NEGATIVE SENTENCES
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2688
The simple negative particles are οὐ and μή. οὐ is the negative of fact and statement, and contradicts or denies; μή is the negative of the will and thought, and rejects or deprecates. The difference between the simple negatives holds true also of their compounds οὔτε μήτε, οὐδέ μηδέ, οὐδείς μηδείς, etc.
a. τὰ οὐκ ὄντα is that which does not exist independently of any opinion of the writer: τὰ οὐκ ὄντα λογοποιεῖν to fabricate what does not actually exist And. 3.35. τὰ μὴ ὄντα is that which is regarded as not existing, that which is dependent on the opinion of the writer, the whole sum of things that are outside of actual knowledge: τὰ μὴ ἐόντα οὔτε ὁρᾶται οὔτε γῑνώσκεται that which does not exist is neither seen nor known Hippocrates, de arte § 2; cp. τὸ μὴ ὄν P. R. 478b.
b. The rarer οὐχί (οὐ-χί) denies with greater emphasis than οὐ. The form μηκέτι no longer is due to the analogy of οὐκ-έτι.
2689
μή as the negative of will and thought is used in various expressions involving emotion, as commands, prohibitions, wishes, hopes, prayers, petitions, promises, oaths, asseverations, and the like; in expressions marking condition, purpose, effort, apprehension, cautious assertion, surmise, and fear; in setting forth ideality, mere conceptions, abstractions as opposed to reality or to definite facts; in marking ideas as general and typical; when a person or thing is to be characterized as conceived of rather than real.—μή is used not merely when the above notions are apparent but also when they are latent. Greek often conceives of a situation as marked by feeling where English regards it as one of fact; and hence uses μή where we should expect οὐ.
a. μή corresponds to the Sanskrit prohibitive particle mā´, which in the Rig Veda is used with the independent indicative of an augmentless aorist or imper fect which has the force of the subjunctive; rarely with the optative. In later Sanskrit mā´ was used with the subjunctive, optative, and imperative.
b. μή was originally used only in independent clauses; but later was employed in subordinate clauses, and with dependent infinitives and participles. On the origin of μή as a conjunction, see 2222. In Homer μή is used especially with the subjunctive, optative, and imperative (i.e. in commands and wishes); rarely with the indicative (in μὴ ὤφελλον, in oaths, in questions, after verbs of fearing referring to a past event); with the infinitive when used for the imperative after a verb of saying, etc. when the infinitive expresses a command or a wish, and when a dependent infinitive is used in an oath; with the participle only in connection with a command ( Ξ 48) or a wish ( δ 684).
c. In later Greek (Polybius, Lucian, Dio Chrysostomus, etc.) μή has encroached on οὐ, generally by extension of usages occurring rarely in the classical language. Thus Lucian has μή after causal ὡς, ὅτι, διότι, ἐπεί; in relative clauses (sometimes οὐδέν ἐστιν ὅτι μή); with participles of cause (even ἅτε μή) or of concession; with participles without the article following an adjective; with the infinitive after verbs of saying and thinking. ὅτι μή appears in indirect discourse (complete or partial) where the classical language would use the infinitive or ὅτι with the optative or ὡς with the participle; so after verbs of saying and thinking, after verbs of emotion, and even after verbs of knowing.
POSITION OF οὐ AND μή
2690
οὐ and μή are generally placed before the word they negative; but may follow, when emphasis is laid on a particular word, as in contrasts.
ὑπολάβῃ δὲ μηδείς but let no one suppose T. C. 84,
and the generals did not lead them out, but called them togetherοἱ δὲ στρατηγοὶ ἐξῆγον μὲν οὔ, συνεκάλεσαν δέ
perish indeed —may he notἀπόλοιτο μὲν μή
a. A contrast must be supplied in thought when the negative precedes the article, a relative, a conjunction, or a preposition. Thus,
but if you pass upon us a sentence that is unjustεἰ δὲ περὶ ἡμῶν γνώσεσθε μὴ τὰ εἰκότα
b. The order of the parts of a negative compound may be reversed for strong emphasis; as ἔτ᾽ οὐκ ὤν ( = οὐκέτι ὤν) S. Tr. 161, μίαν οὐκ ( = οὐδεμίαν) Hdt. 8.119.
c. The negative may be placed in front of an infinitive when English transfers it to another verb in the sentence; as
if we wish to assume that he is not waging war with usεἰ βουλόμεθ᾽ ἡμεῖς μὴ προσποιεῖσθαι πολεμεῖν αὐτὸν ἡμῖν
you do not permit us even to take up our quartersἡμᾶς οὐδ᾽ ἐναυλισθῆναι ἐπιτρέπεις
οὐ ADHERESCENT
2691
οὐ adherescent (or privative) placed before a verb (or other single word) not merely negatives the meaning of the simple verb but gives it an opposite meaning, the two expressing a single negative idea; as οὔ φημι I deny, I refuse (not I say not). οὔ φημι is preferred to φημὶ οὐ as nego is preferred to aio non.
2692
Adherescent οὐ is especially common with verbs of saying or thinking, but occurs also with many verbs of will or desire. In such cases οὐ goes closely with the leading verb, forming a quasi- compound; whereas it belongs in sense to a following infinitive if an infinitive depends on the leading verb. In Latin actual composition has taken place in nego, nescio, nequeo, nolo.
he refused to goοὐκ ἔφη ἰέναι
what you forbid us to doἃ οὐκ ἐᾶτε ἡμᾶς . . . ποιεῖν
he said that it was not right to avenge himself on an exileοὐκ ἀξιοῖ . . . φεύγοντα τῑμωρεῖσθαι
a. So with οὔ φημι and οὐ φάσκω deny, refuse ( = ἀπαρνοῦμαι), οὐκ οἴομαι, οὐ νομίζω, οὐ δοκῶ, οὐκ ἐῶ and οὐ κελεύω forbid (veto), οὐκ ἀξιῶ regard as unworthy, do not expect that, refuse, οὐχ ὑπισχνοῦμαι refuse, οὐ προσποιοῦμαι dissimulo, οὐ συμβουλεύω dissuade, advise not to, οὐκ ἐθέλω am unwilling, οὐκ ἐπαινῶ disapprove. This association often persists in participles, as οὐκ ἐῶν, οὐκ ἐθέλων. Homer has οὔ φημι, φημὶ οὐ, and οὔ φημι οὐ.
2693
οὐ with the principal verb may be equivalent in sense to μή with a dependent infinitive; as οὐ συμβουλεύων Ξέρξῃ στρατεύεσθαι ἐπὶ τὴν Ἑλλάδα advising Xerxes not to march against Greece ( = συμβουλεύων μὴ στρατεύεσθαι) Hdt. 7.46.
2694
Analogous to this use with verbs is the use of οὐ with adjectives and adverbs.
οὐκ ὀλίγοι ῀ πολλοί, οὐκ ἐλάχιστος ῀ μέγιστος, οὐχ ἧττον ῀ μᾶλλον, οὐχ ἥκιστα ῀ μάλιστα, οὐ καλῶς basely, οὐκ ἀφανής famous, οὐκ εἰκότως unreasonably, οὐ περὶ βραχέων on important matters (cp. 2690 a), regularly οὐ πάνυ not at all, as οὐ πάνυ χαλεπόν easy.
2695
The origin of adherescent οὐ is to be found partly in the unwillingness of the early language to use the negative particle with the infinitive, partly in the preference for a negative rather than a positive assertion, and to the disinclination to make a strong positive statement (litotes, as in some of the cases of 2694), and partly in the absence of negative compounds, the development of which in adjectives and participles (2071 a) was in turn restricted by the use of adherescent οὐ.
2696
Adherescent οὐ is often found in a protasis with εἰ and in other constructions where we expect μή.
εἰ δ᾽ ἀποστῆναι Ἀθηναίων οὐκ ἠθελήσαμεν . . ., οὐκ ἠδικοῦμεν but if we refused to revolt from the Athenians, we were not doing wrong T. 3.55,
if thou forbiddestεἰ οὐκ ἐᾷς
if they were fewεἰ μὲν οὐ πολλοὶ ἦσαν
both if you deny it and if you admit itἐά̄ν τε οὐ φῆτε ἐά̄ν τε φῆτε
2697
But μή often does not yield to οὐ, as
both if I assent and if I do notἄ̄ντ᾽ ἐγὼ φῶ ἄ̄ν τε μὴ φῶ
I know not how I shall say this and not say itοὐκ οἶδ᾽ ὅπως φῶ τοῦτο καὶ μὴ φῶ
if he were granting a trial and not taking it awayεἰ ἐδίδου κρίσιν καὶ μὴ ἀφῃρεῖτο
οὐ AFTER εἰ (ἐά̄ν)
2698
οὐ is sometimes found in clauses introduced by εἰ (ἐά̄ν).
a. When οὐ is adherescent (2696).
b. When there is an emphatic assertion of fact or probability, as where a direct statement is quoted. Thus, εἰ δὲ οὐδὲν ἡμάρτηταί μοι if (as I have shown) no error has been committed by me And. 1.33, εἰ, ὡς νῦν φήσει, οὐ παρεσκεύαστο if, as he will presently assert, he had not made preparations D. 54.29. Cp. X. A. 1.7.18, quoted in 2790.
c. When εἰ (ἐά̄ν) is used instead of ὅτι that (because) after verbs of emotion (2247). Thus,
do not be surprised if much of what has been said does not apply to youμὴ θαυμάσῃς εἰ πολλὰ τῶν εἰρημένων οὐ πρέπει σοι
d. When εἰ (ἐά̄ν) approaches the idea of ἐπεί since (cp. 2246, 2298 b). So εἰ τούσδε . . . οὐ στέργει πατήρ if (since) their father has ceased to love these children E. Med. 88 (often explained as οὐ adherescent). Here μή is possible.
e. When a single εἰ introduces a bimembered protasis as a whole, the μέν clause and the δέ clause of that protasis may have οὐ. Such bimembered protases often depend on a preceding apodosis introduced by αἰσχρόν, ἄτοπον, δεινόν, θαυμαστόν ἐστι (ἂν εἴη) and like expressions of emotion (c). Thus, εἶτ᾽ οὐκ αἰσχρόν . . . εἰ τὸ μὲν Ἀργείων πλῆθος οὐκ ἐφοβήθη τὴν Λακεδαιμονίων ἀρχὴν . . ., ὑ̄μεῖς δὲ ὄντες Ἀθηναῖοι βάρβαρον ἄνθρωπον φοβήσεσθε; is it not then disgraceful, if it is true that whereas the Argive commons did not fear the empire of the Lacedaemonians, you, who are Athenians, are going to be afraid of a barbarian? D. 15.23, αἰσχρὸν γάρ, εἰ πατὴρ μὲν ἐξεῖλεν Φρύγας, ὃ δ᾽ ἄνδρ᾽ ἕν᾽ ου᾽ δυνήσεται κτανεῖν for it is disgraceful that, whereas the father destroyed the Phrygians, the other (the son) is not going to be able to destroy one foe E. El. 336, δεινὸν ἂν εἴη, εἰ οἱ μὲν ἐκείνων ξύμμαχοι ἐπὶ δουλείᾳ τῇ αὑτῶν (χρήματα)
it would be strange if, whereas their allies will not fail to pay tribute for their own enslavement, we on the other hand will not expend it for the purpose of saving ourselvesφέροντες οὐκ ἀπεροῦσιν, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἐπὶ τῷ . . . αὐτοὶ σῴζεσθαι οὐκ ἄρα δαπανήσομεν
N. 1.—The second member of such protases has οὐ if the verb stands in the indicative, but μή (in classical Greek) i<*> the verb is in the optative. In Aes. 2.157 οὐ κατάσχοιμι is due to indirect discourse.
N. 2.—In such sentences εἰ may (1) have a conditional force in both clauses, as L. 30.16, 31. 24; (2) have a conditional force in the second member, but the force of ἐπεί in the first member, as L. 20.36, Is. 14.52; (3) have the force of ἐπεί in the first member, and that of ὅτι in the second member, as D. 8.55, Aes. 3.242; (4) have the force of ὅτι in both members, as T. 1.35, 1. 121, X. C. 7.5.84.
f. A bimembered clause introduced by εἰ may contain a negative clause with οὐ directly opposed to a positive clause; as εἰ δὲ τῷ μέν, τοῖς δ᾽ οὔ D. 23.123.
g. εἰ whether in simple and alternative indirect questions takes either οὐ or μή (2676 c, e).
2699
Homer has εἰ and the indicative with οὐ (12 times) when the subordinate clause precedes the main clause; but usually εἰ μή, when the subordinate clause follows. Thus, εἰ δέ μοι οὐ τείσουσι βοῶν ἐπιεικἔ ἀμοιβήν, δύ̄σομαι εἰς Ἀίδᾱο but if they will not pay a fitting compensation for the cattle, I will go down to Hades μ 382, ἔνθα κεν Ἀργείοισιν ὑπέρμορα νόστος ἐτύχθη, εἰ μὴ Ἀθηναίην Ἥρη πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν then in that case the return of the Argives had been accomplished against fate, if Hera had not spoken a word to Athena B 155.
a. The Homeric εἰ οὐ with the indicative has been explained either as a retention of the original use, μή with that mood being an extension through the analogy of the subjunctive and optative; or because οὐ went with the predicate, whereas μή was closely attached to εἰ.
2700
Homer has εἰ οὐ (adherescent) with the subjunctive in εἰ δ᾽ ἂν . . . οὐκ ἐθέλωσιν Γ 289, εἰ δέ κ᾽ . . . οὐκ εἰῶσιν Υ 139.
2701
Herodotus has a few cases of εἰ οὐ with the indicative, as 6. 9; ἢν οὐ with the subjunctive is doubtful (6. 133).
GENERAL RULE FOR μή
2702
μή stands
1. With the imperative.
2. In clauses with εἰ, ἐά̄ν (exceptions, 2698).
3. With the subjunctive, except after μή lest, when οὐ is used.
4. With the optative, except after μή lest, or when the optative has ἄν or is in indirect discourse.
5. With the infinitive, except in indirect discourse.
6. With participles when they have a conditional or general force.
οὐ AND μή WITH THE INDICATIVE AND OPTATIVE
SIMPLE SENTENCES AND INDEPENDENT CLAUSES
2703
Statements (2153) expressed by simple sentences and independent clauses take οὐ. Direct questions take either οὐ or μή (2651). The independent future indicative has μή only in questions.
2704
In wishes μή is used with the indicative (1780-1781) or the optative (1814, cp. 2156).
would that I had never seen theeεἴθε σε μήποτ᾽ εἰδόμᾱν
may I not liveμὴ ζῴην
I neither am nor may I become shamelessἀναιδὴς οὔτ᾽ εἰμὶ μήτε γενοίμην
neither could I tell nor may I be capable of tellingοὔτ᾽ ἂν δυναίμην μήτ᾽ ἐπισταίμην λέγειν
a. That ὤφελον takes μή, not οὐ, shows that it has lost to a certain extent its verbal nature. In late Greek it even became a particle like εἴθε.
b. Indirect expressions of wishing with πῶς ἄν and the optative (1832), βουλοίμην ἄν (1827), ἐβουλόμην (ἄν) with the infinitive, take οὐ (1782, 1789).
c. The use is the same in dependent clauses; as ἐπειδὴ δ᾽ ἃ μήποτ᾽ ὤφελε (συμβῆναι)
but when that happened which I would had never happenedσυνέβη
SUBORDINATE CLAUSES IN THE INDICATIVE OR OPTATIVE
2705
In subordinate clauses μή or οὐ is used.
a. Final clauses have μή, as
he wished to be on friendly terms with men in power in order that he might not pay the penalty for his wrong-doingφίλος ἐβούλετο εἶναι τοῖς μέγιστα δυναμένοις, ἵνα ἀδικῶν μὴ διδοίη δίκην
b. Object clauses with ὅπως after verbs of effort have μή, as
see to it that you do nothing unworthy of this honourφρόντιζ᾽ ὅπως μηδὲν ἀνάξιον τῆς τῑμῆς ταύτης πρά̄ξεις
he took care that they should never be without food or drinkἐπεμέλετο ὅπως μήτε ἄσῑτοι μήτε ἄποτοί ποτε ἔσοιντο
c. Conditional clauses regularly have μή. Thus,
if you had not come, we should be marching against the kingεἰ μὴ ὑ̄μεῖς ἤλθετε, ἐπορευόμεθα ἂν ἐπὶ βασιλέᾱ
he never left him unless there was some necessity for itοὐκ ἀπελείπετο αὐτοῦ, εἰ μή τι ἀναγκαῖον εἴη
d. Relative Clauses, if conditional, have οὐ with a definite antecedent, μή with an indefinite antecedent (2505). μή is thus used when the case in question is typical of a class (μή ‘generic’). Thus,
they signify beforehand what one must do and what notπροσημαίνουσιν ἅ τε χρὴ ποιεῖν καὶ ἃ οὐ χρή
N. 1.—Homer has ὃς (ὅσος) οὐ with the indicative (μή B 301).
N. 2.—οὐ is regular in relative clauses when an opposition is expressed (T. 1.11. 2), and when a negative clause precedes; as οὐκ ἔστιν ὅστις (ὅπως) οὐ οὐδεὶς ὅστις οὐ, etc. (X. C. 1.4.25, X. A. 2.4.3).
e. The expression τοιοῦτος, ὅς ( ὅστις , etc.), when preceded by a negative, takes οὐ; as ταμιεῖον μηδενὶ εἶναι μηδὲν τοιοῦτον, εἰς ὃ οὐ πᾶς ὁ βουλόμενος εἴσεισι it is necessary that no one shall have (such) a storehouse that anybody who pleases may not enter it P. R. 416d. But even when no negative precedes, we have οὐ, when the relative clause makes an assertion or defines attributively; as
such a writer of speeches as no one had beenσυγγραφεὺς τῶν λόγων . . . τοιοῦτος, οἷος οὐδεὶς ἄλλος γέγονε
wishing to leave behind him such a memorial as would surpass human natureβουληθεὶς τοιοῦτον μνημεῖον καταλιπεῖν, ὃ μὴ τῆς ἀνθρωπίνης φύσεώς ἐστιν
f. Relative clauses of purpose take μή, as
cast me out into the sea where ye may never see me moreθαλάσσιον ἐκρί̄ψατ᾽, ἔνθα μήποτ᾽ εἰσόψεσθ᾽ ἔτι
hiding herself where no one might see herκρύψᾱσ᾽ ἑαυτήν, ἔνθα μή τις εἰσίδοι
g. Clauses with a relative pronoun referring to an antecedent thought of in respect of its character (of such a sort) take μή. The use of μή characteristic comes from the generic meaning of μή, i.e. the antecedent is not regarded simply as a person who does something but as a person of such a nature as, one who typifies a class. In such cases ὃς μή may refer to a definite person or thing. So especially in relative clauses of cause and result, which ordinarily take οὐ. Thus,
a wretched being art thou then, who hast neither ancestral gods nor shrinesταλαίπωρος ἄρα τις σύ γε ἄνθρωπος εἶ . . ., ᾧ μήτε θεοὶ πατρῷοί εἰσι μήτε ἱερά
pass such a vote that you will never repent of itψηφίσασθε τοιαῦτα ἐξ ὧν μηδέποτε ὑ̄μῖν μεταμελήσει
to use language at which no one could feel just resentmentτοιαῦτα λέγειν . . ., οἷς μηδεὶς ἂν νεμεσήσαι
h. Consecutive clauses (and consecutive relative clauses) with ὤστε take οὐ with the indicative and optative. Thus, (Λακεδαιμόνιοι) εἰς τοῦτ᾽ ἀπληστίᾱς ἦλθον ὥστ᾽ οὐκ ἐξήρκεσεν αὐτοῖς ἔχειν τὴν κατὰ γῆν ἀρχήν the Lacedaemonians became so insatiate in their desires that they were not satisfied with their empire on the land I. 12.103,
so that I should not recognize him, if I were to see himὥστ᾽ οὐκ ἂν αὐτὸν γνωρίσαιμ᾽ ἂν εἰσιδών
i. Oaths and protestations in the indicative with μή express a solemn denial or refusal, or repudiate a charge. Thus, ἴστω νῦν Ζεὺς . . . μὴ μὲν τοῖς ἵπποισιν ἀνὴρ ἐποιχήσεται ἄλλος let Zeus now know (i.e. I swear by Zeus) that no other man shall mount these horses K 329, μὰ τὴν Ἀφροδί̄την . . . μὴ ᾿γώ σ᾽ ἀφήσω by Aphrodite, far be it from me that I should release you Ar. Eccl. 999. Cp. 2716.
μή WITH THE SUBJUNCTIVE AND IMPERATIVE
2706
The subjunctive is a mood of will, and therefore takes μή.
2707
Independent clauses take μή: the hortatory subjunctive (1797), the prohibitive subjunctive (1800), the deliberative subjunctive (1805), the subjunctive of doubtful assertion (1801).
a. The anticipatory subjunctive in Homer takes οὐ (1810, cp. 1813).
2708
Dependent clauses take μή: final clauses, as
it seems to me advisable to burn the wagons that our baggage-train may not be our generalδοκεῖ μοι κατακαῦσαι τὰ̄ς ἁμάξᾱς . . . ἵνα μὴ τὰ ζεύγη ἡμῶν στρατηγῇ
a. After μή lest, οὐ is used (2221).
NEGATIVES OF INDIRECT DISCOURSE
2710
The negatives of direct discourse are retained in indirect discourse introduced by ὅτι or ὡς.
it must be borne in mind that no man by nature is disposed either to oligarchy or to democracyἐνθῡμηθῆναι χρὴ ὅτι οὐδείς ἐστιν ἀνθρώπων φύσει οὔτε ὀλιγαρχικὸς οὔτε δημοκρατικός
he said that the question would not be about your constitution but about your safety, if you did not accept the propositions of Theramenesεἶπε . . . ὅτι οὐ περὶ πολῑτείᾱς ὑ̄μῖν ἔσται ἀλλὰ περὶ σωτηρίᾱς, εἰ μὴ ποιήσαιθ᾽ ἃ Θηρᾱμένης κελεύοι
a. In
he gave orders that no one should move from his positionπροεῖπεν ὡς μηδεὶς κῑνήσοιτο ἐκ τῆς τάξεως
On the negative in indirect discourse with the infinitive see 2722, 2737, 2738; with the participle, 2729, 2737, 2738; and in indirect questions, 2676.
οὐ AND μή WITH THE INFINITIVE
2711
The infinitive not in indirect discourse has μή; the infinitive in indirect discourse has οὐ, but sometimes μή. The articular infinitive has μή. On the use with μὴ οὐ see 2742 ff.
a. The ordinary negative of the infinitive is μή, which could be so used since the infinitive was employed as early as Homer in an imperative sense. οὐ with the infinitive in indirect discourse is probably due to the analogy of οὐ with the indicative and optative in clauses of indirect discourse introduced by ὅτι (ὡς). οὐ became the natural negative of indirect discourse as soon as the infinitive came to represent the indicative or optative.
2712
μή is used with the articular infinitive.
a warning not to injure youπαράδειγμα τοῦ μὴ ὑ̄μᾶς ἀδικεῖν
in order to avoid doing what was commandedὑπὲρ τοῦ μὴ τὸ κελευόμενον ποιῆσαι
οὐ AND μή WITH THE INFINITIVE NOT IN INDIRECT DISCOURSE
2713
μή is the regular negative after all verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and substantives, which take an infinitive not in indirect discourse. Thus, after verbs and other words denoting ability, fitness, necessity (and their opposites). Cp. 2000-2007.
it is proper for a wise man not to talk idlyεἰκὸς σοφὸν ἄνδρα μὴ ληρεῖν
it is disgraceful not to repay like servicesτὰ̄ς ὁμοίᾱς χάριτας μὴ ἀντιδιδόναι αἰσχρόν
2714
χρή (χρῆν, ἐχρῆν) takes either μή or οὐ.
one must not despise the multitudeχρὴ μὴ καταφρονεῖν τοῦ πλήθους
thou oughtst not to do wrongχρῆν οὔ σ᾽ ἁμαρτάνειν
it is not right ever to call any son of man happyεἰπεῖν οὐδέν᾽ ὄλβιον βροτῶν
a. For original οὐ χρή was substituted (for emphasis) χρὴ οὐ, where the οὐ was still taken with χρή; ultimately οὐ was felt to belong with the infinitive and hence came to be separated from χρή.
b. δεῖ takes μή, as
they must not fearμὴ ὀκνεῖν δεῖ αὐτούς
one must not speak in a general wayδεῖ οὐχ ἁπλῶς εἰπεῖν
2715
μή is used with the infinitive in wishes and prohibitions. Thus,
ye gods of my country, may bondage not be my lotθεοὶ πολῖται, μή με δουλείᾱς τυχεῖν
do not approach theseοἷς μὴ πελάζειν
2716
μή is used with the infinitive in oaths and protestations. Thus, ἴστω νῦν τόδε γαῖα . . . μή τί τοι αὐτῷ πῆμα κακὸν βουλευσέμεν ἄλλο let earth now know this (i.e. I swear by earth) that I will not devise any harmful mischief to thine own hurt ε 187. Cp. 2705 i.
2717
μή is used with the infinitive of purpose (cp. 2719) or result (2260). Cp. 2759. On ἐφ᾽ ᾧ μή see 2279; on ὥστε οὐ see 2269.
2718
μή is used when the infinitive stands in apposition (1987), and hence is like τὸ μή with the infinitive. Thus,
this is one of the things I maintain—that no one can say the same things in fewer words than I canτοῦτο ἕν ἐστιν ὧν φημι, μηδένα ἂν ἐν βραχυτέροις ἐμοῦ τὰ αὐτὰ εἰπεῖν
2719
μή is used with the infinitive introduced by verbs of will or desire (1991) or by verbs expressing activity to the end that something shall or shall not be done; as
they wished not to give up Corcyraτὴν Κέρκῡραν ἐβούλοντο μὴ προέσθαι
he kept guard against any one either sailing out or inφυλακὴν εἶχε μήτ᾽ ἐκπλεῖν . . . μηδένα μήτ᾽ ἐσπλεῖν
2720
Verbs of commanding and exhorting (κελεύω, λέγω, βοῶ), asking (αἰτῶ, ἀξιῶ), advising (συμβουλεύω), and other verbs of will or desire of like meaning, take μή.
ἐκέλευε . . . μὴ ἐρεθίζειν he ordered him not to provoke his wrath P. R. 393e,
they told them not to commit injusticeἔλεγον αὐτοῖς μὴ ἀδικεῖν
they shouted to each other not to runἐβόων ἀλλήλοις μὴ θεῖν
I advise you not to take away what you may have givenσυμβουλεύω σοι . . . μὴ ἀφαιρεῖσθαι ἃ ἂν δῷς
2721
οὐ is used after verbs of will or desire only when it is attached to the leading verb or to some particular word; when it marks a contrast inserted parenthetically; where a compound negative takes up οὐ used with the leading verb; and when οὐδείς may be resolved into οὐ and τὶς, οὐ going with the leading verb. Examples in 2738.
οὐ AND μή WITH THE INFINITIVE IN INDIRECT DISCOURSE
2722
Verbs of saying and thinking take οὐ with the infinitive in indirect discourse. Here οὐ is retained from the direct discourse.
ᾗ (ἀνάγκῃ)
we declare that no one of the gods either now contends with necessity, or ever willφαμεν οὐδένα θεῶν οὔτε μάχεσθαι τὰ νῦν οὔτε μαχεῖσθαί ποτε
saying that they were not independentλέγοντες οὐκ εἶναι αὐτόνομοι
for I think it would not be unattended with gratitude to meοἶμαι γὰρ ἂν οὐκ ἀχαρίστως μοι ἔχειν
they thought that we should not view it with indifferenceἡγήσαντο ἡμᾶς οὐ περιόψεσθαι
but these persons seem to me not to blame the real causeἐμοὶ δὲ δοκοῦσιν οὗτοι οὐ τὸ αἴτιον αἰτιᾶσθαι
he thought the besiegers would not be able to hold their positionἐνόμισεν οὐκ ἂν δύνασθαι μένειν τοὺς πολιορκοῦντας
2723
Verbs of saying and thinking take μή in emphatic declarations and expressions of thought which involve a wish that the utterance may hold good. So with φημί, λέγω, ἡγοῦμαι, νομίζω, οἶμαι. Cp. 2725.
but for my part I would maintain that no one gets any education from a teacher who is not pleasingφαίην δ᾽ ἂν ἔγωγε μηδενὶ μηδεμίαν εἶναι παίδευσιν παρὰ τοῦ μὴ ἀρέσκοντος
all will say that nothing is more profitable than braveryπάντες ἐροῦσι . . . μηδὲν εἶναι κερδαλεώτερον ἀρετῆς
they departed in the belief that they would no longer prove able to prevent the building of the wall to the seaἀπῇσαν . . . νομίσαντες μὴ ἂν ἔτι . . . ἱκανοὶ γενέσθαι κωλῦσαι τὸν ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν τειχισμόν
a. Cp. P. Th. 155a (φημί), T. 1.139, 6. 49, P. R. 346e (λέγω), X. M. 1.2.41, D. 54.44 (οἶμαι), X. C. 7.5.59 (νομίζω), P. Soph. 230c (διανοοῦμαι).
b. Cases where the infinitive is in apposition, or depends on an imperative, or occurs after a condition, do not belong here.
2724
μή with the infinitive is often found after verbs denoting an oracular response or a judicial decision actual or implied. Cp. 2725. Thus,
the Pythian prophetess made answer that no one was wiserἀνεῖλεν ἡ Πῡθίᾱ μηδένα σοφώτερον εἶναι
you are adjudged to be the only people who would not betray for lucre the common rights of the Greeksκέκρισθε . . . μόνοι τῶν πάντων μηδενὸς ἂν κέρδους τὰ κοινὰ δίκαια τῶν Ἑλλήνων προέσθαι
2725
μή is often used with verbs and other expressions of asseveration and belief, after which we might expect οὐ with the infinitive in indirect discourse. Such verbs are those signifying to hope, expect, promise, put trust in, be persuaded, agree, testify, swear, etc. The use of μή indicates strong assurance, confidence, and resolve; and generally in regard to the future. Cp. 2723.
ἐλπὶς ὑ̄μᾶς μὴ ὀφθῆναι there is hope that you will not be seen X. C. 2.4.23,
they promised that they should suffer no harmὑπῑσχνοῦντο μηδὲν χαλεπὸν αὐτοὺς πείσεσθαι
I trust that these good hopes will not deceive meπιστεύω . . . μὴ ψεύσειν με ταύτᾱς τὰ̄ς ἀγαθὰ̄ς ἐλπίδας
I wonder how the Athenians were persuaded that Socrates did not hold temperate opinions regarding the godsθαυμάζω ὅπως ἐπείσθησαν Ἀθηναῖοι Σωκράτην περὶ θεοὺς μὴ σωφρονεῖν
he acknowledges that he cannot make a long speechὁμολογεῖ μὴ μετεῖναί οἱ μακρολογίᾱς
he proves by his own testimony that he is not his sonαὐτὸς ἑαυτοῦ καταμαρτυρεῖ μὴ ἐξ ἐκείνου γεγενῆσθαι
he swore that he had no other son and that none other had ever been born to himὤμοσεν ἦ μὴν μὴ εἰ῀ναί οἱ υἱὸν ἄλλον μηδὲ γενέσθαι πώποτε
he swore that he had said nothingὤμνυε . . . μηδὲν εἰρηκέναι
I will swear that I will never ward off the evil dayὀμοῦμαι μήποτ᾽ . . . ἀλεξήσειν κακὸν ἦμαρ
2726
Such verbs are hope ἐλπίζω ; expect ἐλπίζω, προσδοκῶ, δοκῶ, οἴομαι, εἰκός ἐστι; promise ὑπισχνοῦμαι, ἐπαγγέλλομαι; swear ὄμνῡμι ; agree ὁμολογῶ, συγχωρῶ; pledge ἐγγυῶμαι ; put trust in πιστεύω ; am persuaded πέπεισμαι ; testify μαρτυρῶ ; repudiate ἀναίνομαι ; threaten ἀπειλῶ , etc.
a. μή is regular after verbs of promising; common after verbs of hoping and swearing. With ὄμνῡμι, πιστεύω, πείθομαι, μαρτυρῶ, etc. there is an idea of deprecation.
2727
ἐπίσταμαι and οἶδα usually take μή when they denote confident belief ( = I warrant from what I know; cp. πιστεύω μή, ὄμνῡμι μή). Thus,
I assure you this fair offering has not come from any one save from himἐξίσταμαι μή του τόδ᾽ ἀγλάϊσμα πλὴν κείνου μολεῖν
οὐ AND μή WITH THE PARTICIPLE
2728
The participle has οὐ when it states a fact, μή when it states a condition. On μή due to the force of the leading verb, see 2737.
οὐ πιστεύων since (as, when, etc.) he does not believe, μὴ πιστεύων if he does not believe,
he went up on the mountains since no one hindered himἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὰ ὄρη οὐδενὸς κωλύ̄οντος
a. μή with the articular participle is the abridged equivalent of a conditional relative sentence. Thus, in ὁ μὴ ταῦτα ποιῶν ἄδικός ἐστι, ὁ μὴ ποιῶν is virtually the generic ὃς ἂν μὴ ποιῇ or ὅστις μὴ ποιεῖ compressed into a noun.
2729
οὐ is used with a supplementary participle (in indirect discourse) in agreement with a noun (or pronoun, expressed or unexpressed) depending on a verb of knowing, showing, seeing, perceiving, etc. (2106-2115); and also with such supplementary participles (not in indirect discourse) after verbs of emotion (2100), etc. In most such cases ὅτι οὐ might have been used.
for I know of no one who dislikes his admirersοὐδένα γὰρ οἶδα μῑσοῦντα τοὺς ἐπαινοῦντας
they see that their elders do not departὁρῶσι τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους οὐ . . . ἀπιόντας
no one will ever find that anything has been left undoneοὐδεὶς μήποθ᾽ εὕρῃ . . . οὐδὲν ἐλλειφθέν
he rejoiced that Cyrus was unable to remain silentΚύ̄ρῳ ἥδετο οὐ δυναμένῳ σῑγᾶν
2730
ἐπίσταμαι and οἶδα denoting confident belief may take μή for οὐ. Thus,
well do I know that by nature thou art not adapted to utter such guileἔξοιδα φύσει σε μὴ πεφῡκότα τοιαῦτα φωνεῖν κακά
2731
μή is used when the reason for an action is regarded as the condition under which it takes place; as οὐ τοῦ πλέονος μὴ στερισκόμενοι χάριν ἔχουσιν they are not grateful at not being deprived of the greater part of their rights T. 1.77 ( = εἰ μὴ στερίσκοντο).
2732
The participle with ὡς, ὥσπερ, ἅτε, οἷον, οἷα (2085-2087) has οὐ; as
you made a disturbance by way of declaring that you did not intend to do thisἐθορυβεῖτε ὡς οὐ ποιήσοντες ταῦτα
2733
Participles of opposition or concession (2083) take οὐ; as
hearken to women albeit thou likest it notπείθου γυναιξὶ καίπερ οὐ στέργων ὅμως
2734
The participle with the article has οὐ when a definite person or thing is meant, but μή when the idea is indefinite and virtually conditional (whoever, whatever); and when a person or thing is to be characterized (of such a sort, one who; 2705 g). Cp. 2052.
the deadοἱ οὐκ ὄντες
the party of oppositionοἱ οὐ βουλόμενοι ταῦτα οὕτως ἔχειν
any who are unableοἱ μὴ δυνάμενοι
he who gets no flogging gets no trainingὁ μὴ δαρεὶς ἄνθρωπος οὐ παιδεύεται
the man who does not say what he thinksὁ μὴ λέγων ἃ φρονεῖ
οὐ AND μή WITH SUBSTANTIVES AND ADJECTIVES USED SUBSTANTIVELY
2735
οὐ and μή are used with substantives and substantivized adjectives with the same difference as with participles. Here the generic μή is much more common than οὐ.
the non-destruction of the bridgesἡ τῶν γεφῡρῶν . . . οὐ διάλυσις
lack of experienceἡ μὴ ἐμπειρίᾱ
in schemes that are unwise there is no place even for hopeοὐκ ἔστιν ἐν τοῖς μὴ καλοῖς βουλεύμασιν οὐδ᾽ ἐλπίς
a. The use of the negative here compensates for the absence of negative compounds. Cp. αἱ οὐκ ἀναγκαῖαι πόσεις unnecessary potations X. R. L. 5.4.
οὐδείς, μηδείς
2736
οὐδείς, οὐδέν denote that which is actually non-existent or of no account; μηδείς, μηδέν denote that which is merely thought of as nonexistent or of no account. Both are used as the opposite of τὶς or τὶ (εἶναι) to be somebody (something, cp. 1269). The neuter forms are often used of persons; τὸ μηδέν (indeclinable) is used of persons and things.
ὦ νῦν μὲν οὐδείς, αὔριον δ᾽ ὑπέρμεγας oh thou who art now a nobody (an actual fact), but to-morrow exceeding great Ar. Eq. 158,
being nobodiesὄντες οὐδένες
a. The construction may influence the choice between οὐδείς and μηδείς; as ἐὰ̄ν δοκῶσί τι εἶναι μηδὲν ὄντες, ὀνειδίζετε αὐτοῖς rebuke them if they think they are something when in reality they are nothing P. A. 41e. Cp. 2737 b.
APPARENT EXCHANGE OF οὐ AND μή
2737
Where μή is used when we expect οὐ the negative expression usually depends on a verb that either has μή or would have it, if negatived.
a. After imperatives. Thus, σάφ᾽ ἴσθι μή με θωπεύσοντά σε know well that I shall not fawn upon thee E. Heracl. 983,
consider nothing in human life to be secureνόμιζε μηδὲν εἶναι τῶν ἀνθρωπίνων βέβαιον εἶναι
cast your ballots then in the belief not only that you are passing judgment but also that the eyes of the world are upon youὡς οὖν μὴ μόνον κρί̄νοντες, ἀλλὰ καὶ θεωρούμενοι, οὕτω τὴν ψῆφον φέρετε
b. After conditional expressions. Thus,
but if any one thinks some point has not been sufficiently mentionedεἰ δέ τις . . . νομίζει τι μὴ ἱκανῶς εἰρῆσθαι
c. Other cases:
he ordered them to remain by the river without crossingκελεύει μεῖναι ἐπὶ τοῦ ποταμοῦ μὴ διαβάντας
he promised that he would bring peace about without giving hostages or destroying the wallsὑπέσχετο εἰρήνην ποιήσειν μήτε ὅμηρα δοὺς μήτε τὰ τείχη καθελών
N.—But οὐ may assert itself even under the above circumstances; as μὴ ὅ γε οὐ χρὴ ποίει don't do what is really wrong P. Eu. 307b,
either acquit me or do not acquit me in the knowledge that I should not act otherwiseἢ ἀφί̄ετέ με ἢ μὴ ἀφί̄ετε ὡς ἐμοῦ οὐκ ἂν ποιήσαντος ἄλλα
if thou thinkest not to suffer the penaltyεἰ νομίζεις οὐχ ὑφέξειν τὴν δίκην
if we shall be known to have come together, and yet not to have the courage to avenge ourselvesτολμῶντες
d. On μή in questions where we might expect οὐ, see 2676 b.
2738
οὐ is sometimes used where we expect μή.
a. Where οὐ stands in a clause introduced by εἰ or other words after which μή might be expected (2698). Thus,
that every one must of necessity fight even though he would notὄφρα καὶ οὐκ ἐθέλων τις ἀναγκαι´ῃ πολεμίζοι
b. Where οὐ goes strictly with the leading verb though it stands with the infinitive. Thus, βουλοίμην δ᾽ ἃν οὐκ εἶναι τόδε I would fain it were not so (I should not wish that this were so) E. Med. 73,
he has sworn, not that he will show favour, but that he will judge according to the lawsὀμώμοκεν οὐ χαριεῖσθαι . . . ἀλλὰ δικάσειν κατὰ τοὺς νόμους
c. Where οὐ in a contrast goes closely with a following word or words, or stands in a partial parenthesis. Thus, κελεύων οὐκ ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἀλλ᾽ ἐν τῷ θεά̄τρῳ τὴν ἀνάρρησιν γίγνεσθαι (he has violated the law) in demanding that the proclamation be made not in the Assembly but in the theatre Aes. 3.204,
I should acknowledge that I am an orator, but not after their styleὁμολογοίην ἂν ἔγωγε οὐ κατὰ τούτους εἶναι ῥήτωρ
demanding that you should be, not their allies, but their partners in wrong-doingὑ̄μᾶς νῦν ἀξιοῦντες οὐ ξυμμαχεῖν, ἀλλὰ ξυναδικεῖν
d. When a compound negative with the infinitive repeats οὐ used with the leading verb. Thus, (ὁ νόμος)
the law does not permit any women to enter where the dead may beοὐκ ἐᾷ εἰσιέναι, οὗ ἂν ᾖ ὁ τετελευτηκώς, οὐδεμίαν γυναῖκα
e. When οὐδείς may be resolved into οὐ and τὶς, οὐ going with the leading verb. Thus, οὐδενὸς ( = οὔ τινος) ἁμαρτεῖν . . . δίκαιός ἐστιν there is nothing he deserves to miss Ant. 4. a. 6 ( = he does not deserve to miss anything),
I ask that you do not break any of the conditions to which you have swornἀξιῶ ἐγὼ ὧν ὀμωμόκατε παραβῆναι οὐδέν
μή AND μὴ οὐ WITH THE INFINITIVE
REDUNDANT OR SYMPATHETIC NEGATIVE
I. With the Infinitive depending on Verbs of Negative Meaning
Verbs and expressions of negative meaning, such as deny, refuse, hinder, forbid, avoid, often take the infinitive with a redundant μή to confirm the negative idea of the leading verb.
With this compare: “First he denied you had in him no right” (Shakesp., Com. of Er. 4. 2. 7); and “La pluie . . . empêche qu'on ne se promène” (Racine); “Verbot ihnen Jesus, dass sie Niemand sagen sollten” (St. Mark 9. 9).
καταρνῇ μὴ δεδρᾱκέναι τάδε; dost thou deny that thou hast done this? S. Ant. 442,
to hinder the Greeks from comingἀποκωλῦσαι τοὺς Ἕλληνας μὴ ἐλθεῖν
they sent a herald to forbid them to sailκήρῦκα προέπεμψεν αὐτοῖς . . . ἀπεροῦντα μὴ πλεῖν
you will beware of speaking in publicεὐλαβήσεσθε μὴ πολλῶν ἐναντίον λέγειν
they abstained from marching upon each other's territoryἀπέσχοντο μὴ ἐπὶ τὴν ἑκατέρων γῆν στρατεῦσαι
The redundant μή is used after ἀμφιλέγω and ἀμφισβητῶ dispute, ἀνατίθεμαι retract an opinion, ἀντιλέγω speak against, ἀπαγορεύω and ἀπειπεῖν forbid, ἀπιστῶ doubt, ἀπογιγνώσκω abandon an intention, ἀποκρύπτομαι conceal, ἀπολύ̄ω acquit, ἀποστερῶ deprive, ἀποστρέφω divert, ἀποχειροτονῶ and ἀποψηφίζομαι vote against, ἀρνοῦμαι (and compounds, and ἄπαρνός εἰμι, ἔξαρνός εἰμι) deny, διαμάχομαι refuse, εἴργω and ἐμποδών εἰμι prevent, ἐναντιοῦμαι oppose, εὐλαβοῦμαι beware of, ἔχω and ἀπέχω prevent, ἀντέχω, ἀπέχομαι, ἐπέχω, κατέχω abstain from, κωλύ̄ω (and compounds) hinder, μεταβουλεύομαι alter one's plans, μεταγιγνώκω change one's mind, ὄκνον παρέχω make hesilate, φεύγω (and compounds) escape, avoid, disclaim, φυλάττομαι guard against, etc.
Also after the following verbs: ἀπαυδῶ forbid, ἀπεύχομαι deprecor, ἀποδοκεῖ resolve not, ἀπροσδόκητός εἰμι do not expect, ἀφαιροῦμαι prevent, ἀφί̄ημι acquit, δέδοικα and φοβοῦμαι fear, ἐρύ̄κω hinder, καταδεῖ lack, μεταδοκεῖ μοι change one's mind, παύω put an end to, ῥύομαι and σῴζω save from, ὑπεκτρέχω escape from, ὑφί̄εμαι give up, etc.
When a verb of denying, refusing, hindering, forbidding, etc., is itself negatived, either directly or by appearing in a question expecting a negative answer, the infinitive has μὴ οὐ. Here both the introductory clause and the dependent clause have virtually an affirmative sense.
οὐδεὶς πώποτ᾽ ἀντεῖπεν μὴ οὐ καλῶς ἔχειν αὐτούς (τοὺς νόμους) no one ever denied that they (the laws) were excellent D. 24.24, τίνα οἴει ἀπαρνήσεσθαι μὴ οὐχὶ καὶ αὐτὸν ἐπίστασθαι τὰ δίκαια; who, think you, will deny that he too understands what is just? P. G. 461c ( = οὐδεὶς ἀπαρνήσεται). But μὴ οὐ is not used after οὔ φημι, οὐκ ἐῶ, οὐκ ἐθέλω (2692 a).
a. μὴ οὐ with the infinitive here, and elsewhere, is used only when the introductory word or words has an actual or a virtual negative. Since, in ἀρνοῦμαι μὴ ταῦτα δοᾶσαι I deny that I did this, μή confirms the negative idea in ἀρνοῦμαι, so in οὐκ ἀρνοῦμαι μὴ οὐ ταῦτα δρᾶσαι I do not deny that I did this, οὐ after the strengthening μή confirms the οὐ prefixed to the leading verb. Cp. “Je ne nie pas que je ne sois infiniment flatté” (Voltaire). In the first sentence μή repeats the ‘negative result’ of ἀρνοῦμαι (single sympathetic negative, untranslatable); in the second sentence οὐ is repeated with the infinitive to sum up the effect of οὐκ ἀρνοῦμαι (double sympathetic negative; both untranslatable). After verbs negative in meaning (deny, etc.) μή and μὴ οὐ cannot be translated in modern English (see 2739). After verbs not negative in character but preceded by a negative, and after virtually negative expressions, μή or μὴ οὐ has a negative force (2745, 2746).
b. μὴ οὐ with the infinitive regularly indicates a certain pressure of interest on the part of the person involved.
After deny, speak against, doubt, etc., followed by ὡς or ὅτι, a redundant οὐ is often inserted. Thus,
that this is true you will not be able to denyὡς μὲν οὐκ ἀληθῆ ταῦτ᾽ ἐστίν, οὐχ ἕξετ᾽ ἀντιλέγειν
a. Here the ὡς clause is an internal accusative (accusative of content) after ἀντιλέγειν. Originally the meaning seems to have been ‘you will not be able to deny in this way—this is not true’ where οὐ is not redundant.
Summary of Constructions after Verbs of Hindering, etc.
After verbs signifying (or suggesting) to hinder and the like, the infinitive admits the article τό or τοῦ (the ablatival genitive, 1392). Hence we have a variety of constructions, which are here classed under formal types. The simple infinitive is more closely connected with the leading verb than the infinitive with τὸ μή or τὸ μὴ οὐ, which often denotes the result (cp. ὥστε μή) of the action of the leading verb and is either an accusative of respect or a simple object infinitive. The genitive of the infinitive is very rare with κωλύ̄ω and its compounds.
a. Some scholars regard the infinitive with the negative as an internal accusative, not as a simple object infinitive; and the infinitive without the negative as an external accusative.
1. εἴργει με μὴ γράφειν (the usual construction: examples 2739).
2. εἴργει με γράφειν (less common). Since the redundant μή is not obligatory, we have the simple infinitive as object (1989), as εἰ τοῦτό τις εἴργει δρᾶν ὄκνος if some scruple prevents us from doing this P. Soph. 242a, δ̀ν θανε<*>ῖν ἐρρῡσάμην whom I saved from death E. Alc. 11,
the oaths sworn in the name of the gods prevent our being enemies to each otherοἱ θεῶν ἡμᾶς ὅρκοι κωλύ̄ουσι πολεμίους εἶναι ἀλλήλοις
3. εἴργει με τὸ μὴ γράφειν (rather common; cp. 1): εἶργον τὸ μὴ . . . κακουργεῖν they prevented them from doing damage T. 3.1,
they were able to restrain their weepingοἷοί τε ἦσαν κατέχειν τὸ μὴ δακρύ̄ειν
4. εἴργει με τὸ γράφειν (not uncommon; cp. 2):
they refrained from immediately attacking the Atheniansἐπέσχον τὸ εὐθέως τοῖς Ἀθηναίοις ἐπιχειρεῖν
there is some one who will prevent thee from the deedἔστιν τις, ὅς σε κωλύ̄σει τὸ δρᾶν
5. εἴργει με τοῦ μὴ γράφειν , with the ablatival genitive, 1392 (not so common as 3): πᾶς γὰρ ἀσκὸς δύο ἄνδρας ἕξει τοῦ μὴ καταδῦναι for each skin-bag will pre- vent two men from sinking X. A. 3.5.11. Other cases are: Hdt. 1.86, T. 1.76, X. C. 2.4.13, 2. 4. 23, 3. 3. 31, I. 7.17, 12. 80, 15. 122, P. L. 637c, 832 b, D. 23.149, 33. 25. Observe that this idiom does not have the logical meaning ‘from not,’ which we should expect. Some write τὸ μή or μή alone.
6. εἴργει με τοῦ γράφειν (not common, and very rare with κωλύ̄ω, as X. A. 1.6.2): τοῦ δὲ δρᾱπετεύειν δεσμοῖς ἀπείργουσι; do they prevent their slaves from running away by fetters? X. M. 2.1.16,
we desisted from weepingἐπέσχομεν τοῦ δακρύ̄ειν
7. οὐκ εἴργει με γράφειν (not very common, but more often with οὐ κωλύ̄ω; cp. 2): οὐδὲ διακωλύ̄ουσι ποιεῖν ὧν ἂν ἐπιθῡμῇς; nor will they prevent you from doing what you desire? P. Lys. 207e, τί κωλύ̄ει ( = οὐδὲν κ.) καὶ τὰ ἄκρα ἡμῖν κελεύειν Κῦρον προκαταλαβεῖν; what hinders our ordering Cyrus to take also the heights in advance for us? X. A. 1.3.16,
certain people do not deny that they are doing these thingsταῦτά τινες οὐκ ἐξαρνοῦνται πρά̄ττειν
8. οὐκ εἴργει με μὴ οὐ γράφειν (the regular construction): οὐκ ἀμφισβητῶ μὴ οὐχὶ σὲ σοφώτερον ἢ ἐμέ I do not dispute that you are wiser than I P. Hipp. Minor 369 d,
he was not able to resist granting the favourοὐδὲν ἐδύνατο ἀντέχειν μὴ οὐ χαρίζεσθαι
9. οὐκ εἴργει με τὸ μὴ γράφειν (since occasionally the sympathetic οὐ is not added; cp. 3): καὶ φημὶ δρᾶσαι κοὐκ ἀπαρνοῦμαι τὸ μή (δρᾶσαι) I both assent that I did the deed and do not deny that I did it S. Ant. 443, τίς . . . σοῦ ἀπελείφθη τὸ μή σοι ἀκολουθεῖν; who failed to follow you? X. C. 5.1.25.
10. οὐκ εἴργει με τὸ μὴ οὐ γράφειν (very common; cp. 8):
I will not refuse to declare allοὐκ ἐναντιώσομαι τὸ μὴ οὐ γεγωνεῖν πᾶν
no argument disputes that sweet things are sweetτὸ μὲν οὖν μὴ οὐχὶ ἡδέα εἶναι τὰ ἡδέα λὁγος οὐδεὶς ἀμφισβητεῖ
Very unusual constructions are
11. οὐκ εἴργει τὸ γράφειν (
I will not refuse the deedοὐκ ἂν ἀρνοίμην τὸ δρᾶν
12. οὐκ εἴργει μὴ γράφειν (οὔτ᾽ ἠμφεσβήτησε μὴ σχεῖν neither did he deny that he had the money D. 27.15).
13. οὐκ εἴργει τοῦ μὴ οὐ γράφειν (once only: E. Hipp. 48, where τὸ μὴ οὐ is read by some).
On the negative after ὥστε, see 2759.
II. μὴ οὐ with the Infinitive depending on Negatived Verbs
Any infinitive that would take μή, takes μὴ οὐ (with a negative force), if dependent on a negatived verb. Here οὐ is the sympathetic negative and is untranslatable.
I cannot consent not to learn this exactly as it isοὐκ ἂν πιθοίμην μὴ οὐ τάδ᾽ ἐκμαθεῖν σαφῶς
μὴ οὐ with the infinitive thus often follows verbs and other expressions formed by οὐ (or α-privative) with a positive word and denoting what is impossible, improbable, wrong, senseless, and the like.
no one by speaking otherwise can avoid being ridiculousοὐδεὶς οἷός τ᾽ ἐστὶν ἄλλως λέγων μὴ οὐ καταγέλαστος εἶναι
you promised to make the inquiry on the ground that it would not be right for you not to assist justiceὑπέσχου ζητήσειν ὡς οὐχ ὅσιόν σοι ὂν μὴ οὐ βοηθεῖν δικαιοσύνῃ
I think it is utterly senseless for me not to grant you this favour alsoπάνυ ἀνόητον ἡγοῦμαι εἶναί σοι μὴ οὐ καὶ τοῦτο χαρίζεσθαι
Such expressions are, e.g. οὐχ ὅσιός τ᾽ εἰμί, οὐχ ὁ̂όν τ᾽ ἐστί, οὐχ ἱκανός εἰμι, οὐκ ἔστι, ἀδύνατός εἰμι, οὐ δίκαιόν ἐστι, οὐχ ὅσιόν ἐστι, οὐ προσδοκίᾱ ἐστί, ἄλογόν ἐστι, οὐκ ἀνεκτόν ἐστι, ἄνοιά ἐστι, and many others.
Some expressions denoting repugnance to the moral sense involve a negative idea, and may have the same construction. Thus, ὥστε πᾶσιν αἰσχύ̄νην εἶναι μὴ οὐ συσπουδάζειν so that all were ashamed not (i.e. felt it was not right) to coöperate zealously X. A. 2.3.11. So with αἰσχρόν ἐστι ( = οὐ καλόν ἐστι), δεινόν ἐστι.
Instead of μὴ οὐ we find also μή, τὸ μή, τοῦ μή, τὸ μὴ οὐ (but not τοῦ μὴ οὐ).
a. μή (rarely; cp. 2744. 1):
they said that they could not help submitting to the Thebansἔλεγον ὅτι . . . οὐ δυνήσοιντο μὴ πείθεσθαι τοῖς Οηβαίοις
it is disgraceful for me at least not to be willingαἰσχρὸν . . . γίγνεται ἐμέ γε μὴ ἐθέλειν
b. τὸ μή (cp. 2744. 3): ἔφη . . . οὐχ οι<*>῀όν τ᾽ εἶναι τὸ μὴ ἀποκτεῖναί με he said it was not possible not to condemn me to death P. A. 29c.
c. τοῦ μή (cp. 2744. 5):
the inability to restἡ ἀπορίᾱ τοῦ μὴ ἡσυχάζειν
d. τὸ μὴ οὐ (cp. 2744. 10): οὐ μέντοι ἔπειθέ γε τὸ μὴ οὐ μεγαλοπά̄γμων . . . εἶναι he could not, however, persuade them that he was not a man who entertained grand designs X. H. 5.2.36,
it is irrational not to make a two-fold divisionἄλογον τὸ μὴ οὐ τέμνειν διχῇ
μὴ οὐ WITH THE PARTICIPLE DEPENDING ON NEGATIVED VERBS
2750
μὴ οὐ, instead of μή, is sometimes found with the participle after expressions preceded by οὐ or involving a negative, and usually when such expressions denote impossibility or moral repugnance. μὴ οὐ here denotes an exception, and has the force of except, unless (cp. εἰ μή, 2346 a).
nothing then is beloved by a lover except it love in returnοὐκ ἄρα ἐστὶν φίλον τῷ φιλοῦντι οὐδὲν μὴ οὐκ ἀντιφιλοῦν
for I should prove hard of heart, did I not pity such a supplication as thisδυσάλγητος γὰρ ἂν εἴην τοίᾱνδε μὴ οὐ κατοικτί̄ρων ἕδρᾱν
μή AND μὴ οὐ WITH THE SUBJUNCTIVE AND INDICATIVE
2751
The use of μή and μὴ οὐ with the subjunctive is different from that with the infinitive.
a. In doubtful assertions (1801-1802) expressing anxiety, suspicion, surmise, μή is used of that which may be true, μὴ οὐ of that which may not be true.
b. After verbs of fear and caution, where μή means lest, μὴ οὐ means lest not, that not (2221, 2225).
REDUNDANT οὐ WITH πλήν, ETC.
2753
Redundant οὐ appears after the negative words πλήν, χωρίς, ἐκτός, ἄνευ except, without, and after πρίν (and μᾶλλον ἤ usually) preceded by a negative, which may be involved in a question.
νῦν δὲ φαίνεται (ἡ ναῦς) . . .
but now it seems that the ship is sailing everywhere except to Athensπλέουσα πανταχόσε πλὴν οὐκ εἰς Ἀθήνᾱς
but be assured that you will punish Polycles rather for your own good than for my private interestsεὖ δ᾽ ἴστε ὅτι οὐ περὶ τῶν ἐμῶν ἰδίων μᾶλλον τῑμωρήσεσθε Πολυκλέᾱ ἢ οὐχ ὑπέρ ὑ̄μῶν αὐτῶν
ου᾽ μή
2754
οὐ μή, and the compounds of each, are used in emphatic negative predictions and prohibitions.
a. οὐ μή marks strong personal interest on the part of the speaker. In its original use it may have belonged to colloquial speech and as such we find it in comedy; but in tragedy it is often used in stately language. οὐ μή is rare in the orators.
2755
(I) In negative predictions to denote a strong denial.
a. With the (first or second) aorist subjunctive, less often with the present subjunctive (1804). Thus,
if we are victorious, the Peloponnesians will never invade your territoryἢν νῑκήσωμεν, οὐ μή ποτε ὑ̄μῖν Πελοποννήσιοι ἐσβάλωσιν ἐς τὴν χώρᾱν
not one of the enemy will stand his ground any longerοὐδεὶς μηκέτι μείνῃ τῶν πολεμίων
your enemies will not be able to withstand youοὐ μή σοι δύνωνται ἀντέχειν οἱ πολέμιοι
b. With the future indicative (first and third person). Thus,
never will I follow theeοὔ σοι μὴ μεθέψομαί ποτε
he prophesied that they never would destroyἐθέσπισεν . . . ὡς οὐ μή ποτε πέρσοιεν
he declared that the city would never prosperεἶπεν . . . οὐ μή ποτε εὖ πρά̄ξειν πόλιν
2756
(II) In strong prohibitions (cp. 1919).
a. With the future indicative (second person singular). Thus,
don't come downοὐ μὴ καταβήσει
b. With the aorist subjunctive rarely (1800 N.). Thus
don't talk twaddleοὐ μὴ ληρήσῃς
2757
There are two cases in which οὐ μή is not used in conjunction, but where each negative has its own verb.
a. A positive command in the future indicative (second person) may be joined by ἀλλά or δέ to a prohibition introduced by οὐ μή. Thus,
don't prattle but follow meοὐ μὴ λαλήσεις ἀλλ᾽ ἀκολουθήσεις ἐμοί
do not be angry with thy friends, but cease thy wrathοὐ μὴ δυσμενὴς ἔσει τοῖς φίλοις, παύσει δὲ θῡμοῦ
b. A positive command with οὐ and the future indicative (second person) may be followed by the future in a prohibition introduced by μηδέ or καὶ μή. Here the clause with οὐ has the form of a question expecting the answer yes, while the whole sentence has the form of a question expecting the answer no. Thus, οὐ σῖγ᾽ ἀνέξει μηδὲ δειλίᾱν ἀρεῖ; wilt thou not keep silence and not win for thyself the reputation of cowardice? ( = keep silence and do not get the reputation of being a coward) S. Aj. 75, οὐκοῦν καλεῖς αὐτὸν καὶ μὴ ἀφήσεις; will you not call him and (will you not) send him away? ( = call him and don't send him away) P. S. 175a. Here οὐ is to be taken also with the following clause. Some scholars make the question in the second clause independent of οὐ.
2758
The origin of the use of οὐ μή is obscure and disputed. See Kvičala Zeitschrift für österreichische Gymnasien 1856, p. 755; Goodwin Moods and Tenses 389; Gildersleeve American Journal of Philology 3. 202, 23. 137; Jebb on Sophocles Ajax 75 (appendix); Chambers Classical Review 10. 150, 11. 109; Wharton o.c. 10. 239; Whitelaw o.c. 10. 239, 16. 277; Sonnenschein o.c. 16. 165; Kühner-Gerth Grammatik der griechischen Sprache 2. § 514. 8.
NEGATIVES WITH ὥστε AND THE INFINITIVE
2759
ὥστε with the infinitive shows the following uses of the negatives.
a. μή in ordinary result clauses including such as express an intended result; as πᾶν ποιοῦσιν ὥστε δίκην μὴ διδόναι μηδ᾽ ἀπαλλάττεσθαι τοῦ μεγίστου κακοῦ they use every effort (so as) to avoid being punished and released from the greatest of evils P. G. 479c.
b. μή sympathetic, after verbs of hindering; as
refraining from attackingἀπεχόμενοι ὥστε μὴ ἐμβάλλειν
N.—After verbs of hindering ὥστε is rarely used for ὥστε μή (cp. 2744. 2); as
the ravine in front of the walls prevented them from reaching the short cut to the Pelleniansὥστε γὰρ τὴν σύντομον πρὸς τοὺς Πελληνέᾱς ἀφικέσθαι ἡ πρὸ τοῦ τείχους φάραγξ εἶργε
c. ου᾽ , when the ὥστε clause depends on a clause itself subordinate to a verb of saying or thinking (2269).
d. μὴ οὐ after a negatived verb of hindering (cp. 2744. 8); as
neither will Eurybiades be able to prevent the fleet from being scatteredοὔτε σφέας Εὐρυβιάδης κατέχειν δυνήσεται . . . ὥστε μὴ οὐ διασκεδασθῆναι τὴν στρατιήν
for I will suffer nothing so much as not to die noblyπείσομαι γὰρ οὐ τοσοῦτον οὐδὲν ὥστε μὴ οὐ καλῶς θανεῖν
e. ου᾽ μή (cp. 2754 a); as
I have conceived such a desire to hear that I shall not fall behind youοὕτως ἐπετεθύ̄μηκα ἀκοῦσαι ὥστε . . . οὐ μή σου ἀπολειφθῶ
ACCUMULATION OF NEGATIVES
2760
If in the same clause a simple negative (οὐ or μή) with a verb follows a negative, each of the two negatives keeps its own force if they belong to different words or expressions. If they belong to the same word or expression, they make an affirmative.
οὐ διὰ τὸ μὴ ἀκοντίζειν οὐκ ἔβαλον αὐτόν it was not because they did not throw that they did not hit him Ant. 3. δ. 6,
by Demeter I am not able to help laughingοὔ τοι μὰ τὴν Δήμητρα δύναμαι μὴ γελᾶν
nor if there is any other man who is wise, does he love wisdomοὐ φιλοσοφεῖ
nor can the man who is base in private prove himself noble in a public capacityοὐδέ γε ὁ ἰδίᾳ πονηρὸς οὐκ ἂν γένοιτο δημοσίᾳ χρηστός
2761
If in the same clause one or more compound negatives follow a negative with the same verb, the compound negative simply confirms the first negative.
no one will do anything because of wantοὐδεὶς οὐδὲν πενίᾳ δρά̄σει
let no one raise an uproarμὴ θορυβήσῃ μηδείς
and neither did any one make an attack from any quarter nor did any one come to the bridgeκαὶ οὔτε ἐπέθετο οὐδεὶς οὐδαμόθεν οὔτε πρὸς τὴν γέφῡραν οὐδεὶς ἦλθε
a. In οὐδὲ γὰρ οὐδέ the first negative belongs to the whole sentence, while the second limits a particular part. Thus,
for he did not deceive me even in thisοὐδὲ γὰρ οὐδὲ τοῦτο ἐψεύσατο
2762
The negative of one clause is often repeated in the same or in another clause either for emphasis or because of lax structure.
δ̀ς οὐκ, ἐπειδὴ τῷδε ἐβούλευσας μόρον, δρᾶσαι τόδ᾽ ἔργον οὐκ ἔτλης who did not, after you had planned his death, dare to do this deed A. Ag. 1634. The repetition is rhetorical when the negative is repeated directly, as
not trifling, is this struggle, no in truthοὐ σμῑκρός, οὔχ, ἁ̄γὼν ὅδε
SOME NEGATIVE PHRASES
2763
μὴ ὅτι, οὐχ ὅπως , rarely οὐχ ὅτι and μὴ ὅπως , not to speak of, to say nothing of, not only, not only not, so far from (Lat. tantum aberat ut) are idiomatic phrases probably due to an (early, and later often unconscious) ellipsis of a verb of saying. Thus, οὐ λέγω (or οὐκ ἐρῶ) ὅπως, μὴ εἴπω (λέγε or εἴπῃς) ὅτι I do (will) not say that, let me not say that, do not say that. μὴ ὅτι, etc. are often used where these verbal forms cannot be supplied by reason of the form of the sentence.
a. οὐχ ὅτι ( οὐχ ὅπως, μὴ ὅτι ) . . . ἀλλὰ ( καί not only . . . but (also). Thus,
not only was Crito in peace, but his friends alsoοὐχ ὅτι μόνος ὁ Κρίτων ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ ἦν, ἀλλὰ καὶ οἱ φίλοι αὐτοῦ
b. οὐχ ὅπως (rarely οὐχ ὅτι ) or μὴ ὅτι . . . ἀλλὰ ( καί ) is shown by the context to mean not only not (so far from) . . . but (also). Thus,
not only are you not grateful to them, but you let yourself out for hire as a public man to their prejudiceοὐχ ὅπως χάριν αὐτοῖς ἔχεις, ἀλλὰ μισθώσᾱς σαυτὸν κατὰ τουτωνὶ̄ πολῑτεύει
c. οὐχ ὅπως (rarely οὐχ ὅτι ) or μὴ ὅτι ( μὴ ὅπως ) . . . ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ ( μηδέ ) or ἀλλ̓ου᾽ ( μή ) is shown by the context to mean not only not (so far from) . . . but not even. Thus,
not only do we not share in the general freedom, but we were not thought worthy of obtaining even a moderate servitudeοὐχ ὅπως τῆς κοινῆς ἐλευθερίᾱς μετέχομεν, ἀλλ᾽ οὐδὲ δουλείᾱς μετρίᾱς τυχεῖν ἠξιώθημεν
he considers himself not only not a Plataean but not even a free manνομίζει ἑαυτὸν μὴ ὅτι Πλαταιέᾱ εἶναι, ἀλλ᾽ οὐδ᾽ ἐλεύθερον
N. When a negative precedes, the meaning may be not only . . . but not even; as
you would offer your house to no one not only gratis, but not even for a lower price than it is worthτὴν οἰκίᾱν . . . οὐδενὶ ἂν μὴ ὅτι προῖκα δοίης, ἀλλ᾽ οὐδ᾽ ἔλᾱττον τῆς ἀξίᾱς λαβών
d. μὴ ὅτι (less often οὐχ ὅπως ) in the second of two balanced clauses, after an expressed or implied negative in the first clause, means much less (Lat. nedum); as οὐδὲ πλεῖν, μὴ ὅτι ἀναιρεῖσθαι τοὺς ἄνδρας δυνατὸν ἦν it was not possible even to sail, much less to rescue the man (i.e. to say nothing of rescuing) X. H. 2.3.35. The preceding negative may be contained in a question or be otherwise implicit. Thus, δοκεῖ σοι ῥᾴδιον εἶναι οὕτω ταχὺ μαθεῖν . . . ὁτιοῦν πρᾶγμα, μὴ ὅτι τοσοῦτον κτλ.; does it appear to you to be easy to learn so quickly any subject whatever, much less a subject of so great importance? P. Crat. 427e; cp. D. 54.17.
The rare οὐχ ὅτι in the second member means though (P. Pr. 336d).
e. μή τί γε , in the orators instead of μὴ ὅτι, after a negative means much less, after a positive much more. Cp. D. 19.137, 8. 27.
2764
ου᾽ μόνον . . . ἀλλὰ καί (negative ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ) not only . . . but also (Lat. non solum . . . sed etiam). καί may be omitted: usually when the ἀλλά clause either includes the first clause or is strongly contrasted with it. Thus,
you put on a cloak that is not merely wretched but is the same both summer and winter alikeἱ̄μάτιον ἠμφίεσαι οὐ μόνον φαῦλον, ἀλλά τὸ αὐτὸ θέρους τε καὶ χειμῶνος
2765
ὅ τι μή, ὅσον μή except, unless. ὅ τι (sometimes written ὅτι) μή, and ὅσον μή, ὅσα μή are used, without any verb, to limit a preceding assertion (cp. εἰ μή 2346 a).
for there was no spring, except one on the acropolis itselfοὐ γὰρ ἦν κρήνη, ὅ τι μὴ μία ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἀκροπόλει
they were masters of the country, so far as they could be without advancing far from their campτῆς γῆς ἐκράτουν ὅσα μὴ προϊόντες πολὺ ἐκ τῶν ὅπλων
2766
μόνον οὐ (lit. only not), ὅσον οὐ (of time) almost, all but (Lat. tantum non). Thus,
I was almost torn in piecesμόνον οὐ διεσπάσθην
he thought that he already was all but in possession of the cityἐνόμιζε . . . ὅσον οὐκ ἤδη ἔχειν τὴν πόλιν
2767
ου᾽ μὴν ἀλλά, οὐ μέντοι ἀλλά nevertheless, notwithstanding, cp. Lat. uerum tamen; the colloquial ου᾽ γὰρ ἀλλά has about the force of nay, for indeed, cp. Lat. non enim . . . sed. These elliptical phrases require a verb or some other word to be supplied from the context or general run of the thought; but they often resist strict analysis since the contrasted idea is too vague to be supplied. Thus, ὁ ἵππος . . . μῑκροῦ κἀ̄κεῖνον ἐξετραχήλισεν· οὐ μὴν (ἐξετραχήλισεν) ἀλλὰ ἐπέμεινεν ὁ Κῦρος the horse was within a little of throwing him also over its head; (not that it did throw him however, but = ) nevertheless Cyrus kept his seat X. C. 1.4.8, ἀεὶ μὲν οὖν οἵ θ᾽ ἡμέτεροι πρόγονοι καὶ Λακεδαιμόνιοι φιλοτί̄μως πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἶχον, οὐ μὴν (scil. περὶ κακῶν) ἀλλὰ περὶ καλλίστων . . . ἐφιλονί̄κησαν while our ancestors and the Lacedaemonians were continually jealous of each other (not indeed about base objects but = ) nevertheless they were rivals about the noblest objects I. 4.85, καὶ γὰρ ἂν δόξειεν οὕτω γ᾽ εἶναι ἄλογον· οὐ μέντοι (scil. ἄλογόν ἐστιν) ἀλλ᾽ ἴσως ἔχει τινὰ λόγον and in fact put thus it would seem to be unreasonable; (it is not however unreasonable but = ) nevertheless perhaps it has some sense P. Ph. 62b, μὴ σκῶπτέ μ᾽, ὦδέλφ᾽, οὐ γὰρ ἀλλ᾽ ἔχω κακῶς don't mock me, brother; nay, for really I am in a bad way Ar. Ran 58 (lit. for it is not so but, i.e. it is not a case for mocking, but). In these phrases ἀλλά seems to show traces of its original force of otherwise (2775).
2768
ου᾽ μὴν οὐδέ nor (yet) again, not however that corresponds to the positive οὐ μὴν (μέντοι) ἀλλά. Thus,
nor again has he spoken of barbariansοὐ μὴν οὐδὲ βαρβάρους εἴρηκε
not however that I bid you tamely permit them to injure our alliesοὐ μὴν οὐδὲ ἀναισθήτως αὐτοὺς κελεύω τοὺς . . . ξυμμάχους ἡμῶν ἐᾶν βλάπτειν
Herbert Weir Smyth.
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