According to the definition of the imperative, this mood can express nothing but a command. Yet verbs of imperative form may also express entreaty or permission, as may, indeed, the indicative and the generally so-called potential.

He had lain there for many hours.

[Pogo, to kids:] All right, chillun! The Sunday school lesson is on page 4.

1. According to Aggieathletics.com, Texas A&M has a basketball team, too. How did this happen? Xbreeding sheep to goats to Maggies caused this.