The difference between πείθου and πιθοῦ is simply that the pres. implies a mental process (‘be persuaded,’ ‘allow the reasoning to weigh with thee’), while the aor. denotes an act (‘obey,’ ‘comply,’ —do the thing recommended). “πείθου”, as more suggestive of gentle entreaty, seems a little the better here; while “πιθοῦ” is more fitting in v. 1207. An instance in which metre confirms “πείθου” is O. C. 520.Our MSS. are precarious guides on such a point: “πείθου” has the better authority here, but so it has also in 1207 and in Tr. 470, where “πιθοῦ” is preferable.
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Sophocles: The Plays and Fragments, with critical notes, commentary, and translation in English prose. Part VI: The Electra. Sir Richard C. Jebb. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. 1894.
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