would that it were

The expression implies a wishful or idealized alternative to an undesired reality. The phrase was coined by Robert Robinson, an English radio and television presenter, journalist and author.

{I} would that it were {so} = {I} wish it were {so}

"I hope, that's be the end of all our troubles."
"Would that it were, would that it were."

by pho3nix January 13, 2016