Smyth (1968) gives the impression that the infinitive, whether with or without an article, functions as a substantive; he adds (1969) that the article must be used when the infinitive stands as an object in the genitive or dative, and when it depends on prepositions. Yet I recall seeing the article used with the infinitive standing as an object in the accusative without a preposition, and even as a subject. Does my memory fail me? And if not, what force might the article have in those cases?