[Maxima] Greek letters and variables

[Lars Jensen]

In maxima with the wxmaxima front end, I can define greek letter 
variables like alpha by using

%alpha

If greek fonts are enabled in the configuration of wxmaxima this 
produces the greek symbol alpha in the output.

If I try

%alpha1

I do not get the greek symbol followed by 1, but I get literally %alpha1 
in the output. How do I produce a variable that looks like the greek 
alpha symbol immediately followed by the number 1? -Or even better how 
do I produce a variable that looks like the greek alpha symbol with a 
subscript 1?

Thanks,
Lars.