11.06.26; Level 3+; Subjunctive [50] imperfect subjunctive of deponent verbs

The imperfect subjunctive of deponent verbs is formed in exactly the same way as the passive verbs, the only difference being that deponent verbs have an active meaning.

The image shows [i] the imperfect subjunctive of a passive verb, and [ii] the imperfect subjunctive of a deponent verb.

From the authors:

[i] … Rōmam est profectus, ut senātum ad excidendum Antium hortārētur (Livy) │ He set out for Rome in order to urge [ = so that he might urge] the Senate to destroy Antium

[ii] Nūdāvit sē in sānctissimō templō … ut eō tacente rēs ipsa loquerētur (Cicero) │ He exposed himself in the most sacred temple, … so that, with him silent, the act itself would speak.

[iii] Subitō ā rēge litterae sunt* eī missae, ut Aspim aggrederētur (Nepos) │ Suddenly, a letter was sent to him by the king, so that he might attack Aspis [desiring him to attack …].

*A quick reminder: litterae, although plural, frequently refers to a single letter

[iv] Tēctus montibus substitit Nerō nē ante noctem castra ingrederētur (Livy) │ Nero, concealed by the mountains, halted so that he might not enter the camp before nightfall…

[v] Two imperfect subjunctives in the same sentence, one of which is deponent:

cōnor, cōnārī, cōnātus sum [1/deponent]: attempt

Inde tantus terror pavorque omnēs occupāvit ut nōn modo alius quisquam arma caperet aut castrīs pellere hostem cōnārētur, sed etiam ipse rēx…vix decōrō habitū ad flūmen nāvēsque perfūgerit (Livy)

Then such great terror and fear seized everyone that not only would no one else take up arms or attempt to drive the enemy from the camp, but even the king himself … had barely reached the river and the ships in decent attire.