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[163] On the question as to the meaning of “εἰ” here see Monro, H. G. § 312, ‘The distinction between wish and supposition in the case of Clauses with “εἰ” is mainly a question of punctuation; which must be decided by the general sense of the context. If the apodosis follows closely, the clause with “εἰ” is necessarily subordinate, and instead of an independent wish, we have a mere supposition, made in order to lead up to the clause of consequence.’ So, here, render “εἰ” ‘if;’ and not ‘would that!’

Homer's Odyssey. W. Walter Merry. James Riddell. D. B. Monro. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1886-1901.

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