{Inquired} (epunthaneto). Imperfect middle. Repeatedly
inquired as he heard the tramp of the passing crowd going by
(diaporeuomenou). {What this meant} (Ti ei(8820)touto).
Literally, What it was. Without an the optative is due to
indirect discourse, changed from estin. With an (margin of
Westcott and Hort) the potential optative of the direct discourse
is simply retained.