- May you never want!
- Would that he were safe!
- Would you were with us! [For Would that.]
May and would in such expressions were originally subjunctives; would stands for I would, that is, I should wish. Want in the first example is an infinitive without to ([§ 311]). For wishes expressed by the infinitive, see [§ 320].
278. Exhortations in the first person plural sometimes take the subjunctive in elevated or poetical style.
- Hear we the king!
- Join we in a hymn of praise!
Exhortation is ordinarily expressed by let us followed by the infinitive without to.
- Let us join hands.
- Let us have peace.
- Let’s camp here.
Let is a verb in the imperative mood, us is its object, and the infinitive (join, have, camp) depends on let.
Subjunctives in Concessions, Conditions, etc.
279. The subjunctive is used after though, although, to express an admission or concession not as a fact but as a supposition.
- Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.
- Though he were to beg this on his knees, I should still refuse.