[167] ἐπιόψομαι (fut. or perhaps rather aor. subj., see on 5.212), whomsoever I choose, let them be persuaded to go. The step by which “ἐφορᾶν” gets the meaning of selection is that of passing in review, inspecting, a number of things; see Od. 2.294 “τάων” (“νηῶν”) “ἐπιόψομαι ἥ τις ἀρίστη”, so we say ‘to look out’ a thing. τοὺς ἄν=“οὓς ἄν”, with δέ in apodosi. This is, however, not the Homeric use of the relative “ὁ” (H. G. § 262). But if we take it as a demonstrative, these men will I choose, and let them be persuaded, the “ἄν” is quite otiose. Hence van Herwerden conj. “μέν” for “ἄν”, Brandreth “ἄῤ”. Notice also the hiatus in ἐπιόψομαι. Brandreth writes “ἐπιϝόψομαι”, referring the word to “ϝόψ, ϝόσσομαι”, eos sane ego addicam. This, however, does not suit the Homeric “ὄσσομαι” nor explain “προτιόσσομαι” with similar hiatus. “ἔγωγε ἐπόψομαι” van Herw.
