cat. M. 33) , use this blessing while it is present; when it is wanting do not regret it.
4. “ doceās iter et sacra ōstia pandās ” (Aen. 6.109) , show us the way and lay open the sacred portals.

For Negative Commands (prohibitions), see § 450.

[*] b. The Imperfect and Pluperfect of the hortatory subjunctive denote an unfulfilled obligation in past time:—

1. “ morerētur, inquiēs ” (Rab. Post. 29) , he should have died, you will say.
2. “potius docēret ” (Off. 3.88) , he should rather have taught.
3. “nē poposcissēs ” (Att. 2.1.3) , you should not have asked.
4. “saltem aliquid dē pondere dētrāxisset ” (Fin. 4.57) , at least he should have taken something from the weight.

[*] Note 1.--In this construction the Pluperfect usually differs from the Imperfect only in more clearly representing the time for action as momentary or as past.

[*] Note 2.--This use of the subjunctive is carefully to be distinguished from the potential use (§ 446). The difference is indicated by the translation, should or ought (not would or might).