[*] 447. Optative with a)/n in dependent discourse. The optative with “ἄν” is less frequently used in dependent discourse, chiefly in relative, interrogative, and conditional sentences. In these combinations, the optative with “ἄν” is often a semi-quotation or reference to a known or imagined state of mind. “ἕκαστός τι ὑμῶν ἔχει πρὸς ὃ βούλοιτο ἄν με πρῶτον ἀπολογεῖσθαι”, ANDOC.1.8; Each of you has some point which he would wish me to meet first in my defence. “βουλευόμενοι Θηβαῖοι ὅπως ἂν τὴν ἡγεμονίαν λάβοιεν τῆς Ἑλλάδος”, XEN. Hell. 7.1.33; The Thebans planning how they could (saying: “πῶς ἂν λάβοιμεν”; how can we?) gain the primacy of Greece. “εἰ μὲν οὖν ἄλλους ἔχετε οἷστισιν ἂν δοίητε αὐτούς” (sc. “τοὺς ἵππους”), . . . “ἐκείνοις δίδοτε: εἰ μέντοι ἡμᾶς ἂν βούλοισθε παραστάτας μάλιστα ἔχειν, ἡμῖν αὐτοὺς δότε”, XEN. Cyr. 4.5.47; If you have others to whom you would give the horses, offer them to them; if, however, you would like most to have us as your stand-bys, give them to us. For other examples, see Relative, Conditional, and Interrogative Sentences.
Syntax of Classical Greek from Homer to Demosthenes. Basil L. Gildersleeve. New York. American Book Company. 1900.
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