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[*] 15. In all forms of indirect discourse the same principle (14) holds, that the optative after past tenses represents (in a changed relation) an indicative or a subjunctive of the direct form, which original mood is always used after present and future tenses, and may be retained after past tenses (667, 1). Here again we see what the change is, for we represent it by our change from is to was, have to had, shall and will to should and would, etc.; as λέγει ὅτι ἀληθές ἐστιν, he says that it is true; ἔλεξεν ὅτι ἀληθὲς εἴη (or ἐστίν), he said that it was true; λέγει ὅτι γράψει, he says that he will write; ἔλεξεν ὅτι γράψοι (or γράψει), he said that he would write. So οὐκ οἶδα τί εἴπω, I know not what I shall say; οὐκ ᾔδειν τί εἴποιμι (or εἴπω), I knew not what I should say.
Macmillan. London, Melbourne, Toronto. 1889. reprint edition:. St. Martin's Press. New York. 1965.
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