Climax

καὶ δή: (a) Introduces a climax, as καὶ δὴ τὸ μέγιστον and above all, what is the main thing P. A. 41b. (b) In replies = well; as βλέψον κάτω· καὶ δὴ βλέπω look down! Well, I am looking Ar. Av. 175. This is akin to the temporal use. (c) In assumptions = suppose (1771). On καὶ δὴ καί see 2890.

Climax (κλῖμαξ ladder) is an arrangement of clauses in succession whereby the last important word of one is repeated as the first important word of the next, each clause in turn surpassing its predecessor in the importance of the thought. Cp. “But we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience . . . and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed”: Romans v. 3-5.

οὐκ εἶπον μὲν ταῦτα, οὐκ ἔγραψα δέ, οὐδ᾽ ἔγραψα μέν, οὐκ ἐπρέσβευσα δέ, οὐδ᾽ ἐπρέσβευσα μέν, οὐκ ἔπεισα δὲ Θηβαίους I did not utter these words without proposing a motion; nor did I propose a motion without becoming ambassador; nor did I become ambassador without convincing the Thebans D. 18.179; cp. 4. 19. This figure is very rare in Greek.