{I also could wish} (eboulom(886e) kai autos). The imperfect
for courtesy, rather than the blunt oulomai, I wish, I want.
Literally, "I myself also was wishing" (while you were talking),
a compliment to the interesting story told by Festus. The use of
an with the imperfect would really mean that he does not wish
(a conclusion of the second class condition, determined as
unfulfilled). An with the optative would show only a languid
desire. The imperfect is keen enough and yet polite enough to
leave the decision with Festus if inconvenient for any reason
(Robertson, _Grammar_, pp. 885-7). Agrippa may have heard much
about Christianity.