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[476] For the construction of this sentence compare 8.512 “μὴ μὰν ἀσπουδί γε νεῶν ἐπιβαῖεν ἕκηλοι,” 22.304 “μὴ μὰν ἀσπουδί γε καὶ ἀκλειῶς ἀπολοίμην”. Hentze has pointed out that these are not negative wishes at all; “μάν” is a particle expressing strong determination and does not suit a wish. In each case “μή” is to be taken closely not with the verb but with “ἀσπουδί γε”, the opt. being concessive. The thought is then ‘though they may take the ships, at least it surely must not be without a struggle.’

The Iliad, edited, with apparatus criticus, prolegomena, notes, and appendices. Walter Leaf. London. Macmillan. 1900.

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