λείπομεν ὑμᾶς, λείπομεν ἤδη. Hermann's motive for converting v. 1463 into a paroemiac (see cr. n.) is that the emphasis seems to require such a pause. It would certainly be admissible; but it does not appear necessary. If v. 1463 remains an ordinary dimeter, then the final paroemiac (1468) is all the more effective. And the change is open to one decided objection. If ἤδη is altered to οὐ δὴ, the second λείπομεν becomes weak. As to the sequence of dactyls in 1463, cp. Eur. 1361πρόσφορά μ᾽ αἴρετε, σύντονα δ᾽ ἕλκετε.

ἐπιβάντες, ‘entered on’ that hope,—as upon ground which it was lawful to tread: cp. n. on 189εὐσεβίας ἐπιβαίνοντες.