Thucydides 1.121.3 grammatical notes for critique

[hlawson38]

Context: a speaker presents the Spartan "rosy scenario" on the proposed war with Athens. In this clause, the speaker explains how to overcome the Athenian advantage in sea power.

δάνεισμα γὰρ ποιησάμενοι ὑπολαβεῖν οἷοί τ᾽ ἐσμὲν μισθῷ μείζονι τοὺς ξένους αὐτῶν ναυβάτας.

Grammatical notes
1. οἷοί τ᾽ ἐσμὲν: idiom meaning "we will be able"; literally "we are such a kind".
2. ὑπολαβεῖν: the infinitive complement to #1, "to draw away/hire away/seduce away"
3. μισθῷ μείζονι: dative of means, "by means of higher wages"

With these interpretations, the translation fell into place:

"By contracting a loan we will be able to hire away the foreign (hired) seamen of the Athenians."

[jeidsath]

ἐσόμεθα would be the future. (Otherwise I see it the same way you do.)

[hlawson38]

Many thanks Joel, I see your point.