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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:35:28 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:35:28 -0700 |
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diff --git a/27587-h/27587-h.html b/27587-h/27587-h.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..584923d --- /dev/null +++ b/27587-h/27587-h.html @@ -0,0 +1,14877 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /><link rel="schema.DC" href="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" /><meta name="DC.Creator" content="William Stearns Davis" /><meta name="DC.Title" content="A Victor of Salamis" /><meta name="DC.Date" content="December 22, 2008" /><meta name="DC.Language" content="English" /><meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Project Gutenberg" /><meta name="DC.Identifier" content="http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/27587" /><meta name="DC.Rights" content="This text is in the public domain." /><title>The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Victor of Salamis by William Stearns Davis</title><style type="text/css">/* +The Gnutenberg Press - default CSS2 stylesheet + +Any generated element will have a class "tei" and a class "tei-elem" +where elem is the element name in TEI. +The order of statements is important !!! 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You may copy it, + give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project + Gutenberg License <a href="#pglicense" class="tei tei-ref">included with this + eBook</a> or online at <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license" class="tei tei-xref">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a></p></div><pre class="pre tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em">Title: A Victor of Salamis + +Author: William Stearns Davis + +Release Date: December 22, 2008 [Ebook #27587] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A VICTOR OF SALAMIS*** +</pre></div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + <a name="Pgi" id="Pgi" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> A VICTOR OF SALAMIS </span></p> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + <a name="Pgii" id="Pgii" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">The MM Co.</p> + + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-titlePage" style="text-align: center"> + <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></div> + <a name="Pgiii" id="Pgiii" class="tei tei-anchor" style="text-align: center"></a> + <span class="tei tei-docTitle" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 173%">A VICTOR OF SALAMIS</span></span> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style="text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A TALE OF THE DAYS OF XERXES, + LEONIDAS AND THEMISTOCLES</span></span></span> + </span> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> + <div class="tei tei-byline" style="text-align: center"> BY <br /><br /> + <span class="tei tei-docAuthor" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">WILLIAM STEARNS DAVIS</span></span> + <br /><br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%">AUTHOR OF “</span><span class="tei tei-bibl" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%">A FRIEND OF CÆSAR</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">,” “</span><span class="tei tei-bibl" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%">GOD WILLS + IT</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">,”</span><br /><span style="font-size: 90%"> “</span><span class="tei tei-bibl" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%">BELSHAZZAR</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">,” ETC.</span></span> + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + <div class="tei tei-epigraph" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-left: 10.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“... On the Ægean shore a city stands,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Built nobly, pure the air and light the soil,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Athens, the eye of Greece.”</span></div> + </div> + </div> + <br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-docImprint" style="text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-weight: 700">New York</span></span> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</span></span> + <br /> LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., LTD. </span> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-docDate" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">1907</span></span> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style="text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">All rights reserved</span></span></span> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></div> + <a name="Pgiv" id="Pgiv" class="tei tei-anchor" style="text-align: center"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-variant: small-caps">Copyright</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">, 1907,</span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-variant: small-caps">By</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> THE MACMILLAN COMPANY. </span></p> + <div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 10%" /></div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style="font-size: 90%"> Set up and electrotyped. Published April, 1907. </span></p> + <br /> + <br /> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-weight: 700">Norwood Press</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 90%"> J. S. Cushing & Co.—Berwick + & Smith Co.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 90%"> Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. </span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + <a name="Pgv" id="Pgv" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf1" id="pdf1"></a> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">AUTHOR’S NOTE</span></h1> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The invasion of Greece by Xerxes, with its battles of Thermopylæ, Salamis, and Platæa, + forms one of the most dramatic events in history. Had Athens and Sparta succumbed to this + attack of Oriental superstition and despotism, the Parthenon, the Attic Theatre, the + Dialogues of Plato, would have been almost as impossible as if Phidias, Sophocles, and the + philosophers had never lived. Because this contest and its heroes—Leonidas and + Themistocles—cast their abiding shadows across our world of to-day, I have attempted this + piece of historical fiction. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Many of the scenes were conceived on the fields of action themselves during a recent + visit to Greece, and I have tried to give some glimpse of the natural beauty of <span class="tei tei-q">“The + Land of the Hellene,”</span>—a beauty that will remain when Themistocles and his peers fade + away still further into the backgrounds of history. </p> + <div class="tei tei-signed" style="text-align: right"> W. S. D. </div> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + <a name="Pgvi" id="Pgvi" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="pagevii">[pg vii]</span> + <a name="Pgvii" id="Pgvii" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf2" id="pdf2"></a> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">CONTENTS</span></h1> + <a name="Pgviii" id="Pgviii" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><table summary="This is a table" cellspacing="0" class="tei tei-table" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><colgroup span="3"></colgroup><tbody><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">PROLOGUE</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center">THE ISTHMIAN GAMES NEAR CORINTH</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"> </td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span style="font-size: 81%">CHAPTER</span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span style="font-size: 81%">PAGE</span></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">I. </td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Glaucon the Beautiful</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg003" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">3</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">II.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Athlete</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg010" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">10</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">III.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Hand of Persia</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg021" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">21</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">IV.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Pentathlon</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg031" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">31</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"> </td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"> </td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">BOOK I</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center">THE SHADOW OF THE PERSIAN</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"> </td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">V.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Hermione of Eleusis</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg051" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">51</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VI.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Athens</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg062" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">62</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VII. </td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Democrates and the Tempter</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg074" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">74</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VIII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">On the Acropolis</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg084" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">84</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">IX.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Cyprian Triumphs</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg095" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">95</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">X.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Democrates Resolves</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg106" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">106</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XI. </td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Panathenæa</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg116" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">116</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">A Traitor to Hellas</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg128" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">128</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XIII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Disloyalty of Phormio</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg141" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">141</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XIV.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Mardonius the Persian</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg152" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">152</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"> </td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"> </td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">BOOK II</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center">THE COMING OF THE PERSIAN</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"> </td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XV. </td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Lotus-eating at Sardis</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg165" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">165</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XVI.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Coming of Xerxes the God-king</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg174" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">174</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XVII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Charming by Roxana</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg186" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">186</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XVIII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Democrates’s Troubles Return</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg197" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">197</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XIX.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Commandment of Xerxes</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg209" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">209</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XX.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Thermopylæ</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg219" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">219</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXI.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Three Hundred—and One</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg230" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">230</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXII. </td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Mardonius gives a Promise</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg243" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">243</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXIII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Darkest Hour</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg253" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">253</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXIV.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Evacuation of Athens</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg264" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">264</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXV.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Acropolis Flames</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg268" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">268</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXVI.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Themistocles is Thinking</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg279" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">279</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXVII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Craft of Odysseus</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg287" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">287</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXVIII. </td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Before the Death Grapple</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg300" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">300</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXIX.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Salamis</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg311" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">311</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXX.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Themistocles gives a Promise</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg329" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">329</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"> </td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"> </td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">BOOK III</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center">THE PASSING OF THE PERSIAN</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"><td class="tei tei-cell"> </td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td><td class="tei tei-cell"></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXXI.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Democrates Surrenders</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg333" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">333</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXXII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Stranger in Trœzene</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg343" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">343</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXXIII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">What befell on the Hillside</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg350" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">350</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXXIV.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Loyalty of Lampaxo</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg360" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">360</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXXV. </td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Moloch betrays the Phœnician</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg372" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">372</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXXVI.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Reading of the Riddle</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg388" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">388</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXXVII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Race To Save Hellas</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg399" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">399</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"> XXXVIII.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Council of Mardonius</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg418" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">418</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXXIX.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Avenging of Leonidas</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg426" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">426</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XL.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Song of the Furies</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg438" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">438</a></td> + </tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XLI.</td> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">The Brightness of Helios</span></span></td> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href="#Pg445" class="tei tei-ref" style="text-align: right">445</a></td> + </tr></tbody></table> + </div> + </div> + <div class="tei tei-body" style="margin-bottom: 6.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page1">[pg 1]</span> + <a name="Pg001" id="Pg001" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf3" id="pdf3"></a> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">PROLOGUE</span></h1> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> THE ISTHMIAN GAMES NEAR CORINTH </span></h1> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page2">[pg 2]</span> + <a name="Pg002" id="Pg002" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <hr class="doublepage" /><p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.73em"><span style="font-size: 173%">A VICTOR OF SALAMIS </span></p> + <div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page3">[pg 3]</span> + <a name="Pg003" id="Pg003" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf4" id="pdf4"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER I</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> GLAUCON THE BEAUTIFUL </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The crier paused for the fifth time. The crowd—knotty Spartans, keen Athenians, + perfumed Sicilians—pressed his pulpit closer, elbowing for the place of vantage. Amid a + lull in their clamour the crier recommenced. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And now, men of Hellas, another time hearken. The sixth contestant in the pentathlon, + most honourable of the games held at the Isthmus, is Glaucon, son of Conon the + Athenian; his grandfather—”</span> a jangling shout drowned him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The most beautiful man in Hellas!”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But an effeminate puppy!”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of the noble house of Alcmæon!”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The family’s accursed!”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A great god helps him—even Eros.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ay—the fool married for mere love. He needs help. His father disinherited him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace, peace,”</span> urged the crier; <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ll tell all about him, as I have of the + others. Know then, my masters, that he loved, and won in marriage, Hermione, daughter + of Hermippus of Eleusis. Now Hermippus is Conon’s mortal enemy; therefore in great + wrath Conon disinherited his son,—but now, consenting to forgive him if he wins the + parsley crown in the pentathlon—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A safe promise,”</span> interrupted a Spartan in broadest <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page4">[pg 4]</span><a name="Pg004" id="Pg004" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Doric; <span class="tei tei-q">“the pretty boy has no chance against Lycon, our Laconian giant.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Boaster!”</span> retorted an Athenian. <span class="tei tei-q">“Did not Glaucon bend open a horseshoe + yesterday?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Our Mœrocles did that,”</span> called a Mantinean; whereupon the crier, foregoing his + long speech on Glaucon’s noble ancestry, began to urge the Athenians to show their + confidence by their wagers. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How much is staked that Glaucon can beat Ctesias of Epidaurus?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We don’t match our lion against mice!”</span> roared the noisiest Athenian. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Or Amyntas of Thebes?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not Amyntas! Give us Lycon of Sparta.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lycon let it be,—how much is staked and by whom, that Glaucon of Athens, contending + for the first time in the great games, defeats Lycon of Sparta, twice victor at Nemea, + once at Delphi, and once at Olympia?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The second rush and outcry put the crier nearly at his wits’ end to record the wagers + that pelted him, and which testified how much confidence the numerous Athenians had in + their unproved champion. The brawl of voices drew newcomers from far and near. The + chariot race had just ended in the adjoining hippodrome; and the idle crowd, intent on a + new excitement, came surging up like waves. In such a whirlpool of tossing arms and + shoving elbows, he who was small of stature and short of breath stood a scanty chance of + getting close enough to the crier’s stand to have his wager recorded. Such, at least, + was the fate of a gray but dignified little man, who struggled vainly—even with risk to + his long linen chiton—to reach the front. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ugh! ugh! Make way, good people,—Zeus confound you, brute of a Spartan, your big + sandals crush my toes <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page5">[pg 5]</span><a name="Pg005" id="Pg005" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>again! Can I never get near + enough to place my two minæ on that Glaucon?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Keep back, graybeard,”</span> snapped the Spartan; <span class="tei tei-q">“thank the god if you can hold your + money and not lose it, when Glaucon’s neck is wrung to-morrow.”</span> Whereupon he lifted + his own voice with, <span class="tei tei-q">“Thirty drachmæ to place on Lycon, Master Crier! So you have + it—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And two minæ on Glaucon,”</span> piped the little man, peering up with bright, beady + eyes; but the crier would never have heard him, save for a sudden ally. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who wants to stake on Glaucon?”</span> burst in a hearty young Athenian who had wagered + already. <span class="tei tei-q">“You, worthy sir? Then by Athena’s owls they shall hear you! Lend us your + elbow, Democrates.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The latter request was to a second young Athenian close by. With his stalwart helpers + thrusting at either side, the little man was soon close to the crier. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Two minæ?”</span> quoth the latter, leaning, <span class="tei tei-q">“two that Glaucon beats Lycon, and at even + odds? But your name, sir—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The little man straightened proudly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Simonides of Ceos.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The crowd drew back by magic. The most bristling Spartan grew respectful. The crier + bowed as his ready stylus made the entry. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Simonides of Ceos, Simonides the most noted poet in Hellas!”</span> cried the first of + his two rescuers; <span class="tei tei-q">“it’s a great honour to have served so famous a man. Pray let me + take your hand.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“With all the joy in the world.”</span> The little poet coloured with delight at the + flattery. <span class="tei tei-q">“You have saved me, I avow, from the forge and anvil of Hephæstus. What a + vulgar mob! Do stand apart; then I can try to thank you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Aided again by his two protectors, Simonides was soon <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page6">[pg 6]</span><a name="Pg006" id="Pg006" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>clear of the whirlpool. Under one of the graceful pines, which girded the long + stadium, he recovered breath and looked at leisure upon his new acquaintances. Both were + striking men, but in sharp contrast: the taller and darker showed an aquiline visage + betraying a strain of non-Grecian blood. His black eyes and large mouth were very merry. + He wore his green chiton with a rakishness that proved him anything but a dandy. His + companion, addressed as Democrates, slighter, blonder, showed Simonides a handsome and + truly Greek profile, set off by a neatly trimmed reddish beard. His purple-edged cloak + fell in statuesque folds of the latest mode, his beryl signet-ring, scarlet fillet, and + jewelled <a name="corr006" id="corr006" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">girdle</span> bespoke wealth and taste. His face, too, might + have seemed frank and affable, had not Simonides suddenly recalled an old proverb about + mistrusting a man with eyes too close together. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And now,”</span> said the little poet, quite as ready to pay compliments as to take them, + <span class="tei tei-q">“let me thank my noble deliverers, for I am sure two such valorous young men as you + must come of the best blood of Attica.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am not ashamed of my father, sir,”</span> spoke the taller Athenian; <span class="tei tei-q">“Hellas has not + yet forgotten Miltiades, the victor of Marathon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then I clasp the hand of Cimon, the son of the saviour of Hellas.”</span> The little + poet’s eyes danced. <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh! the pity I was in Thessaly so long, and let you grow up in my + absence. A noble son of a noble father! And your friend—did you name him + Democrates?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I did so.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fortunate old rascal I am! For I meet Cimon the son of Miltiades, and Democrates, + that young lieutenant of Themistocles who all the world knows is gaining fame already + as Nestor and Odysseus, both in one, among the orators of Athens.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page7">[pg 7]</span> + <a name="Pg007" id="Pg007" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your compliments exceed all truth,”</span> exclaimed the second Athenian, not at all + angered by the praise. But Simonides, whose tongue was brisk, ran on with a torrent of + flattery and of polite insinuation, until Cimon halted him, with a query. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yet why, dear Cean, since, as you say, you only arrived this afternoon at the + Isthmus, were you so anxious to stake that money on Glaucon?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why? Because I, like all Greece outside of Sparta, seem to be turning Glaucon-mad. + All the way from Thessaly—in Bœotia, in Attica, in Megara—men talked of him, his + beauty, his prowess, his quarrel with his father, his marriage with Hermione, the + divinest maiden in Athens, and how he has gone to the games to win both the crown and + crusty Conon’s forgiveness. I tell you, every mule-driver along the way seemed to have + staked his obol on him. They praise him as <span class="tei tei-q">‘fair as Delian Apollo,’</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">‘graceful as young Hermes,’</span> and—here I wonder most,—<span class="tei tei-q">‘modest as an unwedded + girl.’</span> ”</span> Simonides drew breath, then faced the others earnestly, <span class="tei tei-q">“You are + Athenians; do you know him?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Know him?”</span> Cimon laughed heartily; <span class="tei tei-q">“have we not left him at the wrestling + ground? Was not Democrates his schoolfellow once, his second self to-day? And touching + his beauty, his valour, his modesty,”</span> the young man’s eyes shone with loyal + enthusiasm, <span class="tei tei-q">“do not say <span class="tei tei-q">‘over-praised’</span> till you have seen him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Simonides swelled with delight. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, lucky genius that cast me with you! Take me to him this moment.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He is so beset with admirers, his trainers are angry already; besides, he is still at + the wrestling ground.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But soon returns to his tents,”</span> added Democrates, instantly; <span class="tei tei-q">“and Simonides—is + Simonides. If Themistocles <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page8">[pg 8]</span><a name="Pg008" id="Pg008" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and Leonidas can see + Glaucon, so must the first poet of Hellas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O dearest orator,”</span> cried the little man, with an arm around his neck, <span class="tei tei-q">“I begin + to love you already. Away this moment, that I may worship your new divinity.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Come, then,”</span> commanded Cimon, leading off with strides so long the bard could + hardly follow; <span class="tei tei-q">“his tent is not distant: you shall see him, though the trainers change + to Gorgons.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-q">“Precinct of Poseidon,”</span> the great walled enclosure where were the temples, + porticos, and the stadium of the Isthmus, was quickly behind them. They walked eastward + along the <a name="corr008" id="corr008" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">sea-shore</span>. The scene about was + brisk enough, had they heeded. A dozen chariots + passed. Under every tall pine along the way stood merchants’ booths, each with a goodly + crowd. Now a herd of brown goats came, the offering of a pious Phocian; now a band of + Aphrodite’s priestesses from Corinth whirled by in no overdecorous dance, to a deafening + noise of citharas and castanets. A soft breeze was sending the brown-sailed fisher boats + across the heaving bay. Straight before the three spread the white stuccoed houses of + Cenchræa, the eastern haven of Corinth; far ahead in smooth semicircle rose the green + crests of the Argive mountains, while to their right upreared the steep lonely pyramid + of brown rock, Acro-Corinthus, the commanding citadel of the thriving city. But above, + beyond these, fairer than them all, spread the clear, sun-shot azure of Hellas, the like + whereof is not over any other land, save as that land is girt by the crisp foam of the + blue Ægean Sea. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So much for the picture, but Simonides, having seen it often, saw it not at all, but + plied the others with questions. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So this Hermione of his is beautiful?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Like Aphrodite rising from the sea foam.”</span> The answer <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page9">[pg 9]</span><a name="Pg009" id="Pg009" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>came from Democrates, who seemed to look away, avoiding the poet’s keen + glance. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And yet her father gave her to the son of his bitter enemy?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hermippus of Eleusis is sensible. It is a fine thing to have the handsomest man in + Hellas for son-in-law.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And now to the great marvel—did Glaucon truly seek her not for dowry, nor rank, but + for sheer love?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Marriages for love are in fashion to-day,”</span> said Democrates, with a side glance at + Cimon, whose sister Elpinice had just made a love match with Callias the Rich, to the + scandal of all the prudes in Athens. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then I meet marvels even in my old age. Another Odysseus and his Penelope! And he is + handsome, valiant, high-minded, with a wife his peer? You raise my hopes too high. + They will be dashed.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They will not,”</span> protested Democrates, with every sign of loyalty; <span class="tei tei-q">“turn here: + this lane in the pines leads to his tent. If we have praised too much, doom us to the + labours of Tantalus.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But here their progress was stopped. A great knot of people were swarming about a + statue under a pine tree, and shrill, angry voices proclaimed not trafficking, but a + brawl. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page10">[pg 10]</span> + <a name="Pg010" id="Pg010" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf5" id="pdf5"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER II</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE ATHLETE </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> There was ceaseless coming and going outside the Precinct of Poseidon. Following much + the same path just taken by Simonides and his new friends, two other men were walking, + so deep in talk that they hardly heeded how many made respectful way for them, or how + many greeted them. The taller and younger man, to be sure, returned every salute with a + graceful flourish of his hands, but in a mechanical way, and with eye fixed on his + companion. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The pair were markedly contrasted. The younger was in his early prime, strong, well + developed, and daintily dressed. His gestures were quick and eloquent. His brown beard + and hair were trimmed short to reveal a clear olive face—hardly regular, but expressive + and tinged with an extreme subtilty. When he laughed, in a strange, silent way, it was + to reveal fine teeth, while his musical tongue ran on, never waiting for answer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> His comrade, however, answered little. He barely rose to the other’s shoulder, but he + had the chest and sinews of an ox. Graces there were none. His face was a scarred + ravine, half covered by scanty stubble. The forehead was low. The eyes, gray and wise, + twinkled from tufted eyebrows. The long gray hair was tied about his forehead in a braid + and held by a golden circlet. The <span class="tei tei-q">“chlamys”</span> around his <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page11">[pg 11]</span><a name="Pg011" id="Pg011" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>hips was purple but dirty. To his companion’s glib Attic he returned only + Doric monosyllables. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Thus I have explained: if my plans prosper; if Corcyra and Syracuse send aid; if + Xerxes has trouble in provisioning his army, not merely can we resist Persia, but + conquer with ease. Am I too sanguine, Leonidas?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We shall see.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No doubt Xerxes will find his fleet untrustworthy. The Egyptian sailors hate the + Phœnicians. Therefore we can risk a sea fight.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No rashness, Themistocles.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes—it is dicing against the Fates, and the stake is the freedom of Hellas. Still a + battle must be risked. If we quit ourselves bravely, our names shall be remembered as + long as Agamemnon’s.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Or Priam’s?—his Troy was sacked.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you, my dear king of Sparta, will of course move heaven and earth to have your + Ephors and Council somewhat more forward than of late in preparing for war? We all + count on you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I will try.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who can ask more? But now make an end to statecraft. We were speaking about the + pentathlon and the chances of—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Here the same brawling voices that had arrested Simonides broke upon Themistocles and + Leonidas also. The cry <span class="tei tei-q">“A fight!”</span> was producing its inevitable result. Scores of + men, and those not the most aristocratic, were running pell-mell whither so many had + thronged already. In the confusion scant reverence was paid the king of Sparta and the + first statesman of Athens, who were thrust unceremoniously aside and were barely + witnesses of what followed. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page12">[pg 12]</span> + <a name="Pg012" id="Pg012" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The outcry was begun, after-report had it, by a Sicyonian bronze-dealer finding a + small but valuable lamp missing from the table whereon he showed his wares. Among the + dozen odd persons pressing about the booth his eye singled out a slight, handsome boy in + Oriental dress; and since Syrian serving-lads were proverbially light-fingered, the + Sicyonian jumped quickly at his conclusion. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Seize the Barbarian thief!”</span> had been his shout as he leaped and snatched the + alleged culprit’s mantle. The boy escaped easily by the frailness of his dress, which + tore in the merchant’s hands; but a score of bystanders seized the fugitive and dragged + him back to the Sicyonian, whose order to <span class="tei tei-q">“search!”</span> would have been promptly + obeyed; but at this instant he stumbled over the missing lamp on the ground before the + table, whence probably it had fallen. The bronze-dealer was now mollified, and would + willingly have released the lad, but a Spartan bystander was more zealous. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Here’s a Barbarian thief and spy!”</span> he began bellowing; <span class="tei tei-q">“he dropped the lamp when + he was detected! Have him to the temple and to the wardens of the games!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The magic word <span class="tei tei-q">“spy”</span> let loose the tongues and passions of every man within + hearing. The unfortunate lad was seized again and jostled rudely, while questions + rattled over him like hailstones. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Whose slave are you? Why here? Where’s your master? Where did you get that outlandish + dress and gold-laced turban? Confess, confess,—or it’ll be whipped out of you! What + <span class="tei tei-sic">villany</span> are you up to?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> If the prisoner had understood Greek,—which was doubtful,—he could scarce have + comprehended this babel. He struggled vainly; tears started to his eyes. Then he + committed a blunder. Not attempting a protest, he thrust <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page13">[pg 13]</span><a name="Pg013" id="Pg013" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a small hand into his crimson belt and drew forth a handful of gold as bribe for + release. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A slave with ten darics!”</span> bawled the officious Spartan, never relaxing his grip. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hark you, friends, it’s plain as day. Dexippus of Corinth has a Syrian lad like + this. The young scoundrel’s robbed his master and is running away.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That’s it! A runaway! To the temple with him!”</span> chimed a dozen. The prisoner’s + outcries were drowned. He would have been swept off in ungentle custody had not a strong + hand intervened in his favor. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A moment, good citizens,”</span> called a voice in clear Attic. <span class="tei tei-q">“Release this lad. I + know Dexippus’s slave; he’s no such fellow.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The others, low-browed Spartans mostly, turned, ill-pleased at the interruption of an + Athenian, but shrank a step as a name went among them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Castor and Pollux—it’s Glaucon the Beautiful!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> With two thrusts of impetuous elbows, the young man was at the assailed lad’s side. + The newcomer was indeed a sight for gods. Beauty and power seemed wholly met in a figure + of perfect symmetry and strength. A face of fine regularity, a chiselled profile, smooth + cheeks, deep blue eyes, a crown of closely cropped auburn hair, a chin neither weak nor + stern, a skin burnt brown by the sun of the wrestling schools—these were parts of the + picture, and the whole was how much fairer than any part! Aroused now, he stood with + head cast back and a scarlet cloak shaking gracefully from his shoulders. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Unhand the lad!”</span> he repeated. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For a moment, compelled by his beauty, the Spartans yielded. The Oriental pressed + against his protector; but the affair was not to end so easily. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hark you, Sir Athenian,”</span> rejoined the Spartan leader, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page14">[pg 14]</span><a name="Pg014" id="Pg014" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“don’t presume on your good looks. Our Lycon will mar them all + to-morrow. Here’s Dexippus’s slave or else a Barbarian spy: in either case to the + temple with him, and don’t you hinder.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He plucked at the boy’s girdle; but the athlete extended one slim hand, seized the + Spartan’s arm, and with lightning dexterity laid the busybody flat on Mother Earth. He + staggered upward, raging and calling on his fellows. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sparta insulted by Athens! Vengeance, men of Lacedæmon! Fists! Fists!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The fate of the Oriental was forgotten in the storm of patriotic fury that followed. + Fortunately no one had a weapon. Half a dozen burly Laconians precipitated themselves + without concert or order upon the athlete. He was hidden a moment in the rush of + flapping gowns and tossing arms. Then like a rock out of the angry sea shone his golden + head, as he shook off the attack. Two men were on their backs, howling. The others stood + at respectful distance, cursing and meditating another rush. An Athenian pottery + merchant from a neighbouring booth began trumpeting through his hands. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Men of Athens, this way!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> His numerous countrymen came scampering from far and wide. Men snatched up stones and + commenced snapping off pine boughs for clubs. The athlete, centre of all this din, stood + smiling, with his glorious head held high, his eyes alight with the mere joy of battle. + He held out his arms. Both pose and face spoke as clearly as words,—<span class="tei tei-q">“Prove me!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sparta is insulted. Away with the braggart!”</span> the Laconians were clamouring. The + Athenians answered in kind. Already a dark sailor was drawing a dirk. Everything + promised broken heads, and perhaps blood, when Leonidas <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page15">[pg 15]</span><a name="Pg015" id="Pg015" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and his friend,—by laying about them with their staves,—won their way to the front. + The king dashed his staff upon the shoulder of a strapping Laconian who was just hurling + himself on Glaucon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fools! Hold!”</span> roared Leonidas, and the moment the throng saw what newcomers they + faced, Athenian and Spartan let their arms drop and stood sheepish and silent. + Themistocles instantly stepped forward and held up his hand. His voice, trumpet-clear, + rang out among the pines. In three sentences he dissolved the tumult. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fellow-Hellenes, do not let Dame Discord make sport of you. I saw all that befell. It + is only an unlucky misunderstanding. You are quite satisfied, I am sure, Master + Bronze-Dealer?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Sicyonian, who saw in a riot the ruin of his evening’s trade, nodded gladly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He says there was no thieving, and he is entirely satisfied. He thanks you for your + friendly zeal. The Oriental was not Dexippus’s slave, and Xerxes does not need such + boys for spies. I am certain Glaucon would not insult Sparta. So let us part without + bad blood, and await the judgment of the god in the contest to-morrow.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Not a voice answered him. The crash of music from the sacrificial embassy of Syracuse + diverted everybody’s attention; most of the company streamed away to follow the + flower-decked chariots and cattle back to the temple. Themistocles and Leonidas were + left almost alone to approach the athlete. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are ever Glaucon the Fortunate,”</span> laughed Themistocles; <span class="tei tei-q">“had we not chanced + this way, what would not have befallen?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, it was delightful,”</span> rejoined the athlete, his eyes still kindled; <span class="tei tei-q">“the + shock, the striving, the putting one’s own <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page16">[pg 16]</span><a name="Pg016" id="Pg016" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>strength + and will against many and feeling <span class="tei tei-q">‘I am the stronger.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Delightful, no doubt”</span> replied the statesman, <span class="tei tei-q">“though Zeus spare me fighting one + against ten! But what god possessed you to meddle in this brawl, and imperil all + chances for to-morrow?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I was returning from practice at the palæstra. I saw the lad beset and knew he was + not Dexippus’s slave. I ran to help him. I thought no more about it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And risked everything for a sly-eyed Oriental. Where is the rascal?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But the lad—author of the commotion—had disappeared completely. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Behold his fair gratitude to his rescuer,”</span> cried Themistocles, sourly, and then he + turned to Leonidas. <span class="tei tei-q">“Well, very noble king of Sparta, you were asking to see Glaucon + and judge his chances in the pentathlon. Your Laconians have just proved him; are you + satisfied?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But the king, without a word of greeting, ran his eyes over the athlete from head to + heel, then blurted out his verdict: </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Too pretty.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon blushed like a maid. Themistocles threw up his hands in deprecation. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But were not Achilles and many another hero beautiful as brave? Does not Homer call + them so many times <span class="tei tei-q">‘godlike’</span>?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Poetry doesn’t win the pentathlon,”</span> retorted the king; then suddenly he seized the + athlete’s right arm near the shoulder. The muscles cracked. Glaucon did not wince. The + king dropped the arm with a <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span>”</span> then extended his own + hand, the fingers half closed, and ordered, <span class="tei tei-q">“Open.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> One long minute, just as Simonides and his companions <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page17">[pg 17]</span><a name="Pg017" id="Pg017" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>approached, Athenian and Spartan stood face to face, hand locked in hand, while + Glaucon’s forehead grew redder, not with blushing. Then blood rushed to the king’s brow + also. His fingers were crimson. They had been forced open. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span>”</span> cried the king, again; then, to Themistocles, <span class="tei tei-q">“He + will do.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Whereupon, as if satisfied in his object and averse to further dalliance, he gave + Cimon and his companions the stiffest of nods and deliberately turned on his heel. + Speech was too precious coin for him to be wasted on mere adieus. Only over his shoulder + he cast at Glaucon a curt mandate. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I hate Lycon. Grind his bones.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles, however, lingered a moment to greet Simonides. The little poet was + delighted, despite overweening hopes, at the manly beauty yet modesty of the athlete, + and being a man who kept his thoughts always near his tongue, made Glaucon blush more + manfully than ever. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Master Simonides is overkind,”</span> had ventured the athlete; <span class="tei tei-q">“but I am sure his + praise is only polite compliment.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What misunderstanding!”</span> ran on the poet. <span class="tei tei-q">“How you pain me! I truly desired to + ask a question. Is it not a great delight to know that so many people are gladdened + just by looking on you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How dare I answer? If <span class="tei tei-q">‘no,’</span> I contradict you—very rude. If <span class="tei tei-q">‘yes,’</span> I praise + myself—far ruder.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cleverly turned. The face of Paris, the strength of Achilles, the wit of Periander, + all met in one body;”</span> but seeing the athlete’s confusion more profound than ever, + the Cean cut short. <span class="tei tei-q">“Heracles! if my tongue wounds you, lo! it’s clapped back in its + sheath; I’ll be revenged in an ode of fifty iambs on your victory. For that you will + conquer, neither <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page18">[pg 18]</span><a name="Pg018" id="Pg018" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>I nor any sane man in Hellas has the + least doubt. Are you not confident, dear Athenian?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am confident in the justice of the gods, noble Simonides,”</span> said the athlete, + half childishly, half in deep seriousness. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well you may be. The gods are usually <span class="tei tei-q">‘just’</span> to such as you. It’s we graybeards + that Tyche, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Lady Fortune,’</span> grows tired of helping.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Perhaps!”</span> Glaucon passed his hand across his eyes with a dreamy gesture. <span class="tei tei-q">“Yet + sometimes I almost say, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Welcome a misfortune, if not too terrible,’</span> just to ward + off the god’s jealousy of too great prosperity. In all things, save my father’s anger, + I have prospered. To-morrow I can appease that, too. Yet you know Solon’s saying, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Call no man fortunate till he is dead.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Simonides was charmed at this frank confession on first acquaintance. <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, but even + one of the Seven Sages can err.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not know. I only hope—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hush, Glaucon,”</span> admonished Democrates. <span class="tei tei-q">“There’s no worse dinner before a contest + than one of flighty thoughts. When safe in Athens—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In Eleusis you mean,”</span> corrected the athlete. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Pest take you,”</span> cried Cimon; <span class="tei tei-q">“you say Eleusis because there is Hermione. But + make this day-dreaming end ere you come to grips with Lycon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He will awaken,”</span> smiled Themistocles. Then, with another gracious nod to + Simonides, the statesman hastened after Leonidas, leaving the three young men and the + poet to go to Glaucon’s tent in the pine grove. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And why should Leonidas wish Glaucon to grind the bones of the champion of + Sparta?”</span> asked Cimon, curiously. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Quickly answered,”</span> replied Simonides, who knew half <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page19">[pg 19]</span><a name="Pg019" id="Pg019" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the persons of the nobility in Hellas; <span class="tei tei-q">“first, Lycon is of the rival + kingly house at Sparta; second, he’s suspected of <span class="tei tei-q">‘Medizing,’</span> of favouring + Persia.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ve heard that story of <span class="tei tei-q">‘Medizing,’</span> ”</span> interrupted Democrates, promptly; <span class="tei tei-q">“I + can assure you it is not true.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Enough if he’s suspected,”</span> cried the uncompromising son of Miltiades; <span class="tei tei-q">“honest + Hellenes should not even be blown upon in times like this. Another reason then for + hating him—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace!”</span> ordered Glaucon, as if starting from a long revery, and with a sweep of + his wonderful hands; <span class="tei tei-q">“let the Medes, the Persians, and their war wait. For me the only + war is the pentathlon,—and then by Zeus’s favour the victory, the glory, the return + to Eleusis! Ah—wish me joy!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Verily, the man is mad,”</span> reflected the poet; <span class="tei tei-q">“he lives in his own bright world, + sufficient to himself. May Zeus never send storms to darken it! For to bear disaster + his soul seems never made.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At the tent Manes, the athlete’s body-servant, came running to his master, with a + small box firmly bound. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A strange dark man brought this only a moment since. It is for Master Glaucon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> On opening there was revealed a bracelet of Egyptian turquoise; the price thereof + Simonides wisely set at two minæ. Nothing betrayed the identity of the giver save a slip + of papyrus written in Greek, but in very uncertain hand. <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To the + Beautiful Champion of Athens: from one he has greatly served.</span></span>”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cimon held the bracelet on high, admiring its perfect lustre. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles was wrong,”</span> he remarked; <span class="tei tei-q">“the Oriental <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page20">[pg 20]</span><a name="Pg020" id="Pg020" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was not ungrateful. But what <span class="tei tei-q">‘slave’</span> or <span class="tei tei-q">‘lad’</span> was this that + Glaucon succoured?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Perhaps,”</span> insinuated Simonides, <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles was wrong yet again. Who knows if + a stranger giving such gifts be not sent forth by Xerxes?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Don’t chatter foolishness,”</span> commanded Democrates, almost peevishly; but Glaucon + replaced the bracelet in the casket. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Since the god sends this, I will rejoice in it,”</span> he declared lightly. <span class="tei tei-q">“A fair + omen for to-morrow, and it will shine rarely on Hermione’s arm.”</span> The mention of + that lady called forth new protests from Cimon, but he in turn was interrupted, for a + half-grown boy had entered the tent and stood beckoning to Democrates. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page21">[pg 21]</span> + <a name="Pg021" id="Pg021" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf6" id="pdf6"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER III</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE HAND OF PERSIA </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The lad who sidled up to Democrates was all but a hunchback. His bare arms were + grotesquely tattooed, clear sign that he was a Thracian. His eyes twinkled keenly, + uneasily, as in token of an almost sinister intelligence. What he whispered to + Democrates escaped the rest, but the latter began girding up his cloak. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You leave us, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotate</span></span>?”</span> cried Glaucon. <span class="tei tei-q">“Would I not + have all my friends with me to-night, to fill me with fair thoughts for the morrow? + Bid your ugly Bias keep away!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A greater friend than even Glaucon the Alcmæonid commands me hence,”</span> said the + orator, smiling. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Declare his name.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Declare <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">her</span></span> name,”</span> cried Simonides, viciously. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Noble Cean, then I say I serve a most beautiful, high-born dame. Her name is + Athens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Curses on your public business,”</span> lamented Glaucon. <span class="tei tei-q">“But off with you, since your + love is the love of us all.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates kissed the athlete on both cheeks. <span class="tei tei-q">“I leave you to faithful guardians. + Last night I dreamed of a garland of lilies, sure presage of a victory. So take + courage.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chaire! chaire!</span></span>”</span><a id="noteref_1" name="noteref_1" href="#note_1"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">1</span></span></a> called the rest; and Democrates left the + tent to follow the slave-boy. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Evening was falling: the sea, rocks, fields, pine groves, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page22">[pg 22]</span><a name="Pg022" id="Pg022" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>were touched by the red glow dying behind Acro-Corinthus. Torches gleamed + amid the trees where the multitudes were buying, selling, wagering, making merry. All + Greece seemed to have sent its wares to be disposed of at the Isthmia. Democrates idled + along, now glancing at the huckster who displayed his painted clay dolls and urged the + sightseers to remember the little ones at home. A wine-seller thrust a sample cup of a + choice vintage under the Athenian’s nose, and vainly adjured him to buy. Thessalian + easy-chairs, pottery, slaves kidnapped from the Black Sea, occupied one booth after + another. On a pulpit before a bellowing crowd a pair of marionettes were rolling their + eyes and gesticulating, as a woman pulled the strings. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But there were more exalted entertainments. A rhapsodist stood on a pine stump + chanting in excellent voice Alcæus’s hymn to Apollo. And more willingly the orator + stopped on the edge of a throng of the better sort, which listened to a man of noble + aspect reading in clear voice from his scroll. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Æschylus of Athens,”</span> whispered a bystander. <span class="tei tei-q">“He reads choruses of certain + tragedies he says he will perfect and produce much later.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates knew the great dramatist well, but what he read was new—a <span class="tei tei-q">“Song of the + Furies”</span> calling a terrific curse upon the betrayer of friendship. <span class="tei tei-q">“Some of his + happiest lines,”</span> meditated Democrates, walking away, to be held a moment by the + crowd around Lamprus the master-harpist. But now, feeling that he had dallied long + enough, the orator turned his back on the two female acrobats who were swinging on a + trapeze and struck down a long, straight road which led toward the distant cone of + Acro-Corinthus. First, however, he turned on Bias, who all the time had been + accompanying, dog-fashion. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You say he is waiting at Hegias’s inn?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page23">[pg 23]</span> + <a name="Pg023" id="Pg023" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, master. It’s by the temple of Bellerophon, just as you begin to enter the + city.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good! I don’t want to ask the way. Now catch this obol and be off.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The boy snatched the flying coin and glided into the crowd. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates walked briskly out of the glare of the torches, then halted to slip the + hood of his cloak up about his face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The road is dark, but the wise man shuns accidents,”</span> was his reflection, as he + strode in the direction pointed by Bias. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The way was dark. No moon; and even the brilliant starlight of summer in Hellas is an + uncertain guide. Democrates knew he was traversing a long avenue lined by spreading + cypresses, with a shimmer of white from some tall, sepulchral monument. Then through the + dimness loomed the high columns of a temple, and close beside it pale light spread out + upon the road as from an inn. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hegias’s inn,”</span> grumbled the Athenian. <span class="tei tei-q">“Zeus grant it have no more fleas than + most inns of Corinth!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At sound of his footsteps the door opened promptly, without knocking. A squalid scene + revealed itself,—a white-washed room, an <a name="corr023" id="corr023" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">earthen</span> floor, two clay lamps on a low table, + a few stools,—but a tall, lean man in Oriental dress greeted the Athenian with a salaam + which showed his own gold earrings, swarthy skin, and black mustache. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fair greetings, Hiram,”</span> spoke the orator, no wise amazed, <span class="tei tei-q">“and where is your + master?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“At service,”</span> came a deep voice from a corner, so dark that Democrates had not seen + the couch where lolled an ungainly figure that now rose clumsily. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hail, Democrates.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hail, Lycon.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page24">[pg 24]</span> + <a name="Pg024" id="Pg024" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hand joined in hand; then Lycon ordered the Oriental to <span class="tei tei-q">“fetch the noble Athenian + some good <a name="corr024" id="corr024" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Thasian</span> wine.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You will join me?”</span> urged the orator. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Alas! no. I am still in training. Nothing but cheese and porridge till after the + victory to-morrow; but then, by Castor, I’ll enjoy <span class="tei tei-q">‘the gentleman’s disease’</span>—a + jolly drunkenness.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then you are sure of victory to-morrow?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good Democrates, what god has tricked you into believing your fine Athenian has a + chance?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have seven minæ staked on Glaucon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Seven staked in the presence of your friends; how many in their absence?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates reddened. He was glad the room was dark. <span class="tei tei-q">“I am not here to quarrel about + the pentathlon,”</span> he said emphatically. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, very well. Leave your dear sparrow to my gentle hands.”</span> The Spartan’s huge + paws closed significantly: <span class="tei tei-q">“Here’s the wine. Sit and drink. And you, Hiram, get to + your corner.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Oriental silently squatted in the gloom, the gleam of his beady eyes just visible. + Lycon sat on a stool beside his guest, his Cyclops-like limbs sprawling down upon the + floor. Scarred and brutish, indeed, was his face, one ear missing, the other beaten flat + by boxing gloves; but Democrates had a distinct feeling that under his battered visage + and wiry black hair lurked greater penetration of human motive and more ability to play + therewith than the chance observer might allow. The Athenian deliberately waited his + host’s first move. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The wine is good, Democrates?”</span> began Lycon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Excellent.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I presume you have arranged your wagers to-morrow with your usual prudence.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page25">[pg 25]</span> + <a name="Pg025" id="Pg025" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How do you know about them?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, my invaluable Hiram, who arranged this interview for us through Bias, has made + himself a brother to all the betting masters. I understand you have arranged it so + that whether Glaucon wins or loses you will be none the poorer.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Athenian set down his cup. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Because I would not let my dear friend’s sanguine expectations blind all my judgment + is no reason why you should seek this interview, Lycon,”</span> he rejoined tartly. <span class="tei tei-q">“If + this is the object of your summons, I’m better back in my own tent.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lycon tilted back against the table. His speech was nothing curt or <span class="tei tei-q">“Laconic”</span>; it + was even drawling. <span class="tei tei-q">“On the contrary, dear Democrates, I was only commending your + excellent foresight, something that I see characterizes all you do. You are the friend + of Glaucon. Since Aristeides has been banished, only Themistocles exceeds you in + influence over the Athenians. Therefore, as a loyal Athenian you must support your + champion. Likewise, as a man of judgment you must see that I—though this pentathlon + is only a by-play, not my business—will probably break your Glaucon’s back to-morrow. + It is precisely this good judgment on your part which makes me sure I do well to ask + an interview—for something else.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then quickly to business.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A few questions. I presume Themistocles to-day conferred with Leonidas?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I wasn’t present with them.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But in due time Themistocles will tell you everything?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates chewed his beard, not answering. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pheu!</span></span> you don’t pretend Themistocles distrusts you?”</span> cried + the Spartan. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I don’t like your questions, Lycon.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page26">[pg 26]</span> + <a name="Pg026" id="Pg026" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am very sorry. I’ll cease them. I only wished to-night to call to your mind the + advantage of two such men as you and I becoming friends. I may be king of Lacedæmon + before long.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I knew that before, but where’s your chariot driving?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dear Athenian, the Persian chariot is now driving toward Hellas. We cannot halt it. + Then let us be so wise that it does not pass over us.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hush!”</span> Democrates spilled the cup as he started. <span class="tei tei-q">“No <span class="tei tei-q">‘Medizing’</span> talk before + me. Am I not Themistocles’s friend?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles and Leonidas will seem valiant fools after Xerxes comes. Men of + foresight—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Are never traitors.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Beloved Democrates,”</span> sneered the Spartan, <span class="tei tei-q">“in one year the most patriotic + Hellene will be he who has made the Persian yoke the most endurable. Don’t blink at + destiny.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Don’t be overcertain.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Don’t grow deaf and blind. Xerxes has been collecting troops these four years. Every + wind across the Ægean tells how the Great King assembles millions of soldiers, + thousands of ships: Median cavalry, Assyrian archers, Egyptian battle-axemen—the best + troops in the world. All the East will be marching on our poor Hellas. And when has + Persia failed to conquer?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“At Marathon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A drop of rain before the tempest! If Datis, the Persian general, had only been more + prudent!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Clearly, noblest Lycon,”</span> said Democrates, with a satirical smile, <span class="tei tei-q">“for a + taciturn Laconian to become thus eloquent for tyranny must have taken a bribe of ten + thousand gold darics.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But answer my arguments.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well—the old oracle is proved: <span class="tei tei-q">‘Base love of gain and naught else shall bear sore + destruction to Sparta.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page27">[pg 27]</span> + <a name="Pg027" id="Pg027" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That doesn’t halt Xerxes’s advance.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“An end to your croakings,”</span>—Democrates was becoming angry,—<span class="tei tei-q">“I know the + Persian’s power well enough. Now why have you summoned me?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lycon looked on his visitor long and hard. He reminded the Athenian disagreeably of a + huge cat just considering whether a mouse were near enough to risk a spring. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I sent for you because I wished you to give a pledge.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’m in no mood to give it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You need not refuse. Giving or withholding the fate of Hellas will not be altered, + save as you wish to make it so.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What must I promise?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That you will not reveal the presence in Greece of a man I intend to set before + you.”</span> Another silence. Democrates knew even then, if vaguely, that he was making a + decision on which might hinge half his future. In the after days he looked back on this + instant with unspeakable regret. But the Laconian sat before him, smiling, sneering, + commanding by his more dominant will. The Athenian answered, it seemed, despite + himself:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If it is not to betray Hellas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is not.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then I promise.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Swear it then by your native Athena.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And Democrates—perhaps the wine was strong—lifted his right hand and swore by Athena + Polias of Athens he would betray no secret. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lycon arose with what was part bellow, part laugh. Even then the orator was moved to + call back the pledge, but the Spartan acted too swiftly. The short moments which + followed stamped themselves on Democrates’s memory. The flickering lamps, the squalid + room, the long, dense shadows, the ungainly movements of the Spartan, who was <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page28">[pg 28]</span><a name="Pg028" id="Pg028" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>opening a door,—all this passed after the manner of a + vision. And as in a vision Democrates saw a stranger stepping through the inner portal, + as at Lycon’s summons—a man of no huge stature, but masterful in eye and mien. Another + Oriental, but not as the obsequious Hiram. Here was a lord to command and be obeyed. + Gems flashed from the scarlet turban, the green jacket was embroidered with pearls—and + was not half the wealth of Corinth in the jewels studding the sword hilt? Tight trousers + and high shoes of tanned leather set off a form supple and powerful as a panther’s. + Unlike most Orientals the stranger was fair. A blond beard swept his breast. His eyes + were sharp, steel-blue. Never a word spoke he; but Democrates looked on him with wide + eyes, then turned almost in awe to the Spartan. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“This is a prince—”</span> he began. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“His Highness Prince Abairah of Cyprus,”</span> completed Lycon, rapidly, <span class="tei tei-q">“now come to + visit the Isthmian Games, and later your Athens. It is for this I have brought you + face to face—that he may be welcome in your city.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Athenian cast at the stranger a glance of keenest scrutiny. He knew by every + instinct in his being that Lycon was telling a barefaced lie. Why he did not cry out as + much that instant he hardly himself knew. But the gaze of the <span class="tei tei-q">“Cyprian”</span> pierced + through him, fascinating, magnetizing, and Lycon’s great hand was on his victim’s + shoulder. The <span class="tei tei-q">“Cyprian’s”</span> own hand went out seeking Democrates’s. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I shall be very glad to see the noble Athenian in his own city. His fame for + eloquence and prudence is already in Tyre and Babylon,”</span> spoke the stranger, never + taking his steel-blue eyes from the orator’s face. The accent was Oriental, but the + Greek was fluent. The prince—for prince he was, whatever his nation—pressed his hand + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page29">[pg 29]</span><a name="Pg029" id="Pg029" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>closer. Almost involuntarily Democrates’s hand + responded. They clasped tightly; then, as if Lycon feared a word too much, the unknown + released his hold, bowed with inimitable though silent courtesy, and was gone behind the + door whence he had come. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It had taken less time than men use to count a hundred. The latch clicked. Democrates + gazed blankly on the door, then turned on Lycon with a start. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your wine was strong. You have bewitched me. What have I done? By Zeus of Olympus—I + have given my hand in pledge to a Persian spy.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘A prince of Cyprus’</span>—did you not hear me?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cerberus eat me if that man has seen Cyprus. No Cyprian is so blond. The man is + Xerxes’s brother.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We shall see, friend; we shall see: <span class="tei tei-q">‘Day by day we grow old, and day by day we grow + wiser.’</span> So your own Solon puts it, I think.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates drew himself up angrily. <span class="tei tei-q">“I know my duty; I’ll denounce you to + Leonidas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You gave a pledge and oath.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It were a greater crime to keep than to break it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lycon shrugged his huge shoulders. <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eu!</span></span> I hardly trusted to + that. But I do trust to Hiram’s pretty story about your bets, and still more to a tale + that’s told about where and how you’ve borrowed money.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates’s voice shook either with rage or with fear when he made shift to answer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I see I’ve come to be incriminated and insulted. So be it. If I keep my pledge, at + least suffer me to wish you and your <span class="tei tei-q">‘Cyprian’</span> a very good night.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lycon <a name="corr029" id="corr029" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">good-humouredly</span> lighted him to the door. <span class="tei tei-q">“Why so hot? I’ll do you a service + to-morrow. If Glaucon wrestles with me, I shall kill him.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page30">[pg 30]</span> + <a name="Pg030" id="Pg030" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Shall I thank the murderer of my friend?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Even when that friend has wronged you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Silence! What do you mean?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Even in the flickering lamplight Democrates could see the Spartan’s evil smile. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course—Hermione.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Silence, by the infernal gods! Who are you, Cyclops, for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">her</span></span> + name to cross your teeth?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’m not angry. Yet you will thank me to-morrow. The pentathlon will be merely a + pleasant flute-playing before the great war-drama. You will see more of the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Cyprian’</span> at Athens—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates heard no more. Forth from that wine-house he ran into the sheltering night, + till safe under the shadow of the black cypresses. His head glowed. His heart throbbed. + He had been partner in foulest treason. Duty to friend, duty to country,—oath or no + oath,—should have sent him to Leonidas. What evil god had tricked him into that + interview? Yet he did not denounce the traitor. Not his oath held him back, but + benumbing fear,—and what sting lay back of Lycon’s hints and threats the orator knew + best. And how if Lycon made good his boast and killed Glaucon on the morrow? </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page31">[pg 31]</span> + <a name="Pg031" id="Pg031" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf7" id="pdf7"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IV</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE PENTATHLON </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In a tent at the lower end of the long stadium stood Glaucon awaiting the final + summons to his ordeal. His friends had just cried farewell for the last time: Cimon had + kissed him; Themistocles had gripped his hand; Democrates had called <span class="tei tei-q">“Zeus prosper + you!”</span> Simonides had vowed that he was already hunting for the metres of a triumphal + ode. The roar from without told how the stadium was filled with its chattering + thousands. The athlete’s trainers were bestowing their last officious advice. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Spartan will surely win the quoit-throw. Do not be troubled. In everything else + you can crush him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Beware of Mœrocles of <a name="corr031" id="corr031" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Mantinea</span>. He’s a knavish fellow; his backers are recalling + their bets. But he hopes to win on a trick; beware, lest he trip you in the + foot-race.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Aim low when you hurl the javelin. Your dart always rises.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon received this and much more admonition with his customary smile. There was no + flush on the forehead, no flutter of the heart. A few hours later he would be crowned + with all the glory which victory in the great games could throw about a Hellene, or be + buried in the disgrace to which his ungenerous people consigned the vanquished. But, in + the words of his day, <span class="tei tei-q">“he knew himself”</span> and his own powers. From the day he quitted + boyhood he had never met the giant he could not master; the Hermes he could not out<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page32">[pg 32]</span><a name="Pg032" id="Pg032" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>run. He anticipated victory as a matter of course, even + victory wrested from Lycon, and his thoughts seemed wandering far from the tawny track + where he must face his foes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Athens,—my father,—my wife! I will win glory for them all!”</span> was the drift of his + revery. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The younger rubber grunted under breath at his athlete’s vacant eye, but Pytheas, the + older of the pair, whispered confidently that <span class="tei tei-q">“when he had known Master Glaucon + longer, he would know that victories came his way, just by reaching out his hands.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Athena grant it,”</span> muttered the other. <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ve got my half mina staked on him, + too.”</span> Then from the tents at either side began the ominous call of the heralds:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Amyntas of Thebes, come you forth.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ctesias of Epidaurus, come you forth.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lycon of Sparta, come you forth.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon held out his hands. Each trainer seized one. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wish me joy and <a name="corr032" id="corr032" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">honour</span>, good friends!”</span> cried the athlete. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Poseidon and Athena aid you!”</span> And Pytheas’s honest voice was husky. This was the + greatest ordeal of his favourite pupil, and the trainer’s soul would go with him into + the combat. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon of Athens, come you forth.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The curtains of the tent swept aside. An intense sunlight sprang to meet the Athenian. + He passed into the arena clad only in his coat of glistering oil. Scolus of Thasos and + Mœrocles of Mantinea joined the other four athletes; then, escorted each by a herald + swinging his myrtle wand, the six went down the stadium to the stand of the judges. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Before the fierce light of a morning in Hellas beating down on him, Glaucon the + Alcmæonid was for an instant blinded, and walked on passively, following his guide. + Then, as from a dissolving mist, the huge stadium began to reveal itself: <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page33">[pg 33]</span><a name="Pg033" id="Pg033" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>line above line, thousand above thousand of bright-robed + spectators, a sea of faces, tossing arms, waving garments. A thunderous shout rose as + the athletes came to view,—jangling, incoherent; each city cheered its champion and + tried to cry down all the rest: applause, advice, derision. Glaucon heard the derisive + hootings, <span class="tei tei-q">“pretty girl,”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“pretty pullet,”</span> from the serried host of the Laconians along the left side of the + stadium; but an answering salvo, <span class="tei tei-q">“Dog of Cerberus!”</span> bawled by the Athenian crowds + opposite, and winged at Lycon, returned the taunts with usury. As the champions + approached the judges’ stand a procession of full twenty pipers, attended by as many + fair boys in flowing white, marched from the farther end of the stadium to meet them. + The boys bore cymbals and tambours; the pipers struck up a brisk marching note in the + rugged Dorian mode. The boys’ lithe bodies swayed in enchanting rhythm. The roaring + multitude quieted, admiring their grace. The champions and the pipers thus came to the + pulpit in the midst of the long arena. The president of the judges, a handsome + Corinthian in purple and a golden fillet, swept his ivory wand from right to left. The + marching note ceased. The whole company leaped as one man to its feet. The pipes, the + cymbals were drowned, whilst twenty thousand voices—Doric, Bœotian, Attic—chorused + together the hymn which all Greece knew: the hymn to Poseidon of the Isthmus, august + guardian of the games. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Louder it grew; the multitude found one voice, as if it would cry, <span class="tei tei-q">“We are Hellenes + all; though of many a city, the same fatherland, the same gods, the same hope against + the Barbarian.”</span> + </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Praise we Poseidon the mighty, the monarch,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Shaker of earth and the harvestless sea;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">King of wide Ægæ and Helicon gladsome</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page34">[pg 34]</span><a name="Pg034" id="Pg034" class="tei tei-anchor" style="text-align: left"></a><span style="font-size: 80%">Twain are the honours high Zeus sheds on thee!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Thine to be lord of the mettlesome chargers,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Thine to be lord of swift ships as they wing!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Guard thou and guide us, dread prince of the billows,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Safe to their homeland, thy suppliants bring;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Faring by land or by clamorous waters</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Be thou their way-god to shield, to defend,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Then shall the smoke of a thousand glad altars,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">To thee in reverent gladness ascend!</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Thus in part. And in the hush thereafter the president poured a libation from a golden + cup, praying, as the wine fell on the brazier beside him, to the <span class="tei tei-q">“Earth Shaker,”</span> + seeking his blessing upon the contestants, the multitude, and upon broad Hellas. Next + the master-herald announced that now, on the third day of the games, came the final and + most honoured contest: the pentathlon, the fivefold struggle, with the crown to him who + conquered thrice. He proclaimed the names of the six rivals, their cities, their + ancestry, and how they had complied with the required training. The president took up + his tale, and turning to the champions, urged them to strive their best, for the eyes of + all Hellas were on them. But he warned any man with blood-guiltiness upon his soul not + to anger the gods by continuing in the games. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But since,”</span> the brief speech concluded, <span class="tei tei-q">“these men have chosen to contend, and + have made oath that they are purified or innocent, let them join, and Poseidon shed + fair glory upon the best!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> More shouting; the pipers paraded the arena, blowing shriller than ever. Some of the + athletes shifted uneasily. Scolus the Thasian—youngest of the six—was pale, and cast + nervous glances at the towering bulk of Lycon. The Spartan gave him no heed, but threw a + loud whisper at Glaucon, who stood silently beside him:— </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page35">[pg 35]</span> + <a name="Pg035" id="Pg035" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“By Castor, son of Conon, you are extremely handsome. If fine looks won the battle, I + might grow afraid.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Athenian, whose roving eye had just caught Cimon and Democrates in the audience, + seemed never to hear him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you are passing stalwart. Still, be advised. I wouldn’t harm you, so drop out + early.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Still no answer from Glaucon, whose clear eye seemed now to be wandering over the bare + hills of Megara beyond. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No answer?”</span> persisted the giant. <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eu!</span></span> don’t complain that + you’ve lacked warning, when you sit to-night in Charon’s ferry-boat.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The least shadow of a smile flitted across the Athenian’s face; there was a slight + deepening of the light in his eye. He turned his head a bit toward Lycon:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The games are not ended, dear Spartan,”</span> he observed quietly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The giant scowled. <span class="tei tei-q">“I don’t like you silent, smiling men! You’re warned. I’ll do my + worst—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let the leaping begin!”</span> rang the voice of the president,—a call that changed all + the uproar to a silence in which one might hear the wind moving in the firs outside, + while every athlete felt his muscles tighten. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The heralds ran down the soft sands to a narrow mound of hardened earth, and beckoned + to the athletes to follow. In the hands of each contestant were set a pair of bronze + dumb-bells. The six were arrayed upon the mound with a clear reach of sand before. The + master-herald proclaimed the order of the leaping: that each contestant should spring + twice, and he whose leaps were the poorest should drop from the other contests. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon stood, his golden head thrown back, his eyes wandering idly toward his friends + in the stadium. He could see Cimon restless on his seat, and Simonides holding his <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page36">[pg 36]</span><a name="Pg036" id="Pg036" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>cloak and doubtless muttering wise counsel. The champion + was as calm as his friends were nervous. The stadium had grown oppressively still; then + broke into along <span class="tei tei-q">“ah!”</span> Twenty thousand sprang up together as Scolus the Thasian + leaped. His partisans cheered, while he rose from a sand-cloud; but ceased quickly. His + leap had been poor. A herald with a pick marked a line where he had landed. The pipers + began a rollicking catch to which the athletes involuntarily kept time with their + dumb-bells. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon leaped second. Even the hostile Laconians shouted with pleasure at sight of + his beautiful body poised, then flung out upon the sands far beyond the Thasian. He + rose, shook off the dust, and returned to the mound, with a graceful gesture to the + cheer that greeted him; but wise heads knew the contest was just beginning. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Ctesias and Amyntas leaped beyond the Thasian’s mark, short of the Athenian’s. Lycon + was fifth. His admirers’ hopes were high. He did not blast them. Huge was his bulk, yet + his strength matched it. A cloud of dust hid him from view. When it settled, every + Laconian was roaring with delight. He had passed beyond Glaucon. Mœrocles of Mantinea + sprang last and badly. The second round was almost as the first; although Glaucon + slightly surpassed his former effort. Lycon did as well as before. The others hardly + bettered their early trial. It was long before the Laconians grew quiet enough to listen + to the call of the herald. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lycon of Sparta wins the leaping. Glaucon of Athens is second. Scolus of Thasos leaps + the shortest and drops from the pentathlon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Again cheers and clamour. The inexperienced Thasian marched disconsolately to his + tent, pursued by ungenerous jeers. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page37">[pg 37]</span> + <a name="Pg037" id="Pg037" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The quoit-hurling follows,”</span> once more the herald; <span class="tei tei-q">“each contestant throws three + quoits. He who throws poorest drops from the games.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cimon had risen now. In a momentary lull he trumpeted through his hands across the + arena. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wake, Glaucon; quit your golden thoughts of Eleusis; Lycon is filching the crown.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles, seated near Cimon’s side, was staring hard, elbows on knees and head on + hands. Democrates, next him, was gazing at Glaucon, as if the athlete were made of gold; + but the object of their fears and hopes gave back neither word nor sign. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The attendants were arraying the five remaining champions at the foot of a little rise + in the sand, near the judges’ pulpit. To each was brought a bronze quoit, the discus. + The pipers resumed their medley. The second contest was begun. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> First, Amyntas of Thebes. He took his stand, measured the distance with his eye, then + with a run flew up the rising, and at its summit his body bent double, while the heavy + quoit flew away. A noble cast! and twice excelled. For a moment every Theban in the + stadium was transported. Strangers sitting together fell on one another’s necks in sheer + joy. But the rapture ended quickly. Lycon flung second. His vast strength could now tell + to the uttermost. He was proud to display it. Thrice he hurled. Thrice his discus sped + out as far as ever man had seen a quoit fly in Hellas. Not even Glaucon’s best wishers + were disappointed when he failed to come within three cubits of the Spartan. Ctesias and + Mœrocles realized their task was hopeless, and strove half heartedly. The friends of the + huge Laconian were almost beside themselves with joy; while the herald called + desperately that:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lycon of Sparta wins with the discus. Glaucon of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page38">[pg 38]</span><a name="Pg038" id="Pg038" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Athens is second. Ctesias of Epidaurus throws poorest and drops from the games.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wake, Glaucon!”</span> trumpeted Cimon, again his white face shining out amid the + thousands of gazers now. <span class="tei tei-q">“Wake, or Lycon wins again and all is lost!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon was almost beyond earshot; to the frantic entreaty he answered by no sign. As + he and the Spartan stood once more together, the giant leered on him civilly:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You grow wise, Athenian. It’s honour enough and to spare to be second, with Lycon + first. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eu!</span></span>—and here’s the last contest.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I say again, good friend,”</span>—there was a slight closing of the Athenian’s lips, and + deepening in his eyes,—<span class="tei tei-q">“the pentathlon is not ended.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The harpies eat you, then, if you get too bold! The herald is calling for the + javelin-casting. Come,—it’s time to make an end.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But in the deep hush that spread again over the thousands Glaucon turned toward the + only faces that he saw out of the innumerable host: Themistocles, Democrates, Simonides, + Cimon. They beheld him raise his arm and lift his glorious head yet higher. Glaucon in + turn saw Cimon sink into his seat. <span class="tei tei-q">“He wakes!”</span> was the appeased mutter passing from + the son of Miltiades and running along every tier of Athenians. And silence deeper than + ever held the stadium; for now, with Lycon victor twice, the literal turning of a finger + in the next event might win or lose the parsley crown. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Spartan came first. The heralds had set a small scarlet shield at the lower end of + the course. Lycon poised his light javelin thrice, and thrice the slim dart sped through + the leathern thong on his fingers. But not for glory. Perchance this combat was too + delicate an art for his ungainly hands. Twice the missile lodged in the rim of the + shield; <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page39">[pg 39]</span><a name="Pg039" id="Pg039" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>once it sprang beyond upon the sand. Mœrocles, + who followed, surpassed him. Amyntas was hardly worse. Glaucon came last, and won his + victory with a dexterous grace that made all but the hottest Laconian swell the <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Io! paian!</span></span>”</span> of applause. His second cast had been into the + centre of the target. His third had splintered his second javelin as it hung quivering. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon of Athens wins the javelin-casting. Mœrocles of Mantinea is second. Amyntas + of Thebes is poorest and drops from the games.”</span> But who heard the herald now? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By this time all save the few Mantineans who vainly clung to their champion, and the + Laconians themselves, had begun to pin their hopes on the beautiful son of Conon. There + was a steely glint in the Spartan athlete’s eye that made the president of the games + beckon to the master-herald. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lycon is dangerous. See that he does not do Glaucon a mischief, or transgress the + rules.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I can, till they come to the wrestling.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In that the god must aid the Athenian. But now let us have the foot-race.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the little respite following the trainers entered and rubbed down the three + remaining contestants with oil until their bodies shone again like tinted ivory. Then + the heralds conducted the trio to the southern end farthest from the tents. The two + junior presidents left their pulpit and took post at either end of a line marked on the + sand. Each held the end of a taut rope. The contestants drew lots from an urn for the + place nearest the lower turning goal,—no trifling advantage. A favouring god gave + Mœrocles the first; Lycon was second; Glaucon only third. As the three crouched before + the rope with hands dug into the sand, waiting the fateful signal, Glaucon was conscious + that a strange blond man of noble mien and Oriental dress was sitting close by the + starting line and watching him intently. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page40">[pg 40]</span> + <a name="Pg040" id="Pg040" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was one of those moments of strain, when even trifles can turn the overwrought + attention. Glaucon knew that the stranger was looking from him to Lycon, from Lycon back + to himself, measuring each with shrewd eye. Then the gaze settled on the Athenian. The + Oriental called to him:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Swift, godlike runner, swift;”</span>—they were so close they could catch the Eastern + accent—<span class="tei tei-q">“the Most High give you His wings!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon saw Lycon turn on the shouter with a scowl that was answered by a composed + smile. To the highly strung imagination of the Athenian the wish became an omen of good. + For some unknown cause the incident of the Oriental lad he rescued and the mysterious + gift of the bracelet flashed back to him. Why should a stranger of the East cast him + fair wishes? Would the riddle ever be revealed? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A trumpet blast. The Oriental, his wish, all else save the tawny track, flashed from + Glaucon’s mind. The rope fell. The three shot away as one. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Over the sand they flew, moving by quick leaps, their shining arms flashing to and fro + in fair rhythm. Twice around the stadium led the race, so no one strained at first. For + a while the three clung together, until near the lower goal the Mantinean heedlessly + risked a dash. His foot slipped on the sands. He recovered; but like arrows his rivals + passed him. At the goal the inevitable happened. Lycon, with the shorter turn, swung + quickest. He went up the homeward track ahead, the Athenian an elbow’s length behind. + The stadium seemed dissolving in a tumult. Men rose; threw garments in the air; + stretched out their arms; besought the gods; screamed to the runners. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Speed, son of Conon, speed!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glory to Castor; Sparta is prevailing!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Strive, Mantinean,—still a chance!”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page41">[pg 41]</span> + <a name="Pg041" id="Pg041" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Win the turn, dear Athenian, the turn, and leave that Cyclops behind!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But at the upper turn Lycon still held advantage, and down the other track went the + twain, even as Odysseus ran behind Ajax, <span class="tei tei-q">“who trod in Ajax’ footsteps ere ever the + dust had settled, while on his head fell the breath of him behind.”</span> Again at the + lower goal the Mantinean was panting wearily in the rear. Again Lycon led, again rose + the tempest of voices. Six hundred feet away the presidents were stretching the line, + where victory and the plaudits of Hellas waited Lycon of Lacedæmon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then men ceased shouting, and prayed under breath. They saw Glaucon’s shoulders bend + lower and his neck strain back, while the sunlight sprang all over his red-gold hair. + The stadium leaped to their feet, as the Athenian landed by a bound at his rival’s side. + Quick as the bound the great arm of the Spartan flew out with its knotted fist. A deadly + stroke, and shunned by a hair’s-breadth; but it was shunned. The senior president called + angrily to the herald; but none heard his words in the rending din. The twain shot up + the track elbow to elbow, and into the rope. It fell amid a blinding cloud of dust. All + the heralds and presidents ran together into it. Then was a long, agonizing moment, + while the stadium roared, shook, and raged, before the dust settled and the + master-herald stood forth beckoning for silence. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon of Athens wins the foot-race. Lycon of Sparta is second. Mœrocles of Mantinea + drops from the contest. Glaucon and Lycon, each winning twice, shall wrestle for the + final victory.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And now the stadium grew exceeding still. Men lifted their hands to their favourite + gods, and made reckless, if silent, vows,—geese, pigs, tripods, even oxen,—if only the + deity <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page42">[pg 42]</span><a name="Pg042" id="Pg042" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>would strengthen their favourite’s arm. For the + first time attention was centred on the tall <span class="tei tei-q">“time pointer,”</span> by the judges’ stand, + and how the short shadow cast by the staff told of the end of the morning. The last + wagers were recorded on the tablets by nervous styluses. The readiest tongues ceased to + chatter. Thousands of wistful eyes turned from the elegant form of the Athenian to the + burly form of the Spartan. Every outward chance, so many an anxious heart told itself, + favoured the oft-victorious giant; but then,—and here came reason for a true + Hellene,—<span class="tei tei-q">“the gods could not suffer so fair a man to meet defeat.”</span> The noonday + sun beat down fiercely. The tense stillness was now and then broken by the bawling of a + swarthy hawker thrusting himself amid the spectators with cups and a jar of sour wine. + There was a long rest. The trainers came forward again and dusted the two remaining + champions with sand that they might grip fairly. Pytheas looked keenly in his pupil’s + face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Well begun is half done,’</span> my lad; but the hottest battle is still before,”</span> + said he, trying to cover his own consuming dread. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Faint heart never won a city,”</span> smiled Glaucon, as if never more at ease; and + Pytheas drew back happier, seeing the calm light in the athlete’s eyes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ay,”</span> he muttered to his fellow-trainer, <span class="tei tei-q">“all is well. The boy has wakened.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But now the heralds marched the champions again to the judges. The president + proclaimed the rules of the wrestling,—two casts out of three gave victory. In lower + tone he addressed the scowling Spartan:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lycon, I warn you: earn the crown only fairly, if you would earn it. Had that blow in + the foot-race struck home, I would have refused you victory, though you finished all + alone.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page43">[pg 43]</span> + <a name="Pg043" id="Pg043" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A surly nod was the sole answer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The heralds led the twain a little way from the judges’ stand, and set them ten paces + asunder and in sight of all the thousands. The heralds stood, crossing their myrtle + wands between. The president rose on his pulpit, and called through the absolute hush:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Prepared, Spartan?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Prepared, Athenian?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then Poseidon shed glory on the best!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> His uplifted wand fell. A clear shrill trumpet pealed. The heralds bounded back in a + twinkling. In that twinkling the combatants leaped into each other’s arms. A short + grapple; again a sand cloud; and both were rising from the ground. They had fallen + together. Heated by conflict, they were locked again ere the heralds could proclaim a + tie. Cimon saw the great arms of the Spartan twine around the Athenian’s chest in fair + grapple, but even as Lycon strove with all his bull-like might to lift and throw, + Glaucon’s slim hand glided down beneath his opponent’s thigh. Twice the Spartan put + forth all his powers. Those nearest watched the veins of the athletes swell and heard + their hard muscles crack. The stadium was in succession hushed and tumultuous. Then, at + the third trial, even as Lycon seemed to have won his end, the Athenian smote out with + one foot. The sands were slippery. The huge Laconian lunged forward, and as he lunged, + his opponent by a masterly effort tore himself loose. The Spartan fell + heavily,—vanquished by a trick, though fairly used. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The stadium thundered its applause. More vows, prayers, exhortations. Glaucon stood + and received all the homage in silence. A little flush was on his forehead. His arms and + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page44">[pg 44]</span><a name="Pg044" id="Pg044" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>shoulders were very red. Lycon rose slowly. All could + hear his rage and curses. The heralds ordered him to contain himself. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Now, fox of Athens,”</span> rang his shout, <span class="tei tei-q">“I will kill you!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Pytheas, beholding his fury, tore out a handful of hair in his mingled hope and dread. + No man knew better than the trainer that no trick would conquer Lycon this second time; + and Glaucon the Fair might be nearer the fields of Asphodel than the pleasant hills by + Athens. More than one man had died in the last ordeal of the pentathlon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The silence was perfect. Even the breeze had hushed while Glaucon and Lycon faced + again. The twenty thousand sat still as in their sepulchres, each saying in his heart + one word—<span class="tei tei-q">“Now!”</span> If in the first wrestling the attack had been impetuous, it was + now painfully deliberate. When the heralds’ wands fell, the two crept like mighty cats + across the narrow sands, frames bent, hands outstretched, watching from the corners of + their eyes a fair chance to rush in and grapple. Then Lycon, whose raging spirit had the + least control, charged. Another dust cloud. When it cleared, the two were locked + together as by iron. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For an instant they swayed, whilst the Spartan tried again his brute power. It failed + him. Glaucon drew strength from the earth like Antæus. The hushed stadium could hear the + pants of the athletes as they locked closer, closer. Strength failing, the Spartan + snatched at his enemy’s throat; but the Athenian had his wrist gripped fast before the + clasp could tighten, and in the melée Glaucon’s other hand passed beneath Lycon’s thigh. + The two seemed deadlocked. For a moment they grinned face to face, almost close enough + to bite each other’s lips. But breath was too precious for curses. The Spartan flung his + ponderous weight downward. A slip in the gliding sand would have ruined the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page45">[pg 45]</span><a name="Pg045" id="Pg045" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Athenian instantly; but Poseidon or Apollo was with him. His + feet dug deep, and found footing. Lycon drew back baffled, though the clutches of their + hands were tightening like vices of steel. Then again face to face, swaying to and fro, + panting, muttering, while the veins in the bare backs swelled still more. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He cannot endure it. He cannot! Ah! Athena Polias, pity him! Lycon is wearing him + down,”</span> moaned Pytheas, beside himself with fear, almost running to Glaucon’s aid. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The stadium resumed its roaring. A thousand conflicting prayers, hopes, counsels, went + forth to the combatants. The gods of Olympus and Hades; all demigods, heroes, satyrs, + were invoked for them. They were besought to conquer in the name of parents, friends, + and native land. Athenians and Laconians, sitting side by side, took up the combat, + grappling fiercely. And all this time the two strove face to face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> How long had it lasted? Who knew? Least of all that pair who wrestled perchance for + life and for death. Twice again the Spartan strove with his weight to crush his opponent + down. Twice vainly. He could not close his grip around the Athenian’s throat. He had + looked to see Glaucon sink exhausted; but his foe still looked on him with steadfast, + unweakening eyes. The president was just bidding the heralds, <span class="tei tei-q">“Pluck them asunder and + declare a tie!”</span> when the stadium gave a shrill long shout. Lycon had turned to his + final resource. Reckless of his own hurt, he dashed his iron forehead against the + Athenian’s, as bull charges bull. Twice and three times, and the blood leaped out over + Glaucon’s fair skin. Again—the rush of blood was almost blinding. Again—Pytheas + screamed with agony—the Athenian’s clutch seemed weakening. Again—flesh and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page46">[pg 46]</span><a name="Pg046" id="Pg046" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>blood could not stand such battering long. If Lycon could + endure this, there was only one end to the pentathlon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Help thou me, Athena of the Gray Eyes! For the glory of Athens, my father, my + wife!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The cry of Glaucon—half prayer, half battle-shout—pealed above the bellowing + stadium. Even as he cried it, all saw his form draw upward as might Prometheus’s + unchained. They saw the fingers of the Spartan unclasp. They saw his bloody face + upturned and torn with helpless agony. They saw his great form totter, topple, fall. The + last dust cloud, and into it the multitude seemed rushing together.... </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> ... They caught Glaucon just as he fell himself. Themistocles was the first to kiss + him. Little Simonides wept. Cimon, trying to embrace the victor, hugged in the confusion + a dirty Platæan. Democrates seemed lost in the whirlpool, and came with greetings later. + Perhaps he had stopped to watch that Oriental who had given Glaucon good wishes in the + foot-race. The fairest praise, however, was from a burly man, who merely held out his + hand and muttered, <span class="tei tei-q">“Good!”</span> But this was from Leonidas. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Very late a runner crowned with pink oleanders panted up to the Athenian watch by + Mount Icarus at the custom-house on the Megarian frontier. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nika!</span></span>—He conquers.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The man fell breathless; but in a moment a clear beacon blazed upon the height. From a + peak in Salamis another answered. In Eleusis, Hermippus the Noble was running to his + daughter. In Peiræus, the harbour-town, the sailor folk were dancing about the + market-place. In Athens, archons, generals, and elders were accompanying Conon to the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page47">[pg 47]</span><a name="Pg047" id="Pg047" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Acropolis to give thanks to Athena. Conon had + forgotten how he had disowned his son. Another beacon glittered from the Acropolis. + Another flashed from the lordly crest of Pentelicus, telling the news to all Attica. + There was singing in the fishers’ boats far out upon the bay. In the goat-herds’ huts on + dark Hymethus the pan-pipes blew right merrily. Athens spent the night in almost drunken + joy. One name was everywhere:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the Beautiful who honours us all! Glaucon the Fortunate whom the High Gods + love!”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page48">[pg 48]</span> + <a name="Pg048" id="Pg048" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page49">[pg 49]</span> + <a name="Pg049" id="Pg049" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf8" id="pdf8"></a> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">BOOK I</span></h1> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> THE SHADOW OF THE PERSIAN </span></h1> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page50">[pg 50]</span> + <a name="Pg050" id="Pg050" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + </p> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page51">[pg 51]</span> + <a name="Pg051" id="Pg051" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf9" id="pdf9"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER V</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> HERMIONE OF ELEUSIS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A cluster of white stuccoed houses with a craggy hill behind, and before them a blue + bay girt in by the rocky isle of Salamis—that is Eleusis-by-the-Sea. Eastward and + westward spreads the teeming Thrasian plain, richest in Attica. Behind the plain the + encircling mountain wall fades away into a purple haze. One can look southward toward + Salamis; then to the left rises the rounded slope of brown Pœcilon sundering Eleusis + from its greater neighbour, Athens. Look behind: there is a glimpse of the long violet + crests of Cithæron and Parnes, the barrier mountains against Bœotia. Look to right: + beyond the summits of Megara lifts a noble cone. It is an old friend, Acro-Corinthus. + The plain within the hills is sprinkled with thriving farmsteads, green vineyards, + darker olive groves. The stony hill-slopes are painted red by countless poppies. One + hears the tinkling of the bells of roving goats. Thus the more distant view; while at + the very foot of the hill of vision rises a temple with proud columns and + pediments,—the fane of Demeter the <span class="tei tei-q">“Earth Mother”</span> and the seat of her Mysteries, + renowned through Hellas. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The house of Hermippus the Eumolpid, first citizen of Eleusis, stood to the east of + the temple. On three sides gnarled trunks and sombre leaves of the sacred olives almost + hid the white low walls of the rambling buildings. On the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page52">[pg 52]</span><a name="Pg052" id="Pg052" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fourth side, facing the sea, the dusty road wound east toward Megara. + Here, by the gate, were gathered a rustic company: brown-faced village lads and lasses, + toothless graybeards, cackling old wives. Above the barred gate swung a festoon of ivy, + whilst from within the court came the squeaking of pipes, the tuning of citharas, and + shouted orders—signs of a mighty bustling. Then even while the company grew, a + half-stripped courier flew up the road and into the gate. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They come,”</span> ran the wiseacre’s comment; but their buzzing ceased, as again the + gate swung back to suffer two ladies to peer forth. Ladies, in the truth, for the twain + had little in common with the ogling village maids, and whispers were soon busy with + them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Look—his wife and her mother! How would you, Praxinœ, like to marry an + Isthmionices?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Excellently well, but your Hermas won’t so honour you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eu!</span></span> see, she lifts her pretty blue veil; I’m glad she’s + handsome. Some beautiful men wed regular hags.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The two ladies were clearly mother and daughter, of the same noble height, and dressed + alike in white. Both faces were framed in a flutter of Amorgos gauze: the mother’s was + saffron, crowned with a wreath of golden wheat-ears; the daughter’s blue with a circlet + of violets. And now as they stood with arms entwined the younger brushed aside her veil. + The gossips were right. The robe and the crown hid all but the face and tress of the + lustrous brown hair,—but that face! Had not King Hephæstos wrought every line of clear + Phœnician glass, then touched them with snow and rose, and shot through all the ichor of + life? Perhaps there was a fitful fire in the dark eyes that awaited the husband’s + coming, or a slight twitching of the impatient lips. But nothing disturbed the high-born + repose of face and figure. Hermione was indeed the worthy daughter of a noble <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page53">[pg 53]</span><a name="Pg053" id="Pg053" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>house, and happy the man who was faring homeward to + Eleusis! </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Another messenger. Louder bustle in the court, and the voice of Hermippus arraying his + musicians. Now a sharp-faced man, who hid his bald pate under a crown of lilies, joined + the ladies,—Conon, father of the victor. He had ended his life-feud with Hermippus the + night the message flashed from Corinth. Then a third runner; this time in his hand a + triumphant palm branch, and his one word—<span class="tei tei-q">“Here!”</span> A crash of music answered from + the court, while Hermippus, a stately nobleman, his fine head just sprinkled with gray, + led out his unmartial army. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Single pipes and double pipes, tinkling lyres and many-stringed citharas, not to + forget herdsmen’s reed flutes, cymbals, and tambours, all made melody and noise + together. An imposing procession that must have crammed the courtyard wound out into the + Corinth road. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Here was the demarch<a id="noteref_2" name="noteref_2" href="#note_2"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">2</span></span></a> of Eleusis, a pompous worthy, who could hardly hold his head erect, + thanks to an exceeding heavy myrtle wreath. After him, two by two, the snowy-robed, + long-bearded priests of Demeter; behind these the noisy corps of musicians, and then a + host of young men and women,—bright of eye, graceful of movement,—twirling long chains + of ivy, laurel, and myrtle in time to the music. Palm branches were everywhere. The + procession moved down the road; but even as it left the court a crash of cymbals through + the olive groves answered its uproar. Deep now and sonorous sounded manly voices as in + some triumphal chant. Hermione, as she stood by the gate, drew closer to her mother. + Inflexible Attic custom seemed to hold her fast. No noblewoman might thrust herself + boldly under the public eye—save at a sacred festival—<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page54">[pg 54]</span><a name="Pg054" id="Pg054" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>no, not when the centre of the gladness was her husband. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He comes!”</span> So she cried to her mother; so cried every one. Around the turn in the + olive groves swung a car in which Cimon stood proudly erect, and at his side another. + Marching before the chariot were Themistocles, Democrates, Simonides; behind followed + every Athenian who had visited the Isthmia. The necks of the four horses were wreathed + with flowers; flowers hid the reins and bridles, the chariot, and even its wheels. The + victor stood aloft, his scarlet cloak flung back, displaying his godlike form. An + unhealed scar marred his forehead—Lycon’s handiwork; but who thought of that, when + above the scar pressed the wreath of wild parsley? As the two processions met, a cheer + went up that shook the red rock of Eleusis. The champion answered with his frankest + smile; only his eyes seemed questioning, seeking some one who was not there. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Io! Glaucon!”</span> The Eleusinian youths broke from their ranks and fell upon the + chariot. The horses were loosed in a twinkling. Fifty arms dragged the car onward. The + pipers swelled their cheeks, each trying to outblow his fellow. Then after them sped the + maidens. They ringed the chariot round with a maze of flowers chains. As the car moved, + they accompanied it with a dance of unspeakable ease, modesty, grace. A local poet—not + Simonides, not Pindar, but some humbler bard—had invoked his muse for the grand + occasion. Youths and maidens burst forth into singing. </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Io! Io, pæan! the parsley-wreathed victor hail!</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Io! Io, pæan! sing it out on each breeze, each gale!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">He has triumphed, our own, our beloved,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Before all the myriad’s ken.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">He has met the swift, has proved swifter!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span style="font-size: 80%">The strong, has proved stronger again!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Now glory to him, to his kinfolk,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span style="font-size: 80%">To Athens, and all Athens’ men!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page55">[pg 55]</span><a name="Pg055" id="Pg055" class="tei tei-anchor" style="text-align: left"></a><span style="font-size: 80%">Meet, run to meet him,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span style="font-size: 80%">The nimblest are not too fleet.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Greet him, with raptures greet him,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span style="font-size: 80%">With songs and with twinkling feet.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">He approaches,—throw flowers before him.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Throw poppy and lily and rose;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Blow faster, gay pipers, faster,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Till your mad music throbs and flows,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">For his glory and ours flies through Hellas,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Wherever the Sun-King goes.</span></div> + </div> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Io! Io, pæan! crown with laurel and myrtle and pine,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Io, pæan! haste to crown him with olive, Athena’s dark vine.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">He is with us, he shines in his beauty;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Oh, joy of his face the first sight;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">He has shed on us all his bright honour,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Let High Zeus shed on him his light,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">And thou, Pallas, our gray-eyed protectress,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 3.20em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Keep his name and his fame ever + bright!</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Matching action to the song, they threw over the victor crowns and chains beyond + number, till the parsley wreath was hidden from sight. Near the gate of Hermippus the + jubilant company halted. The demarch bawled long for silence, won it at last, and + approached the chariot. He, good man, had been a long day meditating on his speech of + formal congratulation and enjoyed his opportunity. Glaucon’s eyes still roved and + questioned, yet the demarch rolled out his windy sentences. But there was something + unexpected. Even as the magistrate took breath after reciting the victor’s noble + ancestry, there was a cry, a parting of the crowd, and Glaucon the Alcmæonid leaped from + the chariot as never on the sands at Corinth. The veil and the violet wreath fell from + the head of Hermione when her face went up to her husband’s. The blossoms that had + covered the athlete shook over her like a cloud as his face met hers. Then even the + honest demarch cut short his eloquence to swell the salvo. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page56">[pg 56]</span> + <a name="Pg056" id="Pg056" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The beautiful to the beautiful! The gods reward well. Here is the fairest crown!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For all Eleusis loved Hermione, and would have forgiven far greater things from her + than this. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermippus feasted the whole company,—the crowd at long tables in the court, the + chosen guests in a more private chamber. <span class="tei tei-q">“Nothing to excess”</span> was the truly Hellenic + maxim of the refined Eleusinian; and he obeyed it. His banquet was elegant without + gluttony. The Syracusan cook had prepared a lordly turbot. The wine was choice old Chian + but well diluted. There was no vulgar gorging with meat, after the Bœotian manner; but + the great Copaic eel, <span class="tei tei-q">“such as Poseidon might have sent up to Olympus,”</span> made every + gourmand clap his hands. The aromatic honey was the choicest from Mt. Hymettus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Since the smaller company was well selected, convention was waived, and ladies were + present. Hermione sat on a wide chair beside Lysistra, her comely mother; her younger + brothers on stools at either hand. Directly across the narrow table Glaucon and + Democrates reclined on the same couch. The eyes of husband and wife seldom left each + other; their tongues flew fast; they never saw how Democrates hardly took his gaze from + the face of Hermione. Simonides, who reclined beside Themistocles,—having struck a firm + friendship with that statesman on very brief acquaintance,—was overrunning with humour + and anecdote. The great man beside him was hardly his second in the fence of wit and + wisdom. After the fish had given way to the wine, Simonides regaled the company with a + gravely related story of how the Dioscuri had personally appeared to him during his last + stay in Thessaly and saved him from certain death in a falling building. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page57">[pg 57]</span> + <a name="Pg057" id="Pg057" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You swear this is a true tale, Simonides?”</span> began Themistocles, with one eye in his + head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It’s impiety to doubt. As penalty, rise at once and sing a song in honour of + Glaucon’s victory.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am no singer or harpist,”</span> returned the statesman, with a self-complacency he + never concealed. <span class="tei tei-q">“I only know how to make Athens powerful.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah! you son of Miltiades,”</span> urged the poet, <span class="tei tei-q">“at least you will not refuse so + churlishly.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cimon, with due excuses, arose, called for a harp, and began tuning it; but not all + the company were destined to hear him. A slave-boy touched Themistocles on the shoulder, + and the latter started to go. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Dioscuri will save you?”</span> demanded Simonides, laughing. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Quite other gods,”</span> rejoined the statesman; <span class="tei tei-q">“your pardon, Cimon, I return in a + moment. An agent of mine is back from Asia, surely with news of weight, if he must + seek me at once in Eleusis.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Themistocles lingered outside; an instant more brought a summons to Democrates, + who found Themistocles in an antechamber, deep in talk with Sicinnus,—nominally the + tutor of his sons, actually a trusted spy. The first glance at the Asiatic’s keen face + and eyes was disturbing. An inward omen—not from the entrails of birds, nor a sign in + the heavens—told Democrates the fellow brought no happy tidings. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> With incisive questions Themistocles had been bringing out everything. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So it is absolutely certain that Xerxes begins his invasion next spring?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“As certain as that Helios will rise to-morrow.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Forewarned is forearmed. Now where have you been since I sent you off in the winter + to visit Asia?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page58">[pg 58]</span> + <a name="Pg058" id="Pg058" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The man, who knew his master loved to do the lion’s share of the talking, answered + instantly:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sardis, Emesa, Babylon, Susa, Persepolis, Ecbatana.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eu!</span></span> Your commission is well executed. Are all the rumours we + hear from the East well founded? Is Xerxes assembling an innumerable host?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Rumour does not tell half the truth. Not one tribe in Asia but is required to send + its fighting men. Two bridges of boats are being built across the Hellespont. The king + will have twelve hundred war triremes, besides countless transports. The cavalry are + being numbered by hundreds of thousands, the infantry by millions. Such an army was + never assembled since Zeus conquered the Giants.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A merry array!”</span> Themistocles whistled an instant through his teeth; but, never + confounded, urged on his questions. <span class="tei tei-q">“So be it. But is Xerxes the man to command this + host? He is no master of war like Darius his father.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He is a creature for eunuchs and women; nevertheless his army will not suffer.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And wherefore?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Because Prince Mardonius, son of Gobryas, and brother-in-law of the king, has the + wisdom and valour of Cyrus and Darius together. Name him, and you name the arch-foe of + Hellas. He, not Xerxes, will be the true leader of the host.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You saw him, of course?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I did not. A Magian in Ecbatana told me a strange story. <span class="tei tei-q">‘The Prince,’</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘hates the details of camps; leaving the preparation to others, he has gone to + Greece to spy out the land he is to conquer.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Impossible, you are dreaming!”</span> The exclamation came not from Themistocles but + Democrates. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page59">[pg 59]</span> + <a name="Pg059" id="Pg059" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am not dreaming, worthy sir,”</span> returned Sicinnus, tartly; <span class="tei tei-q">“the Magian may have + lied, but I sought the Prince in every city I visited; they always told me, <span class="tei tei-q">‘He is + in another.’</span> He was not at the king’s court. He may have gone to Egypt, to India, + or to Arabia;—he <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">may</span></span> likewise have gone to Greece.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“These are serious tidings, Democrates,”</span> remarked Themistocles, with an anxiety his + voice seldom betrayed. <span class="tei tei-q">“Sicinnus is right; the presence of such a man as Mardonius in + Hellas explains many things.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not understand.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, the lukewarmness of so many friends we had counted on, the bickerings which + arose among the Confederates when we met just now at the Isthmus, the slackness of all + Spartans save Leonidas in preparing for war, the hesitancy of Corcyra in joining us. + Thebes is Medizing, Crete is Medizing, so is Argos. Thessaly is wavering. I can almost + name the princes and great nobles over Hellas who are clutching at Persian money. O + Father Zeus,”</span> wound up the Athenian, <span class="tei tei-q">“if there is not some master-spirit + directing all this villany, there is no wisdom in Themistocles, son of Neocles.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But the coming of Mardonius to Greece?”</span> questioned the younger man; <span class="tei tei-q">“the peril + he runs? the risk of discovery—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is all but nothing, except as he comes to Athens, for Medizers will shelter him + everywhere. Yet there is one spot—blessed be Athena—”</span> Themistocles’s hands went + up in easy piety—<span class="tei tei-q">“where, let him come if come he dare!”</span> Then with a swift change, + as was his wont, the statesman looked straight on Democrates. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hark you, son of Myscelus; those Persian lords are reckless. He may even test the + fates and set foot in Attica. I am cumbered with as many cares as Zeus, but this + com<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page60">[pg 60]</span><a name="Pg060" id="Pg060" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>mission I give to you. You are my most trusted + lieutenant; I can risk no other. Keep watch, hire spies, scatter bribe-money. Rest not + day nor night to find if Mardonius the Persian enters Athens. Once in our + clutches—and you have done Hellas as fair a turn as Miltiades at Marathon. You + promise it? Give me your hand.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A great task,”</span> spoke Democrates, none too readily. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And one you are worthy to accomplish. Are we not co-workers for Athens and for + Hellas?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles’s hawklike eyes were unescapable. The younger Athenian thought they were + reading his soul. He held out his hand.... </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> When Democrates returned to the hall, Cimon had ended his song. The guests were + applauding furiously. Wine was still going round, but Glaucon and Hermione were not + joining. Across the table they were conversing in low sentences that Democrates could + not catch. But he knew well enough the meaning as each face flashed back the beauty of + the other. And his mind wandered back darkly to the day when Glaucon had come to him, + more radiant than even his wont, and cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“Give me joy, dear comrade, joy! Hermippus + has promised me the fairest maiden in Athens.”</span> Some evil god had made Democrates + blind to all his boon-companion’s wooing. How many hopes of the orator that day had been + shattered! Yet he had even professed to rejoice with the son of Conon.... He sat in + sombre silence, until the piping voice of Simonides awakened him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Friend, if you are a fool, you do a wise thing in keeping still; if a wise man, a + very foolish thing.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wine, boy,”</span> ordered Democrates; <span class="tei tei-q">“and less water in it. I feel wretchedly stupid + to-day.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He spent the rest of the feast drinking deeply, and with much forced laughter. The + dinner ended toward evening. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page61">[pg 61]</span><a name="Pg061" id="Pg061" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>The whole company escorted + the victor toward Athens. At Daphni, the pass over the hills, the archons and + strategi—highest officials of the state—met them with cavalry and torches and half of + the city trailing at their heels. Twenty cubits of the city wall were pulled down to + make a gate for the triumphal entry. There was another great feast at the government + house. The purse of an hundred drachmæ, due by law to Isthmian victors, was presented. A + street was named for Glaucon in the new port-town of Peiræus. Simonides recited a + triumphal ode. All Athens, in short, made merry for days. Only one man found it hard to + join the mirth whole-heartedly. And this was the victor’s bosom friend,—Democrates. + </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page62">[pg 62]</span> + <a name="Pg062" id="Pg062" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf10" id="pdf10"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VI</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> ATHENS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In Athens! Shall one mount the Acropolis or enter the market place? Worship in the + temple of the Virgin Athena, or descend to the Agora and the roar of its getters and + spenders? For Athens has two faces—toward the ideal, toward the commonplace. Who can + regard both at once? Let the Acropolis, its sculptures, its landscape, wait. It has + waited for men three thousand years. And so to the Agora. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb"> </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Full market time.”</span> The Agora was a beehive. From the round Tholus at the south to + the long portico at the north all was babel and traffic. Donkeys raised their wheezing + protest against too heavy loads of farm produce. Megarian swine squealed and tugged at + their leg-cords. An Asiatic sailor clamoured at the money-changer’s stall for another + obol in change for a Persian daric. <span class="tei tei-q">“Buy my oil!”</span> bawled the huckster from his + wicker booth beside the line of Hermes-busts in the midst of the square. <span class="tei tei-q">“Buy my + charcoal!”</span> roared back a companion, whilst past both was haled a grinning negro + with a crier who bade every gentleman to <span class="tei tei-q">“mark his chance”</span> for a fashionable + servant. Phocian the quack was hawking his toothache salve from the steps of the Temple + of Apollo. Deira, the comely flower girl, held out crowns of rose, violet, and narcissus + to the dozen young dandies who pressed about her. Around the Hermes-busts idle crowds + were reading the legal notices plastered on the base of each statue. A file of mules and + wagons was plough<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page63">[pg 63]</span><a name="Pg063" id="Pg063" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ing through the multitude with marble + for some new building. Every instant the noise grew. Pandora’s box had opened, and every + clamour had flitted out. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At the northern end, where the porticos and the long Dromos street ran off toward the + Dipylon gate, stood the shop of Clearchus the potter. A low counter was covered with the + owner’s wares,—tall amphoræ for wine, flat beakers, + <a name="corr063" id="corr063" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">water-pots</span>, and basins. Behind, two + apprentices whirled the wheel, another glazed on the black varnish and painted the jars + with little red loves and dancing girls. Clearchus sat on the counter with three + friends,—come not to trade but to barter the latest gossip from the barber-shops: Agis + the sharp, knavish cockpit and gaming-house keeper, Crito the fat mine-contractor, and + finally Polus, gray and pursy, who <span class="tei tei-q">“devoted his talents to the public weal,”</span> in + other words was a perpetual juryman and likewise busybody. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The latest rumour about Xerxes having been duly chewed, conversation began to lag. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“An idle day for you, my Polus,”</span> threw out Clearchus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Idle indeed! No jury sits to-day in the King Archon’s Porch or the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Red Court’</span>; + I can’t vote to condemn that Heraclius who’s exported wheat contrary to the law.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Condemn?”</span> cried Agis; <span class="tei tei-q">“wasn’t the evidence very weak?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ay,”</span> snorted Polus, <span class="tei tei-q">“very weak, and the wretch pleaded piteously, setting his + wife and four little ones weeping on the stand. But we are resolved. <span class="tei tei-q">‘You are + boiling a stone—your plea’s no profit,’</span> thought we. Our hearts vote <span class="tei tei-q">‘guilty,’</span> if our heads say <span class="tei tei-q">‘innocent.’</span> One mustn’t discourage honest + informers. What’s a patriot on a jury for if only to acquit? Holy Father Zeus, but + there’s a pleasure in dropping into the voting-urn the black bean which condemns!”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page64">[pg 64]</span> + <a name="Pg064" id="Pg064" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Athena keep us, then, from litigation,”</span> murmured Clearchus; while Crito opened his + fat lips to ask, <span class="tei tei-q">“And what adjourns the courts?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A meeting of the assembly, to be sure. The embassy’s come back from Delphi with the + oracle we sought about the prospects of the war.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then Themistocles will speak,”</span> observed the potter; <span class="tei tei-q">“a very important + meeting.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Very important,”</span> choked the juror, fishing a long piece of garlic from his wallet + and cramming it into his mouth with both hands. <span class="tei tei-q">“What a noble statesman Themistocles + is! Only young Democrates will ever be like him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates?”</span> squeaked out Crito. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, yes. Almost as eloquent as Themistocles. What zeal for democracy! What courage + against Persia! A Nestor, I say, in wisdom—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Agis gave a whistle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A Nestor, perhaps. Yet if you knew, as I do, how some of his nights pass,—dice, + Rhodian fighting-cocks, dancing-girls, and worse things,—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ll scarce believe it,”</span> grunted the juror; yet then confessed somewhat ruefully, + <span class="tei tei-q">“however, he is unfortunate in his bosom friend.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What do you mean?”</span> demanded the potter. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the Alcmæonid, to be sure. I cried <span class="tei tei-q">‘<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Io, pæan!</span></span>’</span> as + loud as the others when he came back; still I weary of having a man always so + fortunate.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Even as you voted to banish Aristeides, Themistocles’s rival, because you were tired + of hearing him called <span class="tei tei-q">‘the Just.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There’s much in that. Besides, he’s an Alcmæonid, and since their old murder of Cylon + the house has been under a blood curse. He has married the daughter of Hermippus, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page65">[pg 65]</span><a name="Pg065" id="Pg065" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>who is too highly born to be faithful to the democracy. + He carries a Laconian cane,—sure sign of Spartanizing tendencies. He may conspire any + day to become tyrant.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hush,”</span> warned Clearchus, <span class="tei tei-q">“there he passes now, arm in arm with Democrates as + always, and on his way to the assembly.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The men are much alike in build,”</span> spoke Crito, slowly, <span class="tei tei-q">“only Glaucon is + infinitely handsomer.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And infinitely less honest. I distrust your too beautiful and too lucky men,”</span> + snapped Polus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Envious dog,”</span> commented Agis; and bitter personalities might have followed had not + a bell jangled from an adjacent portico. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Phormio, my brother-in-law, with fresh fish from Phaleron,”</span> announced Polus, + drawing a coin from his wonted purse,—his cheek; <span class="tei tei-q">“quick, friends, we must buy our + dinners.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Between the columns of the portico stood Phormio the fishmonger, behind a table heaped + with his scaly wares. He was a thick, florid man with blue eyes lit by a + <a name="corr065" id="corr065" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">humourous</span> + twinkle. His arms were crusted with brine. To his waist he was naked. As the friends + edged nearer he held up a turbot, calling for a bid. A clamour answered him. The throng + pressed up the steps, elbowing and scrambling. The competition was keen but + good-natured. Phormio’s broad jests and witticisms—he called all his customers by + name—aided in forcing up the price. The turbot was knocked down to a rich gentleman’s + cook marketing for his master. The pile of fish decreased, the bidding sharpened. The <span class="tei tei-q">“Market Wardens”</span> seemed needed to check the jostling. But as the last eel was held + up, came a cry— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Look out for the rope!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Phormio’s customers scattered. Scythian constables were <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page66">[pg 66]</span><a name="Pg066" id="Pg066" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>stretching cords dusted with red chalk across all exits from the Agora, + save that to the south. Soon the band began contracting its nets and driving a swarm of + citizens toward the remaining exit, for a red chalk-mark on a mantle meant a fine. + Traffic ceased instantly. Thousands crowded the lane betwixt the temples and porches, + seeking the assembly place,—through a narrow, ill-built way, but the great area of the + Pnyx opened before them like the slopes of some noble theatre. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> No seats; rich and poor sat down upon the rocky ground. Under the open azure, at the + focus of the semicircle, with clear view before of the city, and to right of the red + cliffs of the Acropolis, rose a low platform hewn in the rock,—the <span class="tei tei-q">“Bema,”</span> the + orator’s pulpit. A few chairs for the magistrates and a small altar were its sole + furnishings. The multitude entered the Pnyx through two narrow entrances pierced in the + massy engirdling wall and took seats at pleasure; all were equals—the Alcmæonid, the + charcoal-seller from Acharnæ. Amid silence the chairman of the Council arose and put on + the myrtle crown,—sign that the sitting was opened. A herald besought blessings on the + Athenians and the Platæans their allies. A wrinkled seer carefully slaughtered a goose, + proclaimed that its entrails gave good omen, and cast the carcass on the altar. The + herald assured the people there was no rain, thunder, or other unlucky sign from heaven. + The pious accordingly breathed easier, and awaited the order of the day. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The decree of the Council convening the assembly was read; then the herald’s formal + proclamation:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who wishes to speak?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The answer was a groan from nigh every soul present. Three men ascended the Bema. They + bore the olive branches and laurel garlands, suppliants at Delphi; but their <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page67">[pg 67]</span><a name="Pg067" id="Pg067" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>cloaks were black. <span class="tei tei-q">“The oracle is unfavourable! The gods + deliver us to Xerxes!”</span> The thrill of horror went around the Pnyx. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The three stood an instant in gloomy silence. Then Callias the Rich, solemn and + impressive, their spokesman, told their eventful story. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Athenians, by your orders we have been to Delphi to inquire of the surest oracle in + Greece your destinies in the coming war. Hardly had we completed the accustomed + sacrifices in the Temple of Apollo, when the Pythoness Aristonice, sitting above the + sacred cleft whence comes the inspiring vapour, thus prophesied.”</span> And Callias + repeated the hexameters which warned the Athenians that resistance to Xerxes would be + worse than futile; that Athens was doomed; concluding with the fearful line, <span class="tei tei-q">“Get from + this temple afar, and brood on the ills that await ye.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the pause, as Callias’s voice fell, the agony of the people became nigh + indescribable. Sturdy veterans who had met the Persian spears at Marathon blinked fast. + Many groaned, some cursed. Here and there a bold spirit dared to open his heart to + doubt, and to mutter, <span class="tei tei-q">“Persian gold, the Pythoness was corrupted,”</span> but quickly + hushed even such whispers as rank impiety. Then a voice close to the Bema rang out + loudly:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And is this all the message, Callias?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The voice of Glaucon the Fortunate,”</span> cried many, finding relief in words. <span class="tei tei-q">“He is + a friend to the ambassador. There is a further prophecy.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The envoy, who had made his theatrical pause too long, continued:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Such, men of Athens, was the answer; and we went forth in dire tribulation. Then a + certain noble Delphian, Timon by name, bade us take the olive branches and return to + the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page68">[pg 68]</span><a name="Pg068" id="Pg068" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Pythoness, saying, <span class="tei tei-q">‘O King Apollo, reverence + these boughs of supplication, and deliver a more comfortable answer concerning our + dear country. Else we will not leave thy sanctuary, but stay here until we die.’</span> + Whereat the priestess gave us a second answer, gloomy and riddling, yet not so evil as + the first.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Again Callias recited his lines of doom, <span class="tei tei-q">“that Athena had vainly + prayed to Zeus in behalf of her city, and that it was fated the foe should overrun all + Attica, yet</span> + </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“ </span><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Safe shall the wooden wall continue for + thee and thy children;</span></span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Wait not the tramp of the horse, nor the footmen mightily moving</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Over the land, but turn your back to the foe, and retire ye.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Yet a day shall arrive when ye shall meet him in battle.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Oh, holy Salamis, thou shalt destroy the offspring of women</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">When men scatter the seed, or when they + gather the harvest.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 80%"> ”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And that is all?”</span> demanded fifty voices. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That is all,”</span> and Callias quitted the Bema. Whereupon if agony had held the Pnyx + before, perplexity held it now. <span class="tei tei-q">“The wooden wall?”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Holy Salamis?”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A great battle, but who is to conquer?”</span> The feverish anxiety of the people at + length found its vent in a general shout. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The seers! Call the seers! Explain the oracle!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The demand had clearly been anticipated by the president of the Council. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Xenagoras the Cerycid is present. He is the oldest seer. Let us hearken to his + opinion.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The head of the greatest priestly family in Athens arose. He was a venerable man, + wearing his ribbon-decked robes of office. The president passed him the myrtle crown, as + token that he had the Bema. In a tense hush his voice sounded clearly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I was informed of the oracles before the assembly met. The meaning is plain. By the + <span class="tei tei-q">‘wooden wall’</span> is meant our <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page69">[pg 69]</span><a name="Pg069" id="Pg069" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ships. But if we + risk a battle, we are told slaughter and defeat will follow. The god commands, + therefore, that without resistance we quit Attica, gathering our wives, our children, + and our goods, and sail away to some far country.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Xenagoras paused with the smile of him who performs a sad but necessary duty, removed + the wreath, and descended the Bema. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Quit Attica without a blow! Our fathers’ fathers’ sepulchres, the shrines of our + gods, the pleasant farmsteads, the land where our Attic race have dwelt from dimmest + time!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The thought shot chill through the thousands. Men sat in helpless silence, while many + a soul, as the gaze wandered up to the temple-crowned Acropolis, asked once, yes twice, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is not the yoke of Persia preferable to that?”</span> Then after the silence broke the + clamour of voices. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The other seers! Do all agree with Xenagoras? Stand forth! stand forth!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hegias, the <span class="tei tei-q">“King Archon,”</span> chief of the state religion, took the Bema. His speech + was brief and to the point. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“All the priests and seers of Attica have consulted. Xenagoras speaks for them all + save Hermippus of the house of Eumolpus, who denies the others’ interpretation.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Confusion followed. Men rose, swung their arms, harangued madly from where they stood. + The chairman in vain ordered <span class="tei tei-q">“Silence!”</span> and was fain to bid the Scythian constables + restore order. An elderly farmer thrust himself forward, took the wreath, and poured out + his rustic wisdom from the Bema. His advice was simple. The oracle said <span class="tei tei-q">“the wooden + wall”</span> would be a bulwark, and by the wooden wall was surely meant the Acropolis + which had once been protected by a palisade. Let all Attica shut itself in the citadel + and endure a siege. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page70">[pg 70]</span> + <a name="Pg070" id="Pg070" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So far he had proceeded garrulously, but the high-strung multitude could endure no + more. <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kataba! Kataba!</span></span>”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Go down! go down!”</span> pealed the yell, emphasized by a shower of pebbles. The elder + tore the wreath from his head and fled the Bema. Then out of the confusion came a + general cry. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cimon, son of Miltiades, speak to us!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But that young nobleman preserved a discreet silence, and the multitude turned to + another favourite. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates, son of Myscelus, speak to us!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The popular orator only wrapped his cloak about him, as he sat near the chairman’s + stand, never answering the call he rejoiced of wont to hear. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> There were cries for Hermippus, cries even for Glaucon, as if prowess in the + pentathlon gave ability to unravel oracles. The athlete sitting beside Democrates merely + blushed and drew closer to his friend. Then at last the despairing people turned to + their last resource. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles, son of Neocles, speak to us!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Thrice the call in vain; but at the fourth time a wave of silence swept across the + Pnyx. A figure well beloved was taking the wreath and mounting the Bema. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The words of Themistocles that day were to ring in his hearer’s ears till life’s end. + The careless, almost sybaritic, man of the Isthmus and Eleusis seemed transfigured. For + one moment he stood silent, lofty, awe-inspiring. He had a mighty task: to calm the + superstitious fears of thirty thousand, to silence the prophets of evil, to infuse those + myriads with his own high courage. He began with a voice so low it would have seemed a + whisper if not audible to all the Pnyx. Quickly he warmed. His gestures became dramatic. + His voice rose to a trumpet-call. He swept his hearers with him as dry leaves before the + blast. <span class="tei tei-q">“When he <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page71">[pg 71]</span><a name="Pg071" id="Pg071" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>began to weave his words, one might + have deemed him churlish, nay a fool, but when from his chest came his deep voice, and + words like unto flakes of winter snow, then who could with him contend?”</span> Thus Homer + of Odysseus the Guileful, thus as truly of Themistocles saviour of Hellas. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> First he told the old, but never wearisome story of the past of Athens. How, from the + days of Codrus long ago, Athens had never bowed the knee to an invader, how she had + wrested Salamis from greedy Megara, how she had hounded out the tyrannizing sons of + Peisistratus, how she had braved all the wrath of Persian Darius and dashed his huge + armament back at Marathon. With such a past, only a madman as well as traitor would + dream of submitting to Xerxes now. But as for the admonition of Xenagoras to quit Attica + and never strike a blow, Themistocles would have none of it. With a clearness that + appealed to every home-loving Hellene he pictured the fate of wanderers as only one step + better than that of slaves. What, then, was left? The orator had a decisive answer. Was + not the <span class="tei tei-q">“wooden wall”</span> which should endure for the Athenians the great fleet they + were just completing? And as for the fate of the battle the speaker had an unexpected + solution. <span class="tei tei-q">“Holy Salamis,”</span> spoke the Pythoness. And would she have said <span class="tei tei-q">“holy,”</span> + if the issue had been only woe to the sons of Athens? <span class="tei tei-q">“Luckless Salamis”</span> were then + more reasonably the word; yet the prophetess so far from predicting defeat had assured + them victory. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Thus ran the substance of the speech on which many a soul knew hung the mending or + ending of Hellas, but lit all through with gleams of wit, shades of pathos, outbursts of + eloquence which burned into the hearers’ hearts as though the speaker were a god. Then + at the end, Themistocles, knowing his audience was with him, delivered his peroration:— </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page72">[pg 72]</span> + <a name="Pg072" id="Pg072" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let him who trusts in oracles trust then in this, and in the old + prophecy of Epimenides that when the Persian comes it is to his hurt. But I will say + with Hector of Troy, <span class="tei tei-q">‘One oracle is best—to fight for one’s native country.’</span> + Others may vote as they will. My vote is that if the foe by land be too great, we + retire before him to our ships, ay, forsake even well-loved Attica, but only that we + may trust to the <span class="tei tei-q">‘wooden wall,’</span> and fight the Great King by sea at Salamis. We + contend not with gods but with men. Let others fear. I will trust to Athena + Polias,—the goddess terrible in battle. Hearken then to Solon the Wise (the orator + pointed toward the temple upon the soaring Acropolis):—</span> + </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“ </span><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Our Athens need fear no hurt</span></span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Though gods may conspire her ill.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">The hand that hath borne us up,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">It guides us and guards us still.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Athena, the child of Zeus,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">She watches and knows no fear.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">The city rests safe from harm</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Beneath her + protecting spear.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">’</span></span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">Thus trusting in Athena, we will meet the foe at Salamis and will + destroy him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who wishes to speak?”</span> called the herald. The Pnyx answered together. The vote to + retire from Attica if needs be, to strengthen the fleet, to risk all in a great battle, + was carried with a shout. Men ran to Themistocles, calling him, <span class="tei tei-q">“Peitho,—Queen + Persuasion.”</span> He made light of their praises, and walked with his handsome head + tossed back toward the general’s office by the Agora, to attend to some routine + business. Glaucon, Cimon, and Democrates went westward to calm their exhilaration with a + ball-game at the gymnasium of Cynosarges. On the way Glaucon called attention to a + foreigner that passed them. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page73">[pg 73]</span> + <a name="Pg073" id="Pg073" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Look, Democrates, that fellow is wonderfully like the honest barbarian who applauded + me at the Isthmus.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates glanced twice. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dear Glaucon,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“that fellow had a long blond beard, while this man’s is + black as a crow.”</span> And he spoke the truth; yet despite the disguise he clearly + recognized the <span class="tei tei-q">“Cyprian.”</span> + </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page74">[pg 74]</span> + <a name="Pg074" id="Pg074" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf11" id="pdf11"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> DEMOCRATES AND THE TEMPTER </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the northern quarter of Athens the suburb of Alopece thrust itself under the slopes + of Mt. Lycabettus, that pyramid of tawny rock which formed the rear bulwark, as it were, + of every landscape of Athens. The dwellings in the suburb were poor, though few even in + the richer quarters were at all handsome; the streets barely sixteen feet wide, + ill-paved, filthy, dingy. A line of dirty gray stucco house-fronts was broken only by + the small doors and the smaller windows in the second story. Occasionally a two-faced + bust of Hermes stood before a portal, or a marble lion’s head spouted into a corner + water trough. All Athenian streets resembled these. The citizen had his Pnyx, his + Jury-Court, his gossiping Agora for his day. These dingy streets sufficed for the dogs, + the slaves, and the women, whom wise Zeus ordered to remain at home. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Phormio the fishmonger had returned from his traffic, and sat in his house-door + meditating over a pot of sour wine and watching the last light flickering on the great + bulk of the mountain. He had his sorrows,—good man,—for Lampaxo his worthy wife, long + of tongue, short of temper, thrifty and very watchful, was reminding him for the seventh + time that he had sold a carp half an obol too cheap. His patience indeed that evening + was so near to exhaustion that after <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page75">[pg 75]</span><a name="Pg075" id="Pg075" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>cursing inwardly + the <span class="tei tei-q">“match-maker”</span> who had saddled this Amazon upon him, he actually found courage + for an outbreak. He threw up his arms after the manner of a tragic actor:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“True, true is the word of Hesiod!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“True is what?”</span> flew back none too gently. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘The fool first suffers and is after wise.’</span> Woman, I am resolved.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“On what?”</span> Lampaxo’s voice was soft as broken glass. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Years increase. I shan’t live long. We are childless. I will provide for you in my + will by giving you in marriage to Hyperphon.”</span><a id="noteref_3" name="noteref_3" href="#note_3"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">3</span></span></a></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hyperphon!”</span> screamed the virago, <span class="tei tei-q">“Hyperphon the beggarly hunchback, the + laughing-stock of Athens! O Mother Hera!—but I see the villain’s aim. You are weary + of me. Then divorce me like an honourable man. Send me back to Polus my dear brother. + Ah, you sheep, you are silent! You think of the two-minæ dowry you must then refund. + Woe is me! I’ll go to the King Archon. I’ll charge you with gross abuse. The jury will + condemn you. There’ll be fines, fetters, stocks, prison—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace,”</span> groaned Phormio, terrified at the Gorgon, <span class="tei tei-q">“I only thought—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How dared you think? What permitted—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good evening, sweet sister and Phormio!”</span> The salutation came from Polus, who with + Clearchus had approached unheralded. Lampaxo smoothed her ruffled feathers. Phormio + stifled his sorrows. Dromo, the half-starved slave-boy, brought a pot of thin wine to + his betters. The short southern twilight was swiftly passing into night. Groups of young + men wandered past, bound homeward from the Cynosarges, the Academy, or some other + well-loved gym<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page76">[pg 76]</span><a name="Pg076" id="Pg076" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>nasium. In an hour the streets would be + dark and still, except for a belated guest going to his banquet, a Scythian constable, + or perhaps a cloak thief. For your Athenian, when he had no supper invitation, went to + bed early and rose early, loving the sunlight far better than the flicker of his + uncertain lamps. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And did the jury vote <span class="tei tei-q">‘guilty’</span>?”</span> was Phormio’s first question of his + brother-in-law. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We were patriotically united. There were barely any white beans for acquittal in the + urn. The scoundrelly grain-dealer is stripped of all he possesses and sent away to beg + in exile. A noble service to Athens!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Despite the evidence,”</span> murmured Clearchus; but Lampaxo’s shrill voice answered her + brother:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It’s my opinion you jurors should look into a case directly opposite this house. + Spies, I say, Persian spies.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Spies!”</span> cried Polus, leaping up as from a coal; <span class="tei tei-q">“why, Phormio, haven’t you + denounced them? It’s compounding with treason even to fail to report—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace, brother,”</span> chuckled the fishmonger, <span class="tei tei-q">“your sister smells for treason as a + dog for salt fish. There is a barbarian carpet merchant—a Babylonian, I presume—who + has taken the empty chambers above Demas’s shield factory opposite. He seems a quiet, + inoffensive man; there are a hundred other foreign merchants in the city. One can’t + cry <span class="tei tei-q">‘Traitor!’</span> just because the poor wight was not born to speak Greek.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not like Babylonish merchants,”</span> propounded Polus, dogmatically; <span class="tei tei-q">“to the + jury with him, I say!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“At least he has a visitor,”</span> asserted Clearchus, who had long been silent. <span class="tei tei-q">“See, + a gentleman wrapped in a long himation is going up to the door and standing up his + walking stick.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page77">[pg 77]</span> + <a name="Pg077" id="Pg077" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And if I have eyes,”</span> vowed the juror, squinting through his hands in the half + light, <span class="tei tei-q">“that closely wrapped man is Glaucon the Alcmæonid.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Or Democrates,”</span> remarked Clearchus; <span class="tei tei-q">“they look much alike from behind. It’s + getting dark.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> decided Phormio, <span class="tei tei-q">“we can easily tell. He has left his stick below by the + door. Steal across, Polus, and fetch it. It must be carved with the owner’s name.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The juror readily obeyed; but to read the few characters on the crooked handle was + beyond the learning of any save Clearchus, whose art demanded the mystery of writing. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I was wrong,”</span> he confessed, after long scrutiny, <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Glaucon, son of Conon.’</span> + It is very plain. Put the cane back, Polus.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The cane was returned, but the juror pulled a very long face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dear friends, here is a man I’ve already suspected of undemocratic sentiments + conferring with a Barbarian. Good patriots cannot be too vigilant. A plot, I assert. + Treason to Athens and Hellas! Freedom’s in danger. Henceforth I shall look on Glaucon + the Alcmæonid as an enemy of liberty.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Phui!</span></span>”</span> almost shouted Phormio, whose sense of humour was + keen, <span class="tei tei-q">“a noble conspiracy! Glaucon the Fortunate calls on a Babylonish merchant by + night. You say to plot against Athens. I say to buy his pretty wife a carpet.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The gods will some day explain,”</span> said Clearchus, winding up the argument,—and so + for a little while the four forgot all about Glaucon. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Despite the cane, Clearchus was right. The visitor was Democrates. The orator mounted + the dark stair above the shield-factory and knocked against a door, calling, <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pai! Pai!</span></span>”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Boy! boy!”</span> a summons answered by none other than <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page78">[pg 78]</span><a name="Pg078" id="Pg078" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the ever smiling Hiram. The Athenian, however, was little prepared for the luxury, nay + splendour, which greeted him, once the Phœnician had opened the door. The bare chamber + had been transformed. The foot sank into the glowing carpets of Kerman and Bactria. The + gold-embroidered wall tapestries were of Sidonian purple. The divans were covered with + wondrous stuff which Democrates could not name,—another age would call it silk. A + tripod smoked with fragrant Arabian frankincense. Silver lamps, swinging from silver + chains, gave brilliant light. The Athenian stood wonderbound, until a voice, not + Hiram’s, greeted him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Welcome, Athenian,”</span> spoke the Cyprian, in his quaint, eastern accent. It was the + strange guest in the tavern by Corinth. The Prince—prince surely, whatever his other + title—was in the same rich dress as at the Isthmus, only his flowing beard had been + dyed raven black. Yet Democrates’s eyes were diverted instantly to the peculiarly + handsome slave-boy on the divan beside his master. The boy’s dress, of a rare blue + stuff, enveloped him loosely. His hair was as golden as the gold thread on the round + cap. In the shadows the face almost escaped the orator,—he thought he saw clear blue + eyes and a marvellously brilliant, almost girlish, bloom and freshness. The presence of + this slave caused the Athenian to hesitate, but the Cyprian bade him be seated, with one + commanding wave of the hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“This is Smerdis, my constant companion. He is a mute. Yet if otherwise, I would trust + him as myself.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates, putting by surprise, began to look on his host fixedly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My dear Barbarian, for that you are a Hellene you will not pretend, you realize, I + trust, you incur considerable danger in visiting Athens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am not anxious,”</span> observed the Prince, composedly. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page79">[pg 79]</span><a name="Pg079" id="Pg079" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“Hiram is watchful and skilful. You see I have dyed my hair and beard + black and pass for a Babylonish merchant.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“With all except me, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotate</span></span>,—<span class="tei tei-q">‘dearest friend,’</span> as we + say in Athens.”</span> Democrates’s smile was not wholly agreeable. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“With all except you,”</span> assented the Prince, fingering the scarlet tassel of the + cushion whereon he sat. <span class="tei tei-q">“I reckoned confidently that you would come to visit me when I + sent Hiram to you. Yes—I have heard the story that is on your tongue: one of + Themistocles’s busybodies has brought a rumour that a certain great man of the Persian + court is missing from the side of his master, and you have been requested to greet + that nobleman heartily if he should come to Athens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You know a great deal!”</span> cried the orator, feeling his forehead grow hot. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is pleasant to know a great deal,”</span> smiled back the Prince, carelessly, while + Hiram entered with a tray and silver goblets brimming with violet-flavoured sherbet; <span class="tei tei-q">“I have innumerable <span class="tei tei-q">‘Eyes-and-ears.’</span> You have heard the name? One of the chief + officers of his Majesty is <span class="tei tei-q">‘The Royal Eye.’</span> You Athenians are a valiant and in + many things a wise people, yet you could grow in wisdom by looking well to the + East.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am confident,”</span> exclaimed Democrates, thrusting back the goblet, <span class="tei tei-q">“if your + Excellency requires a noble game of wits, you can have one. I need only step to the + window, and cry <span class="tei tei-q">‘Spies!’</span>—after which your Excellency can exercise your wisdom + and eloquence defending your life before one of our Attic juries.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Which is a polite and patriotic manner of saying, dearest Athenian, you are not + prepared to push matters to such unfortunate extremity. I omit what his Majesty might + do in the way of taking vengeance; sufficient that if aught unfor<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page80">[pg 80]</span><a name="Pg080" id="Pg080" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>tunate befalls me, or Hiram, or this my slave Smerdis, while we are in + Athens, a letter comes to your noble chief Themistocles from the banker Pittacus of + Argos.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates, who had risen to his feet, had been flushed before. He became pale now. + The hand that clutched the purple tapestry was trembling. The words rose to his lips, + the lips refused to utter them. The Prince, who had delivered his threat most quietly, + went on, <span class="tei tei-q">“In short, good Democrates, I was aware before I came to Athens of our + necessities, and I came because I was certain I could relieve them.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Never!”</span> The orator shot the word out desperately. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are a Hellene.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Am I ashamed of it?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not, however, affect to be more virtuous than your race. Persians make their boast + of truth-telling and fidelity. You Hellenes, I hear, have even a god—Hermes + Dolios,—who teaches you lying and thieving. The customs of nations differ. Mazda the + Almighty alone knoweth which is best. Follow then the customs of Hellenes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You speak in riddles.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Plainer, then. You know the master I serve. You guess who I am, though you shall not + name me. For what sum will you serve Xerxes the Great King?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The orator’s breath came deep. His hands clasped and unclasped, then were pressed + behind his head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I told Lycon, and I tell you, I am no traitor to Hellas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Which means, of course, you demand a fair price. I am not angry. You will find a + Persian pays like the lord he is, and that his darics always ring true metal.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ll hear no more. I was a fool to meet Lycon at Corinth, doubly a fool to meet you + to-night. Farewell.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates seized the latch. The door was locked. He <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page81">[pg 81]</span><a name="Pg081" id="Pg081" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>turned furiously on the Barbarian. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you keep me by force? Have a care. I can be + terrible if driven to bay. The window is open. One shout—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Cyprian had risen, and quietly, but with a grip like iron on Democrates’s wrist, + led the orator back to the divan. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You can go free in a twinkling, but hear you shall. Before you boast of your power, + you shall know all of mine. I will recite your condition. Contradict if I say anything + amiss. Your father Myscelus was of the noble house of Codrus, a great name in Athens, + but he left you no large estate. You were ambitious to shine as an orator and leader + of the Athenians. To win popularity you have given great feasts. At the last festival + of the Theseia you fed the poor of Athens on sixty oxen washed down with good Rhodian + wine. All that made havoc in your patrimony.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“By Zeus, you speak as if you lived all your life in Athens!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have said <span class="tei tei-q">‘I have many eyes.’</span> But to continue. You gave the price of the + tackling for six of the triremes with which Themistocles pretends to believe he can + beat back my master. Worse still, you have squandered many minæ on flute girls, dice, + cock-fights, and other gentle pleasures. In short your patrimony is not merely + exhausted but overspent. That, however, is not the most wonderful part of my + recital.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How dare you pry into my secrets?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Be appeased, dear Athenian; it is much more interesting to know you deny nothing of + all I say. It is now five months since you were appointed by your sagacious Athenian + assembly as commissioner to administer the silver taken from the mines at Laurium and + devoted to your navy. You fulfilled the people’s confidence by diverting much of this + money to the payment of your own great debts to the banker Pittacus of Argos. At + present you are <span class="tei tei-q">‘watching the moon,’</span> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page82">[pg 82]</span><a name="Pg082" id="Pg082" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>as you say here in Athens,—I mean, that at the end + of this month you must account to the people for all the money you have handled, and + at this hour are at your wits’ ends to know whence the repayment will come.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That is all you know of me?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“All.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates sighed with relief. <span class="tei tei-q">“Then you have yet to complete the story, my dear + Barbarian. I have adventured on half the cargo of a large merchantman bringing timber + and tin from Massalia; I look every day for a messenger from Corinth with news of her + safe arrival. Upon her coming I can make good all I owe and still be a passing rich + man.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> If the Cyprian was discomposed at this announcement, he did not betray it. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The sea is frightfully uncertain, good Democrates. Upon it, as many fortunes are lost + as are made.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have offered due prayers to Poseidon, and vowed a gold tripod on the ship’s + arrival.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So even your gods in Hellas have their price,”</span> was the retort, with an + ill-concealed sneer. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not trust them. Take ten talents from me and to-night sleep + sweetly.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your price?”</span> the words slipped forth involuntarily. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles’s private memoranda for the battle-order of your new fleet.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Avert it, gods! The ship will reach Corinth, I warn you—”</span> Democrates’s gestures + became menacing, as again he rose, <span class="tei tei-q">“I will set you in Themistocles’s hand as + soon—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But not to-night.”</span> The Prince rose, smiled, held out his hand. <span class="tei tei-q">“Unbar the door + for his Excellency, Hiram. And you, noble sir, think well of all I said at Corinth on + the certain victory of my master; think also—”</span> the voice fell—<span class="tei tei-q">“how Democrates + the Codrid could be sovereign of Athens under the protection of Persia.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page83">[pg 83]</span> + <a name="Pg083" id="Pg083" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I tyrant of Athens?”</span> the orator clapped his hand behind his back; <span class="tei tei-q">“you say + enough. Good evening.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He was on the threshold, when the slave-boy touched his master’s hand in silent + signal. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And if there be any fair woman you desire,”</span>—how gliding the Cyprian’s voice!—<span class="tei tei-q">“shall not the power of Xerxes the great give her unto you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Why did Democrates feel his forehead turn to flame? Why—almost against will—did he + stretch forth his hand to the Cyprian? He went down the stair scarce feeling the steps + beneath him. At the bottom voices greeted him from across the darkened street. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A fair evening, Master Glaucon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A fair evening,”</span> his mechanical answer; then to himself; as he walked away, <span class="tei tei-q">“Wherefore call me Glaucon? I have somewhat his height, though not his shoulder. + Ah,—I know it, I have chanced to borrow his carved walking-stick. Impudent creatures + to read the name!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He had not far to go. Athens was compactly built, all quarters close together. Yet + before he reached home and bed, he was fighting back an ill-defined but terrible + thought. <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon! They think I am Glaucon. If I chose to betray the Cyprian—”</span> + Further than that he would not suffer the thought to go. He lay sleepless, fighting + against it. The dark was full of the harpies of uncanny suggestion. He arose + unrefreshed, to proffer every god the same prayer: <span class="tei tei-q">“Deliver me from evil imaginings. + Speed the ship to Corinth.”</span> + </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page84">[pg 84]</span> + <a name="Pg084" id="Pg084" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf12" id="pdf12"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VIII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> ON THE ACROPOLIS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Acropolis of Athens rises as does no other citadel in the world. Had no workers in + marble or bronze, no weavers of eloquence or song, dwelt beneath its shadow, it would + stand the centre and cynosure of a remarkable landscape. It is <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The + Rock</span></span>,”</span> no other like unto it. Is it enough to say its ruddy limestone rises + as a huge boulder one hundred and fifty feet above the plain, that its breadth is five + hundred, its length one thousand? Numbers and measures can never disclose a soul,—and + the Rock of Athens has all but a soul: a soul seems to glow through its adamant when the + fire-footed morning steals over the long crest of Hymettus, and touches the citadel’s + red bulk with unearthly brightness; a soul when the day falls to sleep in the arms of + night as Helios sinks over the western hill by Daphni. Then the Rock seems to throb and + burn with life again. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It is so bare that the hungry goats can hardly crop one spear of grass along its + jagged slopes. It is so steep it scarce needs defence against an army. It is so + commanding that he who stands on the westmost pinnacle can look across the windy hill of + the Pnyx, across the brown plain-land and down to the sparkling blue sea with the busy + havens of Peiræus and Phalerum, the scattered gray isles of the Ægean, and far away to + the domelike crest of Acro-Corinthus. Let him turn to the right: below him nestles the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page85">[pg 85]</span><a name="Pg085" id="Pg085" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>gnarled hill of Areopagus, home of the Furies, the + buzzing plaza of the Agora, the closely clustered city. Behind, there spread mountain, + valley, plain,—here green, here brown, here golden,—with Pentelicus the Mighty rearing + behind all, his summits fretted white, not with winter snows, but with lustrous marble. + Look to the left: across the view passes the shaggy ridge of Hymettus, arid and scarred, + as if wrought by the Titans, home only of goats and bees, of nymphs and satyrs. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> That was almost the self-same vision in the dim past when the first savage clambered + this <span class="tei tei-q">“Citadel of Cecrops”</span> and spoke, <span class="tei tei-q">“Here is my dwelling-place.”</span> This will be + the vision until earth and ocean are no more. The human habitation changes, the temples + rise and crumble; the red and gray rock, the crystalline air, the sapphire sea, come + from the god, and these remain. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb"> </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon and Hermione were come together to offer thanks to Athena for the glory of the + Isthmus. The athlete had already mounted the citadel heading a myrtle-crowned procession + to bear a formal thanksgiving, but his wife had not then been with him. Now they would + go together, without pomp. They walked side by side. Nimble Chloë tripped behind with + her mistress’s parasol. Old Manes bore the bloodless sacrifice, but Hermione said in her + heart there came two too many. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Many a friendly eye, many a friendly word, followed as they crossed the Agora, where + traffic was in its morning bustle. Glaucon answered every greeting with his winsome + smile. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“All Athens seems our friend!”</span> he said, as close by the Tyrannicides’ statues at + the upper end of the plaza a grave councilman bowed and an old bread woman left her + stall to bob a courtesy. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page86">[pg 86]</span> + <a name="Pg086" id="Pg086" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">your</span></span> friend,”</span> corrected Hermione, thinking only of her + husband, <span class="tei tei-q">“for I have won no pentathlon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">makaira</span></span>, dearest and best,”</span> he answered, looking not on + the glorious citadel but on her face, <span class="tei tei-q">“could I have won the parsley wreath had there + been no better wreath awaiting me at Eleusis? And to-day I am gladdest of the glad. + For the gods have sent me blessings beyond desert, I no longer fear their envy as + once. I enjoy honour with all good men. I have no enemy in the world. I have the + dearest of friends, Cimon, Themistocles—beyond all, Democrates. I am blessed in love + beyond Peleus espoused to Thetis, or Anchises beloved of Aphrodite, for my golden + Aphrodite lives not on Olympus, nor Paphos, nor comes on her doves from Cythera, but + dwells—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace.”</span> The hand laid on his mouth was small but firm. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not anger the goddess + by likening me unto her. It is joy enough for me if I can look up at the sun and say, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘I keep the love of Glaucon the Fortunate and the Good.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Walking thus in their golden dream, the two crossed the Agora, turned to the left from + the Pnyx, and by crooked lanes went past the craggy rock of Areopagus, till before them + rose a wooden palisade and a gate. Through this a steep path led upward to the citadel. + Not to the Acropolis of fame. The buildings then upon the Rock in one short year would + lie in heaps of fire-scarred ruin. Yet in that hour before Glaucon and Hermione a not + unworthy temple rose, the old <span class="tei tei-q">“House of Athena,”</span> prototype of the later Parthenon. + In the morning light it stood in beauty—a hundred Doric columns, a sculptured pediment, + flashing with white marble and with tints of scarlet, blue, and gold. Below it, over the + irregular plateau of the Rock, spread avenues of votive statues of gods and heroes in + stone, bronze, or painted wood. Here <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page87">[pg 87]</span><a name="Pg087" id="Pg087" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and there were + numerous shrines and small temples, and a giant altar for burning a hundred oxen. So + hand in hand the twain went to the bronze portal of the Temple. The kindly old priest on + guard smiled as he sprinkled them with the purifying salt water out of the brazen laver. + The door closed behind them. For a moment they seemed to stand in the high temple in + utter darkness. Then far above through the marble roof a softened light came creeping + toward them. As from unfolding mist, the great calm face of the ancient goddess looked + down with its unchanging smile. A red coal glowed on the tripod at her feet. Glaucon + shook incense over the brazier. While it smoked, Hermione laid the crown of lilies + between the knees of the half-seen image, then her husband lifted his hands and prayed + aloud. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Athena, Virgin, Queen, Deviser of Wisdom,—whatever be the name thou lovest + best,—accept this offering and hear. Bless now us both. Give us to strive for the + noblest, to speak the wise word, to love one another. Give us prosperity, but not unto + pride. Bless all our friends; but if we have enemies, be thou their enemy also. And so + shall we praise thee forever.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> This was all the prayer and worship. A little more meditation, then husband and wife + went forth from the sacred cella. The panorama—rocks, plain, sea, and bending + heavens—opened before them in glory. The light faded upon the purple breasts of the + western mountains. Behind the Acropolis, Lycabettus’s pyramid glowed like a furnace. The + marble on distant Pentelicus shone dazzlingly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon stood on the easternmost pinnacle of the Rock, watching the landscape. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Joy, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">makaira</span></span>, joy,”</span> he cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“we possess one another. We + dwell in <span class="tei tei-q">‘violet-crowned Athens’</span>; for what else dare we to pray?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page88">[pg 88]</span> + <a name="Pg088" id="Pg088" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Hermione pointed less pleased toward the crest of Pentelicus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Behold it! How swiftly yonder gray cloud comes on a rushing wind! It will cover the + brightness. The omen is bad.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why bad, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">makaira</span></span>?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The cloud is the Persian. He hangs to-day as a thunder-cloud above Athens and Hellas. + Xerxes will come. And you—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> She pressed closer to her husband. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why speak of me?”</span> he asked lightly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Xerxes brings war. War brings sorrow to women. It is not the hateful and old that the + spears and the arrows love best.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Half compelled by the omen, half by a sudden burst of unoccasioned fear, her eyes + shone with tears; but her husband’s laugh rang clearly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span> dry your eyes, and look before you. King Æolus scatters + the cloud upon his briskest winds. It breaks into a thousand bits. So shall + Themistocles scatter the hordes of Xerxes. The Persian shadow shall come, shall go, + and again we shall be happy in beautiful Athens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Athena grant it!”</span> prayed Hermione. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We can trust the goddess,”</span> returned Glaucon, not to be shaken from his happy mood. + <span class="tei tei-q">“And now that we have paid our vows to her, let us descend. Our friends are already + waiting for us by the Pnyx before they go down to the harbours.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As they went down the steep, Cimon and Democrates came running to join them, and in + the brisk chatter that arose the omen of the cloud and fears of the Persian faded from + Hermione’s mind. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page89">[pg 89]</span> + <a name="Pg089" id="Pg089" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was a merry party such as often went down to the havens of Athens in the springtime + and summer: a dozen gentlemen, old and young, for the most part married, and followed + demurely by their wives with the latter’s maids, and many a stout Thracian slave tugging + hampers of meat and drink. Laughter there was, admixed with wiser talk; friends walking + by twos and threes, with Themistocles, as always, seeming to mingle with all and to + surpass every one both in jests and in wisdom. So they fared down across the broad + plain-land to the harbours, till the hill Munychia rose steep before them. A scramble + over a rocky, ill-marked way led to the top; then before them broke a second view + comparable almost to that from the Rock of Athena: at their feet lay the four blue + havens of Athens, to the right Phaleron, closer at hand the land-locked bay of Munychia, + beyond that Zea, beyond that still a broader sheet—Peiræus, the new war-harbour of + Athens. They could look down on the brown roofs of the port-town, the forest of masts, + the merchantman unloading lumber from the Euxine, the merchantman loading dried figs for + Syria; but most of all on the numbers of long black hulls, some motionless on the placid + harbour, some propped harmlessly on the shore. Hermione clouded as she saw them, and + glanced away. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not love your new fleet, Themistocles,”</span> she said, frowning at the handsome + statesman; <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not love anything that tells so clearly of war. It mars the + beauty.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Rather you should rejoice we have so fair a wooden wall against the Barbarian, dear + lady,”</span> answered he, quite at ease. <span class="tei tei-q">“What can we do to hearten her, + Democrates?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Were I only Zeus,”</span> rejoined the orator, who never was far from his best friend’s + wife, <span class="tei tei-q">“I would cast two thunderbolts, one to destroy Xerxes, the second to blast + Themistocles’s armada,—so would the Lady Hermione be satisfied.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page90">[pg 90]</span> + <a name="Pg090" id="Pg090" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am sorry, then, you are not the Olympian,”</span> said the woman, half smiling at the + pleasantry. Cimon interrupted them. Some of the party had caught a sun-burned shepherd + in among the rocks, a veritable Pan in his shaggy goat-skin. The bribe of two obols + brought him out with his pipe. Four of the slave-boys fell to dancing. The party sat + down upon the burnt grass,—eating, drinking, wreathing poppy-crowns, and watching the + nimble slaves and the ships that crawled like ants in the haven and bay below. Thus + passed the noon, and as the sun dropped toward craggy Salamis across the strait, the men + of the party wandered down to the ports and found boats to take them out upon the bay. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The wind was a zephyr. The water spread blue and glassy. The sun was sinking as a ball + of infinite light. Themistocles, Democrates, and Glaucon were in one skiff, the athlete + at the oars. They glided past the scores of black triremes swinging lazily at anchor. + Twice they pulled around the proudest of the fleet,—the <a name="corr090" id="corr090" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr"><span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span></span>, the gift of Hermippus to the state, a princely gift even in days when + every Athenian put his all at the public service. She would be Themistocles’s flag-ship. + The young men noted her fine lines, her heavy side timbers, the covered decks, an + innovation in Athenian men-of-war, and Themistocles put a loving hand on the keen bronze + beak as they swung around the prow. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Here’s a tooth for the Persian king!”</span> he was laughing, when a second skiff, + rounding the trireme in an opposite direction, collided abruptly. A lurch, a few + splinters was all the hurt, but as the boats parted Themistocles rose from his seat in + the stern, staring curiously. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Barbarians, by Athena’s owls, the knave at the oars is a sleek Syrian, and his master + and the boy from the East too. What business around our war-fleet? Row after them, + Glaucon; we’ll question—”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page91">[pg 91]</span> + <a name="Pg091" id="Pg091" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon does no such folly,”</span> spoke Democrates, instantly, from the bow; <span class="tei tei-q">“if the + harbour-watch doesn’t interfere with honest traders, what’s it to us?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“As you like it.”</span> Themistocles resumed his seat. <span class="tei tei-q">“Yet it would do no harm. Now + they row to another trireme. With what falcon eyes the master of the trio examines it! + Something uncanny, I repeat.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To examine everything strange,”</span> proclaimed Democrates, sententiously, <span class="tei tei-q">“needs the + life of a crow, who, they say, lives a thousand years, but I don’t see any black wings + budding on Themistocles’s shoulders. Pull onward, Glaucon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Whither?”</span> demanded the rower. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To Salamis,”</span> ordered Themistocles. <span class="tei tei-q">“Let us see the battle-place foretold by the + oracle.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To Salamis or clear to Crete,”</span> rejoined Glaucon, setting his strength upon the + oars and making the skiff bound, <span class="tei tei-q">“if we can find water deep enough to drown those + gloomy looks that have sat on Democrates’s brows of late.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not gloomy but serious,”</span> said the young orator, with an attempt at lightness; <span class="tei tei-q">“I + have been preparing my oration against the contractor I’ve indicted for embezzling the + public naval stores.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Destroy the man!”</span> cried the rower. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And yet I really pity him; he was under great temptation.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No excuses; the man who robs the city in days like these is worse than he who betrays + fortresses in most wars.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I see you are a savage patriot, Glaucon,”</span> said Themistocles, <span class="tei tei-q">“despite your + Adonis face. We are fairly upon the bay; our nearest eavesdroppers, yon fishermen, are + a good five furlongs. Would you see something?”</span> Glaucon rested on the oars, while + the statesman fumbled in his breast. He drew out a papyrus sheet, which he passed to the + rower, he in turn to Democrates. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page92">[pg 92]</span> + <a name="Pg092" id="Pg092" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Look well, then, for I think no Persian spies are here. A month long have I wrought + on this bit of papyrus. All my wisdom flowed out of my pen when I spread the ink. In + short here is the ordering of the ships of the allied Greeks when we meet Xerxes in + battle. Leonidas and our other chiefs gave me the task when we met at Corinth. To-day + it is complete. Read it, for it is precious. Xerxes would give twenty talents for this + one leaf from Egypt.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The young men peered at the sheet curiously. The details and diagrams were few and + easy to remember, the Athenian ships here, the Æginetan next, the Corinthian next, and + so with the other allies. A few comments on the use of the light + <a name="corr092" id="corr092" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">penteconters</span> behind the + heavy triremes. A few more comments on Xerxes’s probable naval tactics. Only the + knowledge that Themistocles never committed himself in speech or writing without + exhausting every expedient told the young men of the supreme importance of the paper. + After due inspection the statesman replaced it in his breast. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You two have seen this,”</span> he announced, seemingly proud of his handiwork; <span class="tei tei-q">“Leonidas shall see this, then Xerxes, and after that—”</span> he laughed, but not in + jest—<span class="tei tei-q">“men will remember Themistocles, son of Neocles!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The three lapsed into silence for a moment. The skiff was well out upon the sea. The + shadows of the hills of Salamis and of Ægelaos, the opposing mountain of Attica, were + spreading over them. Around the islet of Psyttaleia in the strait the brown fisher-boats + were gliding. Beyond the strait opened the blue hill-girdled bay of Eleusis, now turning + to fire in the evening sun. Everything was peaceful, silent, beautiful. Again Glaucon + rested on his oars and let his eyes wander. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How true is the word of Thales the Sage,”</span> he spoke; <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘the world is the fairest + of all fair things, because it is the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page93">[pg 93]</span><a name="Pg093" id="Pg093" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>work of + God.’</span> It cannot be that, here, between these purple hills and the glistening sea, + there will come that battle beside which the strife of Achilles and Hector before Troy + shall pass as nothing!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles shook his head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We do not know; we are dice in the high gods’ dice-boxes.</span> + </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“ </span><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Man all vainly shall scan the mind of the Prince of + Olympus.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">’</span></span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <a name="corr093" id="corr093" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr"></span><span class="tei tei-q">“We can say nothing wiser than that. We can but use our + Attic mother wit, and trust the rest to destiny. Let us be satisfied if we hope that + destiny is not blind.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They drifted many moments in silence. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The sun sinks lower,”</span> spoke Democrates, at length; <span class="tei tei-q">“so back again to the + havens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> On the return Themistocles once more vowed he caught a glimpse of the skiff of the + unknown foreigners, but Democrates called it mere phantasy. Hermione met them at the + Peiræus, and the party wandered back through the gathering dusk to the city, where each + little group went its way. Themistocles went to his own house, where he said he expected + Sicinnus; Cimon and Democrates sought a tavern for an evening cup; Glaucon and Hermione + hastened to their house in the Colonus suburb near the trickling Cephissus, where in the + starlit night the tettix<a id="noteref_4" name="noteref_4" href="#note_4"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">4</span></span></a> in the black old olives by the stream made its monotonous music, where + great fireflies gleamed, where Philomela the nightingale called, and the tall plane + trees whispered softly to the pines. When Hermione fell asleep, she had forgotten about + the coming of the Persian, and dreamed that Glaucon was Eros, she was Psyche, and that + Zeus was giving her the wings of a butterfly and a crown of stars. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page94">[pg 94]</span> + <a name="Pg094" id="Pg094" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates went home later. After the heady Pramnian at the tavern, he roved away with + Cimon and others to serenade beneath the lattice of a lady—none too prudish—in the + Ceramicus quarter. But the fair one was cruel that night, and her slaves repelled the + minstrels with pails of hot water from an upper window. Democrates thereupon quitted the + party. His head was very befogged, but he could not expel one idea from it—that + Themistocles had revealed that day a priceless secret, that the statesman and Glaucon + and he himself were the only men who shared it, and that it was believed that Glaucon + had visited the Babylonish carpet-seller. Joined to this was an overpowering + consciousness that Helen of Troy was not so lovely as Hermione of Eleusis. When he came + to his lodgings, however, his wits cleared in a twinkling after he had read two letters. + The first was short. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Themistocles to Democrates:—This evening I begin to discover something. + Sicinnus, who has been searching in Athens, is certain there is a Persian agent in the + city. Seize him.—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Chaire.</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The second was shorter. It came from Corinth. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Socias the merchant to Democrates:—Tyrrhenian pirates have taken the ship. + Lading and crew are utterly lost.—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Chaire.</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The orator never closed his eyes that night. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page95">[pg 95]</span> + <a name="Pg095" id="Pg095" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf13" id="pdf13"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IX</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE CYPRIAN TRIUMPHS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates fronted ruin. What profit later details from Socias of the capture of the + merchantman? Unless three days before the coming festival of the Panathenæa the orator + could find a large sum, he was forever undone. His sequestering of the ship-money would + become public property. He would be tried for his life. Themistocles would turn against + him. The jury would hardly wait for the evidence. He would drink the poisonous hemlock + and his corpse be picked by the crows in the Barathrum,—an open pit, sole burial place + for Athenian criminals. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> One thing was possible: to go to Glaucon, confess all, and beg the money. Glaucon was + rich. He could have the amount from Conon and Hermippus for the asking. But Democrates + knew Glaucon well enough to perceive that while the athlete might find the money, he + would <a name="corr095" id="corr095" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">be</span> horrified at the foul disclosure. He would save his old comrade from death, but + their friendship would be ended. He would feel in duty bound to tell Themistocles enough + to ruin Democrates’s political prospects for all time. An appeal to Glaucon was + therefore dismissed, and the politician looked for more desperate remedies. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates enjoyed apartments on the street of the Tripods east of the Acropolis, a + fashionable promenade of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page96">[pg 96]</span><a name="Pg096" id="Pg096" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Athens. He was regarded as a + confirmed bachelor. If, therefore, two or three dark-eyed flute girls in Phaleron had + helped him to part with a good many minæ, no one scolded too loudly; the thing had been + done genteelly and without scandal. Democrates affected to be a collector of fine arms + and armour. The ceiling of his living room was hung with white-plumed helmets, on the + walls glittered brass greaves, handsomely embossed shields, inlaid Chalcidian scimitars, + and bows tipped with gold. Under foot were expensive rugs. The orator’s artistic tastes + were excellent. Even as he sat in the deeply pillowed arm-chair his eye lighted on a + Nike,—a statuette of the precious Corinthian bronze, a treasure for which the dealer’s + unpaid account lay still, alas! in the orator’s coffer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Democrates was not thinking so much of the unpaid bronze-smith as of divers + weightier debts. On the evening in question he had ordered Bias, the sly Thracian, out + of the room; with his own hands had barred the door and closed the lattice; then with + stealthy step thrust back the scarlet wall tapestry to disclose a small door let into + the plaster. A key made the door open into a cupboard, out of which Democrates drew a + brass-bound box of no great size, which he carried gingerly to a table and opened with a + complex key. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The contents of the box were curious, to a stranger enigmatic. Not money, nor jewels, + but rolls of closely written papyri, and things which the orator studied more + intently,—a number of hard bits of clay bearing the impressions of seals. As Democrates + fingered these, his face might have betrayed a mingling of keen fear and keener + satisfaction. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There is no such collection in all Hellas,—no, not in the world,”</span> ran his + commentary; <span class="tei tei-q">“here is the signet of the Tagos of Thessaly, here of the Bœotarch of + Thebes, here of the King of Argos. I was able to secure the seal of Leonidas while in + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page97">[pg 97]</span><a name="Pg097" id="Pg097" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Corinth. This, of course, is Themistocles’s,—how + easily I took it! And this—of less value perhaps to a man of the world—is of my + beloved Glaucon. And here are twenty more. Then the papyri,”</span>—he unrolled them + lovingly, one after another,—<span class="tei tei-q">“precious specimens, are they not? Ah, by Zeus, I must + be a very merciful and pious man, or I’d have used that dreadful power heaven has + given me and never have drifted into these straits.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> What that <span class="tei tei-q">“power”</span> was with which Democrates felt himself endued he did not even + whisper to himself. His mood changed suddenly. He closed the box with a snap and locked + it hurriedly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cursed casket!—I think I would be happier if Phorcys, the old man of the deep, could + drown it all! I would be better for it and kept from foul thoughts.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He thrust the box back in the cupboard, drew forth a second like it, unlocked it, and + took out more writings. Selecting two, he spread ink and papyrus before him, and copied + with feverish haste. Once he hesitated, and almost flung back the writings into the + casket. Once he glanced at the notes he had prepared for his speech against the + defrauding contractor. He grimaced bitterly. Then the hesitation ended. He finished the + copying, replaced the second box, and barred and concealed the cupboard. He hid his new + copies in his breast and called in Bias. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am going out, but I shall not be late.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Shall not Hylas and I go with lanterns?”</span> asked the fellow. <span class="tei tei-q">“Last night there + were foot-pads.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I don’t need you,”</span> rejoined his master, brusquely. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He went down into the dimly lighted street and wound through the maze of back alleys + wherein Athens abounded, but Democrates never missed his way. Once he caught the glint + of a lantern—a slave lighting home his master from <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page98">[pg 98]</span><a name="Pg098" id="Pg098" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>dinner. The orator drew into a doorway; the others glided by, seeing nothing. Only + when he came opposite the house of the Cyprian he saw light spreading from the opposite + doorway and knew he must pass under curious eyes. Phormio was entertaining friends very + late. But Democrates took boldness for safety, strode across the illumined ring, and up + to the Cyprian’s stairway. The buzz of conversation stopped a moment. <span class="tei tei-q">“Again + Glaucon,”</span> he caught, but was not troubled. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“After all,”</span> he reflected, <span class="tei tei-q">“if seen at all, there is no harm in such a + mistake.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The room was again glittering in its Oriental magnificence. The Cyprian advanced to + meet his visitor, smiling blandly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Welcome, dear Athenian. We have awaited you. We are ready to heal your calamity.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates turned away his face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You know it already! O Zeus, I am the most miserable man in all Hellas!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And wherefore miserable, good friend?”</span> The Cyprian half led, half compelled the + visitor to a seat on the divan. <span class="tei tei-q">“Is it such to be enrolled from this day among the + benefactors of my most gracious lord and king?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Don’t goad me!”</span> Democrates wrung his hands. <span class="tei tei-q">“I am desperate. Take these papyri, + read, pay, then let me never see your face again.”</span> He flung the two rolls in the + Prince’s lap and sat in abject misery. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The other unrolled the writings deliberately, read slowly, motioned to Hiram, who also + read them with catlike scrutiny. During all this not a word was spoken. Democrates + observed the beautiful mute emerge from an inner chamber and silently take station at + his master’s side, following the papers also with wonderful, eager eyes. Only after a + long interval the Prince spoke. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page99">[pg 99]</span> + <a name="Pg099" id="Pg099" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well—you bring what purports to be private memoranda of Themistocles on the + equipment and arraying of the Athenian fleet. Yet these are only copies.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Copies; the originals cannot stay in my possession. It were ruin to give them up.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Prince turned to Hiram. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And do you say, from what you know of these things, these memoranda are genuine?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Genuine. That is the scanty wisdom of the least of your Highness’s slaves.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Oriental bowed himself, then stood erect in a manner that reminded Democrates of + some serpent that had just coiled and uncoiled. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good,”</span> continued the emissary; <span class="tei tei-q">“yet I must ask our good Athenian to confirm them + with an oath.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The orator groaned. He had not expected this last humiliation; but being forced to + drink the cup, he drained it to the lees. He swore by Zeus Orchios, Watcher of Oaths, + and Dike, the Eternal Justice, that he brought true copies, and that if he was perjured, + he called a curse upon himself and all his line. The Cyprian received his oath with calm + satisfaction, then held out the half of a silver shekel broken in the middle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Show this to Mydon, the Sicyonian banker at Phaleron. He holds its counterpart. He + will pay the man who completes the coin ten talents.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates received the token, but felt that he must stand upon his dignity. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have given an oath, stranger, but give the like to me. What proof have I of this + Mydon?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The question seemed to rouse the unseen lion in the Cyprian. His eye kindled. His + voice swelled. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We leave oaths, Hellene, to men of trade and barter, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page100">[pg 100]</span><a name="Pg100" id="Pg100" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to men of trickery and guile. The Aryan noble is taught three things: to fear the + king, to bend the bow, to speak the truth. And he learns all well. I have spoken,—my + word is my oath.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Athenian shrank at the storm he had roused. But the Prince almost instantly curbed + himself. His voice sank again to its easy tone of conciliation. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So much for my word, good friend; yet better than an oath, look here. Can the man who + bears this ring afford to tell a lie?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He extended his right hand. On the second finger was a huge beryl signet. Democrates + bent over it. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Two seated Sphynxes and a winged cherub flying above,—the seal of the royal + Achæmenians of Persia! You are sent by Xerxes himself. You are—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Prince raised a warning finger. <span class="tei tei-q">“Hush, Athenian. Think what you will, but do not + name me, though soon my name shall fly through all the world.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So be it,”</span> rejoined Democrates, his hands clutching the broken coin as at a last + reprieve from death. <span class="tei tei-q">“But be warned, even though I bear you no good-will. Themistocles + is suspicious. Sicinnus his agent, a sly cat, is searching for you. The other day + Themistocles, in the boat at Peiræus, was fain to have you questioned. If detected, I + cannot save you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Prince shrugged his shoulders. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good Democrates, I come of a race that trusts in the omnipotence of God and does the + right. Duty requires me in Athens. What Ahura-Mazda and Mithra his glorious vicegerent + will, that shall befall me, be I in Hellas or in safe Ecbatana. The decree of the Most + High, written among the stars, is good. I do not shun it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The words were spoken candidly, reverently. Democrates <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page101">[pg 101]</span><a name="Pg101" id="Pg101" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>drew toward the door, and the others did not strive to detain him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“As you will,”</span> spoke the Athenian; <span class="tei tei-q">“I have warned you. Trust then your God. I + have sold myself this once, but do not call me friend. Necessity is a sharp goad. May + our paths never cross again!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Until you again have need,”</span> said the Prince, not seeking to wring from the other + any promise. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates muttered a sullen farewell and went down the dark stairs. The light in + Phormio’s house was <a name="corr101" id="corr101" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">out.</span> No one seemed to be watching. On the + way homeward Democrates comforted himself with the reflection that although the + memoranda he sold were genuine, Themistocles often changed his plans, and he could see + to it this scheme for arraying the war fleet was speedily altered. No real harm then + would come to Hellas. And in his hand was the broken shekel,—the talisman to save him + from destruction. Only when Democrates thought of Glaucon and Hermione he was fain to + grit his teeth, while many times it returned to him, <span class="tei tei-q">“They think it was <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glaucon</span></span> who has been twice now to visit the Babylonish + carpet-seller.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As the door had closed behind the orator, the Prince had strode across the rugs to the + window—and spat forth furiously as in extreme disgust. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fool, knave, villain! I foul my lips by speaking to his accursed ears!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The tongue in which he uttered this was the purest <span class="tei tei-q">“Royal Persian,”</span> such as one + might hear in the king’s court. The beautiful <span class="tei tei-q">“mute,”</span> mute no longer, glided across + the chamber and laid both hands upon his shoulder with a gracious caress. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And yet you bear with these treacherous creatures, you <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page102">[pg 102]</span><a name="Pg102" id="Pg102" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>speak them fair?”</span> was the remark in the same musical tongue. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, because there is sore need. Because, with all their faithlessness, covetousness, + and guile, these Hellenes are the keenest, subtlest race beneath Mithra’s glorious + light. And we Persians must play with them, master them, and use them to make us lords + of all the world.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hiram had disappeared behind a curtain. The Prince lifted her silver embroidered red + cap. Over the graceful shoulders fell a mass of clear gold hair, so golden one might + have hidden shining darics within it. The shining head pressed against the Persian’s + breast. In this attitude, with the loose dress parting to show the tender lines, there + could be no doubt of the other’s sex. The Prince laid his hand upon her neck and drew + her bright face nearer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“This is a mad adventure on which we two have come,”</span> he spoke; <span class="tei tei-q">“how nearly you + were betrayed at the Isthmus, when the Athenian saved you! A blunder by Hiram, an + ill-turn of Fate, will ruin us yet. It is far, Rose of Eran, from Athens to the + pleasant groves of Susa and the sparkling Choaspes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But the adventure is ending,”</span> answered she, with smiling confidence; <span class="tei tei-q">“Mazda has + guarded us. As you have said—we are in his hand, alike here and in my brother’s + palace. And we have seen Greece and Athens—the country and city which you will + conquer, which you will rule.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> he said, letting his eyes pass from her face to the vista of the Acropolis, + which lay in fair view under the moonlight. <span class="tei tei-q">“How noble a city this! Xerxes has + promised that I shall be satrap of Hellas, Athens shall be my capital, and you, O best + beloved, you shall be mistress of Athens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I shall be mistress of Athens,”</span> echoed she, <span class="tei tei-q">“but you, husband and lord, would + that men might give you a higher name than satrap, chief of the Great King’s + slaves!”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page103">[pg 103]</span> + <a name="Pg103" id="Pg103" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Xerxes is king,”</span> he answered her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My brother wears the purple cap. He sits on the throne of Cyrus the Great and Darius + the Dauntless. I would be a loyal Aryan, the king is indeed in Susa or Babylon. But + for me the true king of Media and Persia—is here.”</span> And she lifted proud eyes to + her husband. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are bold, Rose of Eran,”</span> he smiled, not angry at her implication; <span class="tei tei-q">“more + cautious words than these have brought many in peril of the bow-string. But, by Mithra + the Fiend-Smiter, why were you not made a man? Then truly would your mother Atossa + have given Darius an heir right worthy the twenty kingdoms!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> She gave a gentle laugh. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Most High ordains the best. Have I not the noblest kingdom? Am I not your + wife?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> His laugh answered her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then I am greater than Xerxes. I love my empire the best!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He leaned again from the lattice, <span class="tei tei-q">“O, fairest of cities, and we shall win it! See + how the tawny rock turns to silver beneath the moonbeams! How clearly burn the stars + over the plain and the mountain! And these Greeks, clever, wise, beautiful, when we + have mastered them, have taught them our Aryan obedience and love of truth, what + servants will they not become! For we are ordained to conquer. Mazda has given us + empire without limit, from the Indus to the Great Ocean of the West,—all shall be + ours; for we are Persians, the race to rule forever.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We will conquer,”</span> she said dreamily, as enchanted as was he by the beauties of the + night. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“From the day Cyrus your grandfather flung down Cambyses the Mede, the High God has + been with us. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon—have all bowed under our yoke. The <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page104">[pg 104]</span><a name="Pg104" id="Pg104" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Lydian at golden Sardis, the Tartar on the arid steppes, the + Hindoo by his sacred river, all send tribute to our king, and Hellas—”</span> he held out + his arms confidently—<span class="tei tei-q">“shall be the brightest star in the Persian tiara. When Darius + your father lay dying, I swore to him, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Master, fear not; I will avenge you on + Athens and on all the Greeks.’</span> And in one brief year, O <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">fravashi</span></span>, soul of the great departed, I may make good the vow. I will make + these untamed Hellenes bow their proud necks to a king.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Her own eyes brightened, looking on him, as he spoke in pride and power. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And yet,”</span> she could not keep back the question, <span class="tei tei-q">“as we have moved through this + Hellas, and seen its people, living without princes, or with princes of little power, + sometimes a strange thought comes. These perverse, unobedient folk, false as they are, + and ununited, have yet a strength to do great things, a strength which even we Aryans + lack.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He shook his head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It cannot be. Mazda ordained a king to rule, the rest to obey. And all the wits of + Hellas have no strength until they learn that lesson well. But I will teach it + them.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For some day you will be their king?”</span> spoke the woman. He did not reprove, but + stood beside her, gazing forth upon the night. In the moonlight the columns and + sculptures of the great temple on the Acropolis stood out in minute tracery They could + see all the caverns and jagged ledges on the massy Rock. The flat roofs of the sleeping + city lay like a dark and peaceful ocean. The mountains spread around in shadow-wrapped + hush. Far away the dark stretch of the sea sent back a silver shimmering in answer to + the moon. A landscape only possible at Athens! The two sensitive Orientals’ souls were + deeply touched. For long they were silent, then the husband spoke. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page105">[pg 105]</span> + <a name="Pg105" id="Pg105" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Twenty days more; we are safe in Sardis, the adventure ended. The war only remains, + and the glory, the conquest,—and thou. O Ahura-Mazda,”</span> he spoke upward to the + stars, <span class="tei tei-q">“give to thy Persians this land. For when Thou hast given this, Thou wilt keep + back nothing of all the world.”</span> + </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page106">[pg 106]</span> + <a name="Pg106" id="Pg106" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf14" id="pdf14"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER X</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> DEMOCRATES RESOLVES </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates surpassed himself when arraigning the knavish contractor. <span class="tei tei-q">“Nestor and + Odysseus both speak to us,”</span> shouted Polus in glee, flinging his black bean in the + urn. <span class="tei tei-q">“What eloquence, what righteous fury when he painted the man’s infamy to pillage + the city in a crisis like this!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So the criminal was sent to death and Democrates was showered with congratulations. + Only one person seemed hardly satisfied with all the young orator did,—Themistocles. + The latter told his lieutenant candidly he feared all was not being done to apprehend + the Persian emissary. Themistocles even took it upon himself to send Sicinnus to run + down several suspects, and just on the morning of the day preceding the Panathenæa—the + great summer festival—Democrates received a hint which sent him home very thoughtful. + He had met his chief in the Agora as he was leaving the Government-House, and + Themistocles had again asked if he had smelt aught of the Persian agent. He had not. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then you would well devote more time to finding his scent, and less to convicting a + pitiful embezzler. You know the Alopece suburb?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Certainly.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page107">[pg 107]</span> + <a name="Pg107" id="Pg107" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And the house of Phormio the <a name="corr107" id="corr107" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">fishmonger</span>?”</span> to which Democrates nodded. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well, Sicinnus has been watching the quarter. A Babylonish carpet-seller has rooms + opposite Phormio. The man is suspicious, does no trading, and Phormio’s wife told + Sicinnus an odd tale.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What tale?”</span> Democrates glanced at a passing chariot, avoiding Themistocles’s gaze. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, twice the Barbarian, she swears, has had an evening visitor—and he our dear + Glaucon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Impossible.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course. The good woman is mistaken. Still, question her. Pry into this + Babylonian’s doings. He may be selling more things than carpets. If he has corrupted + any here in Athens,—by Pluto the Implacable, I will make them tell out the price!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ll inquire at once.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do so. The matter grows serious.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles caught sight of one of the archons and hastened across the Agora to have + a word with him. Democrates passed his hand across his forehead, beaded with sudden + sweat-drops. He knew—though Themistocles had said not a word—that his superior was + beginning to distrust his efforts, and that Sicinnus was working independently. + Democrates had great respect for the acuteness of that Asiatic. He was coming perilously + near the truth already. If the Cyprian and Hiram were arrested, the latter at least + would surely try to save his life by betraying their nocturnal visitor. To get the spy + safely out of Athens would be the first step,—but not all. Sicinnus once upon the scent + would not readily drop it until he had discovered the emissary’s confederate. And of the + fate of that confederate Themistocles had just given a grim hint. There was <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page108">[pg 108]</span><a name="Pg108" id="Pg108" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>one other solution possible. If Democrates could discover the + confederate <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">himself</span></span>, Sicinnus would regard the matter as cleared + up and drop all interest therein. All these possibilities raced through the orator’s + head, as does the past through one drowning. A sudden greeting startled him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A fair morning, Democrates.”</span> It was Glaucon. He walked arm-in-arm with Cimon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A fair morning, indeed. Where are you going?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To the Peiræus to inspect the new tackling of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>. + You will join us?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Unfortunately I argue a case before the King Archon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Be as eloquent as in your last speech. Do you know, Cimon declares I am disloyal too, + and that you will soon be prosecuting me?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Avert it, gods! What do you mean?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, he is sending a letter to Argos,”</span> asserted Cimon. <span class="tei tei-q">“Now I say Argos has + Medized, therefore no good Hellene should correspond with a traitorous Argive.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Be jury on my treachery,”</span> commanded Glaucon. <span class="tei tei-q">“Ageladas the master-sculptor sends + me a bronze Perseus in honour of my victory. Shall I churlishly send him no thanks + because he lives in Argos?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Not guilty’</span> votes the jury; the white beans prevail. So the letter goes + to-day?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To-morrow afternoon. You know Seuthes of Corinth—the bow-legged fellow with a big + belly. He goes home to-morrow afternoon after seeing the procession and the + sacrifice.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He goes by sea?”</span> asked Democrates, casually. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“By land; no ship went to his liking. He will lie overnight at Eleusis.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The friends went their ways. Democrates hardly saw or heard anything until he was in + his own chambers. Three <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page109">[pg 109]</span><a name="Pg109" id="Pg109" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>things were graven on his mind: + Sicinnus was watching, the Babylonian was suspected, Glaucon was implicated and was + sending a letter to Argos. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Bias the Thracian was discovered that afternoon by his master lurking in a corner of + the chamber. Democrates seized a heavy dog-whip, lashed the boy unmercifully, then cast + him out, threatening that eavesdropping would be rewarded by <span class="tei tei-q">“cutting into shoe + soles.”</span> Then the master resumed his feverish pacings and the nervous twisting of his + fingers. Unfortunately, Bias felt certain the threat would never have been uttered + unless the weightiest of matters had been on foot. As in all Greek dwellings, + Democrates’s rooms were divided not by doors but by hanging curtains, and Bias, letting + curiosity master fear, ensconced himself again behind one of these and saw all his + master’s doings. What Democrates said and did, however, puzzled his good servant quite + sufficiently. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates had opened the privy cupboard, taken out one of the caskets and scattered + its contents upon the table, then selected a papyrus, and seemed copying the writing + thereon with extreme care. Next one of the clay seals came into play. Democrates was + testing it upon wax. Then the orator rose, dashed the wax upon the floor, put his sandal + thereon, tore the papyrus on which he wrote to bits. Again he paced restlessly, his + hands clutching his hair, his forehead frowns and blackness, while Bias thought he heard + him muttering as he walked:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O Zeus! O Apollo! O Athena! I cannot do this thing! Deliver me! Deliver!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then back to the table again, once more to pick up the mysterious clay, again to copy, + to stamp on the wax, to fling down, mutilate, and destroy. The pantomime was <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page110">[pg 110]</span><a name="Pg110" id="Pg110" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>gone through three times. Bias could make nothing of it. Since + the day his parents—following the barbarous Thracian custom—had sold him into slavery + and he had passed into Democrates’s service, the lad had never seen his master acting + thus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Clearly the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrios</span></span> is mad,”</span> was his own explanation, and + growing frightened at following the strange movements of his lord, he crept from his + retreat and tried to banish uncanny fears at a safe distance, by tying a thread to the + leg of a gold-chafer<a id="noteref_5" name="noteref_5" href="#note_5"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">5</span></span></a> and + watching its vain efforts at flight. Yet had he continued his eavesdropping he might + have found—if not the key to all Democrates’s doings—at least a partial explanation. + For the fourth time the papyrus had been written, for the fourth time the orator had + torn it up. Then his eyes went down to the lump of clay before him on the table. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Curses upon the miserable stuff!”</span> he swore almost loudly; <span class="tei tei-q">“it is this which has + set the evil thoughts to racing. Destroy <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that</span></span>, and the deed is + beyond my power.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He held up the clay and eyed it as a miser might his gold. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What a little lump! Not very hard. I can dash it on the floor and it dissolves in + dust. And yet, and yet—all Elysium, all Tartarus, are pent up for me in just this bit + of clay.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He picked at it with his finger and broke a small piece from the edge. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A little more, the stamp is ruined. I could not use it. Better if it were ruined. And + yet,—and yet,—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He laid the clay upon the table and sat watching it wistfully. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O Father Zeus!”</span> he broke out after silence, <span class="tei tei-q">“if I were not compelled by fear! + Sicinnus is so sharp, Themistocles <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page111">[pg 111]</span><a name="Pg111" id="Pg111" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>so unmerciful! It + would be a terrible death to die,—and every man is justified in shunning death.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He looked at the inanimate lump as if he expected it to answer him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, I am all alone. No one to counsel me. In every other trouble when has it been as + this? Glaucon? Cimon? Themistocles?—What would they advise?”</span>—he ended with a + laugh more bitter than a sob. <span class="tei tei-q">“And I must save myself, but at such a price!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He pressed his hands over his eyes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Curses on the hour I met Lycon! Curses on the Cyprian and his gold! It would have + been better to have told Glaucon and let him save me now and hate me forever after. + But I have sold myself to the Cyprian. The deed cannot be taken back.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But as he said it, he arose, took the charmed bit of clay, replaced in the box, and + locked the coffer. His hand trembled as he did it. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I cannot do this thing. I have been foolish, wicked,—but I must not be driven mad by + fear. The Cyprian must quit Athens to-morrow. I can throw Sicinnus off the scent. I + shall never be the worse.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He walked with the box toward the cupboard, but stopped halfway. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is a dreadful death to die;”</span>—his thoughts raced and were half uttered,—<span class="tei tei-q">“hemlock!—men grow cold limb by limb and keep all their faculties to the end. And the + crows in the Barathrum, and the infamy upon my father’s name! When was a son of the + house of Codrus branded <span class="tei tei-q">‘A Traitor to Athens’</span>? Is it wickedness to save one’s own + life?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Instead of going to the cupboard he approached the window. The sun beat hotly, but as + he leaned forth into the street he shivered as on a winter’s morn. In blank wretch<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page112">[pg 112]</span><a name="Pg112" id="Pg112" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>edness he watched the throng beneath the window, + pannier-laden asses, venders of hot sausage with their charcoal stoves and trays, youths + going to and from the gymnasium, slaves returning from market. How long he stood thus, + wretched, helpless, he did not know. At last he stirred himself. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I cannot stand gaping like a fool forever. An omen, by every god an omen! Ah! what am + I to do?”</span> He glanced toward the sky in vain hope of a lucky raven or eagle winging + out of the east, but saw only blue and brightness. Then his eye went down the street, + and at the glance the warm blood tingled from his forehead to his heels. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> She was passing,—Hermione, child of Hermippus. She walked before, two comely maids + went after with her stool and parasol; but they were the peonies beside the rose. She + had thrown her blue veil back. The sun played over the sheen of her hair. As she moved, + her floating saffron dress of the rare muslin of Amorgos now revealed her delicate form, + now clothed her in an enchanting cloud. She held her head high, as if proud of her own + grace and of the beauty and fair name of her husband. She never looked upward, nor + beheld how Democrates’s eyes grew like bright coals as he gazed on her. He saw her clear + high forehead, he heard—or thought he heard despite the jar of the street—the rustle + of the muslin robe. Hermione passed, nor ever knew how, by taking this way from the + house of a friend, she coloured the skein of life for three mortals—for herself, her + husband, and Democrates. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates followed her with his eyes until she vanished around the fountain at the + street corner; then sprang back from the window. The workings of his face were terrible. + It was an instant when men grasp the godlike or sink to the demon, when they do deeds + never to be recalled. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The omen!”</span> he almost cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“the omen! Not Zeus <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page113">[pg 113]</span><a name="Pg113" id="Pg113" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>but Hermes the Guileful sent it. He will be with me. She is Glaucon’s wife. But if + not his, whose then but mine? I will do the deed to the uttermost. The god is with + me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He flung the casket upon the table and spread its fateful contents again before him. + His hand flew over the papyrus with marvellous speed and skill. He knew that all his + faculties were at his full command and unwontedly acute. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Bias was surprised at his sport by a sudden clapping of his master’s hands. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What is it, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Go to Agis. He keeps the gaming-house in the Ceramicus. You know where. Tell him to + come hither instantly. He shall not lack reward. Make your feet fly. Here is something + to speed them.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He flung at the boy a coin. Bias opened eyes and mouth in wonder. It was not silver, + but a golden daric. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Don’t blink at it, sheep, but run. Bring Agis,”</span> ordered the master,—and Bias’s + legs never went faster than on that afternoon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Agis came. Democrates knew his man and had no difficulty in finding his price. They + remained talking together till it was dark, yet in so guarded a tone that Bias, though + he listened closely, was unable to make out anything. When Agis went away, he carried + two letters. One of these he guarded as if holding the crown jewels of the Great King; + the second he despatched by a discreet myrmidon to the rooms of the Cyprian in Alopece. + Its contents were pertinent and ran thus:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Democrates to the stranger calling himself a prince of Cyprus, greeting:—Know + that Themistocles is aware of your presence in Athens, and grows suspicious of + your identity. Leave Athens to-</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page114">[pg 114]</span><a name="Pg114" id="Pg114" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-size: 90%">morrow or all is + lost. The confusion accompanying the festival will then make escape easy. The + man to whom I entrust this letter will devise with Hiram the means for your + flight by ship from the havens. May our paths never cross again!—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Chaire.</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> After Agis was gone the old trembling came again to Democrates. He had Bias light all + the lamps. The room seemed full of lurking goblins,—harpies, gorgons, the Hydra, the + Minotaur, every other foul and noxious shape was waiting to spring forth. And, most + maddening of all, the chorus of Æschylus, that Song of the Furies Democrates had heard + recited at the Isthmus, rang in the miserable man’s ears:— </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">With scourge and with ban</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">We prostrate the man,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Who with smooth-woven wile,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">And a fair-facèd smile</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Hath planted a snare for his friend.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Though fleet, we shall find him;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Though strong, we shall bind him,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Who planted a snare for his friend.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates approached the bust of Hermes standing in one corner. The brazen face + seemed to wear a smile of malignant gladness at the fulfilment of his will. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hermes,”</span> prayed the orator, <span class="tei tei-q">“Hermes Dolios, god of craft and lies, thieves’ god, + helper of evil,—be with me now. To Zeus, to Athena the pure, I dare not pray. Prosper + me in the deed to which I set my hand,”</span>—he hesitated, he dared not bribe the + shrewd god with too mean a gift, <span class="tei tei-q">“and I vow to set in thy temple at Tanagra three tall + tripods of pure gold. So be with me on the morrow, and I will not forget thy + favour.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The brazen face still smiled on; the room was very still. Yet Democrates took comfort. + Hermes was a great god and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page115">[pg 115]</span><a name="Pg115" id="Pg115" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>would help him. When the + song of the Furies grew too loud, Democrates silenced it by summoning back Hermione’s + face and asking one triumphant question:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“She is Glaucon’s wife. But if not his, whose then but mine?”</span> + </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page116">[pg 116]</span> + <a name="Pg116" id="Pg116" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf15" id="pdf15"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XI</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE PANATHENÆA </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Flowers on every head, flowers festooned about each pillar, and flowers under foot + when one crossed the Agora. Beneath the sheltering porticos lurked bright-faced girls + who pelted each passer with violets, narcissus, and hyacinths. For this was the morn of + the final crowning day of the Panathenæa, greatest, gladdest of Athenian festivals. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Athletic contests had preceded it and stately Pyrrhic dances of men in full armour. + There had been feasting and merry-making despite the darkening shadow of the Persian. + Athens seemed awakened only to rejoice. To-day was the procession to the Acropolis, the + bearing of the sacred robe to Athena, the public sacrifice for all the people. Not even + the peril of Xerxes could hinder a gladsome holiday. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The sun had just risen above Hymettus, the Agora shops were closed, but the plaza + itself and the lesches—the numerous little club houses about it—overran with + gossipers. On the stone bench before one of these buzzed the select coterie that of wont + assembled in Clearchus’s booth; only Polus the juror now and then nodded and snored. He + had sat up all night hearing the priestesses chant their ceaseless litanies on the + Acropolis. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Guilty—I vote guilty,”</span> the others heard him muttering, as his head sank lower. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page117">[pg 117]</span> + <a name="Pg117" id="Pg117" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wake up, friend,”</span> ordered Clearchus; <span class="tei tei-q">“you’re not condemning any poor scoundrel + now.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<a name="corr117" id="corr117" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai!</span></span></span> ah!”</span> Polus rubbed his eyes, <span class="tei tei-q">“I only thought I was dropping the black + bean—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Against whom?”</span> quoth Crito, the fat contractor. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Whom? Why that aristocrat Glaucon, surely,—to-night—”</span> Polus suddenly checked + himself and began to roll his eyes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You’ve a dreadful grievance against him,”</span> remarked Clearchus; <span class="tei tei-q">“the gods know + why.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The wise patriot can see many things,”</span> observed Polus, complacently, <span class="tei tei-q">“only I + repeat—wait till to-night—and then—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What then?”</span> demanded all the others. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then you shall see,”</span> announced the juror, with an oratorical flourish of his dirty + himation, <span class="tei tei-q">“and not you only but all of Athens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Clearchus grinned. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Our dear Polus has a vast sense of his own importance. And who has been making you + partner of the state secrets—Themistocles?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A man almost his peer, the noble patriot Democrates. Ask Phormio’s wife, Lampaxo; + ask—”</span> Once more he broke off to lay a finger on his lips. <span class="tei tei-q">“This will be a + notable day for Athens!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Our good friend surely thinks so!”</span> rejoined the potter, dryly; <span class="tei tei-q">“but since he + won’t trust us with his precious secret, I think it much more interesting to watch the + people crossing the square. The procession must be gathering outside the Dipylon Gate. + Yonder rides Themistocles now to take command.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The statesman cantered past on a shining white Thessalian. At his heels were prancing + Cimon, Democrates, Glau<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page118">[pg 118]</span><a name="Pg118" id="Pg118" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>con, and many another youth of + the noble houses of Athens. At sight of the son of Conon, Polus had wagged his head in a + manner utterly perplexing to his associates, and they were again perplexed when they saw + Democrates wheel back from the side of his chief and run up for a hurried word with a + man in the crowd they recognized as Agis. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Agis is a strange fish to have dealings with a <span class="tei tei-q">‘steward’</span> of the procession + to-day,”</span> wondered Crito. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You’ll be enlightened to-morrow,”</span> said Polus, exasperatingly. Then as the band of + horsemen cantered down the broad Dromos street, <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, me,—I wish I could afford to + serve in the cavalry. It’s far safer than tugging a spear on foot. But there’s one + young man out yonder on whose horse I’d not gladly be sitting.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Phui</span></span>,”</span> complained Clearchus, <span class="tei tei-q">“you are anxious to eat + Glaucon skin and bones! There goes his wife now, all in white flowers and ribbons, to + take her place in the march with the other young matrons. Zeus! But she is as handsome + as her husband.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“She needn’t <span class="tei tei-q">‘draw up her eyebrows,’</span> ”</span><a id="noteref_6" name="noteref_6" href="#note_6"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">6</span></span></a> growled the juror, viciously; <span class="tei tei-q">“they’re marks of disloyalty even in + her. Can’t you see she wears shoes of the Theban model, laced open so as to display + her bare feet, though everybody knows Thebes is Medizing? She’s no better than + Glaucon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hush,”</span> ordered Clearchus, rising, <span class="tei tei-q">“you have spoken folly enough. Those trumpets + tell us we must hasten if we hope to join in the march ourselves.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Who can tell the great procession? Not the maker of books,—what words call down light + on the glancing eyes, on the moving lines of colour? Not the artist,—his pencil may not + limn ten thousand human beings, beautiful and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page119">[pg 119]</span><a name="Pg119" id="Pg119" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>glad, + sweeping in bright array across the welcoming city. Nor can the sculptor’s marble shape + the marching forms, the rippling draperies, the warm and buoyant life. The life of + Athens was the crown of Greece. The festival of the Panathenæa was the crown of Athens. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Never had Helios looked down on fairer landscape or city. The doors of the patrician + houses were opened; for a day unguarded, unconstrained, the daughters, wives, and + mothers of the nobility of Athens walked forth in their queenly beauty. One could see + that the sculptor’s master works were but rigid counterparts of lovelier flesh and + blood. One could see veterans, stalwart almost as on the day of the old-time battles, + but crowned with the snow of years. One could see youths, and need no longer marvel the + young Apollo was accounted fair. Flowers, fluttering mantles, purple, gold, the bravery + of armour, rousing music—what was missing? All conjoined to make a perfect spectacle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The sun had chased the last vapours from the sky. The little ravines on distant + Hymettus stood forth sharply as though near at hand. The sun grew hot, but men and women + walked with bared heads, and few were the untanned cheeks and shoulders. Children of the + South, and lovers of the Sun-King, the Athenians sought no shelter, their own bright + humour rejoicing in the light. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> On the broad parade ground outside the Dipylon, the towering northwestern gate, the + procession gathered. Themistocles the Handsome, never more gallant than now upon the + white Thessalian, was ordering the array, the ten young men, <span class="tei tei-q">“stewards of the + Panathenæa,”</span> assisting. He sent his last glance down the long files, his ivory wand + signed to the musicians in the van. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Play! march!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Fifty pipers blew, fifty citharas tinkled. The host swept into the city. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page120">[pg 120]</span> + <a name="Pg120" id="Pg120" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles led. Under the massy double gate caracoled the charger. The robe of his + rider blew out behind him like purple wings. There was the cry and clang of cymbals and + drums. From the gray battlement yellow daisies rained down like gold. Cantering, + halting, advancing, beckoning, the chief went forward, and behind swept the <span class="tei tei-q">“knights,”</span> the mounted chivalry of Athens,—three hundred of the noblest youths of + Attica, on beasts sleek and spirited, and in burnished armour, but about every helm a + wreath. Behind the <span class="tei tei-q">“knights”</span> rode the magistracy, men white-headed and grave, some + riding, some in flower-decked cars. After these the victors in the games and contests of + the preceding day. Next the elders of Athens—men of blameless life, beautiful in hale + and honoured age. Next the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ephebi</span></span>,—the youths close to manhood, + whose fair limbs glistened under their sweeping chitons. Behind them, their sisters, + unveiled, the maidens of Athens, walking in rhythmic beauty, and with them their + attendants, daughters of resident foreigners. Following upon these was the long line of + bleating victims, black bulls with gilded horns and ribbon-decked rams without blemish. + And next—but here the people leaned from parapet, house-roof, portico, and shouted + louder than ever: </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The car and the robe of Athena! Hail, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Io, pæan!</span></span> hail!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Up the street on a car shaped like a galley moved the peplus, the great robe of the + sovran goddess. From afar one could see the wide folds spread on a shipyard and rippling + in the breeze. But what a sail! One year long had the noblest women of Attica wrought on + it, and all the love and art that might breathe through a needle did not fail. It was a + sheen of glowing colour. The strife of Athena with the brutish giants, her contest with + Arachne, the deeds of the heroes of Athens—Erechtheus, Theseus, Codrus: these <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page121">[pg 121]</span><a name="Pg121" id="Pg121" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>were some of the pictures. The car moved noiselessly on + wheels turned by concealed mechanism. Under the shadow of the sail walked the fairest of + its makers, eight women, maids and young matrons, clothed in white mantles and wreaths, + going with stately tread, unmoved by the shouting as though themselves divine. Seven + walked together. But one, their leader, went before,—Hermione, child of Hermippus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Many an onlooker remembered this sight of her, the deep spiritual eyes, the symmetry + of form and fold, the perfect carriage. Fair wishes flew out to her like doves. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“May she be blessed forever! May King Helios forever bring her joy!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Some cried thus. More thought thus. All seemed more glad for beholding her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Behind the peplus in less careful array went thousands of citizens of every age and + station, all in festival dress, all crowned with flowers. They followed the car up the + Dromos Street, across the cheering Agora, and around the southern side of the Acropolis, + making a full circuit of the citadel. Those who watched saw Glaucon with Democrates and + Cimon give their horses to slaves, and mount the bare knoll of Areopagus, looking down + upon the western face of the Acropolis. As the procession swung about to mount the + steep, Hermione lifted her glance to Areopagus, saw her husband gazing down on her, + raised her hands in delighted gesture, and he answered her. It was done in the sight of + thousands, and the thousands smiled with the twain. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Justice! The beautiful salutes the beautiful.”</span> And who thought the less of + Hermione for betraying the woman beneath the mien of the goddess? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But now the march drew to an end. The procession halted, reformed, commenced the + rugged way upward. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page122">[pg 122]</span><a name="Pg122" id="Pg122" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Suddenly from the bastion of the + Acropolis above wafted new music. Low, melancholy at first, as the pipers and harpers + played in the dreamy Lydian mode, till, strengthening into the bolder Æolic, the strains + floated down, inviting, <span class="tei tei-q">“Come up hither,”</span> then stronger still it pealed in the + imperious crash of the Doric as the procession mounted steadily. Now could be seen great + Lamprus, Orpheus’s peer, the master musician, standing on the balcony above the gate, + beating time for the loud choral. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A chorus amongst the marchers and a second chorus in the citadel joined together, till + the red crags shook,—singing the old hymn of the Homeridæ to Athena, homely, rude, yet + dear with the memory of ages:— </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Pallas Athena, gray-eyed queen of wisdom,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 6.40em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Thy praise I sing!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Steadfast, all holy, sure ward of our city,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Triton-born rule whom High Zeus doth bring</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Forth from his forehead.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Thou springest forth valiant;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">The clangour swells far as thy direful arms ring.</span></div> + </div> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">All the Immortals in awed hush are bending,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Beautiful, terrible, thy light thou’rt sending</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Flashed from thine eyes and thy pitiless spear.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Under thy presence Olympus is groaning,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Earth heaves in terrors, the blue deeps are moaning;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">‘Wisdom, the All-Seeing Goddess is here!’</span></div> + </div> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Now the sea motionless freezes before thee;</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Helios, th’ Sun-Lord, draws rein to adore thee;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Whilst thou, O Queen, puttest on divine might.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Zeus, the deep-councillor, gladly greets thee!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Hail, Holy Virgin—our loud pæan meets thee,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-variant: small-caps">Pallas, Chaste Wisdom, + Dispeller of Night</span></span><span style="font-size: 80%">!</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Up the face of the Rock, up the long, statue-lined way, till through the gate the + vision burst,—the innumerable <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page123">[pg 123]</span><a name="Pg123" id="Pg123" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fanes and altars, the + assembly of singers and priests, the great temple in its pride of glittering marble. + Clearer, stronger sounded the choral, shot up through the limpid azure; swaying, + burning, throbbing, sobs and shouting, tears and transports, so mounted new strains of + the mighty chorus, lit through with the flames of Homeric verse. Then stronger yet was + the mingling of voices, earth, sky, deep, beasts’ cry and gods’ cry, all voiced, as + chorus answered to chorus. Now the peplus was wafted on a wave of song toward the + temple’s dawn-facing portal, when from beneath the columns, as the tall valves turned + and the sun leaped into the cella, hidden voices returned the former strains—mournful + at first. Out of the adytum echoed a cry of anguish, the lament of the Mother of Wisdom + at her children’s deathly ignorance, which plucks them down from the Mount of the + Beautiful Vision. But as the thousands neared, as its pæans became a prayer, as yearning + answered to yearning, lo! the hidden song swelled and soared,—for the goddess looked + for her own, and her own were come to her. And thus in beneath the massy pediment, in + through the wide-flung doors, floated the peplus, while under its guardian shadow walked + Hermione. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So they brought the robe to Athena. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon and his companions had watched the procession ascend, then followed to see the + sacrifice upon the giant altar. The King Archon cut the throat of the first ox and made + public prayer for the people. Wood soaked in perfumed oil blazed upon the huge stone + platform of the sacrifice. Girls flung frankincense upon the roaring flames. The music + crashed louder. All Athens seemed mounting the citadel. The chief priestess came from + the holy house, and in a brief hush proclaimed that the goddess had received the robe + with <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page124">[pg 124]</span><a name="Pg124" id="Pg124" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>all favour. After her came the makers of the + peplus, and Hermione rejoined her husband. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let us not stay to the public feast,”</span> was her wish; <span class="tei tei-q">“let these hucksters and + charcoal-burners who live on beans and porridge scramble for a bit of burned meat, but + we return to Colonus.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good then,”</span> answered Glaucon, <span class="tei tei-q">“and these friends of course go with us.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cimon assented readily. Democrates hesitated, and while hesitating was seized by the + cloak by none other than Agis, who gave a hasty whisper and vanished in the swirling + multitude before Democrates could do more than nod. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He’s an uncanny fox,”</span> remarked Cimon, mystified; <span class="tei tei-q">“I suppose you know his + reputation?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The servant of Athens must sometimes himself employ strange servants,”</span> evaded the + orator. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yet you might suffer your friends to understand—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dear son of Miltiades,”</span> Democrates’s voice shook in the slightest, <span class="tei tei-q">“the meaning + of my dealings with Agis I pray Athena you may never have cause to know.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Which means you will not tell us. Then by Zeus I swear the secret no doubt is not + worth the knowing.”</span> Cimon stopped suddenly, as he saw a look of horror on + Hermione’s face. <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, lady! what’s the matter?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon,”</span> she groaned, <span class="tei tei-q">“frightful omen! I am terrified!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon’s hands dropped at her cry. He himself paled slightly. In one of his moods of + abstraction he had taken the small knife from his belt and begun to pare his nails,—to + do which after a sacrifice was reputed an infallible means of provoking heaven’s anger. + The friends were grave and silent. The athlete gave a forced laugh. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page125">[pg 125]</span> + <a name="Pg125" id="Pg125" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The goddess will be merciful to-day. To-morrow I will propitiate her with a goat.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Now, now, not to-morrow,”</span> urged Hermione, with white lips, but her husband + refused. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The goddess is surfeited with sacrifices this morning. She would forget mine.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then he led the rest, elbowing the way through the increasing swarms of young and old, + and down into the half-deserted city. Democrates left them in the Agora, professing + great stress of duties. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Strange man,”</span> observed Cimon, as he walked away; <span class="tei tei-q">“what has he this past month + upon his mind? That Persian spy, I warrant. But the morning wanes. It’s a long way to + Colonus. <span class="tei tei-q">‘Let us drink, for the sun is in the zenith.’</span> So says Alcæus—and I love + the poet, for he like myself is always thirsty.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The three went on to the knoll of Colonus where Glaucon dwelt. Cimon was overrunning + with puns and jests, but the others not very merry. The omen of Glaucon’s + thoughtlessness, or something else, made husband and wife silent, yet it was a day when + man or maid should have felt their spirits rise. The sky had never been brighter, not in + Athens. Never had the mountains and sea spread more gloriously. From the warm + olive-groves sounded the blithesome note of the Attic grasshopper. The wind sweeping + over the dark cypresses by the house set their dark leaves to talking. The afternoon + passed in pleasure, friends going and coming; there was laughter, music, and good + stories. Hermione at least recovered part of her brightness, but her husband, contrary + to all custom, remained taciturn, even melancholy. At last as the gentle tints of + evening began to cover hill and plain and the red-tiled roofs of the ample city, all the + friends were gone, saving only Cimon, and he—reckless fellow—<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page126">[pg 126]</span><a name="Pg126" id="Pg126" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was well able to dispense with companionship, being, in the words of + Theognis, <span class="tei tei-q">“not absolutely drunk, nor sober quite.”</span> Thus husband and wife found + themselves alone together on the marble bench beneath the old cypress. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">makaire</span></span>! dearest and best,”</span> asked Hermione, her hands + touching his face, <span class="tei tei-q">“is it the omen that makes you grow so sad? For the sun of your + life is so seldom under clouds that when it is clouded at all, it seems as deep + darkness.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He answered by pressing back her hair, <span class="tei tei-q">“No, not the omen. I am not a slave to chance + like that. Yet to-day,—the wise God knows wherefore,—there comes a sense of brooding + fear. I have been too happy—too blessed with friendship, triumph, love. It cannot + last. Clotho the Spinner will weary of making my thread of gold and twine in a darker + stuff. Everything lovely must pass. What said Glaucus to Diomedes? <span class="tei tei-q">‘Even as the race + of leaves, so likewise are those of men; the leaves that now are, the wind + scattereth, and the forest buddeth forth more again; thus also with the race of men, + one putteth forth, another ceaseth.’</span> So even my joy must pass—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon,—take back the words. You frighten me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He felt her in his arms trembling, and cursed himself for what he had uttered. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A blight upon my tongue! I have frightened you, and without cause. Surely the day is + bright enough, surely Athena having been thus far good we can trust her goodness + still. Who knows but that it be many a year before our sun comes to his setting!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He kissed her many times. She grew comforted, but they had not been together long when + they were surprised by the approach of Themistocles and Hermippus. Hermione ran to her + father. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles and I were summoned hither,”</span> explained <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page127">[pg 127]</span><a name="Pg127" id="Pg127" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Hermippus, <span class="tei tei-q">“by a message from Democrates bidding us come to Colonus at + once, on an urgent matter touching the public weal.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He is not here. I cannot understand,”</span> marvelled Glaucon; but while he spoke, he + was interrupted by the clatter of hoofs from a party of horsemen spurring furiously and + heading from the pass of Daphni. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page128">[pg 128]</span> + <a name="Pg128" id="Pg128" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf16" id="pdf16"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> A TRAITOR TO HELLAS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Before the house six riders were reining,—five Scythian <span class="tei tei-q">“bowmen”</span> of the + constabulary of Athens, tow-headed Barbarians, grinning but mute; the sixth was + Democrates. He dismounted with a bound, and as he did so the friends saw that his face + was red as with pent-up excitement. Themistocles advanced hastily. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What’s this? Your hands seem a-quiver. Whom has that constable tied up behind + him?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Seuthes!”</span> cried Glaucon, bounding back, <span class="tei tei-q">“Seuthes, by every god, and pinioned + like a felon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ay!”</span> groaned the prisoner, lashed to a horse, <span class="tei tei-q">“what have I done to be seized and + tried like a bandit? Why should I be set upon by these gentlemen while I was enjoying + a quiet pot of wine in the tavern at Daphni, and be haled away as if to crucifixion? + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mu! Mu!</span></span> make them untie me, dear Master Glaucon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Put down your prisoner,”</span> ordered Democrates, <span class="tei tei-q">“and all you constables stay + without the house. I ask Themistocles, Hermippus, and Glaucon to come to an inner + room. I must examine this man. The matter is serious.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Serious?”</span> echoed the bewildered athlete, <span class="tei tei-q">“I can vouch for Seuthes—an excellent + Corinthian, come to Athens to sell some bales of wool—”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page129">[pg 129]</span> + <a name="Pg129" id="Pg129" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Answer, Glaucon,”</span> Democrates’s voice was stern. <span class="tei tei-q">“Has he no letters from you for + Argos?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Certainly.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You admit it?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“By the dog of Egypt, do you doubt my word?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Friends,”</span> called Democrates, dramatically, <span class="tei tei-q">“mark you that Glaucon admits he has + employed this Seuthes as his courier.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Whither leads this mummery?”</span> cried the athlete, growing at last angry. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If to nothing, I, Democrates, rejoice the most. Now I must bid you to follow me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Seizing the snivelling Seuthes, the orator led into the house and to a private + chamber. The rest followed, in blank wonderment. Cimon had recovered enough to + follow—none too steadily. But when Hermione approached, Democrates motioned her back. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not come. A painful scene may be impending.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What my husband can hear, that can I,”</span> was her retort. <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah! but why do you look + thus dreadfully on Glaucon?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have warned you, lady. Do not blame me if you hear the worst,”</span> rejoined + Democrates, barring the door. A single swinging lamp shed a fitful light on the + scene—the whimpering prisoner, the others all amazed, the orator’s face, tense and + white. Democrates’s voice seemed metallic as he continued:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Now, Seuthes, we must search you. Produce first the letter from Glaucon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The fat florid little Corinthian was dressed as a traveller, a gray chalmys to his + hips, a brimmed brown hat, and high black boots. His hands were now untied. He tugged + from his belt a bit of papyrus which Democrates handed to Themistocles, enjoining <span class="tei tei-q">“Open.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page130">[pg 130]</span> + <a name="Pg130" id="Pg130" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon flushed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Are you mad, Democrates, to violate my private correspondence thus?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The weal of Athens outweighs even the pleasure of Glaucon,”</span> returned the orator, + harshly, <span class="tei tei-q">“and you, Themistocles, note that Glaucon does not deny that the seal here is + his own.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not deny,”</span> cried the angry athlete. <span class="tei tei-q">“Open, Themistocles, and let this + stupid comedy end.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And may it never change to tragedy!”</span> proclaimed Democrates. <span class="tei tei-q">“What do you read, + Themistocles?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A courteous letter of thanks to Ageladas.”</span> The senior statesman was frowning. <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon is right. Either you are turned mad, or are victim of some prank,—is it + yours, Cimon?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am as innocent as a babe. I’d swear it by the Styx,”</span> responded that young man, + scratching his muddled head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I fear we are not at the end of the examination,”</span> observed Democrates, with + ominous slowness. <span class="tei tei-q">“Now, Seuthes, recollect your plight. Have you no other letter about + you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“None!”</span> groaned the unheroic Corinthian. <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah! pity, kind sirs; what have I done? + Suffer me to go.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is possible,”</span> remarked his prosecutor, <span class="tei tei-q">“you are an innocent victim, or at + least do not realize the intent of what you bear. I must examine the lining of your + chalmys. Nothing. Your girdle. Nothing. Your hat, remove it. Quite empty. Blessed be + Athena if my fears prove groundless. But my first duty is to Athens and Hellas. Ah! + Your high boots. Remove the right one.”</span> The orator felt within, and shook the boot + violently. <span class="tei tei-q">“Nothing again. The left one, empty it seems. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ei!</span></span> + what is this?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In a tense silence he shook from the boot a papyrus, rolled and sealed. It fell on the + floor at the feet of Themistocles, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page131">[pg 131]</span><a name="Pg131" id="Pg131" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>who, watching all + his lieutenant did, bent and seized it instantly; then it dropped from his hands as a + live coal. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The seal! The seal! May Zeus smite me blind if I see aright!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermippus, who had been following all the scene in silence, bent, lifted the fateful + paper, and he too gave a cry of grief. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is the seal of Glaucon. How came it here?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon,”</span>—hard as Democrates’s voice had been that night, it rang like cold iron + now,—<span class="tei tei-q">“as the friend of your boyhood, and one who would still do for you all he may, + I urge you as you love me to look upon this seal.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am looking,”</span> but as he spoke paleness followed the angry flush on the athlete’s + forehead. He needed no omen to tell him something fearful was about to ensue. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The seal is yours?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The very same, two dancing mænads and over them a winged Eros. But how came this + letter here? I did not—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“As you love life or death, as you preserve any regard for our friendship, I adjure + you,—not to brave it longer, but to confess—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Confess what? My head is reeling.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The treason in which you have dipped your hands, your dealings with the Persian spy, + your secret interviews, and last of all this letter,—I fear a gross betrayal of all + trust,—to some agent of Xerxes. I shudder when I think of what may be its + contents.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And—this—from—you! Oh,—Democrates,—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The accused man’s hands snatched at the air. He sank upon a chest. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He does not deny it,”</span> threw out the orator, but Glaucon’s voice rang shrilly:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ever! Ever will I deny! Though the Twelve Gods all cried out <span class="tei tei-q">‘guilty!’</span> The + charge is monstrous.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page132">[pg 132]</span> + <a name="Pg132" id="Pg132" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is time, Democrates,”</span> said Themistocles, who had preserved a grim silence, <span class="tei tei-q">“that you showed us clearly whither your path is leading. This is a fearful accusation + you launch against your best-loved friend.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles is right,”</span> assented the orator, moving away from the luckless Seuthes + as from a pawn no longer important in the game of life and death. <span class="tei tei-q">“The whole of the + wretched story I fear I must tell on the Bema to all Athens. I must be brief, but + believe me, I can make good all I say. Since my return from the Isthmia, I have been + observed to be sad. Rightly—for knowing Glaucon as I did, I grew suspicious, and I + loved him. You have thought me not diligent in hunting down the Persian spy. You were + wrong. But how could I ruin my friend without full proof? I made use of Agis,—no + genteel confederate, to be sure, but honest, patriotic, indefatigable. I soon had my + eyes on the suspected Babylonish carpet-seller. I observed Glaucon’s movements + closely, they gave just ground for suspicion. The Babylonian, I came to feel, was none + other than an agent of Xerxes himself. I discovered that Glaucon had been making this + emissary nocturnal visits.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A lie!”</span> groaned the accused, in agony. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I would to Athena I believed you,”</span> was the unflinching answer; <span class="tei tei-q">“I have direct + evidence from eye-witnesses that you went to him. In a moment I can produce it. Yet + still I hesitated. Who would blast a friend without damning proof? Then yesterday with + your own lips you told me you sent a messenger to disloyal Argos. I suspected two + messages, not one, were entrusted to Seuthes, and that you proclaimed the more + innocent matter thus boldly simply to blind my eyes. Before Seuthes started forth this + morning Agis informed me he had met him in a wine-shop—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“True,”</span> whimpered the unhappy prisoner. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page133">[pg 133]</span> + <a name="Pg133" id="Pg133" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And this fellow as much as admitted he carried a second and secret message—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Liar!”</span> roared Seuthes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Men hint strange things in wine-shops,”</span> observed Democrates, sarcastically. <span class="tei tei-q">“Enough that a second papyrus with Glaucon’s seal has been found hidden upon you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Open it then, and know the worst,”</span> interjected Themistocles, his face like a + thunder-cloud; but Democrates forbade him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A moment. Let me complete my story. This afternoon I received + warning that the Babylonish carpet-vender had taken sudden flight, presumably toward + Thebes. I have sent mounted constables after him. I trust they can seize him at the + pass of Phyle. In the meantime, I may assure you I have irrefutable evidence—needless + to present here—that the man was a Persian agent, and to more purpose hear this + affidavit, sworn to by very worthy patriots.</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Polus, son of Phodrus of the Commune of Diomea, and Lampaxo his sister take oath + by Zeus, Dike, and Athena, thus: We swear we saw and recognized Glaucon, son of Conon, + twice visiting by night in the past month of Scirophorion a certain + </span><a name="corr133" id="corr133" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr"><span style="font-size: 90%">Babylonish</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> + carpet-seller, name unknown, who had lodgings above Demas’s shield factory in + Alopece.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Details lack,”</span> spoke Themistocles, keenly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To be supplied in full measure at the trial,”</span> rejoined the orator. <span class="tei tei-q">“And now to + the second letter itself.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ay, the letter, whatever the foul Cyclops that wrought it!”</span> groaned Glaucon + through his teeth. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles took the document from Hermippus’s trembling hands. His own trembled + whilst he broke the seal. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The handwriting of Glaucon. There is no doubt,”</span> was his despairing comment. His + frown darkened. Then he attempted to read. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page134">[pg 134]</span> + <a name="Pg134" id="Pg134" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Glaucon of Athens to Cleophas of Argos wishes + health:—</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cleophas leads the Medizers of Argos, the greatest friend of Xerxes + in Greece. O Zeus, what is this next—</span> + </p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Our dear friend, whom I dare not name, to-day departs for Thebes, and in a + month will be safe in Sardis. His visit to Athens has been most fruitful. Since + you at present have better opportunity than we for forwarding packets to Susa, + do not fail to despatch this at once. A happy chance led Themistocles to explain + to me his secret memorandum for the arraying of the Greek fleet. You can apprize + its worth, for the only others to whom it is entrusted are Democrates and later + Leonidas—</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles flung the papyrus down. His voice was broken. Tears stood in his eyes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O Glaucon, Glaucon,—whom I have trusted? Was ever trust so betrayed! May Apollo + smite me blind, if so I could forget what I read here! It is all written—the secret + ordering of the fleet—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For a terrible moment there was silence in the little room, a silence broken by a + wild, shrill cry,—Hermione’s, as she cast her arms about her husband. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A lie! A snare! A wicked plot! Some jealous god has devised this guile, seeing we + were too happy!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> She shook with sobs, and Glaucon, roused to manhood by her grief, uprose and faced the + stern face of Democrates, the blenching faces of the rest. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am the victim of a conspiracy of all the fiends in Tartarus,”</span>—he strove hard to + speak steadily; <span class="tei tei-q">“I did not write that second letter. It is a forgery.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But who, then,”</span> groaned Themistocles, hopelessly, <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">can</span></span> + claim this handiwork? Democrates or I?—for no other has seen the memorandum,—that I + swear. It has not yet gone to Leonidas. It has been guarded as the apple of my eye. We + three alone knew thereof. And it is in this narrow room the betrayer of Hellas must + stand.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page135">[pg 135]</span> + <a name="Pg135" id="Pg135" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I cannot explain.”</span> Glaucon staggered back to his seat. His wife’s head sank upon + his lap. The two sat in misery. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Confess, by the remnants of our friendship I implore, confess,”</span> ordered + Democrates, <span class="tei tei-q">“and then Themistocles and I will strive to lighten if possible your + inevitable doom.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The accused man sat dumb, but Hermione struck back as some wild creature driven to + bay. She lifted her head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Has Glaucon here no friend but me, his wife?”</span> She sent beseeching eyes about the + room. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you all cry <span class="tei tei-q">‘guilty, guilty’</span>? Then is your friendship false, for when + is friendship proved, save in the hour of need?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The appeal brought an answer from her father, who had been standing silent; and in + infinite distress kindly, cautious, charitable Hermippus began:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dear Glaucon, Hermione is wrong; we were never more your friends. We are willing to + believe the best and not the worst. Therefore tell all frankly. You have been a victim + of great temptation. The Isthmian victory has turned your head. The Persian was + subtle, plausible. He promised I know not what. You did not realize all you were + doing. You had confederates here in Athens who are more guilty. We can make + allowances. Tell only the truth, and the purse and influence of Hermippus of Eleusis + shall never be held back to save his son-in-law.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Nor mine, nor mine,”</span> cried Themistocles, snatching at every straw; <span class="tei tei-q">“only + confess, the temptation was great, others were more guilty, everything then may be + done—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon drew himself together and looked up almost proudly. Slowly he was recovering + strength and wit. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have nothing to confess,”</span> he spoke, <span class="tei tei-q">“nothing. I know nothing of this Persian + spy. Can I swear the god’s own oath—by Earth, by Sky, by the Styx—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles shook his head wearily. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page136">[pg 136]</span> + <a name="Pg136" id="Pg136" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How can we say you are innocent? You never visited the Babylonian?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Never. Never!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Polus and Lampaxo swear otherwise. The letter?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A forgery.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Impossible. Is the forger Democrates or I?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Some god has done this thing in malice, jealous of my great joy.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I fear Hermes no longer strides so frequently about Athens. The hand and seal are + yours,—and still you do not confess?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If I must die,”</span> Glaucon was terribly pale, but his voice was steady, <span class="tei tei-q">“it is not + as a perjurer!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles turned his back with a groan. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I can do nothing for you. This is the saddest hour in my life.”</span> He was silent, but + Democrates sprang to the athlete’s side. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Have I not prayed each god to spare me this task?”</span> he spoke. <span class="tei tei-q">“Can I forget our + friendship? Do not brave it to the end. Pity at least your friends, your wife—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He threw back his cloak, pointing to a sword. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai</span></span>,”</span> cried the accused, shrinking. <span class="tei tei-q">“What would you have + me do?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Save the public disgrace, the hooting jury, the hemlock, the corpse flung into the + Barathrum. Strike this into your breast and end the shame.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> No further. Glaucon smote him so that he reeled. The athlete’s tone was terrible. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Villain! You shall not tempt me.”</span> Then he turned to the rest, and stood in his + white agony, yet beautiful as ever, holding out his arms. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O friends, do you all believe the worst? Do you, Themistocles, turn silently against + me?”</span> No answer. <span class="tei tei-q">“And <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page137">[pg 137]</span><a name="Pg137" id="Pg137" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>you, Hermippus?”</span> No + answer again. <span class="tei tei-q">“And you, Cimon, who praised me as the fairest friend in all the + world?”</span> The son of Miltiades simply tore his hair. Then the athlete turned to + Democrates. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you I deemed more than comrade, for we were boys at school together, were flogged + with the same rod, and drank from the same cup, had like friends, foes, loves, hates; + and have lived since as more than brothers,—do you too turn utterly away?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I would it were otherwise,”</span> came the sullen answer. Again Democrates pointed to + the sword, but Glaucon stood up proudly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No. I am neither traitor, nor perjurer, nor coward. If I must perish, it shall be as + becomes an Alcmæonid. If you have resolved to undo me, I know your power over Athenian + juries. I must die. But I shall die with unspotted heart, calling the curse of the + innocent upon the god or man who plotted to destroy me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We have enough of this direful comedy,”</span> declared Democrates, pale himself. <span class="tei tei-q">“Only + one thing is left. Call in the Scythians with their gyves, and hale the traitor to + prison.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He approached the door; the others stood as icy statues, but not Hermione. She had her + back against the door before the orator could open. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hold,”</span> she commanded, <span class="tei tei-q">“for you are doing murder!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates halted at the menacing light in her eyes. All the fear had gone out of + them. Athena Promachos, <span class="tei tei-q">“Mistress of Battles,”</span> must have stood in that awful beauty + when aroused. Did the goddess teach her in that dread moment of her power over the will + of the orator? Glaucon was still standing motionless, helpless, his last appeal having + ended in mute resignation to inevitable fate. She motioned to him desperately. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page138">[pg 138]</span> + <a name="Pg138" id="Pg138" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon! Glaucon!”</span> she adjured, <span class="tei tei-q">“do not throw your life away. They shall not + murder you. Up! Rouse yourself! There is yet time. Fly, or all is lost.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fly!”</span> spoke the athlete, almost vacantly. <span class="tei tei-q">“No, I will brave them to the end.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For my sake, fly,”</span> she ordered, and conjured by that potent talisman, Glaucon + moved toward her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How? Whither?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To the ends of the earth, Scythia, Atlantis, India, and remain till all Athens knows + you are innocent.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As men move who know not what they do, he approached the door. Held by the magic of + her eyes the others stood rigid. They saw Hermione raise the latch. Her husband’s face + met hers in one kiss. The door opened, closed. Glaucon was gone, and as the latch + clicked Democrates shook off the charm and leaped forward. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“After the traitor! Not too late!—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For an instant he wrestled with Hermione hand to hand, but she was strong through fear + and love. He could not master her. Then a heavy grasp fell on his shoulder—Cimon’s. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are beside yourself, Democrates. My memory is longer than yours. To me Glaucon is + still a friend. I’ll not see him dragged to death before my eyes. When we follow even + a fox or a wolf, we give fair start and fair play. You shall not pursue him yet.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Blessing on you!”</span> cried the wife, falling on her knees and seizing Cimon’s cloak. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, make Themistocles and my father merciful!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermippus—tender-hearted man—was in tears. Themistocles was pacing the little + chamber, his hand tugging his beard, clearly in grievous doubt. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Scythians! The constables!”</span> Democrates clam<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page139">[pg 139]</span><a name="Pg139" id="Pg139" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>oured frantically; <span class="tei tei-q">“every instant gives the traitor better start.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Cimon held him fast, and Themistocles was not to be interrupted. Only after a long + time he spoke, and then with authority which brooked no contradiction. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There is no hole in the net of Democrates’s evidence that Glaucon is guilty of foul + disloyalty, disloyalty worthy of shameful death. Were he any other there would be only + one way with him and that a short one. But Glaucon I know, if I know any man. The + charges even if proved are nigh incredible. For of all the thousands in Hellas his + soul seemed the purest, noblest, most ingenuous. Therefore I will not hasten on his + death. I will give the gods a chance to save him. Let Democrates arraign me for <span class="tei tei-q">‘misprision of treason’</span> if he will, and of failing in duty to Athens. There shall + be no pursuit of Glaucon until morning. Then let the Eleven<a id="noteref_7" name="noteref_7" href="#note_7"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">7</span></span></a> issue their hue and cry. If they take him, let + the law deal with him. Till then give respite.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates attempted remonstrance. Themistocles bade him be silent sharply, and the + other bowed his head in cowed acquiescence. Hermione staggered from the door, her father + unbarred, and the whole wretched company went forth. In the passage hung a burnished + steel mirror; Hermione gave a cry as she passed it. The light borne by Hermippus showed + her in her festival dress, the rippling white drapery, the crown of white violets. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My father!”</span> she cried, falling into his arms, <span class="tei tei-q">“is it still the day of the + Panathenæa, when I marched in the great procession, when all Athens called me happy? + It was a thousand years ago! I can never be glad again—”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page140">[pg 140]</span> + <a name="Pg140" id="Pg140" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He lifted her tenderly as she fainted. Old Cleopis, the Spartan nurse who had kissed + her almost before her mother, ran to her. They carried her to bed, and Athena in mercy + hid her from consciousness that night and all the following day. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page141">[pg 141]</span> + <a name="Pg141" id="Pg141" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf17" id="pdf17"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE DISLOYALTY OF PHORMIO </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> On the evening of the Panathenæa, Bias, servant of Democrates, had supped with + Phormio,—for in democratic Athens a humble citizen would not disdain to entertain even + a slave. The Thracian had a merry wit and a story-teller’s gift that more than paid for + the supper of barley-porridge and salt mackerel, and after the viands had disappeared + was ready even to tell tales against his master. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ve turned my brain inside out, and shaken it like a meal sack. No wisdom comes. The + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrios</span></span> has something on his mind. He prays to Hermes Dolios + as often as if he were a cut-purse. Then yesterday he sent me for Agis—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Agis?”</span> Phormio pricked up his ears. <span class="tei tei-q">“The gambling-house keeper? What does + Democrates with <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">him</span></span>?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Answer yourself. My master has been to Agis’s pretty place before to see his cocks. + However, this is different. To-day I met Theon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who’s he?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Agis’s slave, the merriest scoundrel in Athens. Agis, he says, has been prancing like + an ass stuffed with barley. He gave Theon a letter from Democrates to take to your + Babylonian opposite; Theon must hunt up Seuthes, a Corinthian, and worm out of him + when and how he was leaving Athens. Agis promised Theon a gold stater if all was + right.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page142">[pg 142]</span> + <a name="Pg142" id="Pg142" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Phormio whistled. <span class="tei tei-q">“You mean the carpet-dealer here? By Athena’s owls, there is no + light in his window to-night!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“None, indeed,”</span> crackled Lampaxo; <span class="tei tei-q">“didn’t I see that cursed Babylonian with his + servants gliding out just as Bias entered? Zeus knows whither! I hope ere dawn + Democrates has them by the heels.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates does something to-night,”</span> asserted Bias, extending his cup for wine. <span class="tei tei-q">“At noon Agis flew up to him, chattered something in his ear, whereupon Democrates + bade me be off and not approach him till to-morrow, otherwise a cane gets broken on my + shoulders.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It’s not painful to have a holiday,”</span> laughed Phormio. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It’s most painful to be curious yet unsatisfied.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But why did not you take the letter to the Babylonian?”</span> observed Phormio, + shrewdly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’m perplexed, indeed. Only one thing is possible.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And that is—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Theon is not known in this street. I am. Perhaps the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrios</span></span> + didn’t care to have it rumoured he had dealings with that Babylonian.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Silence, undutiful scoundrel,”</span> ordered Lampaxo, from her corner; <span class="tei tei-q">“what has so + noble a patriot as Democrates to conceal? Ugh! Be off with you! Phormio, don’t dare to + fill up the tipsy fox’s beaker again. I want to pull on my nightcap and go to bed.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Bias did not take the hint. Phormio was considering whether it was best to join combat + with his redoubtable spouse, or save his courage for a more important battle, when a + slight noise from the street made all listen. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Pest light on those bands of young roisterers!”</span> fumed Lampaxo. <span class="tei tei-q">“They go around + all night, beating on doors and vexing honest folk. Why don’t the constables trot them + all to jail?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page143">[pg 143]</span> + <a name="Pg143" id="Pg143" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“This isn’t a drunken band, good wife,”</span> remarked Phormio, rising; <span class="tei tei-q">“some one is + sitting on the stones by the Hermes, near the door, groaning as if in pain.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A drunkard? Let him lie then,”</span> commanded Lampaxo; <span class="tei tei-q">“let the coat-thieves come and + filch his chiton.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He’s hardly drunken,”</span> observed her husband, peering through the lattice in the + door, <span class="tei tei-q">“but sick rather. Don’t detain me, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotata</span></span>,”</span>—Lampaxo’s skinny hand had tried to restrain. <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ll not let even + a dog suffer.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You’ll be ruined by too much charity,”</span> bewailed the woman, but Bias followed the + fishmonger into the night. The moon shone down the narrow street, falling over the + stranger who half lay, half squatted by the Hermes. When the two approached him, he + tried to stagger to his feet, then reeled, and Phormio’s strong arms seized him. The man + resisted feebly, and seemed never to hear the fishmonger’s friendly questions. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am innocent. Do not arrest me. Help me to the temple of Hephæstos, where there’s + asylum for fugitives. Ah! Hermione, that I should bring you this!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Bias leaped back as the moonlight glanced over the face of the stranger. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Master Glaucon, half naked and mad! <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai!</span></span> woe!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the Alcmæonid,”</span> echoed Phormio, in amazement, and the other still + struggled to escape. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you not hear? I am innocent. I never visited the Persian spy. I never betrayed the + fleet. By what god can I swear it, that you may believe?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Phormio was a man to recover from surprise quickly, and act swiftly and to the + purpose. He made haste to lead his unfortunate visitor inside and lay him on his one + hard couch. Scarcely was this done, however, when Lampaxo ran up to Glaucon in mingled + rage and exultation. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page144">[pg 144]</span> + <a name="Pg144" id="Pg144" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Phormio doesn’t know what Polus and I told Democrates, or what he told us! So you + thought to escape, you white-skinned traitor? But we’ve watched you. We know how you + went to the Babylonian. We know your guilt. And now the good gods have stricken you + mad and delivered you to justice.”</span> She waved her bony fists in the prostrate man’s + face. <span class="tei tei-q">“Run, Phormio! don’t stand gaping like a magpie. Run, I say—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Whither? For a physician?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To Areopagus, fool! There’s where the constables have their camp. Bring ten men with + fetters. He’s strong and desperate. Bias and I will wait and guard him. If you stir, + traitor,—”</span> she was holding a heavy meat-knife at the fugitive’s throat,—<span class="tei tei-q">“I’ll + slit your weasand like a chicken.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But for once in his life Phormio defied his tyrant effectively. With one hand he tore + the weapon from her clutch, the other closed her screaming mouth. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Are you mad yourself? Will you rouse the neighbourhood? I don’t know what you and + Polus tattled about to Democrates. I don’t greatly care. As for going for constables + to seize Glaucon the Fortunate—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fortunate!”</span> echoed the miserable youth, rising on one elbow, <span class="tei tei-q">“say it never + again. The gods have blasted me with one great blow. And you—you are Phormio, husband + and brother-in-law of those who have sworn against me,—you are the slave of + Democrates my destroyer,—and you, woman,—Zeus soften you!—already clamour for my + worthless life, as all Athens does to-morrow!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lampaxo suddenly subsided. Resistance from her spouse was so unexpected she lost at + once arguments and breath. Phormio continued to act promptly; taking a treasured bottle + from a cupboard he filled a mug and pressed it to the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page145">[pg 145]</span><a name="Pg145" id="Pg145" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>newcomer’s lips. The fiery liquor sent the colour back into Glaucon’s face. He raised + himself higher—strength and mind in a measure returned. Bias had whispered to Phormio + rapidly. Perhaps he had guessed more of his master’s doings than he had dared to hint + before. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hark you, Master Glaucon,”</span> began Phormio, not unkindly. <span class="tei tei-q">“You are with friends, + and never heed my wife. She’s not so steely hearted as she seems.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Seize the traitor,”</span> interjected Lampaxo, with a gasp. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell your story. I’m a plain and simple man, who won’t believe a gentleman with your + fair looks, fame, and fortune has pawned them all in a night. Bias has sense. First + tell how you came to wander down this way.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon sat upright, his hands pressing against his forehead. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How can I tell? I have run to and fro, seeing yet not seeing whither I went. I know I + passed the Acharnican gate, and the watch stared at me. Doubtless I ran hither because + here they said the Babylonian lived, and he has been ever in my head. I shudder to go + over the scene at Colonus. I wish I were dead. Then I could forget it!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Constables—fetters!”</span> howled Lampaxo, as a direful interlude, to be silenced by an + angry gesture from her helpmeet. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<a name="corr145" id="corr145" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Nevertheless</span>, try to tell what you can,”</span> spoke Phormio, mildly, and Glaucon, with + what power he had, complied. Broken, faltering, scarce coherent often, his story came at + last. He sat silent while Phormio clutched his own head. Then Glaucon darted around wild + and hopeless eyes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai!</span></span> you believe me guilty. I almost believe so myself. All my + best friends have cast me off. Democrates, my friend from youth, has wrought my ruin. + My wife I shall never see again. I am resolved—”</span> He rose. A desperate purpose made + his feet steady. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page146">[pg 146]</span> + <a name="Pg146" id="Pg146" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What will you do?”</span> demanded Phormio, perplexed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“One thing is left. I am sure to be arrested at dawn if not before. I will go to the + <span class="tei tei-q">‘City-House,’</span> the public prison, and give myself up. The ignominy will soon + end. Then welcome the Styx, Hades, the never ending night—better than this shame!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He started forth, but Phormio’s hand restrained him. <span class="tei tei-q">“Not so fast, lad! Thank + Olympus, I’m not Lampaxo. You’re too young a turbot for Charon’s fish-net. Let me + think a moment.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The fishmonger stood scratching his thin hairs. Another howl from Lampaxo decided him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Are you a traitor, too? Away with the wretch to prison!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’m resolved,”</span> cried Phormio, striking his thigh. <span class="tei tei-q">“Only an honest man could get + such hatred from my wife. If they’ve not tracked you yet, they’re not likely to find + you before morning. My cousin Brasidas is master of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span>, + and owes a good turn—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Quick strides took him to a chest. He dragged forth a sleeveless sailor’s cloak of + <a name="corr146" id="corr146" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">hair-cloth</span>. To fling this over Glaucon’s + rent chiton took an instant, another instant to + clap on the fugitive’s head a brimless red cap. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span>—you grow transformed. But that white face of yours is + dangerous. See!”</span> he rubbed over the Alcmæonid’s face two handfuls of black ashes + snatched from the hearth and sprang back with a great laugh, <span class="tei tei-q">“you’re a sailor unlading + charcoal now. Zeus himself would believe it. All is ready—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For prison?”</span> asked Glaucon, clearly understanding little. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For the sea, my lad. For Athens is no place for you to-morrow, and Brasidas sails at + dawn. Some more wine? It’s a long, brisk walk.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page147">[pg 147]</span> + <a name="Pg147" id="Pg147" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To the havens? You trust me? You doubt the accusation which every friend save + Hermione believes? O pure Athena—and this is possible!”</span> Again Glaucon’s head + whirled. It took more of the fiery wine to stay him up. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ay, boy,”</span> comforted Phormio, very gruff, <span class="tei tei-q">“you shall walk again around Athens + with a bold, brave face, though not to-morrow, I fear. Polus trusts his heart and not + his head in voting <span class="tei tei-q">‘guilty,’</span> so I trust it voting <span class="tei tei-q">‘innocent.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I warn you,”</span> Glaucon spoke rapidly, <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ve no claim on your friendship. If your + part in this is discovered, you know our juries.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That I know,”</span> laughed Phormio, grimly, <span class="tei tei-q">“for I know dear Polus. So now my own + cloak and we are off.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Lampaxo, who had watched everything with accumulating anger, now burst loose. She + bounded to the door. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Constables! Help! Athens is betrayed!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> She bawled that much through the lattice before her husband and Bias dragged her back. + Fortunately the street was empty. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That I should see this! My own husband betraying the city! Aiding a traitor!”</span> Then + she began whimpering through her nose. <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mu! mu!</span></span> leave the + villain to his fate. Think of me if not of your own safety. Woe! when was a woman more + misused?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But here her lament ended, for Phormio, with the firmness of a man thoroughly + determined, thrust a rag into her mouth and with Bias’s help bound her down upon the + couch by means of a convenient fish-cord. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am grieved to stop your singing, blessed dear,”</span> spoke the fishmonger, indulging + in a rare outburst of sarcasm against his formidable helpmeet, <span class="tei tei-q">“but we play a game + with Fate to-night a little too even to allow unfair chances. Bias will watch you + until I return, and then I can discover, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotata</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page148">[pg 148]</span><a name="Pg148" id="Pg148" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>whether your love for Athens is so great you must go to the + Archon to denounce your husband.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Thracian promised to do his part. His affection for Democrates was clearly not the + warmest. Lampaxo’s farewell, as Phormio guided his half-dazed companion into the street, + was a futile struggle and a choking. The ways were empty and silent. Glaucon allowed + himself to be led by the hand and did not speak. He hardly knew how or whither Phormio + was taking him. Their road lay along the southern side of the Acropolis, past the tall + columns of the unfinished Temple of Zeus, which reared to giant height in the white + moonlight. This, as well as the overshadowing Rock itself, they left behind without + incident. Phormio chose devious alleys, and they met neither Scythian constables nor + bands of roisterers. Only once the two passed a house bright with lamps. Jovial guests + celebrated a late wedding feast. Clearly the two heard the marriage hymn of Sappho. </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">The bridegroom comes tall as Ares,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Ho, Hymenæus!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Taller than a mighty man,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Ho, Hymenæus!</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon stopped like one struck with an arrow. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They sang that song the night I wedded Hermione. Oh, if I could drink the Lethe water + and forget!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Come,”</span> commanded Phormio, pulling upon his arm. <span class="tei tei-q">“The sun will shine again + to-morrow.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Thus the twain went forward, Glaucon saying not a word. He hardly knew how they passed + the Itonian Gate and crossed the long stretch of open country betwixt the city and its + havens. No pursuit as yet—Glaucon was too perplexed to reason why. At last he knew they + entered Phaleron. He heard the slapping waves, the creaking tackle, the shouting + sailors. Torches gleamed ruddily. A mer<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page149">[pg 149]</span><a name="Pg149" id="Pg149" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>chantman was + loading her cargo of pottery crates and oil jars,—to sail with the morning breeze. + Swarthy shipmen ran up and down the planks betwixt quay and ship, balancing their heavy + jars on their heads as women bear water-pots. From the tavern by the mooring came + harping and the clatter of cups, while two women—the worse for wine—ran out to drag + the newcomers in to their revel. Phormio slapped the slatterns aside with his staff. In + the same fearful waking dream Glaucon saw Phormio demanding the shipmaster. He saw + Brasidas—a short man with the face of a hound and arms to hug like a bear—in converse + with the fishmonger, saw the master at first refusing, then gradually giving reluctant + assent to some demand. Next Phormio was half leading, half carrying the fugitive aboard + the ship, guiding him through a labyrinth of bales, jars, and cordage, and pointing to a + hatchway ladder, illumined by a swinging lantern. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Keep below till the ship sails; don’t wipe the charcoal from your face till clear of + Attica. Officers will board the vessel before she puts off; yet have no alarm, they’ll + only come to see she doesn’t violate the law against exporting grain.”</span> Phormio + delivered his admonitions rapidly, at the same time fumbling in his belt. <span class="tei tei-q">“Here—here + are ten drachmæ, all I’ve about me, but something for bread and figs till you make new + friends,—in which there’ll be no trouble, I warrant. Have a brave heart. Remember + that Helios can shine lustily even if you are not in Athens, and pray the gods to give + a fair return.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon felt the money pressed within his palm. He saw Phormio turning away. He caught + the fishmonger’s hard hand and kissed it twice. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I can never reward you. Not though I live ten thousand years and have all the gold of + Gyges.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page150">[pg 150]</span> + <a name="Pg150" id="Pg150" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Phui!</span></span>”</span> answered Phormio, with a shrug; <span class="tei tei-q">“don’t detain me, + it’s time I was home and was unlashing my loving wife.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And with that he was gone. Glaucon descended the ladder. The cabin was low, dark, + unfurnished save with rude pallets of straw, but Glaucon heeded none of these things. + Deeper than the accusation by Democrates, than the belief therein by Themistocles and + the others, the friendship of the fishmonger touched him. A man base-born, ignorant, + uncivil, had believed him, had risked his own life to save him, had given him money out + of his poverty, had spoken words of fair counsel and cheer. On the deck above the + sailors were tumbling the cargo, and singing at their toil, but Glaucon never heard + them. Flinging himself on a straw pallet, for the first time came the comfort of hot + tears. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Very early the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon’s</span></span> square mainsail caught the breeze from + the warm southwest. The hill of Munychia and the ports receded. The panorama of + Athens—plain, city, citadel, gray Hymettus, white Pentelicus—spread in a vista of + surpassing beauty—so at least to the eyes of the outlaw when he clambered to the poop. + As the ship ran down the low coast, land and sea seemed clothed with a robe of + rainbow-woven light. Far, near,—islands, mountains, and deep were burning with saffron, + violet, and rose, as the Sun-God’s car climbed higher above the burning path it marked + across the sea. Glaucon saw all in clear relief,—the Acropolis temple where he had + prayed, the Pnyx and Areopagus, the green band of the olive groves, even the knoll of + Colonus,—where he had left his all. Never had he loved Athens more than now. Never had + she seemed fairer to his eyes than now. He was a Greek, and to a Greek death was only by + one stage a greater ill than exile. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O Athena Polias,”</span> he cried, stretching his hands to the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page151">[pg 151]</span><a name="Pg151" id="Pg151" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fading beauty, <span class="tei tei-q">“goddess who determineth all aright,—bless thou this + land, though it wakes to call me traitor. Teach it to know I am innocent. Comfort + Hermione, my wife. And restore me to Athens, after doing deeds which wipe out all my + unearned shame!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span> rounded the cape. The headland concealed the city. + The Saronian bay opened into the deeper blue of the Ægean and its sprinkling of brown + islands. Glaucon looked eastward and strove to forget Attica. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Two hours later all Athens seemed reading this placard in the Agora:— </p> + + + + <div class="block tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"><span style="font-size: 90%"> NOTICE </span></div> + <div class="block tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"><span style="font-size: 90%"> For the arrest of </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-variant: small-caps">Glaucon, Son of Conon</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">, charged with + high treason, I will pay one talent. </span></div> + <div class="block tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-variant: small-caps">Dexileus</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">, Chairman of the Eleven. </span></div> + + + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Other such placards were posted in Peiræus, in Eleusis, in Marathon, in every Attic + village. Men could talk of nothing else. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page152">[pg 152]</span> + <a name="Pg152" id="Pg152" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf18" id="pdf18"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIV</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> MARDONIUS THE PERSIAN </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Off Andros the northern gale smote them. The ship had driven helplessly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Off Tenos only the skill of Brasidas kept the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span> clear of + the rocky shores. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As they raced past holy Delos the frightened passengers had vowed twelve oxen to + Apollo if he saved them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Near Naxos, Brasidas, after vainly trying to make a friendly haven, bade his sailors + undergird the ship with heavy cables, for the timbers seemed starting. Finally he + suffered his craft to drive,—hoping at least to find some islet with a sandy shore + where he could beach her with safety. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span>, however, was near her doom. She was built on the + Samian model, broad, flat, high in poop, low in prow,—excellent for cargo, but none too + seaworthy. The foresail blew in tatters. The closely brailed mainsail shook the weakened + mast. The sailors had dropped their quaint oaths, and began to pray—sure proof of + danger. The dozen passengers seemed almost too panic-stricken to aid in flinging the + cargo overboard. Several were raving. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hearken, Poseidon of Calauria,”</span> howled a Peiræus merchant against the screeching + blasts, <span class="tei tei-q">“save from this peril and I vow thee and thy temple two mixing bowls of purest + gold!”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page153">[pg 153]</span> + <a name="Pg153" id="Pg153" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A great vow,”</span> suggested a calmer comrade. <span class="tei tei-q">“All your fortune can hardly pay + it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hush,”</span> spoke the other, in undertone, <span class="tei tei-q">“don’t let the god overhear me; let me get + safe to Mother Earth and Poseidon has not one obol. His power is only over the + sea.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A creaking from the mainmast told that it might fall at any moment. Passengers and + crew redoubled their shouts to Poseidon and to Zeus of Ægina. A fat passenger staggered + from his cabin, a huge money-bag bound to his belt,—as if gold were the safest spar to + cling to in that boiling deep. Others, less frantic, gave commissions one to another, in + case one perished and another escaped. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You alone have no messages, pray no prayers, show no fear!”</span> spoke a grave, elderly + man to Glaucon, as both clutched the swaying bulwark. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And wherefore?”</span> came the bitter answer; <span class="tei tei-q">“what is left me to fear? I desire no + life hereafter. There can be no consciousness without sad memory.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are very young to speak thus.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But not too young to have suffered.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A wave dashed one of the steering rudders out of the grip of the sailor guiding it. + The rush of water swept him overboard. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span> lurched. The + wind smote the straining mainsail, and the shivered mainmast tore from its stays and + socket. Above the bawling of wind and water sounded the crash. The ship, with only a + small sail upon the poop, blew about into the trough of the sea. A mountain of green + water thundered over the prow, bearing away men and wreckage. The <span class="tei tei-q">“governor,”</span> + Brasidas’s mate, flung away the last steering tiller. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span> is dying, men,”</span> he trumpeted through his hands. + <span class="tei tei-q">“To the boat! Save who can!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The pinnace set in the waist was cleared away by frantic <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page154">[pg 154]</span><a name="Pg154" id="Pg154" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>hands and axes. Ominous rumblings from the hold told how the undergirding + could not keep back the water. The pinnace was dragged to the ship’s lee and launched in + the comparative calm of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon’s</span></span> broadside. Pitifully small + was the boat for five and twenty. The sailors, desperate and selfish, leaped in first, + and watched with jealous eyes the struggles of the passengers to follow. The noisy + merchant slipped in the leap, and they heard him scream once as the wave swallowed him. + Brasidas stood in the bow of the pinnace, clutching a sword to cut the last rope. The + boat filled to the gunwales. The spray dashed into her. The sailors bailed with their + caps. Another passenger leaped across, whereat the men yelled and drew their dirks. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Three are left. Room for one more. The rest must swim!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon stood on the poop. Was life still such a precious thing to some that they must + clutch for it so desperately? He had even a painful amusement in watching the others. Of + himself he thought little save to hope that under the boiling sea was rest and no return + of memory. Then Brasidas called him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Quick! The others are Barbarians and you a Hellene. Your chance—leap!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He did not stir. The <span class="tei tei-q">“others”</span>—two strangers in Oriental dress—were striving to + enter the pinnace. The seamen thrust their dirks out to force them back. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Full enough!”</span> bawled the <span class="tei tei-q">“governor.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That fellow on the poop is mad. Cut the rope, or we are caught in the swirl.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The elder Barbarian lifted his companion as if to fling him into the boat, but + Brasidas’s sword cut the one cable. The wave flung the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span> and + the pinnace asunder. With stolid resignation the Orientals retreated to the poop. The + people in the pinnace rowed desperately to keep her out of the deadly <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page155">[pg 155]</span><a name="Pg155" id="Pg155" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>trough of the billows, but Glaucon stood erect on the drifting + wreck and his voice rang through the tumult of the sea. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell them in Athens, and tell Hermione my wife, that Glaucon the Alcmæonid went down + into the deep declaring his innocence and denouncing the vengeance of Athena on + whosoever foully destroyed him!—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Brasidas waved his sword in last farewell. Glaucon turned back to the wreck. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span> had settled lower. Every wave washed across the waist. + Nothing seemed to meet his gaze save the leaden sky, the leaden green water, the foam of + the bounding storm-crests. He told himself the gods were good. Drowning was more + merciful death than hemlock. Pelagos, the untainted sea, was a softer grave than the + Barathrum. The memory of the fearful hour at Colonus, the vision of the face of + Hermione, of all things else that he would fain forget—all these would pass. For what + came after he cared nothing. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So for some moments he stood, clinging upon the poop, awaiting the end. But the end + came slowly. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span> was a stoutly timbered ship. Much of her + lading had been cast overboard, but more remained and gave buoyancy to the wreckage. And + as the Athenian awaited, almost impatiently, the final disaster, something called his + eye away from the heaving sky-line. Human life was still about him. Wedged in a refuge, + betwixt two capstans, the Orientals were sitting, awaiting doom like himself. But wonder + of wonders,—he had not relaxed his hold on life too much to marvel,—the younger + Barbarian was beyond all doubt a woman. She sat in her companion’s lap, lifting her + white face to his, and Glaucon knew she was of wondrous beauty. They were talking + together in some Eastern speech. Their arms were closely twined. It was plain they were + passing the last love messages before entering the great mystery together. Of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page156">[pg 156]</span><a name="Pg156" id="Pg156" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Glaucon they took no heed. And he at first was almost + angered that strangers should intrude upon this last hour of life. But as he looked, as + he saw the beauty of the woman, the sheen of her golden hair, the interchange of love by + touch and word,—there came across his own spirit a most unlooked-for change. Suddenly + the white-capped billows seemed pitiless and chill. The warm joy of life returned. Again + memory surged back, but without its former pang. He saw again the vision of Athens, of + Colonus, of Eleusis-by-the-Sea. He saw Hermione running through the throng to meet him + the day he returned from the Isthmia. He heard the sweet wind singing over the old + olives beside the cool Cephissus. Must these all pass forever? forever? Were life, + friends, love, the light of the sun, eternally lost, and nothing left save the endless + sleep in the unsunned caves of Oceanus? With one surge the desire to live, to bear hard + things, to conquer them, returned. He dashed the water from his eyes. What he did next + was more by instinct than by reason. He staggered across the reeling deck, approached + the Barbarians, and seized the man by the arm. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Would you live and not die? Up, then,—there is still a chance.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The man gazed up blankly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We are in Mazda’s hands,”</span> he answered in foreign accent. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is manifestly his + will that we should pass now the Chinvat bridge. We are helpless. Where is the + pinnace?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon dragged him roughly to his feet. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not know your gods. Do not speak of their will to destroy us till the + destruction falls. Do you love this woman?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Save her, let me twice perish.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Rouse yourself, then. One hope is left!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What hope?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page157">[pg 157]</span> + <a name="Pg157" id="Pg157" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A raft. We can cast a spar overboard. It will float us. You look strong,—aid me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The man rose and, thoroughly aroused, seconded the Athenian intelligently and + promptly. The lurches of the merchantman told how close she was to her end. One of the + seamen’s axes lay on the poop. Glaucon seized it. The foremast was gone and the + mainmast, but the small boat-mast still stood, though its sail had blown to a thousand + flapping streamers. Glaucon laid his axe at the foot of the spar. Two fierce strokes + weakened so that the next lurch sent it crashing overboard. It swung in the mælstrom by + its stays and the halyards of the sail. Tossing to and fro like a bubble, it was a + fearful hope, but a louder rumbling from the hold warned how other hope had fled. The + Barbarian recoiled as he looked on it. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It can never float through this storm,”</span> Glaucon heard him crying between the + blasts, but the Athenian beckoned him onward. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Leap!”</span> commanded Glaucon; <span class="tei tei-q">“spring as the mast rises on the next wave.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I cannot forsake her,”</span> called back the man, pointing to the woman, who lay with + flying hair between the capstans, helpless and piteous now that her lover was no longer + near. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I will provide for her. Leap!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon lifted the woman in his arms. He took a manner of pride in showing the + Barbarian his skill. The man looked at him once, saw he could be trusted, and took the + leap. He landed in the water, but caught the <a name="corr157" id="corr157" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">sail-cloth</span> drifting from the mast, climbed + beside it, and sat astride. The Athenian sprang at the next favoring wave. His burden + made the task hard, but his stadium training never stood in better stead. The cold water + closed around him. The wave dragged down in its black abyss, but he struck boldly <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page158">[pg 158]</span><a name="Pg158" id="Pg158" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>upward, was beside the friendly spar, and the Barbarian + aided him to mount beside him, then cut the lashings to the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span> + with the dagger that still dangled at his belt. The billows swept them away just as the + wreck reared wildly, and bow foremost plunged into the deep. They bound the woman—she + was hardly conscious now—into the little shelter formed by the junction of the broken + sail-yard and the mast. The two men sat beside her, shielding her with their bodies from + the beat of the spray. Speech was all but impossible. They were fain to close their eyes + and pray to be delivered from the unceasing screaming of the wind, the howling of the + waters. And so for hours.... </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon never knew how long they thus drifted. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span> had + been smitten very early in the morning. She had foundered perhaps at noon. It may have + been shortly before sunset—though Helios never pierced the clouds that storm-racked + day—when Glaucon knew that the Barbarian was speaking to him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Look!”</span> The wind had lulled a little; the man could make himself heard. <span class="tei tei-q">“What is + it?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Through the masses of gray spray and driving mist Glaucon gazed when the next long + wave tossed them. A glimpse,—but the joys of Olympus seemed given with that sight; + wind-swept, wave-beaten, rock-bound, that half-seen ridge of brown was land,—and land + meant life, the life he had longed to fling away in the morning, the life he longed to + keep that night. He shouted the discovery to his companion, who bowed his head, + manifestly in prayer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The wind bore them rapidly. Glaucon, who knew the isles of the Ægean as became a + Hellene, was certain they drove on Astypalæa, an isle subject to Persia, though one of + the outermost Cyclades. The woman was in no state to realize their crisis. Only a hand + laid on her bosom told that her <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page159">[pg 159]</span><a name="Pg159" id="Pg159" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>heart still fluttered. + She could not endure the surge and the suffocating spray much longer. The two men sat in + silence, but their eyes went out hungrily toward the stretch of brown as it lifted above + the wave crests. The last moments of the desperate voyage crept by like the pangs of + Tantalus. Slowly they saw unfolding the fog-clothed mountains, a forest, scattered bits + of white they knew were stuccoed houses; but while their eyes brought joy, their ears + brought sadness. The booming of the surf upon an outlying ledge grew ever clearer. + Almost ere they knew it the drifting mast was stayed with a shock. They saw two rocks + swathed in dripping weed that crusted with knife-like barnacles, thrust their black + heads out of the boiling water. And beyond—fifty paces away—the breakers raced up the + sandy shore where waited refuge. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The spar wedged fast in the rocks. The waves beat over it pitilessly. He who stayed by + it long had better have sunk with the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span>,—his would have been + an easier death. Glaucon laid his mouth to the man’s ear. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Swim through the surf. I will bear the woman safely.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Save her, and be you blessed forever. I die happy. I cannot swim.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The moment was too terrible for Glaucon to feel amazed at this confession. To a + Hellene swimming was second nature. He thought and spoke quickly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Climb on the higher rock. The wave does not cover it entirely. Dig your toes in the + crevices. Cling to the seaweed. I will return for you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He never heard what the other cried back to him. He tore the woman clear of her + lashings, threw his left arm about her, and fought his way through the surf. He could + swim like a Delian, the best swimmers in Hellas; but the task was mighty even for the + athlete. Twice the deadly undertow <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page160">[pg 160]</span><a name="Pg160" id="Pg160" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>almost dragged him + downward. Then the soft sand was oozing round his feet. He knew a knot of fisher folk + were running to the beach, a dozen hands took his fainting burden from him. One instant + he stood with the water rushing about his ankles, gasped and drew long breaths, then + turned his face toward the sea. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Are you crazed?”</span> he heard voices clamouring—they seemed a great way off,—<span class="tei tei-q">“a + miracle that you lived through the surf once! Leave the other to fate. Phorcys has + doomed him already.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Glaucon was past acting by reason now. His head seemed a ball of fire. Only his + hands and feet responded mechanically to the dim impulse of his bewildered brain. Once + more the battling through the surf, this time against it and threefold harder. Only the + man whose strength had borne the giant Spartan down could have breasted the billows that + came leaping to destroy him. He felt his powers were strained to the last notch. A + little more and he knew he might roll helpless, but even so he struggled onward. Once + again the two black rocks were springing out of the swollen water. He saw the Barbarian + clinging desperately to the higher. Why was he risking his life for a man who was not a + Hellene, who might be even a servant of the dreaded Xerxes? A strange moment for such + questionings, and no time to answer! He clung to the seaweed beside the Barbarian for an + instant, then through the gale cried to the other to place his hands upon his shoulders. + The Oriental complied intelligently. For a third time Glaucon struggled across the + raging flood. The passage seemed endless, and every receding breaker dragging down to + the graves of Oceanus. The Athenian knew his power was failing, and doled it out as a + miser, counting his strokes, taking deep gulps of air between each wave. Then, even <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page161">[pg 161]</span><a name="Pg161" id="Pg161" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>while consciousness and strength seemed passing together, + again beneath his feet were the shifting sands, again the voices encouraging, the hands + outstretched, strange forms running down into the surf, strange faces all around him. + They were bearing him and the Barbarian high upon the beach. They laid him on the hard, + wet sand—never a bed more welcome. He was naked. His feet and hands bled from the + tearing of stones and barnacles. His head was in fever glow. Dimly he knew the Barbarian + was approaching him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hellene, you have saved us. What is your name?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The other barely raised his head. <span class="tei tei-q">“In Athens, Glaucon the Alcmæonid, but now I am + without name, without country.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Oriental answered by kneeling on the sands and touching his head upon them close + to Glaucon’s feet. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Henceforth, O Deliverer, you shall be neither nameless nor outcast. For you have + saved me and her I love more than self. You have saved Artazostra, sister of Xerxes, + and Mardonius, son of Gobryas, who is not the least of the Princes of Persia and + Eran.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mardonius—arch foe of Hellas!”</span> Glaucon spoke the words in horror. Then reaction + from all he had undergone robbed him of sense. They carried him to the fisher-village. + That night he burned with fever and raved wildly. It was many days before he knew + anything again. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Six days later a Byzantine corn-ship brought from Amorgos to Peiræus two survivors of + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span>,—the only ones to escape the swamping of the pinnace. + Their story cleared up the mystery of the fate of <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the Traitor.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The gods,”</span> said every Agora wiseacre, <span class="tei tei-q">“had rewarded the villain with their own + hands.”</span> The Babylonish carpet-seller and Hiram had vanished, despite all search, + but every<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page162">[pg 162]</span><a name="Pg162" id="Pg162" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>body praised Democrates for saving the state + from a fearful peril. As for Hermione, her father took her to Eleusis that she might be + free from the hoots of the people. Themistocles went about his business very sorrowful. + Cimon lost half his gayety. Democrates, too, appeared terribly worn. <span class="tei tei-q">“How he loved his + friend!”</span> said every admirer. Beyond doubt for long Democrates was exceeding + thoughtful. Perhaps a reason for this was that about a month after the going of Glaucon + he learned from Sicinnus that Prince Mardonius was at length in Sardis,—and possibly + Democrates knew on what vessel the carpet-seller had taken flight. </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page163">[pg 163]</span> + <a name="Pg163" id="Pg163" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf19" id="pdf19"></a> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">BOOK II</span></h1> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> THE COMING OF THE PERSIAN </span></h1> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page164">[pg 164]</span> + <a name="Pg164" id="Pg164" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + </p> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page165">[pg 165]</span> + <a name="Pg165" id="Pg165" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf20" id="pdf20"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XV</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE LOTUS-EATING AT SARDIS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> When Glaucon awoke to consciousness, it was with a sense of absolute weakness, at the + same moment with a sense of absolute rest. He knew that he was lying on pillows <span class="tei tei-q">“softer than sleep,”</span> that the air he breathed was laden with perfume, that the + golden light which came through his half-closed eyelids was deliciously tempered, that + his ears caught a musical murmur, as of a plashing fountain. So he lay for long, too + impotent, too contented to ask where he lay, or whence he had departed. Athens, + Hermione, all the thousand and one things of his old life, flitted through his brain, + but only as vague, far shapes. He was too weak even to long for them. Still the fountain + plashed on, and mingling with the tinkling he thought he heard low flutes breathing. + Perhaps it was only a phantasy of his flagging brain. Then his eyes opened wider. He + lifted his hand. It was a task even to do that little thing,—he was so weak. He looked + at the hand! Surely his own, yet how white it was, how thin; the bones were there, the + blue veins, but all the strength gone out of them. Was this the hand that had flung + great Lycon down? It would be mere sport for a child to master him now. He touched his + face. It was covered with a thick beard, as of a long month’s growth. The discovery <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page166">[pg 166]</span><a name="Pg166" id="Pg166" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>startled him. He strove to rise on one elbow. Too weak! + He sank back upon the cushions and let his eyes rove inquiringly. Never had he seen + tapestries the like of those that canopied his bed. Scarlet and purple and embroidered + in gold thread with elaborate hunting scenes,—the dogs, the chariots, the slaying of + the deer, the bearing home of the game. He knew the choicest looms of Sidon must have + wrought them. And the linen, so cool, so grateful, underneath his head—was it not the + almost priceless fabric of Borsippa? He stirred a little, his eyes rested on the floor. + It was covered with a rug worth an Athenian patrician’s ransom,—a lustrous, variegated + sheen, showing a new tint at each change of the light. So much he saw from the bed, and + curiosity was wakened. Again he put forth his hand, and touched the hanging curtains. + The movement set a score of little silver bells that dangled over the canopy to + jingling. As at a signal the flutes grew louder, mingling with them was the clearer note + of lyres. Now the strains swelled sweetly, now faded away into dreamy sighing, as if + bidding the listener to sink again into the arms of sleep. Another vain effort to rise + on his elbow. Again he was helpless. Giving way to the charm of the music, he closed his + eyes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Either I am awaking in Elysium, or the gods send to me pleasant dreams before I + die.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He was feebly wondering which was the alternative when a new sound roused him, the + sweep and rustle of the dresses of two women as they approached the bed. He gazed forth + listlessly, when lo! above his couch stood two strangers,—strangers, but either as fair + as Aphrodite arising from the sea. Both were tall, and full of queenly grace, both were + dressed in gauzy white, but the hair of the one was of such gold that Glaucon hardly saw + the circlet which <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page167">[pg 167]</span><a name="Pg167" id="Pg167" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>pressed over it. Her eyes were blue, + the lustre of her face was like a white rose. The other’s hair shone like the wing of a + raven. A wreath of red poppies covered it, but over the softly tinted forehead there + peered forth a golden snake with emerald eyes—the Egyptian uræus, the crown of a + princess from the Nile. Her eyes were as black as the other’s were blue, her lips as red + as the dye of Tyre, her hands—But before Glaucon looked and wondered more, the first, + she of the golden head, laid her hand upon his face,—a warm, comforting hand that + seemed to speed back strength and gladness with the touch. Then she spoke. Her Greek was + very broken, yet he understood her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Are you quite awakened, dear Glaucon?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He looked up marvelling, not knowing how to answer; but the golden goddess seemed to + expect none from him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is now a month since we brought you from Astypalæa. You have wandered close to the + Portals of the Dead. We feared you were beloved by Mazda too well, that you would + never wake that we might bless you. Night and day have my husband and I prayed to + Mithra the Merciful and Hauratât the Health-Giver in your behalf; each sunrise, at our + command, the Magians have poured out for you the Haôma, the sacred juice dear to the + Beautiful Immortals, and Amenhat, wisest of the physicians of Memphis, has stood by + your bedside without rest. Now at last our prayers and his skill have conquered; you + awake to life and gladness.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon lay wondering, not knowing how to reply, and only understanding in half, when + the dark-haired goddess spoke, in purer Greek than her companion. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And I, O Glaucon of Athens, would have you suffer me to kiss your feet. For you have + given my brother and my sister back to life.”</span> Then drawing near she took his hand + in hers, while the two smiling looked down on him. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page168">[pg 168]</span> + <a name="Pg168" id="Pg168" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then at last he found tongue to speak. <span class="tei tei-q">“O gracious Queens, for such you are, forgive + my roving wits. You speak of great service done. But wise Zeus knoweth we are + strangers—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The golden goddess tossed her shining head and smiled,—still stroking with her hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dear Glaucon, do you remember the Eastern lad you saved from the Spartans at the + Isthmus? Behold him! Recall the bracelet of turquoise,—my first gratitude. Then again + you saved me with my husband. For I am the woman you bore through the surf at the + island. I am Artazostra, wife of Mardonius, and this is Roxana, his half-sister, whose + mother was a princess in Egypt.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon passed his fingers before his face, beckoning back the past. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is all far away and strange: the flight, the storm, the wreck, the tossing spar, + the battling through the surges. My head is weak. I cannot picture it all.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not try. Lie still. Grow strong and glad, and suffer us to teach you,”</span> + commanded Artazostra. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Where do I lie? We are not upon the rocky islet still?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The ladies laughed, not mockingly but so sweetly he wished that they would never + cease. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“This is Sardis,”</span> spoke Roxana, bending over him; <span class="tei tei-q">“you lie in the palace of the + satrap.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And Athens—”</span> he said, wandering. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is far away,”</span> said Artazostra, <span class="tei tei-q">“with all its griefs and false friends and foul + remembrances. The friends about you here will never fail. Therefore lie still and have + peace.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You know my story,”</span> cried he, now truly in amaze. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mardonius knows all that passes in Athens, in Sparta, in every city of Hellas. Do not + try to tell more. We weary you already. See—Amenhat comes to bid us begone.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page169">[pg 169]</span> + <a name="Pg169" id="Pg169" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The curtains parted again. A dark man in a pure white robe, his face and head + smooth-shaven, approached the bed. He held out a broad gold cup, the rim whereof glinted + with agate and sardonyx. He had no Greek, but Roxana took the cup from him and held it + to Glaucon’s lips. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Drink,”</span> she commanded, and he was fain to obey. The Athenian felt the heavily + spiced liquor laying hold of him. His eyes closed, despite his wish to gaze longer on + the two beautiful women. He felt their hands caressing his cheeks. The music grew ever + softer. He thought he was sinking into a kind of euthanasy, that his life was drifting + out amid delightful dreams. But not cold Thanatos, but health-bearing Hypnos was the god + who visited him now. When next he woke, it was with a clearer vision, a sounder mind. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Sardis the Golden, once capital of the Lydian kings and now of the Persian satraps, + had recovered from the devastation by the Ionians in their ill-starred revolt seventeen + years preceding. The city spread in the fertile Sardiene, one of the garden plains of + Asia Minor. To the south the cloud-crowned heights of Tmolus ever were visible. To the + north flowed the noble stream of Hebrus, whilst high above the wealthy town, the busy + agora, the giant temple of Lydian Cybele, rose the citadel of Meles, the palace fortress + of the kings and the satraps. A frowning castle it was without, within not the + golden-tiled palaces of Ecbatana and Susa boasted greater magnificence and luxury than + this one-time dwelling of Crœsus. The ceilings of the wide banqueting halls rose on + pillars of emerald Egyptian malachite. The walls were cased with onyx. Winged bulls that + might have graced Nineveh guarded the portals. The lions upbearing the throne in the + hall of audience were of gold. The mirrors in the <span class="tei tei-q">“House of the Women”</span> were not + steel but silver. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page170">[pg 170]</span><a name="Pg170" id="Pg170" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>The gorgeous carpets were sprinkled + with rose water. An army of dark Syrian eunuchs and yellow-faced Tartar girls ran at the + beck of the palace guests. Only the stealthy entrance of Sickness and Death told the + dwellers here they were not yet gods. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Artaphernes, satrap of Lydia, had his divan, his viziers, and his audiences,—a court + worthy of a king,—but the real lord of Western Asia was the prince who was nominally + his guest. Mardonius had his own retinue and wing of the palace. On him fell the + enormous task of organizing the masses of troops already pouring into Sardis, and he + discharged his duty unwearyingly. The completion of the bridges of boats across the + Hellespont, the assembling of the fleet, the collecting of provisions, fell to his + province. Daily a courier pricked into Sardis with despatches from the Great King to his + trusted general. Mardonius left the great levees and public spectacles to Artaphernes, + but his hand was everywhere. His decisions were prompt. He was in constant communication + with the Medizing party in Hellas. He had no time for the long dicing and drinking bouts + the Persians loved, but he never failed to find each day an hour to spend with + Artazostra his wife, with Roxana his half-sister, and with Glaucon his preserver. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Slowly through the winter health had returned to the Athenian. For days he had lain + dreaming away the hours to the tune of the flutes and the fountains. When the warm + spring came, the eunuchs carried him in a sedan-chair through the palace garden, whence + he could look forth on the plain, the city, the snow-clad hills, and think he was on + Zeus’s Olympian throne, surveying all the earth. Then it was he learned the Persian + speech, and easily, for were not his teachers Artazostra and Roxana? He found it no + difficult tongue, simple and much akin to Greek, and unlike most <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page171">[pg 171]</span><a name="Pg171" id="Pg171" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the uncouth tongues the Oriental traders chattered in Sardis. The two + women were constantly with him. Few men were admitted to a Persian harem, but Mardonius + never grudged the Greek the company of these twain. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Noble Athenian,”</span> said the Prince, the first time he visited Glaucon’s bed, <span class="tei tei-q">“you + are my brother. My house is yours. My friends are yours. Command us all.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Every day Glaucon was stronger. He tested himself with dumb-bells. Always he could + lift a heavier weight. When the summer was at hand, he could ride out with Mardonius to + the <span class="tei tei-q">“Paradise,”</span> the satrap’s hunting park, and be in at the death of the deer. Yet + he was no more the <span class="tei tei-q">“Fortunate Youth”</span> of Athens. Only imperfectly he himself knew + how complete was the severance from his old life. The terrible hour at Colonus had made + a mark on his spirit which not all Zeus’s power could take away. No doubt all the + one-time friends believed him dead. Had Hermione’s confidence in him remained true? + Would she not say <span class="tei tei-q">“guilty”</span> at last with all the rest? Mardonius might have + answered, he had constant letters from Greece, but the Prince was dumb when Glaucon + strove to ask of things beyond the Ægean. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Day by day the subtle influence of the Orient—the lotus-eating,—<span class="tei tei-q">“tasting the + honey-sweet fruit which makes men choose to abide forever, forgetful of the homeward + way”</span>—spread its unseen power over the Alcmæonid. Athens, the old pain, even the + face of Hermione, would rise before him only dimly. He fought against this enchantment. + But it was easier to renew his vow to return to Athens, after wiping out his shame, than + to break these bands daily tightening. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He heard little Greek, now that he was learning Persian. Even he himself was changed. + His hair and beard grew long, after the Persian manner. He wore the loose Median <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page172">[pg 172]</span><a name="Pg172" id="Pg172" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>cloak, the tall felt cap of a Persian noble. The + elaborate genuflexions of the Asiatics no longer astonished him. He learned to admire + the valiant, magnanimous lords of the Persians. And Xerxes, the distant king, the + wielder of all this power, was he not truly a god on earth, <span class="tei tei-sic">vicegerent</span> of + Lord Zeus himself? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Forget you are a Hellene. We will talk of the Nile, not of the Cephissus,”</span> + Artazostra said, whenever he spoke of home. Then she would tell of Babylon and + Persepolis, and Mardonius of forays beside the wide Caspian, and Roxana of her girlhood, + while Gobryas was satrap of Egypt, spent beside the magic river, of the Pharaohs, the + great pyramid, of Isis and Osiris and the world beyond the dead. Before the Athenian was + opened the golden East, its glitter, its wonderment, its fascination. He even was silent + when his hosts talked boldly of the coming war, how soon the Persian power would rule + from the Pillars of Heracles to Ind. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet once he stood at bay, showing that he was a Hellene still. They were in the + garden. Mardonius had come to them where under the pomegranate tree the women spread + their green tapestry which their nimble needles covered with a battle scene in scarlet. + The Prince told of the capture and crucifixion of the chiefs of a futile revolt in + Armenia. Then Artazostra clapped her hands to cry. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fools! Fools whom Angra-Mainyu the Evil smites blind that he may destroy them!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon, sitting at her feet, looked up quickly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Valiant fools, lady; every man + must strike for his own country.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Artazostra shook her shining head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mazda gives victory to the king of Eran alone. Resisting Xerxes is not rebellion + against man, it is rebellion against Heaven.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page173">[pg 173]</span> + <a name="Pg173" id="Pg173" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Are you sure?”</span> asked the Athenian, his eye lighting ominously. <span class="tei tei-q">“Are yours the + greatest gods?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Roxana in turn cast down the tapestry and opened her arms with a charming gesture. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Be not angry, Glaucon, for will you not become one with us? I dare to prophesy like a + seer from old Chaldea. Assur of Nineveh, Marduk of Babylon, Baal of Tyre, Ammon of + Memphis—all have bent the knee to Mazda the Glorious, to Mithra the Fiend-Smiting, + and shall the weak <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">dævas</span></span>, the puny gods of Greece, save their + land, when greater than they bow down in sore defeat?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet Glaucon still looked on her boldly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have your mighty gods, but we have ours. Pray to your Mazda and Mithra, but we + will still trust Zeus of the Thunders and Athena of the Gray Eyes, the bulwarks of our + fathers. And Fate must answer which can help the best.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Persians shook their heads. It was time to return to the palace. All that Glaucon + had seen of the Barbarian’s might, since awakening in Sardis, told him Xerxes was indeed + destined to go forth conquering and to conquer. Then the vision of the Acropolis, the + temples, the Guardian Goddess, returned. He banished all disloyal thoughts for the + instant. The Prince walked with his wife, Glaucon with Roxana. He had always thought her + <a name="corr173" id="corr173" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">beautiful;</span> she had never seemed so beautiful as now. Did he imagine whither Mardonius + perhaps was leading him? </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page174">[pg 174]</span> + <a name="Pg174" id="Pg174" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf21" id="pdf21"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVI</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE COMING OF XERXES THE GOD-KING </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At last the lotus-eating ended. Repeated messengers told how Xerxes was quitting + Babylon, was holding a muster in Cappadocia, and now was crossing Asia Minor toward + Sardis. Mardonius and his companions had returned to that capital. Daily the soldiery + poured into Sardis by tens of thousands. Glaucon knew now it was not a vain boast that + for ten years the East had been arming against Hellas, that the whole power of the + twenty satrapies would be flung as one thunderbolt upon devoted Greece. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the plain about Sardis a second city was rising, of wicker booths and gay + pavilions. The host grew hourly. Now a band of ebony archers in leopard skins entered + from far Ethiopia, now Bactrian battle-axemen, now yellow-faced Tartars from the + northeast, now bright-turbaned Arabs upon their swaying camels,—Syrians, Cilicians, + black-bearded Assyrians and Babylonians, thick-lipped Egyptians, came, and many a + strange race more. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But the core of the army were the serried files of Aryan horse and + foot,—blond-headed, blue-eyed men, Persians and Medes, veterans of twenty victories. + Their muscles were tempered steel. Their unwearying feet had tramped many a long + parasang. Some were light infantry with wicker shields and powerful bows, but as many + more horsemen in gold-scaled armour and with desert steeds that flew like Pegasus. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page175">[pg 175]</span> + <a name="Pg175" id="Pg175" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The finest cavalry in the world!”</span> Mardonius vaunted, and his guest durst not + answer nay. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Satrap after satrap came. When at last a foaming Arab galloping to the castle + proclaimed, <span class="tei tei-q">“Next morn the Lord of the World will enter Sardis,”</span> Glaucon could + scarce have looked for a greater, though he had expected Cronian Zeus himself. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius, as <span class="tei tei-q">“bow-bearer to the king,”</span> a semi-regal office, rode forth a stage + to meet the sovran. The streets of Sardis were festooned with flowers. Thousands of + spearmen held back the crowds. The Athenian stood beside Roxana and Artazostra at the + upper window of a Lydian merchant prince, and his eyes missed nothing. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Never had the two women seemed lovelier than when their hearts ran out to their + approaching king. He felt now the power of personal sovranty, how these children of the + East awaited not Xerxes the Master, but Xerxes the Omnipotent, God-Manifest, whose + decrees were as the decrees of Heaven. And their awe could not fail to awe the Athenian. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At noon the multitude caught the first token of the king. Down the road, through the + gate, walked a man, bare-headed, bare-footed, alone,—Artaphernes, despot of all Lydia, + going to pay his abject homage. Presently the eunuch priests of Cybele, perched above + the gate, clashed their cymbals and raised their hymn of welcome. To the boom of drums + the thousand chosen cavalry and as many picked footmen of the Life Guard entered, tall, + magnificent soldiers,—caps and spear butts shining with gold. After these a gilded car + drawn by the eight sacred horses, each milk-white, and on the car an altar bearing the + eternal fire of Mazda. Then, each in his flashing chariot, moved the <span class="tei tei-q">“Six Princes,”</span> + the heads of the great clans of the Achæmenians, then two hundred led desert horses, in + splendid trappings, and then—after <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page176">[pg 176]</span><a name="Pg176" id="Pg176" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a long interval, + that the host might cast no dust upon its lord, rode a single horseman on a jet-black + steed, Artabanus—the king’s uncle and vizier. He beckoned to the people. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Have fear, Lydians, the giver of breath to all the world comes now beneath your + gates!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The lines of soldiers flung down their spears and dropped upon their knees. The + multitude imitated. A chariot came running behind four of the sacred steeds of + Nisæa,—their coats were like new snow, their manes braided with gold thread, bridle, + bits, pole, baseboard, shone with gems and the royal metal. The wheel was like the sun. + A girl-like youth guided the crimson reins, a second held the tall green parasol. Its + shadow did not hide the commanding figure upon the car. Glaucon looked hard. No + mistaking—Xerxes was here, the being who could say to millions <span class="tei tei-q">“Die!”</span> and they + perished like worms; in verity <span class="tei tei-q">“God-Manifest.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For in looks Xerxes, son of Darius, was surely the Great King. A figure of august + height was set off nobly by the flowing purple caftan and the purple cap which crowned + the curling black hair. The riches of satrapies were in the rubies and topazes on sword + sheath and baldric. The head was raised. The face was not regular, but of a proud, + aquiline beauty. The skin was olive, the eyes dark, a little pensive. If there were weak + lines about the mouth, the curling beard covered them. The king looked straight on, + unmoved by the kneeling thousands, but as he came abreast of the balcony, chance made + him look upward. Perhaps the sight of the beautiful Greek caused Xerxes to smile + winsomely. The smile of a god can intoxicate. Caught away from himself, Glaucon the + Alcmæonid joined in the great salvo of cheering. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Victory to Xerxes! Let the king of kings reign forever!”</span><a name="corr176" id="corr176" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr"></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The chariot was gone almost instantly, a vast retinue—<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page177">[pg 177]</span><a name="Pg177" id="Pg177" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>cooks, eunuchs, grooms, hunters, and many closed litters bearing the royal + concubines—followed, but all these passed before Glaucon shook off the spell the sight + of royalty cast on him. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> That night in the palace Xerxes gave a feast in honour of the new campaign. The + splendours of a royal banquet in the East need no retelling. Silver lamps, carpets of + Kerman rugs or of the petals of fresh roses, a thousand lutes and dulcimers, precious + Helbon wine flowing like water, cups of Phœnician crystal, tables groaning with wild + boars roasted whole, dancing women none too modest,—these were but the incidentals of a + gorgeous confusion. To Glaucon, with the chaste loveliness of the Panathenæa before his + mind, the scene was one of vast wonderment but scarcely of pleasure. The Persian did + nothing by halves. In battle a hero, at his cups he became a satyr. Many of the scenes + before the guests emptied the last of the tall silver tankards were indescribable. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> On the high dais above the roaring hall sat Xerxes the king,—adored, envied, + pitiable. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> When Spitames, the seneschal, brought him the cup, the bearer bowed his face, not + daring to look on his dread lord’s eyes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> When Artabanus, the vizier, approached with a message, he first kissed the carpet + below the dais. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> When Hydarnes, commander of the Life Guard, drew near to receive the watchword for the + night, he held his mantle before his mouth, lest his breath pollute the world monarch. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet of all forms of seeming prosperity wherewith Fate can curse a man, the worst was + the curse of Xerxes. To be called <span class="tei tei-q">“god”</span> when one is finite and mortal; to have no + friends, but <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page178">[pg 178]</span><a name="Pg178" id="Pg178" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>only a hundred million slaves; to be + denied the joys of honest wish and desire because there were none left unsatisfied; to + have one’s hastiest word proclaimed as an edict of deity; never to be suffered to + confess a mistake, cost what the blunder might, that the <span class="tei tei-q">“king of kings”</span> might seem + lifted above all human error; in short, to be the bondsman of one’s own + deification,—this was the hard captivity of the lord of the twenty satrapies. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For Xerxes the king was a man,—of average instincts, capacities, goodness, + wickedness. A god or a genius could have risen above his fearful isolation. Xerxes was + neither. The iron ceremonial of the Persian court left him of genuine pleasures almost + none. Something novel, a rare sensation, an opportunity to vary the dreary monotony of + splendour by an astounding act of generosity or an act of frightful cruelty,—it + mattered little which,—was snatched at by the king with childlike eagerness. And this + night Xerxes was in an unwontedly gracious mood. At his elbow, as he sat on the throne + cased with lapis lazuli and onyx, waited the one man who came nearest to being a friend + and not a slave,—Mardonius, son of Gobryas, the bow-bearer,—and therefore more + entitled than any other prince of the Persians to stand on terms of intimacy with his + lord. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> While Spitames passed the wine, the king hearkened with condescending and approving + nod to the report of the Prince as to his mad adventure in Hellas. Xerxes even reproved + his brother-in-law mildly for hazarding his own life and that of his wife among those + stiff-necked tribesmen who were so soon to taste the Aryan might. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It was in your service, Omnipotence,”</span> the Prince was rejoining blandly; <span class="tei tei-q">“what if + not I alone, but a thousand others of the noblest of the Persians and the Medes may + perish, if only the glory of their king is advanced?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page179">[pg 179]</span> + <a name="Pg179" id="Pg179" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Nobly said; you are a faithful slave, Mardonius. I will remember you when I have + burned Athens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He even reached forth and stroked the bow-bearer’s hand, a condescension which made + the footstool-bearer, parasol-bearer, quiver-bearer, and a dozen great lords more gnaw + their lips with envy. Hydarnes, the commander who had waited an auspicious moment, now + thought it safe to kneel on the lowest step of the throne. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Omnipotence, I am constrained to tell you that certain miserable Hellenes have been + seized in the camp to-night—spies sent to pry out your power. Do you deign to have + them impaled, crucified, or cast into the adders’ cage?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The king smiled magnanimously. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They shall not die. Show them the host, and all my power. Then send them home to + their fellow-rebels to tell the madness of dreaming to withstand my might.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The smile of Xerxes had spread, like the ripple from a pebble splashing in a pool, + over the face of every nobleman in hearing. Now their praises came as a chant. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O Ocean of Clemency and Wisdom! Happy Eran in thy sagacious yet merciful king!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Xerxes, not heeding, turned to Mardonius. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah! yes,—you were telling how you corrupted one of the chief Athenians, then had to + flee. On the voyage you were shipwrecked?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So I wrote to Babylon, to your Eternity.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And a certain Athenian fugitive saved your lives? And you brought him to Sardis?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I did so, Omnipotence.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course he is at the banquet.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The king speaks by the promptings of Mazda. I placed him with certain friends and + bade them see he did not lack good cheer.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page180">[pg 180]</span> + <a name="Pg180" id="Pg180" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Send,—I would talk with him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Suffer me to warn your Majesty,”</span> ventured Mardonius, <span class="tei tei-q">“he is an Athenian and + glories in being of a stubborn, Persian-hating stock. I fear he will not perform due + obeisance to the Great King.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I can endure his rudeness,”</span> spoke Xerxes, for once in excellent humour; <span class="tei tei-q">“let the + <span class="tei tei-q">‘supreme usher’</span> bring him with full speed.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The functionary thus commanded bowed himself to the ground and hastened on his errand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But well that Mardonius had deprecated the wrath of the monarch. Glaucon came with his + head high, his manner almost arrogant. The mere fact that his boldness might cost him + his life made him less bending than ever. He trod firmly upon the particular square of + golden carpet at the foot of the dais which none, saving the king, the vizier, and the + <span class="tei tei-q">“Six Princes,”</span> could lawfully tread. He held his hands at his sides, firmly + refusing to conceal them in his cloak, as court etiquette demanded. As he stood on the + steps of the throne, he gave the glittering monarch the same familiar bow he might have + awarded a friend he met in the Agora. Mardonius was troubled. The supreme usher was + horrified. The master-of-punishments, ever near his chief, gazed eagerly to see if + Xerxes would not touch the audacious Hellene’s girdle—a sign for prompt decapitation. + Only the good nature of the king prevented a catastrophe, and Xerxes was moved by two + motives, pleasure at meeting a fellow-mortal who could look him in the eye without + servility or fear, delight at the beautiful features and figure of the Athenian. For an + instant monarch and fugitive looked face to face, then Xerxes stretched out, not his + hand, but the gold tip of his ivory baton. Glaucon had wisdom enough to touch it,—a + token that he was admitted to audience with the king. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page181">[pg 181]</span> + <a name="Pg181" id="Pg181" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are from Athens, beautiful Hellene,”</span> spoke Xerxes, still admiring the + stranger. <span class="tei tei-q">“I will question you. Let Mardonius interpret.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have learned Persian, great sir,”</span> interposed Glaucon, never waiting for the + bow-bearer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have done well,”</span> rejoined the smiling monarch; <span class="tei tei-q">“yet better had you learned + our Aryan manners of courtliness. No matter—you will learn them likewise in good + time. Now tell me your name and parentage.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am Glaucon, son of Conon, of the house of the Alcmæonidæ.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Great nobles, Omnipotence,”</span> interposed Mardonius, <span class="tei tei-q">“so far as nobility can be + reckoned among the Greeks.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have yet to learn their genealogies,”</span> remarked Xerxes, dryly; then he turned + back to Glaucon. <span class="tei tei-q">“And do your parents yet live, and have you any brethren?”</span> The + question was a natural one for an Oriental. Glaucon’s answer came with increased pride. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am a child of my parent’s old age. My mother is dead. My father is feeble. I have + no brethren. Two older brothers I had. One fell here at Sardis, when we Athenians + sacked the city. One fell victorious at Marathon, while he burned a Persian ship. + Therefore I am not ashamed of their fates.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your tongue is bold, Hellene,”</span> said the good-natured king; <span class="tei tei-q">“you are but a lame + courtier. No matter. Tell me, nevertheless, why you churlishly refuse to do me + reverence. Do you set yourself above all these princes of the Persians who bow before + me?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not so, great sir. But I was born at Athens, not at Susa. We Hellenes pray standing + even to Zeus, stretching forth our hands and looking upward. Can I honour the lord of + all the satrapies above the highest god?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page182">[pg 182]</span> + <a name="Pg182" id="Pg182" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A nimble tongue you have, Athenian, though an unbending neck.”</span> Xerxes sat and + stroked his beard, pleased at the frank reply. <span class="tei tei-q">“Mardonius has told how you saved his + and my sister’s lives, and that you are an outlaw from Athens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The last is all too true, great sir.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Which means you will not pray your gods too hard for my defeat? ha?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon blushed, then looked up boldly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A Persian king, I know, loves truth-telling. I still love and pray for Athens, even + if unknown enemies conspired against me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Humph! You can learn our other virtues later. Are you blind to my power? If so, I + pity more than I blame you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The king is kind,”</span> returned Glaucon, putting by a part of his hauteur. <span class="tei tei-q">“I would + not anger him. I only know he would rather have men say, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Xerxes conquered a proud + nation, hard to subdue,’</span> than, <span class="tei tei-q">‘He conquered a feeble race of whining + slaves.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Excellent! In all save your vain confidence of victory, you seem wise beyond your + youth. You are handsome. You are noble—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Very noble,”</span> interposed Mardonius. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you saved the lives of Mardonius and Artazostra. Did you know their nobility when + you rescued them?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not so. I would not let them drown like sheep.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The better, then. You acted without low motive of reward. Yet let the day never come + when Xerxes is called <span class="tei tei-q">‘ungrateful’</span> for benefits done his servants. You shall come + to love me by beholding my magnanimity. I will make you a Persian, despite your will. + Have you seen battle?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I was too young to bear a spear at Marathon,”</span> was the unflinching answer. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page183">[pg 183]</span> + <a name="Pg183" id="Pg183" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Learn then to wield it in another army. Where is the archsecretary?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> That functionary was present instantly. Mardonius, taking the whispers of the king, + dictated an order which the scribe stamped on his tablet of wet clay with a rapid + stylus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Now the chief proclaimer,”</span> was the king’s order, which brought a tall man in a + bright scarlet caftan salaaming to the dais. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He took the tablet from the secretary and gave a resounding blow upon the brass gong + dangling from his elbow. The clatter of wine cups ceased. The drinkers were silent on + pain of death. The herald sent his proclamation in stentorian voice down the hall:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">In the name of Xerxes the Achæmenian, king + of kings, king of Persia, Media, Babylon, and Lydia; smiter of the Scythians, + dominator of the Indians, terror of the Hellenes; to all peoples of the world his + slaves,—hear ye!</span></span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Says Xerxes the king, whose word changes not. Forasmuch as Glaucon the Athenian did + save from death my servant and my sister, Mardonius and Artazostra, I do enroll him + among the </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Benefactors of the King,</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> a sharer of my bounty forever. Let his name + henceforth be not Glaucon, but Prexaspes. Let my purple cap be touched upon his head. + Let him be given the robe of honour and the girdle of honour. Let the treasurer pay + him a talent of gold. Let my servants honour him. Let those who mock at him be + impaled. And this I proclaim as my decree.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> What followed Glaucon was too bewildered to recall clearly. He knew that the + archchamberlain lifted the great jewel-crusted hat from the king’s head and set it on + his own for an instant, that they brought him a flowing purple robe, and clasped about + his waist a golden belt, every link set with a stone of price. The hall arose <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">en masse</span></span> to drink to the man whom the sovran delighted to honour. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page184">[pg 184]</span> + <a name="Pg184" id="Pg184" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hail! Thrice hail to the Lord Prexaspes! Justly rewarded by our gracious king!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> No man refused his plaudit, and Glaucon never knew how many envious courtiers cheered + with their lips and in their hearts muttered dark things against <span class="tei tei-q">“the manner in which + his Majesty loved to play the god and promote this unknown Hellene above the heads of + so many faithful subjects.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon had made shift to speak some words of deprecation and gratitude to royalty; + his bow was deeper when the supreme usher led him away from the throne than when he + approached it. As he made his way out of the banqueting hall, a score of noblemen, + captains of thousands, over-eunuchs, and more trailed at his heels, salaaming, fawning, + congratulating, offering all manner of service. Not on the days following his victory at + the Isthmia had his head been in such a whirl. He hardly heard the well-meant warning + which Artabanus, the shrewd old vizier, gave as he passed the door of the great hall. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Play the game well, my new Lord Prexaspes. The king can make you satrap or he can + crucify you. Play the game well, the stakes are high.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Neither did he hear the conversation betwixt Xerxes and the bow-bearer whilst he was + being conducted away. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Have I done well to honour this man, Mardonius?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Eternity was never more wise. Bear with his uncourtliness now, for he is + truthful, upright, and noble in soul—qualities rare in a Hellene. Give me but time. I + will make him a worthy Persian indeed.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not fail therein,”</span> ordered the monarch, <span class="tei tei-q">“for the youth has such beauty, both + of body and mind, I am grieved he was born in Athens. Yet there is one short way to + wean him from his doomed and miserable country.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page185">[pg 185]</span> + <a name="Pg185" id="Pg185" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Will Omnipotence but name it?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Search out for him a Persian wife, no, three or four wives—although I have heard the + custom of these witless Greeks is to be content with only one. There is no surer way + to turn his heart than that.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I thank your Eternity for your commandment. It shall not be forgotten.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius bowed himself. Xerxes called for more wine. The feast lasted late and ended + in an orgy. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page186">[pg 186]</span> + <a name="Pg186" id="Pg186" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf22" id="pdf22"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE CHARMING BY ROXANA </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon’s longing for the old life ebbed and flowed. Sometimes the return of memory + maddened him. Who had done it?—had forged that damning letter and then hid it with + Seuthes? Themistocles? Impossible. Democrates?—<span class="tei tei-q">“the friend with the understanding + heart no less than a brother dear,”</span> as Homer said? More impossible. An unknown + enemy, then, had stolen the fleet order from Themistocles? But what man had hated + Glaucon? One answer remained,—unwittingly the athlete had offended some god, forgotten + some vow, or by sheer good fortune had awakened divine jealousy. Poseidon had been + implacable toward Odysseus, Athena toward Hector, Artemis toward Niobe,—Glaucon could + only pray that his present welcome amongst the Persians might not draw down another + outburst of Heaven’s anger. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> More than all else was the keen longing for Hermione. He saw her in the night. Vainly, + amidst the storms of the gathering war, he had sought a messenger to Athens. In this he + dared ask no help from Mardonius. Then almost from the blue a bolt fell that made him + wish to tear Hermione from his heart. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A Carian slave, a trusted steward at the Athenian silver mines of Laurium, had loved + his liberty and escaped to Sardis. The Persians questioned him eagerly, for he knew all + the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page187">[pg 187]</span><a name="Pg187" id="Pg187" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>gossip of Athens. Glaucon met the runaway, who did + not know then who he was, so many Greek refugees were always fluttering around the + king’s court. The Carian told of a new honour for Democrates. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He is elected strategus for next year because of his proud patriotism. There is talk, + too, of a more private bit of good fortune.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What is it?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That he has made successful suit to Hermippus of Eleusis for his daughter,—the widow + of Glaucon, the dead outlaw. They say the marriage follows at the end of the year of + mourning—Sir, you are not well!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I was never better.”</span> But the other had turned ashen. He quitted the Carian + abruptly and shut himself in his chamber. It was good that he wore no sword. He might + have slain himself. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet, he communed in his heart, was it not best? Was he not dead to Athens? Must + Hermione mourn him down to old age? And whom better could she take than Democrates, the + man who had sacrificed even friendship for love of country? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Artabanus, the vizier, gave a great feast that night. They drank the pledge, <span class="tei tei-q">“Victory to the king, destruction to his enemies.”</span> The lords all looked on Glaucon + to see if he would touch the cup. He drank deeply. They applauded him. He remained long + at the wine, the slaves bore him home drunken. In the morning Mardonius said Xerxes + ordered him to serve in the cavalry guards, a post full of honour and chance for + promotion. Glaucon did not resist. Mardonius sent him a silvered cuirass and a black + horse from the steppes of Bactria,—fleet as the north wind. In his new armour he went + to the chambers of Artazostra and Roxana. They had never seen him in panoply before. The + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page188">[pg 188]</span><a name="Pg188" id="Pg188" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>brilliant mail became him rarely. The ladies were + delighted. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You grow Persian apace, my Lord Prexaspes,”</span>—Roxana always called him by his new + name now,—<span class="tei tei-q">“soon we shall hail you as <span class="tei tei-q">‘your Magnificence’</span> the satrap of Parthia + or Asia or some other kingly province in the East.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do well to become Persian,”</span> he answered bitterly, unmoved by the admiration, <span class="tei tei-q">“for yesterday I heard that which makes it more than ever manifest that Glaucon the + Athenian is dead. And whether he shall ever rise to live again, Zeus knoweth; but from + me it is hid.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Artazostra did not approach, but Roxana came near, as if to draw the buckle of the + golden girdle—the gift of Xerxes. He saw the turquoise shining on the tiara that bound + her jet-black hair, the fine dark profile of her face, her delicate nostrils, the sweep + of drapery that half revealed the form so full of grace. Was there more than passing + friendship in the tone with which she spoke to him? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have heard from Athens?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And the tidings were evil.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why call them evil, princess? My friends all believe me dead. Can they mourn for me + forever? They can forget me, alas! more easily than I in my lonesomeness can forget + them.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are very lonely?”</span>—the hand that drew the buckle worked slowly. How soft it + was, how delicately the Nile sun had tinted it! </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you say you have no friends? None? Not in Sardis? Not among the Persians?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I said not that, dear lady,—but when can a man have more than one native + country?—and mine is Attica, and Attica is far away.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page189">[pg 189]</span> + <a name="Pg189" id="Pg189" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you can never have another? Can new friendships never take the place of those + that lie forever dead?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not know.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, believe, new home, new friends, new love, are more than possible, will you but + open your heart to suffer them.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The voice both thrilled and trembled now, then suddenly ceased. The colour sprang into + Roxana’s forehead. Glaucon bowed and kissed her hand. It seemed to rise to his lips very + willingly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I thank you for your fair hopes. Farewell.”</span> That was all he said, but as he went + forth from Roxana’s presence, the pang of the tidings brought by the Carian seemed less + keen. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The hosts gathered daily. Xerxes spent his time in dicing, hunting, drinking, or + amusing himself with his favourite by-play, wood-carving. He held a few solemn state + councils, at which he appeared to determine all things and was actually guided by + Artabanus and Mardonius. Now, at last, all the colossal machinery which was to crush + down Hellas was being set in motion. Glaucon learned how futile was Themistocles’s hope + of succour to Athens from the Sicilian Greeks, for,—thanks to Mardonius’s indefatigable + diplomacy,—it was arranged that the Phœnicians of Carthage should launch a powerful + armament against the Sicilians, the same moment Xerxes descended on Sparta and Athens. + With calm satisfaction Mardonius watched the completion of his efforts. All was + ready,—the army of hundreds of thousands, the twelve hundred war-ships, the bridges + across the Hellespont, the canal at Mt. Athos. Glaucon’s admiration for the son of + Gobryas grew apace. Xerxes was the outward head of the attack on Hellas. Mardonius was + the soul. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page190">[pg 190]</span><a name="Pg190" id="Pg190" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>He was the idol of the army—its best archer + and rider. Unlike his peers, he maintained no huge harem of jealous concubines and + conspiring eunuchs. Artazostra he worshipped. Roxana he loved. He had no time for other + women. No servant of Xerxes seemed outwardly more obedient than he. Night and day he + wrought for the glory of Persia. Therefore, Glaucon looked on him with dread. In him + Themistocles and Leonidas would find a worthy foeman. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Daily Glaucon felt the Persian influence stealing upon him. He grew even accustomed to + think of himself under his new name. Greeks were about him: Demaratus, the outlawed <span class="tei tei-q">“half-king”</span> of Sparta, and the sons of Hippias, late tyrant of Athens. He scorned + the company of these renegades. Yet sometimes he would ask himself wherein was he better + than they,—had Democrates’s accusation been true, could he have asked a greater reward + from the Barbarian? And what he would do on the day of battle he did not dare to ask of + his own soul. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Xerxes left Sardis with the host amidst the same splendour with which he had entered. + Glaucon rode in the Life Guard, and saw royalty frequently, for the king loved to meet + handsome men. Once he held the stirrup as Xerxes dismounted—an honour which provoked + much envious grumbling. Artazostra and Roxana travelled in their closed litters with the + train of women and eunuchs which followed every Persian army. Thus the myriads rolled + onward through Lydia and Mysia, drinking the rivers dry by their numbers; and across the + immortal plains of Troy passed that army which was destined to do and suffer greater + things than were wrought beside the poet-sung Simois and Scamander, till at last they + came to the Hellespont, the green <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page191">[pg 191]</span><a name="Pg191" id="Pg191" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>river seven furlongs + wide, that sundered conquered Asia from the Europe yet to be conquered. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Here were the two bridges of ships, more than three hundred in each, held by giant + cables, and which upbore a firm earthen road, protected by a high bulwark, that the + horses and camels might take no fright at the water. Here, also, the fleet met + them,—the armaments of the East, Phœnicians, Cilicians, Egyptians, Cyprians,—more + triremes and transports than had ever before ridden upon the seas. And as he saw all + this power, all directed by one will, Glaucon grew even more despondent. How could puny, + faction-rent Hellas bear up against this might? Only when he looked on the myriads + passing, and saw how the captains swung long whips and cracked the lash across the backs + of their spearmen, as over driven cattle, did a little comfort come. For he knew there + was still a fire in Athens and Sparta, a fire not in Susa nor in Babylon, which kindled + free souls and free hands to dare and do great things. <span class="tei tei-q">“Whom will the high Zeus + prosper when the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">slaves</span></span> of Xerxes stand face to face with <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">men</span></span>?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A proud thought,—but it ceased to comfort him, as all that afternoon he stood near + the marble throne of the <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord of the World,”</span> whence Xerxes overlooked his myriads + while they filed by, watched the races of swift triremes, and heard the proud assurances + of his officers that <span class="tei tei-q">“no king since the beginning of time, not Thothmes of Egypt, not + Sennacherib of Assyria, not Cyrus nor Darius, had arrayed such hosts as his that + day.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then evening came. Glaucon was, after his wont, in the private pavilion of + Mardonius,—itself a palace walled with crimson tapestry in lieu of marble. He sat + silent and moody for long, the bright fence of the ladies or of the bow-bearer seldom + moving him to answer. And at last Artazostra could endure it no more. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page192">[pg 192]</span> + <a name="Pg192" id="Pg192" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What has tied your tongue, Prexaspes? Surely my brother in one of his pleasantries + has not ordered that it be cut out? Your skin is too fair to let you be enrolled + amongst his Libyan mutes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Hellene answered with a pitiful attempt at laughter. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Silent, am I? Then silent because I am admiring your noble ladyship’s play of + wit.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Artazostra shook her head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Impossible. Your eyes were glazed like the blue of Egyptian beads. You were not + listening to me. You were seeing sights and hearkening to voices far away.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You press me hard, lady,”</span> he confessed; <span class="tei tei-q">“how can I answer? No man is master of + his roving thoughts,—at least, not I.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You were seeing Athens. Are you so enamoured of your stony country that you believe + no other land can be so fair?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Stony it is, lady,—you have seen it,—but there is no sun like the sun that gilds + the Acropolis; no birds sing like the nightingales from the grove by the Cephissus; no + trees speak with the murmur of the olives at Colonus, or on the hill slope at + Eleusis-by-the-Sea. I can answer you in the words of Homer, the singer of Hellas, the + words he sets on the tongue of a wanderer and outcast, even as I. <span class="tei tei-q">‘A rugged land, + yet nurse of noble men, and for myself I can see naught sweeter than a man’s own + country.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The praise of his native land had brought the colour into the cheeks of the Athenian, + his voice rose to enthusiasm. He knew that Roxana was watching him intently. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Beautiful it must be, dear Hellene,”</span> she spoke, as she sat upon the footstool + below the couch of her brother, <span class="tei tei-q">“yet you have not seen all the world. You have not + seen the mystic Nile, Memphis, Thebes, and Saïs, our wondrous cities; have not seen + how the sun rises over the desert, how it turns the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page193">[pg 193]</span><a name="Pg193" id="Pg193" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sand hills to red gold, how at sunset the cliffs glow like walls of beryl and sard + and golden jasper.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell then of Egypt,”</span> said Glaucon, clearly taking pleasure in the music of her + voice. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not to-night. I have praised it before. Rather I will praise also the rose valleys of + Persia and Bactria, whither Mardonius took me after my dear father died.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Are they very beautiful also?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Beautiful as the Egyptian’s House of the Blessed, for those who have passed the dread + bar of Osiris; beautiful as Airyana-Væya, the home land of the Aryans, whence + Ahura-Mazda sent them forth. The winters are short, the summers bright and long. + Neither too much rain nor burning heat. The Paradise by Sardis is nothing beside them. + One breathes in the roses, and hearkens to the bulbuls—our Aryan nightingales—all + day and all night long. The streams bubble with cool water. At Susa the palace is + fairer than word may tell. Hither the court comes each summer from the tedious glories + of Babylon. The columns of the palace reach up to heaven, but no walls engirdle them, + only curtains green, white, and blue,—whilst the warm sweet breeze blows always + thither from green prairies.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You draw a picture fair as the plains of Elysium, dear lady,”</span> spoke Glaucon, his + own gaze following the light that burned in hers, <span class="tei tei-q">“and yet I would not seek refuge + even in the king’s court with all its beauty. There are times when I long to pray the + god, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Give to me wings, eagle wings from Zeus’s own bird, and let me go to the ends + of the earth, and there in some charmed valley I may find at last the spring of + Lethe water, the water of forgetfulness that gives peace.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Roxana looked on him; pity was in her eyes, and he knew he was taking pleasure in her + pitying. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The magic water you ask is not to be drunk from goblets,”</span> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page194">[pg 194]</span><a name="Pg194" id="Pg194" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>she answered him, <span class="tei tei-q">“but the charmed valley lies in the + vales of Bactria, the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Roof of the World,’</span> high amid mountains crowned with + immortal snows. Every good tree and flower are here, and here winds the mystic Oxus, + the great river sweeping northward. And here, if anywhere, on Mazda’s wide, green + earth, can the trouble-tossed have peace.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then it is so beautiful?”</span> said the Athenian. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Beautiful,”</span> answered Mardonius and Artazostra together. And Roxana, with an + approving nod from her brother, arose and crossed the tent where hung a simple harp. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Will my Lord Prexaspes listen,”</span> she asked, <span class="tei tei-q">“if I sing him one of the homely + songs of the Aryans in praise of the vales by the Oxus? My skill is small.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It should suffice to turn the heart of Persephone, even as did Orpheus,”</span> answered + the Athenian, never taking his gaze from her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The soft light of the swinging lamps, the heavy fragrance of the frankincense which + smouldered on the brazier, the dark lustre of the singer’s eyes—all held Glaucon as by + a spell. Roxana struck the harp. Her voice was sweet, and more than desire to please + throbbed through the strings and song. </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">O far away is gliding</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">The pleasant Oxus’s stream,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">I see the green glades darkling,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">I see the clear pools gleam.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">I hear the bulbuls calling</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">From blooming tree to tree.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Wave, bird, and tree are singing,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">‘Away! ah, come with me!’</span></div> + </div> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">By Oxus’s stream is rising</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Great Cyrus’s marble halls;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Like rain of purest silver,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">His tinkling fountain falls;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page195">[pg 195]</span><a name="Pg195" id="Pg195" class="tei tei-anchor" style="text-align: left"></a><span style="font-size: 80%">To his cool verdant arbours</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">What joy with thee to flee.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">I’ll join with bird and river,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">‘Away! rest there with me!’</span></div> + </div> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Forget, forget old sorrows,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Forget the dear things lost!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">There comes new peace, new brightness,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">When darksome waves are crossed;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">By Oxus’s streams abiding,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">From pang and strife set free,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">I’ll teach thee love and gladness,—</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Rest there, for aye, with me!</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The light, the fragrance, the song so pregnant with meaning, all wrought upon Glaucon + of Athens. He felt the warm glow in his cheeks; he felt subtle hands outstretching as if + drawing forth his spirit. Roxana’s eyes were upon him as she ended. Their gaze met. She + was very fair, high-born, sensitive. She was inviting him to put away Glaucon the + outcast from Hellas, to become body and soul Prexaspes the Persian, <span class="tei tei-q">“Benefactor of the + King,”</span> and sharer in all the glories of the conquering race. All the past seemed + slipping away from him as unreal. Roxana stood before him in her dark Oriental beauty; + Hermione was in Athens—and they were giving her in marriage to Democrates. What wonder + he felt no mastery of himself, though all that day he had kept from wine? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A simple song,”</span> spoke Mardonius, who seemed marvellously pleased at all his sister + did, <span class="tei tei-q">“yet not lacking its sweetness. We Aryans are without the elaborate music the + Greeks and Babylonians affect.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Simplicity is the highest beauty,”</span> answered the Greek, as if still in his trance, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and when I hear Euphrosyne, fairest of the Graces, sing with the voice of Erato, + the Song-Queen, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page196">[pg 196]</span><a name="Pg196" id="Pg196" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>I grow afraid. For a mortal may not + hear things too divine and live.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Roxana replaced the harp and made one of her inimitable Oriental courtesies,—a token + at once of gratitude and farewell for the evening. Glaucon never took his gaze from her, + until with a rustle and sweep of her blue gauze she had glided out of the tent. He did + not see the meaning glances exchanged by Mardonius and Artazostra before the latter left + them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> When the two men were alone, the bow-bearer asked a question. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dear Prexaspes, do you not think I should bless the twelve archangels I possess so + beautiful a sister?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“She is so fair, I wonder that Zeus does not haste from Olympus to enthrone her in + place of Hera.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The bow-bearer laughed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No, I crave for her only a mortal husband. Though there are few in Persia, in Media, + in the wide East, to whom I dare <a name="corr196" id="corr196" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">entrust</span> her. Perhaps,”</span>—his laugh grew + lighter,—<span class="tei tei-q">“I would do well to turn my eyes westward.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon did not see Roxana again the next day nor for several following, but in those + days he thought much less on Hermione and on Athens. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page197">[pg 197]</span> + <a name="Pg197" id="Pg197" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf23" id="pdf23"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVIII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> DEMOCRATES’S TROUBLES RETURN </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> All through that year to its close and again to the verge of springtime the sun made + violet haze upon the hills and pure fire of the bay at Eleusis-by-the-Sea. Night by + night the bird song would be stilled in the old olives along the dark waters. There + Hermione would sit looking off into the void, as many another in like plight has sat and + wearily waited, asking of the night and the sea the questions that are never answered. + As the bay shimmered under the light of morning, she could gaze toward the brown crags + of Salamis and the open Ægean beyond. The waves kept their abiding secret. The tall + triremes, the red-sailed fishers’ boats, came and went from the havens of Athens, but + Hermione never saw the ship that had borne away her all. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The roar and scandal following the unmasking of Glaucon had long since abated. + Hermippus—himself full five years grayer on account of the calamity—had taken his + daughter again to quiet Eleusis, where there was less to remind her of that terrible + night at Colonus. She spent the autumn and winter in an unbroken shadow life, with only + her mother and old Cleopis for companions. Reasons not yet told to the world gave her a + little hope and comfort. But in mere desire to make her dark cloud break, her parents + were continually giving Hermione pain. She guessed it long before her father’s wishes + passed beyond vaguest hints. She heard <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page198">[pg 198]</span><a name="Pg198" id="Pg198" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>him praising + Democrates, his zeal for Athens and Hellas, his fair worldly prospects, and there needed + no diviner to reveal Hermippus’s hidden meaning. Once she overheard Cleopis talking with + another maid. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Her Ladyship has taken on terribly, to be sure, but I told her mother <span class="tei tei-q">‘when a fire + blazes too hot, it burns out simply the faster.’</span> Democrates is just the man to + console in another year.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> answered the other wiseacre, <span class="tei tei-q">“she’s far too young and pretty to stay + unwedded very long. Aphrodite didn’t make her to sit as an old maid carding wool and + munching beans. One can see Hermippus’s and Lysistra’s purpose with half an eye.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cleopis, Nania, what is this vile tattling that I hear?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The young mistress’s eyes blazed fury. Nania turned pale. Hermione was quite capable + of giving her a sound whipping, but Cleopis mustered a bold front and a ready lie: </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ei!</span></span> dear little lady, don’t flash up so! I was only talking + with Nania about how Phryne the scullion maid was making eyes at Scylax the groom.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I heard you quite otherwise,”</span> was the nigh tremulous answer. But Hermione was not + anxious to push matters to an issue. From the moment of Glaucon’s downfall she had + believed—what even her own mother had mildly derided—that Democrates had been the + author of her husband’s ruin. And now that the intent of her parents ever more clearly + dawned on her, she was close upon despair. Hermippus, however,—whatever his + purpose,—was considerate, nay kindly. He regarded Hermione’s feelings as pardonable, if + not laudable. He would wait for time to soothe her. But the consciousness that her + father purposed such a fate for her, however far postponed, was enough to double all the + unanswered longing, the unstilled pain. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page199">[pg 199]</span> + <a name="Pg199" id="Pg199" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon was gone. And with him gone, could Hermione’s sun ever rise again? Could she + hope, across the end of the æons, to clasp hands even in the dim House of Hades with her + glorious husband? If there was chance thereof, dark Hades would grow bright as Olympus. + How gladly she would fare out to the shade land, when Hermes led down his troops of + helpless dead. </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Downward, down the long dark pathway,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Past Oceanus’s great streams,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Past the White Rock, past the Sun’s gates</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Downward to the land of Dreams:</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">There they reach the wide dim borders</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Of the fields of asphodel,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Where the spectres and the spirits</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Of wan, outworn mortals dwell.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But was this the home of Glaucon the Fair; should the young, the strong, the pure in + heart, share one condemnation with the mean and the guilty? Homer the Wise left all hid. + Yet he told of some not doomed to the common lot. Thus ran the promise to Menelaus, + espoused to Helen. </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Far away the gods shall bear you:</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">To the fair Elysian plains,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Where the time fleets gladly, swiftly,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Where bright Rhadamanthus reigns:</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Snow is not, nor rain, nor winter,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">But clear zephyrs from the west,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Singing round the streams of Ocean</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Round the islands of the Blest.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Was the pledge for Menelaus only? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The boats came, the boats went, on the blue bay. But as the spring grew warm, Hermione + thought less of them, less almost of the last dread vision of Glaucon. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The cloud of the Persian hung ever darkening over Athens. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page200">[pg 200]</span><a name="Pg200" id="Pg200" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Continual rumours made Xerxes’s power terrible even beyond fact. It was + hard to go on eating, drinking, frequenting the jury or the gymnasium, when men knew to + a certainty the coming summer would bring Athens face to face with slavery or + destruction. Wise men grew silent. Fools took to carousing to banish care. But one word + not the frailest uttered—<span class="tei tei-q">“submission.”</span> Worldly prudence forbade that. The women + would have stabbed the craven to death with their bodkins. For the women were braver + than the men. They knew the fate of conquered Ionia: for the men only merciful death, + for the women the living death of the Persian harems and indignities words may not + utter. Whether Hellas forsook her or aided, Athens had chosen her fate. Xerxes might + annihilate her. Conquer her he could not. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet the early spring came back sweetly as ever. The warm breeze blew from Egypt. + Philomela sang in the olive groves. The snows on Pentelicus faded. Around the city ran + bands of children singing the <span class="tei tei-q">“swallow’s song,”</span> and beseeching the spring donation + of honey cakes:— </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">She is here, she is here, the swallow;</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Fair seasons bringing,—fair seasons to follow.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And many a housewife, as she rewarded the singers, dropped a silent tear, wondering + whether another spring would see the innocents anywhere save in a Persian slave-pen, or, + better fate, in Orchus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet to one woman that spring there came consolation. On Hermippus’s door hung a glad + olive wreath. Hermione had borne a son. <span class="tei tei-q">“The fairest babe she had ever seen,”</span> cried + the midwife. <span class="tei tei-q">“Phœnix,”</span> the mother called him, <span class="tei tei-q">“for in him shall Glaucon the + Beautiful live again.”</span> Democrates sent a runner every day to Eleusis to inquire for + Hermione until all danger was passed. On the <span class="tei tei-q">“name-day,”</span> ten days <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page201">[pg 201]</span><a name="Pg201" id="Pg201" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>after the birth, he was absent from the gathering of friends and + kinsmen, but sent a valuable statuette to Hermione, who left it, however, to her father + to thank him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The day after Phœnix was born old Conon, Glaucon’s father, died. The old man had never + recovered from the blow given by the dishonourable death of the son with whom he had so + lately quarrelled. He left a great landed estate at Marathon to his new-born grandson. + The exact value thereof Democrates inquired into sharply, and when a distant cousin + talked of contesting the will, the orator announced he would defend the infant’s rights. + The would-be plaintiff withdrew at once, not anxious to cross swords with this favourite + of the juries, and everybody said that Democrates was showing a most scrupulous regard + for his unfortunate friend’s memory. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Indeed, seemingly, Democrates ought to have been the happiest man in Athens. He had + been elected <span class="tei tei-q">“strategus,”</span> to serve on the board of generals along with + Themistocles. He had plenty of money, and gave great banquets to this or that group of + prominent citizens. During the winter he had asked Hermippus for his daughter in + marriage. The Eumolpid told him that since Glaucon’s fearful end, he was welcome as a + son-in-law. Still he could not conceal that Hermione never spoke of him save in hate, + and in view of her then delicate condition it was well not to press the matter. The + orator had seemed well content. <span class="tei tei-q">“Woman’s fantasies would wear away in time.”</span> But + the rumour of this negotiation, outrunning truth, grew into the lying report of an + absolute betrothal,—the report which was to drift to Asia and turn Glaucon’s heart to + stone, gossip having always wrought more harm than malignant lying. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet flies were in Democrates’s sweet ointment. He knew Themistocles hardly trusted him + as frankly as of yore. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page202">[pg 202]</span><a name="Pg202" id="Pg202" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Little Simonides, a man of wide + influence and keen insight, treated him very coldly. Cimon had cooled also. But worse + than all was a haunting dread. Democrates knew, if hardly another in Hellas, that the + Cyprian—in other words Mardonius—was safe in Asia, and likewise that he had fled on + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span>. Mardonius, then, had escaped the storm. What if the + same miracle had saved the outlaw? What if the dead should awake? The chimera haunted + Democrates night and day. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Still he was beginning to shake off his terrors. He believed he had washed his hands + fairly clean of his treason, even if the water had cost his soul. He joined with all his + energies in seconding Themistocles. His voice was loudest at the Pnyx, counselling + resistance. He went on successful embassies to Sicyon and Ægina to get pledges of + alliance. In the summer he did his uttermost to prepare the army which Themistocles and + Evænetus the Spartan led to defend the pass of Tempē. The expedition sailed amid high + hopes for a noble defence of Hellas. Democrates was proud and sanguine. Then, like a + thunderbolt, there came one night a knock at his door. Bias led to his master no less a + visitor than the sleek and smiling Phœnician—Hiram. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The orator tried to cover his terrors by windy bluster. He broke in before the + Oriental could finish his elaborate salaam. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of all the harpies and gorgons you are the least welcome. Were you not warned when + you fled Athens for Argos never to show your face in Attica again?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Excellency said so,”</span> was the bland reply. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Admirably you obey it. It remains for me to reward the obedience. Bias, go to the + street; summon two Scythian watchmen.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page203">[pg 203]</span> + <a name="Pg203" id="Pg203" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Thracian darted out. Hiram simply stood with hands folded. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is well, Excellency, the lad is gone. I have many things to say in confidence to + your Nobility. At Lacedæmon my Lord Lycon was gracious enough to give certain commands + for me to transmit to you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Commands? To me? Earth and gods! am I to be commanded by an adder like you? You shall + pay for this on the rack.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your slave thinks otherwise,”</span> observed Hiram, humbly. <span class="tei tei-q">“If your Lordship will + deign to read this letter, it will save your slave many words and your Lordship many + cursings.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He knelt again before he offered a papyrus. Democrates would rather have taken fire, + but he could not refuse. And thus he read:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Lycon of Lacedæmon to Democrates of Athens, greeting:—Can he + who Medizes in the summer Hellenize in the spring? I know your zeal for Themistocles. + Was it for this we plucked you back from exposure and ruin? Do then as Hiram bids you, + or repay the money you clutched so eagerly. Fail not, or rest confident all the + documents you betrayed shall go to Hypsichides the First Archon, your enemy. Use then + your eloquence on Attic juries! But you will grow wise; what need of me to threaten? + You will hearken to Hiram.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">From Sparta, on the festival of Bellerophon, in the ephorship of Theudas.—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Chaire!</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates folded the papyrus and stood long, biting his whitened lips in silence. + Perhaps he had surmised the intent of the letter the instant Hiram extended it. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What do you desire?”</span> he said thickly, at last. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let my Lord then hearken—”</span> began the Phœnician, to be interrupted by the sudden + advent of Bias. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Scythians are at the door, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>,”</span> he was shouting; <span class="tei tei-q">“shall I order them in and drag this lizard out by the tail?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page204">[pg 204]</span> + <a name="Pg204" id="Pg204" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No, in Zeus’s name, no! Bid them keep without. And do you go also. This honest fellow + is on private business which only I must hear.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Bias slammed the door. Perhaps he stood listening. Hiram, at least, glided nearer to + his victim and spoke in a smooth whisper, taking no chances of an eavesdropper. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Excellency, the desire of Lycon is this. The army has been sent to Tempē. At + Lacedæmon Lycon used all his power to prevent its despatch, but Leonidas is omnipotent + to-day in Sparta, and besides, since Lycon’s calamity at the Isthmia, his prestige, + and therefore his influence, is not a little abated. Nevertheless, the army must be + recalled from Tempē.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And the means?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yourself, Excellency. It is within your power to find a thousand good reasons why + Themistocles and Evænetus should retreat. And you will do so at once, Excellency.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not think you and your accursed masters can drive me from infamy to infamy. I can + be terrible if pushed to bay.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Nobility has read Lycon’s letter,”</span> observed the Phœnician, with folded arms. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> There was a sword lying on the tripod by which Democrates stood; he regretted for all + the rest of his life that he had not seized it and ended the snakelike Oriental then and + there. The impulse came, and went. The opportunity never returned. The orator’s head + dropped down upon his breast. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Go back to Sparta, go back instantly,”</span> he spoke in a hoarse whisper. <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell that + Polyphemus you call your master there that I will do his will. And tell him, too, that + if ever the day comes for vengeance on him, on the Cyprian, on you,—my vengeance will + be terrible.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page205">[pg 205]</span> + <a name="Pg205" id="Pg205" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your slave’s ears hear the first part of your message with joy,”</span>—Hiram’s smile + never grew broader,—<span class="tei tei-q">“the second part, which my Lord speaks in anger,—I will + forget.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Go! go!”</span> ordered the orator, furiously. He clapped his hands. Bias reëntered. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell the constables I don’t need them. Here is an obol apiece for their trouble. + Conduct this man out. If he comes hither again, do you and the other slaves beat him + till there is not a whole spot left on his body.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hiram’s genuflexion was worthy of Xerxes’s court. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My Lord, as always,”</span> was his parting compliment, <span class="tei tei-q">“has shown himself exceeding + wise.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Thus the Oriental went. In what a mood Democrates passed the remaining day needs only + scant wits to guess. Clearer, clearer in his ears was ringing Æschylus’s song of the + Furies. He could not silence it. </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">With scourge and with ban</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">We prostrate the man</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Who with smooth-woven wile</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">And a fair-facèd smile</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Hath planted a snare for his friend!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Though fleet, we shall find him;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Though strong, we shall bind him,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Who planted a snare for his friend!</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He had intended to be loyal to Hellas,—to strive valiantly for her freedom,—and now! + Was the Nemesis coming upon him, not in one great clap, but stealthily, finger by + finger, cubit by cubit, until his soul’s price was to be utterly paid? Was this the + beginning of the recompense for the night scene at Colonus? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The next morning he made a formal visit to the shrine of the Furies in the hill of + Areopagus. <span class="tei tei-q">“An old vow, too long deferred in payment, taken when he joined in his + first con<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page206">[pg 206]</span><a name="Pg206" id="Pg206" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>test on the Bema,”</span> he explained to + friends, when he visited this uncanny spot. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Few were the Athenians who would pass that cleft in the Areopagus where the <span class="tei tei-q">“Avengers”</span> had their grim sanctuary without a quick motion of the hands to avert + the evil eye. Thieves and others of evil conscience would make a wide circuit rather + than pass this abode of Alecto, Megæra, and Tisiphone, pitiless pursuers of the guilty. + The terrible sisters hounded a man through life, and after death to the judgment bar of + Minos. With reason, therefore, the guilty dreaded them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates had brought the proper sacrifices—two black rams, which were duly + slaughtered upon the little altar before the shrine and sprinkled with sweetened water. + The priestess, a gray hag herself, asked her visitor if he would enter the cavern and + proffer his petition to the mighty goddesses. Leaving his friends outside, the orator + passed through the door which the priestess seemed to open in the side of the cave. He + saw only a jagged, unhewn cranny, barely tall enough for a man to stand upright and + reaching far into the sculptured rock. No image: only a few rough votive tablets set up + by a grateful suppliant for some mercy from the awful goddesses. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If you would pray here, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>,”</span> said the hag, <span class="tei tei-q">“it is + needful that I go forth and close the door. The holy Furies love the dark, for is not + their home in Tartarus?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> She went forth. As the light vanished, Democrates seemed buried in the rock. Out of + the blackness spectres were springing against him. From a cleft he heard a flapping, a + bat, an imprisoned bird, or Alecto’s direful wings. He held his hands downward, for he + had to address infernal goddesses, and prayed in haste. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O ye sisters, terrible yet gracious, give ear. If by my <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page207">[pg 207]</span><a name="Pg207" id="Pg207" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>offerings I have found favour, lift from my heart this crushing load. + Deliver me from the fear of the blood guilty. Are ye not divine? Do not the immortals + know all things? Ye know, then, how I was tempted, how sore was the compulsion, and + how life and love were sweet. Then spare me. Give me back unhaunted slumber. Deliver + me from Lycon. Give my soul peace,—and in reward, I swear it by the Styx, by Zeus’s + own oath, I will build in your honour a temple by your sacred field at Colonus, where + men shall gather to reverence you forever.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But here he ceased. In the darkness moved something white. Again a flapping. He was + sure the white thing was Glaucon’s face. Glaucon had perished at sea. He had never been + buried, so his ghost was wandering over the world, seeking vainly for rest. It all came + to Democrates in an instant. His knees smote together; his teeth chattered. He sprang + back upon the door and forced it open, but never saw the dove that fluttered forth with + him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A hideous place!”</span> he cried to his waiting friends. <span class="tei tei-q">“A man must have a stronger + heart than mine to love to tarry after his prayer is finished.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Only a few days later Hellas was startled to hear that Tempē had been evacuated + without a blow, and the pass left open to Xerxes. It was said Democrates, in his ever + commendable activity, had discovered at the last moment the mountain wall was not as + defensible as hoped, and any resistance would have been disastrous. Therefore, whilst + the retreat was bewailed, everybody praised the foresight of the orator. Everybody—one + should say, except two, Bias and Phormio. They had many conferences together, especially + after the coming and going of Hiram. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There is a larger tunny in the sea than yet has entered <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page208">[pg 208]</span><a name="Pg208" id="Pg208" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the meshes,”</span> confessed the fishmonger, sorely puzzled, after much + vain talk. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Hermione was caring for none of these things. Her hands were busy with the + swaddling clothes. Her thoughts only for that wicker cradle which swung betwixt the + pillars, where Hermippus’s house looked toward Salamis. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page209">[pg 209]</span> + <a name="Pg209" id="Pg209" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf24" id="pdf24"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIX</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE COMMANDMENT OF XERXES </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It is easy to praise the blessings of peace. Still easier to paint the horrors of + war,—and yet war will remain for all time the greatest game at which human wits can + play. For in it every form of courage, physical and moral, and every talent are called + into being. If war at once develops the bestial, it also develops as promptly the + heroic. Alone of human activities it demands a brute’s strength, an iron will, a + serpent’s intellect, a lion’s courage—all in one. And of him who has these things in + justest measure, history writes, <span class="tei tei-q">“He conquered.”</span> It was because Mardonius seemed to + possess all these, to foresee everything, to surmount everything, that Glaucon despaired + for the fate of Hellas, even more than when he beheld the crushing armaments of the + Persian. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet for long it seemed as if the host would march even to Athens without battle, + without invoking Mardonius’s skill. The king crossed Thrace and Macedonia, meeting only + trembling hospitality from the cities along his route. At Doriscus he had held a review + of his army, and smiled when the fawning scribes told how one million seven hundred + thousand foot and eighty thousand horse followed his banners.<a id="noteref_8" name="noteref_8" href="#note_8"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">8</span></span></a> Every fugitive and spy from southern + Hellas told how the hearts of the stanchest patriots were sinking, how everywhere save + in Athens and Sparta loud voices urged the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page210">[pg 210]</span><a name="Pg210" id="Pg210" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sending of + <span class="tei tei-q">“earth and water,”</span>—tokens of submission to the irresistible king. At the pass of + Tempē covering Thessaly, Glaucon, who knew the hopes of Themistocles, had been + certain the Hellenes would make a stand. Rumour had it that ten thousand Greek infantry + were indeed there, and ready for battle. But the outlaw’s expectations were utterly + shattered. To the disgust of the Persian lords, who dearly loved brisk fighting, it was + soon told how the cowardly Hellenes had fled by ship, leaving the rich plains of + Thessaly bare to the invader. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Thus was blasted Glaucon’s last hope. Hellas was doomed. He almost looked to see + Themistocles coming as ambassador to bring the homage of Athens. Since his old life + seemed closed to the outlaw, he allowed Mardonius to have his will with him,—to teach + him to act, speak, think, as an Oriental. He even bowed himself low before the king, an + act rewarded by being commanded one evening to play at dice with majesty itself. Xerxes + was actually gracious enough to let his new subject win from him three handsome Syrian + slave-boys. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You Hellenes are becoming wise,”</span> announced the monarch one day, when the Locrian + envoys came with their earth and water. <span class="tei tei-q">“If you can learn to speak the truth, you will + equal even the virtues of the Aryans.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Majesty has not found me a liar,”</span> rejoined the Athenian, warmly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You gather our virtues apace. I must consider how I can reward you by promotion.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The king is overwhelmingly generous. Already I fear many of his servants mutter that + I am promoted beyond all desert.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mutter? mutter against you?”</span> The king’s eyes flashed ominously. <span class="tei tei-q">“By Mazda, it is + against me, then, who advanced <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page211">[pg 211]</span><a name="Pg211" id="Pg211" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>you! Hearken, + Otanes,”</span>—he addressed the general of the Persian footmen, who stood near by,—<span class="tei tei-q">“who + are the disobedient slaves who question my advancement of Prexaspes?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The general—he had been the loudest grumbler—bowed and kissed the carpet. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“None, your Eternity; on the contrary, there is not one Aryan in the host who does not + rejoice the king has found so noble an object for his godlike bounty.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You hear, Prexaspes,”</span> said Xerxes, mollified. <span class="tei tei-q">“I am glad, for the man who + questions my wisdom touching your advancement must be impaled. To-morrow is my + birthday, you will not fail to sit with the other great lords at the banquet.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The king overpowers me with his goodness.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not fail to deserve it. Mardonius is always praising you. Consider also how much + better it is to depend on a gracious king than on the clamour of the fickle mob that + rules in your helpless cities!”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The next morning was the royal birthday. The army, pitched in the fertile plain by + Thessalian Larissa, feasted on the abundance at hand. The king distributed huge + largesses of money. All day long he sat in his palace-like tent, receiving + congratulations from even the lowest of his followers, and bound in turn not to reject + any reasonable petition. The Magi sacrificed blooded stallions and rare spices to Mithra + the <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord of Wide Pastures,”</span> to Vohu-Manu the <span class="tei tei-q">“Holy Councillor,”</span> and all their + other angels, desiring them to bless the arms of the king. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-q">“Perfect Banquet”</span> of the birthday came in the evening. It hardly differed + from the feast at Sardis. The royal pavilion had its poles plated with silver, the + tapestries <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page212">[pg 212]</span><a name="Pg212" id="Pg212" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>were green and purple, the couches were + spread with gorgeous coverlets. Only the drinking was more moderate, the ceremonial less + rigid. The fortunate guests devoured dainties reserved for the special use of royalty: + the flour of the bread was from Assos, the wine from Helbon, the water to dilute the + wine had come in silver flasks from the Choaspes by Susa. The king even distributed the + special unguent of lion’s fat and palm wine which no subject, unpermitted, could use and + shun the death penalty. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then at the end certain of the fairest of the women came and danced unveiled before + the king—this one night when they might show forth their beauty. And last of all danced + Roxana. She danced alone; a diaphanous drapery of pink Egyptian cotton blew around her + as an evening cloud. From her black hair shone the diamond coronet. To the sensuous + swing of the music she wound in and out before the king and his admiring lords, + advancing, retreating, rising, swaying, a paragon of agility and grace, feet, body, + hands, weaving their charm together. When at the end she fell on her knees before the + king, demanding whether she had done well, the applause shook the pavilion. The king + looked down on her, smiling. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Rise, sister of Mardonius. All Eran rejoices in you to-night. And on this evening + whose request can I fail to grant? Whose can I grant more gladly than yours? Speak; + you shall have it, though it be for half my kingdoms.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The dancer arose, but hung down her flashing coronal. Her blush was enchanting. She + stood silent, while the good-humoured king smiled down on her, till Artazostra came from + her seat by Mardonius and whispered in her ear. Every neck in the crowded pavilion was + craned as Artazostra spoke to Xerxes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“May it please my royal brother, this is the word of Rox<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page213">[pg 213]</span><a name="Pg213" id="Pg213" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ana. <span class="tei tei-q">‘I love my brother Mardonius; nevertheless, contrary to the + Persian custom, he keeps me now to my nineteenth year unwedded. If now I have found + favour in the sight of the king, let him command Mardonius to give me to some noble + youth who shall do me honour by the valiant deeds and the true service he shall + render unto my Lord.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A fair petition! Let the king grant it!”</span> shouted twenty; while others more wise + whispered, <span class="tei tei-q">“This was not done without foreknowledge by Mardonius.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Xerxes smiled benignantly and rubbed his nose with the lion’s fat while deliberating. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“An evil precedent, lady, an evil precedent when women demand husbands and do not wait + for their fathers’ or brothers’ good pleasure. But I have promised. The word of the + king is not to be broken. Daughter of Gobryas, your petition is granted. Come hither, + Mardonius,”</span>—the bow-bearer approached the throne,—<span class="tei tei-q">“you have heard the bold + desire of your sister, and my answer. I must command you to bestow on her a + husband.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The bow-bearer bowed obediently. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I hear the word of the king, and all his mandates are good. This is no meet time for + marriage festivities, when the Lord of the World and all the Aryan power goes forth to + war. Yet as soon as the impious rebels amongst the Hellenes shall be subdued, I will + rejoice to bestow my sister upon whatsoever fortunate servant the king may deign to + honour.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You hear him, lady,”</span>—the royal features assumed a grin, which was reflected + throughout the pavilion. <span class="tei tei-q">“A husband you shall have, but Mardonius shall be revenged. + Your fate is in my hands. And shall not I,—guardian of the households of my + empire,—give a warning to all bold maidens against lifting their wills too proudly, + or presuming upon an overindulgent king? What then shall be just <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page214">[pg 214]</span><a name="Pg214" id="Pg214" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>punishment?”</span> The king bent his head, still rubbing his nose, and + trying to persuade all about that he was meditating. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Bardas, satrap of Sogandia, is old; he has but one eye; they say he beats his eleven + wives daily with a whip of rhinoceros hide. It would be just if I gave him this woman + also in marriage. What think you, Hydarnes?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If your Eternity bestows this woman on Bardas, every husband and father in all your + kingdoms will applaud your act,”</span> smiled the commander. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The threatened lady fell again on her knees, outstretching her hands and beseeching + mercy,—never a more charming picture of misery and contrition. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You tremble, lady,”</span> went on the sovran, <span class="tei tei-q">“and justly. It were better for my + empire if my heart were less hard. After all, you danced so elegantly that I must be + mollified. There is the young Prince Zophyrus, son of Datis the general,—he has only + five wives already. True, he is usually the worse for wine, is not handsome, and + killed one of his women not long since because she did not sing to please him. + Yes—you shall have Zophyrus—he will surely rule you—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mercy, not Zophyrus, gracious Lord,”</span> pleaded the abject Egyptian. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The king looked down on her, with a broader grin than ever. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are very hard to please. I ought to punish your wilfulness by some dreadful doom. + Do not cry out again. I will not hear you. My decision is fixed. Mardonius shall + bestow you in marriage to a man who is not even a Persian by birth, who one year since + was a disobedient rebel against my power, who even now contemns and despises many of + the good customs of the Aryans. Hark, then, to his name. When Hellas is conquered, I + command that Mardonius wed you to the Lord Prexaspes.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page215">[pg 215]</span> + <a name="Pg215" id="Pg215" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The king broke into an uproarious laugh, a signal for the thousand loyal subjects + within the great pavilion to roar with laughter also. In the confusion following + Artazostra and Roxana disappeared. Fifty hands dragged the appointed bridegroom to the + king, showering on him all manner of congratulations. Xerxes’s act was a plain proof + that he was adopting the beautiful Hellene as one of his personal favourites,—a post of + influence and honour not to be despised by a vizier. What <span class="tei tei-q">“Prexaspes”</span> said when he + thanked the king was drowned in the tumult of laughing and cheering. The monarch, + delighted to play the gracious god, roared his injunctions to the Athenian so loud that + above the din they heard him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You will bridle her well, Prexaspes. I know them—those Egyptian fillies! They need a + hard curb and the lash at times. Beware the tyranny of your own harem. I would not + have the satrapies know how certain bright eyes in the seraglio can make the son of + Darius play the fool. There is nothing more dangerous than women. It will take all + your courage to master them. A hard task lies before you. I have given you one wife, + but you know our good Persian custom—five, ten, or twenty. Take the score, I order + you. Then in twelve years you’ll be receiving the prize a Persian king bestows every + summer on the father of the most children!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And following this broad hint, the king held his sides with laughter again, a mirth + which it is needless to say was echoed and reëchoed till it seemed it could not cease. + Only a few ventured to mutter under breath: <span class="tei tei-q">“The Hellene will have a subsatrapy in the + East before the season is over and a treasure of five thousand talents! Mithra wither + the upstart!”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The summer was waning when the host moved southward <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page216">[pg 216]</span><a name="Pg216" id="Pg216" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>from Larissa, for mere numbers had made progress slow, and despite Mardonius’s + providence the question of commissariat sometimes became difficult. Now at last, leaving + behind Thrace and Macedonia, the army began to enter Greece itself. As it fared across + the teeming plains of Thessaly, it met only welcome from the inhabitants and submissions + from fresh embassies. Report came from the fleet—keeping pace with the land army along + the coasts—that nowhere had the weak squadrons of the Greeks adventured a stand. Daily + the smile of the Lord of the World grew more complacent, as his <span class="tei tei-q">“table-companions”</span> + told him: <span class="tei tei-q">“The rumour of your Eternity’s advent stupefies the miserable Hellenes. Like + Atar, the Angel of Fire, your splendour glitters afar. You will enter Athens and + Sparta, and no sword leave its sheath, no bow its wrapper.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Every day Mardonius asked of Glaucon, <span class="tei tei-q">“Will your Hellenes fight?”</span> and the answer + was ever more doubting, <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not know.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Long since Glaucon had given up hope of the defeat of the Persian. Now he prayed + devoutly there might be no useless shedding of blood. If only he could turn back and not + behold the humiliation of Athens! Of the fate of the old-time friends—Democrates, + Cimon, Hermione—he tried not to think. No doubt Hermione was the wife of Democrates. + More than a year had sped since the flight from Colonus. Hermione had put off her + mourning for the yellow veil of a bride. Glaucon prayed the war might bring her no new + sorrow, though Democrates, of course, would resist Persia to the end. As for himself he + would never darken their eyes again. He was betrothed to Roxana. With her he would seek + one of those valleys in Bactria which she had praised, the remoter the better, and there + perhaps was peace. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page217">[pg 217]</span> + <a name="Pg217" id="Pg217" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Thus the host wound through Thessaly, till before them rose, peak on peak, the jagged + mountain wall of Othrys and Œta, fading away in violet distance, the bulwark of central + Hellas. Then the king’s smile became a frown, for the Hellenes, undismayed despite his + might, were assembling their fleet at northern Eubœa, and at the same time a tempest had + shattered a large part of the royal navy. The Magi offered sacrifice to appease + Tishtrya, the Prince of the Wind-ruling Stars, but the king’s frown grew blacker at each + message. Glaucon was near him when at last the monarch’s thunders broke forth. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A hot, sultry day. The king’s chariot had just crossed the mountain stream of the + Sphercus, when a captain of a hundred came galloping, dismounted, and prostrated himself + in the dust. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your tidings?”</span> demanded Xerxes, sharply. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Be gracious, Fountain of Mercy,”</span>—the captain evidently disliked his mission,—<span class="tei tei-q">“I am sent from the van. We came to a place where the mountains thrust down upon the + sea and leave but a narrow road by the ocean. Your slaves found certain Hellenes, + rebels against your benignant government, holding a wall and barring all passage to + your army.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And did you not forthwith seize these impudent wretches and drag them hither to be + judged by me?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Compassion, Omnipotence,”</span>—the messenger trembled,—<span class="tei tei-q">“they seemed sturdy, + well-armed rogues, and the way was narrow and steep where a score can face a thousand. + Therefore, your slave came straight with his tidings to the ever gracious king.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dog! Coward!”</span> Xerxes plucked the whip from the charioteer’s hand and lashed it + over the wretch’s shoulders. <span class="tei tei-q">“By the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">fravashi</span></span>, the soul of + Darius my father, no man shall bring so foul a word to me and live!”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page218">[pg 218]</span> + <a name="Pg218" id="Pg218" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Compassion, Omnipotence, compassion!”</span> groaned the man, writhing like a worm. + Already the master-of-punishments was approaching to cover his face with a towel, + preparatory to the bow-string, but the royal anger spent itself just enough to avert a + tragedy. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your life is forfeit, but I am all too merciful! Take then three hundred stripes on + the soles of your feet and live to be braver in the future.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A thousand blessings on your benignity,”</span> cried the captain, as they led him away, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I congratulate myself that insignificant as I am the king yet deigns to notice my + existence even to recompense my shortcomings.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Off,”</span> ordered the bristling monarch, <span class="tei tei-q">“or you die the death yet. And do you, + Mardonius, take Prexaspes, who somewhat knows this country, spur forward, and discover + who are the madmen thus earning their destruction.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The command was obeyed. Glaucon galloped beside the Prince, overtaking the marching + army, until as they cantered into the little mud-walled city of Heraclea a second + messenger from the van met them with further details. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The pass is held by seven thousand Grecian men-at-arms. There are no Athenians. There + are three hundred come from Sparta.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And their chief?”</span> asked Glaucon, leaning eagerly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is Leonidas of Lacedæmon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then, O Mardonius,”</span> spoke the Athenian, with a throb in his voice not there an + hour ago. <span class="tei tei-q">“There will be battle.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So, whether wise men or mad, the Hellenes were not to lay down their arms without one + struggle, and Glaucon knew not whether to be sorry or to be proud. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page219">[pg 219]</span> + <a name="Pg219" id="Pg219" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf25" id="pdf25"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XX</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THERMOPYLÆ </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A rugged mountain, an inaccessible morass, and beyond that morass the sea: the + mountain thrusting so close upon the morass as barely to leave space for a narrow wagon + road. This was the western gate of Thermopylæ. Behind the narrow defile the mountain and + swamp-land drew asunder; in the still scanty opening hot springs gushed forth, sacred to + Heracles, then again on the eastern side Mt. Œta and the impenetrable swamp drew + together, forming the second of the <span class="tei tei-q">“Hot Gates,”</span>—the gates which Xerxes must + unlock if he would continue his march to Athens. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Great King’s couriers reported that the stubborn Hellenes had cast a wall across + the entrance, and that so far from showing terror at the advent of majesty, were + carelessly diverting themselves by athletic games, and by combing and adorning their + hair, a fact which the <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord Prexaspes”</span> at least comprehended to mean that Leonidas + and his Spartans were preparing for desperate battle. Nevertheless, it was hard to + persuade the king that at last he confronted men who would resist him to his face. + Glaucon said it. Demaratus, the outlawed Spartan, said it. Xerxes, however, remained + angry and incredulous. Four long days he and his army sat before the pass, <span class="tei tei-q">“because,”</span> announced his couriers, <span class="tei tei-q">“he wishes in his benignity to give these madmen + a chance to flee away and shun destruction;”</span> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page220">[pg 220]</span><a name="Pg220" id="Pg220" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“because,”</span> spoke those nearest to Mardonius, the + brain of the army, <span class="tei tei-q">“there is hot fighting ahead, and the general is resolved to bring + up the picked troops in the rear before risking a battle.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then on the fifth day either Xerxes’s patience was exhausted or Mardonius felt ready. + Strong regiments of Median infantry were ordered to charge Leonidas’s position, Xerxes + not failing to command that they slay as few of the wretches as possible, but drag them + prisoners before his outraged presence. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A noble charge. A terrible repulse. For the first time those Asiatics who had + forgotten Marathon discovered the overwhelming superiority that the sheathing of heavy + armour gave the Greek hoplites over the lighter armed Median spearmen. The short lances + and wooden targets of the attackers were pitifully futile against the long spears and + brazen shields of the Hellenes. In the narrow pass the vast numbers of Barbarians went + for nothing. They could not use their archers, they could not charge with their + magnificent cavalry. The dead lay in heaps. The Medes attacked again and again. At last + an end came to their courage. The captains laid the lash over their mutinous troops. The + men bore the whips in sullen silence. They would not charge again upon those devouring + spears. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> White with anger, Xerxes turned to Hydarnes and his <span class="tei tei-q">“Immortals,”</span> the infantry of + the Life Guard. The general needed no second bidding. The charge was driven home with + magnificent spirit. But what the vassal Medes could not accomplish, neither could the + lordly Persians. The repulse was bloody. If once Leonidas’s line broke and the Persians + rushed on with howls of triumph, it was only to see the Hellenes’ files close in a + twinkling and return to the onset with their foes in confusion. Hydarnes led back his + men <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page221">[pg 221]</span><a name="Pg221" id="Pg221" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>at last. The king sat on the ivory throne just out + of arrow shot, watching the ebb and flow of the battle. Hydarnes approached and + prostrated himself. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Omnipotence, I the least of your slaves put my life at your bidding. Command that I + forfeit my head, but my men can do no more. I have lost hundreds. The pass is not to + be stormed.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Only the murmur of assent from all the well-tried generals about the throne saved + Hydarnes from paying the last penalty. The king’s rage was fearful; men trembled to look + on him. His words came so thick, the rest could never follow all his curses and + commands. Only Mardonius was bold enough to stand up before his face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Eternity, this is an unlucky day. Is it not sacred to Angra-Mainyu the Evil? The + arch-Magian says the holy fire gives forth sparks of ill-omen. Wait, then, till + to-morrow. Verethraghna, the Angel of Victory, will then return to your servants.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The bow-bearer led his trembling master to the royal tent, and naught more of Xerxes + was seen till the morning. All that night Mardonius never slept, but went unceasingly + the round of the host preparing for battle. Glaucon saw little of him. The Athenian + himself had been posted among the guard of nobles directly about the person of the king, + and he was glad he was set nowhere else, otherwise he might have been ordered to join in + the attack. Like every other in the host, he slept under arms, and never returned to + Mardonius’s pavilion. His heart had been in his eyes all that day. He had believed + Leonidas would be swept from the pass at the first onset. Even he had underrated the + Spartan prowess. The repulse of the Medes had astonished him. When Hydarnes reeled back, + he could hardly conceal his joy. The Hellenes were fighting! The Hellenes were + conquering! <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page222">[pg 222]</span><a name="Pg222" id="Pg222" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>He forgot he stood almost at Xerxes’s side + when the last charge failed; and barely in time did he save himself from joining in the + shout of triumph raised by the defenders when the decimated Immortals slunk away. He had + grown intensely proud of his countrymen, and when he heard the startled Persian lords + muttering dark forbodings of the morrow, he all but laughed his gladness in their faces. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So the night passed for him: the hard earth for a bed, a water cruse wrapped in a + cloak for a pillow. And just as the first red blush stole over the green Malian bay and + the mist-hung hills of Eubœa beyond, he woke with all the army. Mardonius had used the + night well. Chosen contingents from every corps were ready. Cavalrymen had been + dismounted. Heavy masses of Assyrian archers and Arabian slingers were advanced to + prepare for the attack by overwhelming volleys. The Persian noblemen, stung to madness + by their king’s reproaches and their own sense of shame, bound themselves by fearful + oaths never to draw from the onset until victorious or dead. The attack itself was led + by princes of the blood, royal half-brothers of the king. Xerxes sat again on the ivory + throne, assured by every obsequious tongue that the sacred fire gave fair omens, that + to-day was the day of victory. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The attack was magnificent. For an instant its fury seemed to carry the Hellenes back. + Where a Persian fell two stepped over him. The defenders were swept against their wall. + The Barbarians appeared to be storming it. Then like the tide the battle turned. The + hoplites, locking shields, presented an impenetrable spear hedge. The charge spent + itself in empty promise. Mardonius, who had been in the thickest, nevertheless drew off + his men skilfully and prepared to renew the combat. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the interval Glaucon, standing by the king, could see a short, firm figure in black + armour going in and out among the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page223">[pg 223]</span><a name="Pg223" id="Pg223" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Hellenes, ordering + their array—Leonidas—he needed no bird to tell him. And as the Athenian stood and + watched, saw the Persians mass their files for another battering charge, saw the Great + King twist his beard whilst his gleaming eyes followed the fate of his army, an impulse + nigh irresistible came over him to run one short bow-shot to that opposite array, and + cry in his own Greek tongue:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am a Hellene, too! Look on me come to join you, to live and die with you, with my + face against the Barbarian!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cruel the fate that set him here, impotent, when on that band of countrymen Queen + Nikē was shedding bright glory! </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But he was <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the Traitor”</span> still, to be awarded the traitor’s doom by + Leonidas. Therefore the <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord Prexaspes”</span> must stand at his post, guarding the king + of the Aryans. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The second charge was as the first, the third was as the second. Mardonius was full of + recourses. By repeated attacks he strove to wear the stubborn Hellenes down. The + Persians proved their courage seven times. Ten of them died gladly, if their deaths + bought that of a single foe. But few as were Leonidas’s numbers, they were not so few as + to fail to relieve one another at the front of the press,—which front was fearfully + narrow. And three times, as his men drifted back in defeat, Xerxes the king <span class="tei tei-q">“leaped + from the throne whereon he sat, in anguish for his army.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At noon new contingents from the rear took the place of the exhausted attackers. The + sun beat down with unpitying heat. The wounded lay sweltering in their agony whilst the + battle roared over them. Mardonius never stopped to count his dead. Then at last came + nightfall. Man could do no more. As the shadows from Œta grew long over the close scene + of combat, even the proudest Persians turned away. They had lost thousands. Their defeat + was absolute. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page224">[pg 224]</span><a name="Pg224" id="Pg224" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Before them and to westward and far away + ranged the jagged mountains, report had it, unthreaded by a single pass. To the eastward + was only the sea,—the sea closed to them by the Greek fleet at the unseen haven of + Artemisium. Was the triumph march of the Lord of the World to end in this? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Xerxes spoke no word when they took him to his tent that night, a sign of + indescribable anger. Fear, humiliation, rage—all these seemed driving him mad. His + chamberlains and eunuchs feared to approach to take off his golden armour. Mardonius + came to the royal tent; the king, with curses he had never hurled against the bow-bearer + before, refused to see him. The battle was ended. No one was hardy enough to talk of a + fresh attack on the morrow. Every captain had to report the loss of scores of his best. + As Glaucon rode back to Mardonius’s tents, he overheard two infantry officers:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A fearful day—the bow-bearer is likely to pay for it. I hope his Majesty confines + his anger only to him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes—Mardonius will walk the Chinvat bridge to-morrow. The king is turning against + him. Megabyzus is the bow-bearer’s enemy, and already is gone to his Majesty to say + that it is Mardonius’s blunders that have brought the army to such a plight. The king + will catch at that readily.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At the tents Glaucon found Artazostra and Roxana. They were both pale. The news of the + great defeat had been brought by a dozen messengers. Mardonius had not arrived. He was + not slain, that was certain, but Artazostra feared the worst. The proud daughter of + Darius found it hard to bear up. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My husband has many enemies. Hitherto the king’s favour has allowed him to mock them. + But if my brother deserts him, his ruin is speedy. Ah! Ahura-Mazda, why hast Thou + suffered us to see this day?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon said what he could of comfort, which was little. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page225">[pg 225]</span><a name="Pg225" id="Pg225" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Roxana wept piteously; he was fain to soothe her by his caress,—something + he had never ventured before. Artazostra was on the point of calling her eunuchs and + setting forth for Xerxes’s tent to plead for the life of her husband, when suddenly + Pharnuches, Mardonius’s body-servant, came with news that dispelled at least the fears + of the women. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am bidden to tell your Ladyships that my master has silenced the tongues of his + enemies and is restored to the king’s good favor. And I am bidden also to command the + Lord Prexaspes to come to the royal tent. His Majesty has need of him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon went, questioning much as to the service to be required. He did not soon + forget the scene that followed. The great pavilion was lit by a score of resinous + flambeaux. The red light shook over the green and purple hangings, the silver plating of + the tent-poles. At one end rose the golden throne of the king; before it in a semicircle + the stools of a dozen or more princes and commanders. In the centre stood Mardonius + questioning a coarse-featured, ill-favoured fellow, who by his sheepskin dress and + leggings Glaucon instantly recognized as a peasant of this Malian country. The king + beckoned the Athenian into the midst and was clearly too eager to stand on ceremony. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Greek is better than Mardonius’s, good Prexaspes. In a matter like this we dare + not trust too many interpreters. This man speaks the rough dialect of his country, and + few can understand him. Can you interpret?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am passing familiar with the Locrian and Malian dialect, your Majesty.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Question this man further as to what he will do for us. We have understood him but + lamely.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon proceeded to comply. The man, who was exceeding awkward and ill at ease in + such august company, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page226">[pg 226]</span><a name="Pg226" id="Pg226" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>spoke an outrageous shepherd’s + jargon which even the Athenian understood with effort. But his business came out + speedily. He was Ephialtes, the son of one Eurydemus, a Malian, a dull-witted grazier of + the country, brought to Mardonius by hope of reward. The general, partly understanding + his purpose, had brought him to the king. In brief, he was prepared, for due + compensation, to lead the Persians by an almost unknown mountain path over the ridge of + Œta and to the rear of Leonidas’s position at Thermopylæ, where the Hellenes, assailed + front and rear, would inevitably be destroyed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As Glaucon interpreted, the shout of relieved gladness from the Persian grandees made + the tent-cloths shake. Xerxes’s eyes kindled. He clapped his hands. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Reward? He shall have ten talents! But where? How?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The man asserted that the path was easy and practicable for a large body of troops. He + had often been over it with his sheep and goats. If the Persians would start a force at + once—it was already quite dark—they could fall upon Leonidas at dawn. The Spartan + would be completely trapped, or forced to open the defile without another spear thrust. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A care, fellow,”</span> warned Mardonius, regarding the man sharply; <span class="tei tei-q">“you speak glibly, + but if this is a trick to lead a band of the king’s servants to destruction, + understand you play with deadly dice. If the troops march, you shall have your hands + knotted together and a soldier walking behind to cut your throat at the first sign of + treachery.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon interpreted the threat. The man did not wince. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There is no trap. I will guide you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> That was all they could get him to say. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page227">[pg 227]</span> + <a name="Pg227" id="Pg227" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And do not the Hellenes know of this mountain path and guard it?”</span> persisted the + bow-bearer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Ephialtes thought not; at least if they had, they had not told off any efficient + detachment to guard it. Hydarnes cut the matter short by rising from his stool and + casting himself before the king. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A boon, your Eternity, a boon!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What is it?”</span> asked the monarch. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Immortals have been disgraced. Twice they have been repulsed with ignominy. The + shame burns hot in their breasts. Suffer them to redeem their honour. Suffer me to + take this man and all the infantry of the Life Guard, and at dawn the Lord of the + World shall see his desire over his miserable enemies.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The words of Hydarnes are good,”</span> added Mardonius, incisively, and Xerxes beamed + and nodded assent. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Go, scale the mountain with the Immortals and tell this Ephialtes there await him ten + talents and a girdle of honour if the thing goes well; if ill, let him be flayed alive + and his skin be made the head of a kettledrum.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The stolid peasant did not blench even at this. Glaucon remained in the tent, + translating and hearing all the details: how Hydarnes was to press the attack from the + rear at early dawn, how Mardonius was to conduct another onset from the front. At last + the general of the guard knelt before the king for the last time. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Thus I go forth, Omnipotence, and to-morrow, behold your will upon your enemies, or + behold me never more.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have faithful slaves,”</span> said Xerxes, rising and smiling benignantly upon the + general and the bow-bearer. <span class="tei tei-q">“Let us disperse, but first let command be given the + Magians to cry all night to Mithra and Tishtrya, and to sacrifice to them a white + horse.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page228">[pg 228]</span> + <a name="Pg228" id="Pg228" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Majesty always enlists the blessings of heaven for your servants,”</span> bowed + Mardonius, as the company broke up and the king went away to his inner tent and his + concubines. Glaucon lingered until most of the grandees had gone forth, then the + bow-bearer went to him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Go back to my tents,”</span> ordered Mardonius; <span class="tei tei-q">“tell Artazostra and Roxana that all is + well, that Ahura has delivered me from a great strait and restored me to the king’s + favour, and that to-morrow the gate of Hellas will be opened.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are still bloody and dusty. You have watched all last night and been in the thick + all day,”</span> expostulated the Athenian; <span class="tei tei-q">“come to the tents with me and rest.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The bow-bearer shook his head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No rest until to-morrow, and then the rest of victory or a longer one. Now go; the + women are consuming with their care.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon wandered back through the long avenues of pavilions. The lights of innumerable + camp-fires, the hum of thousands of voices, the snorting of horses, the grumbling of + camels, the groans of men wounded—all these and all other sights and sounds from the + countless host were lost to him. He walked on by a kind of animal instinct that took him + to Mardonius’s encampment through the mazes of the canvas city. It was dawning on him + with a terrible clearness that he was become a traitor to Hellas in very deed. It was + one thing to be a passive onlooker of a battle, another to be a participant in a plot + for the ruin of Leonidas. Unless warned betimes the Spartan king and all who followed + him infallibly would be captured or slaughtered to a man. And he had heard all—the + traitor, the discussion, the design—had even, if without his choice, been partner and + helper in the same. The blood of Leonidas and his men would be on his head. Every curse + the Athenians had heaped on him <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page229">[pg 229]</span><a name="Pg229" id="Pg229" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>once unjustly, he would + deserve. Now truly he would be, even in his own mind’s eyes, <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the Traitor, + partner to the betrayal of Thermopylæ.”</span> The doltish peasant, lured by the great + reward, he might forgive,—himself, the high-born Alcmæonid, never. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> From this revery he was shaken by finding himself at the entrance to the tents of + Mardonius. Artazostra and Roxana came to meet him. When he told of the deliverance of + the bow-bearer, he had joy by the light in their eyes. Roxana had never shone in greater + beauty. He spoke of the heat of the sun, of his throbbing head. The women bathed his + forehead with lavender-water, touching him with their own soft hands. Roxana sang again + to him, a low, crooning song of the fragrant Nile, the lotus bells, the nodding palms, + the perfumed breeze from the desert. Whilst he watched her through half-closed eyes, the + visions of that day of battles left him. He sat wrapped in a dream world, far from stern + realities of men and arms. So for a while, as he lounged on the divans, following the + play of the <a name="corr229" id="corr229" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">torch-light</span> on the face of + Roxana as her long fingers plied the strings. What + was it to him if Leonidas fought a losing battle? Was not his happiness secure—be it in + Hellas, or Egypt, or Bactria? He tried to persuade himself thus. At the end, when he and + Roxana stood face to face for the parting, he violated all Oriental custom, yet he knew + her brother would not be angry. He took her in his arms and gave her kiss for kiss. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then he went to his own tent to seek rest. But Hypnos did not come for a long time + with his poppies. Once out of the Egyptian’s presence the haunting terror had returned, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the Traitor!”</span> Those three words were always uppermost. At last, indeed, + sleep came and as he slept he dreamed. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page230">[pg 230]</span> + <a name="Pg230" id="Pg230" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf26" id="pdf26"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXI</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE THREE HUNDRED—AND ONE </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As Glaucon slept he found himself again in Athens. He was on the familiar way from the + cool wrestling ground of the Academy and walking toward the city through the suburb of + Ceramicus. Just as he came to the three tall pine trees before the gate, after he had + passed the tomb of Solon, behold! a fair woman stood in the path and looked on him. She + was beyond mortal height and of divine beauty, yet a beauty grave and stern. Her gray + eyes cut to his heart like swords. On her right hand hovered a winged Victory, on her + shoulder rested an owl, at her feet twined a wise serpent, in her left hand she bore the + ægis, the shaggy <a name="corr230" id="corr230" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">goat-skin</span> engirt + with snakes—emblem of Zeus’s lightnings. Glaucon knew + that she was Athena Polias, the Warder of Athens, and lifted his hands to adore her. But + she only looked on him in silent anger. Fire seemed leaping from her eyes. The more + Glaucon besought, the more she turned away. Fear possessed him. <span class="tei tei-q">“Woe is me,”</span> he + trembled, <span class="tei tei-q">“I have enraged a terrible immortal.”</span> Then suddenly the woman’s + countenance was changed. The ægis, the serpent, the Victory, all vanished; he saw + Hermione before him, beautiful as on the day she ran to greet him at Eleusis, yet sad as + was his last sight of her the moment he fled from Colonus. Seized with infinite longing, + he sprang to her. But lo! she drifted back as into the air. It was even as when Odysseus + followed the shade of his mother in the shadowy Land of the Dead. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page231">[pg 231]</span> + <a name="Pg231" id="Pg231" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Yearned he sorely then to clasp her,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Thrice his arms were opened wide:</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">From his hands so strong, so loving,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Like a dream she seemed to glide,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">And away, away she flitted,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Whilst he grasped the empty space,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">And a pain shot through him, maddening,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">As he strove for her embrace.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He pursued, she drifted farther, farther. Her face was inexpressibly sorrowful. And + Glaucon knew that she spoke to him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have believed you innocent, though all Athens calls you <span class="tei tei-q">‘traitor.’</span> I have been + true to you, though all men rise up against me. In what manner have you kept your + innocence? Have you had love for another, caresses for another, kisses for another? + How will you prove your loyalty to Athens and return?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hermione!”</span> Glaucon cried, not in his dream, but quite aloud. He awoke with a + start. Outside the tent sentry was calling to sentry, changing the watch just before the + dawning. It was perfectly plain to him what he must do. His dream had only given shape + to the ferment in his brain, a ferment never ceasing while his body slept. He must go + instantly to the Greek camp and warn Leonidas. If the Spartan did not trust him, no + matter, he had done his duty. If Leonidas slew him on the spot, again no matter, life + with an eternally gnawing conscience could be bought on too hard terms. He knew, as + though Zeus’s messenger Iris had spoken it, that Hermione had never believed him guilty, + that she had been in all things true to him. He could never betray her trust. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> His head now was clear and calm. He arose, threw on his cloak, and buckled about his + waist a short sword. The Nubian boy that Mardonius had given him for a body-servant <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page232">[pg 232]</span><a name="Pg232" id="Pg232" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>awoke on his mat, and asked wonderingly <span class="tei tei-q">“whither his + Lordship was going?”</span> Glaucon informed him he must be at the front before daybreak, + and bade him remain behind and disturb no one. But the Athenian was not to execute his + design unhindered. As he passed out of the tent and into the night, where the morning + stars were burning, and where the first red was creeping upward from the sea, two + figures glided forth from the next pavilion. He knew them and shrank from them. They + were Artazostra and Roxana. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You go forth early, dearest Prexaspes,”</span> spoke the Egyptian, throwing back her + veil, and even in the starlight he saw the anxious flash of her eyes, <span class="tei tei-q">“does the battle + join so soon that you take so little sleep?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It joins early, lady,”</span> spoke Glaucon, his wits wandering. In the intensity of his + purpose he had not thought of the partings with the people he must henceforth reckon + foes. He was sorely beset, when Roxana drew near and laid her hand upon his shoulder. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Greeks will resist terribly,”</span> she spoke. <span class="tei tei-q">“We women dread the battle more + than you. Yours is the fierce gladness of the combat, ours only the waiting, the heavy + tidings, the sorrow. Therefore Artazostra and I could not sleep, but have been + watching together. You will of course be near Mardonius my brother. You will guard him + from all danger. Leonidas will resist fearfully when at bay. Ah! what is this?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In pressing closer she had discovered the Athenian wore no cuirass. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You will not risk the battle without armour?”</span> was her cry. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I shall not need it, lady,”</span> answered he, and only half conscious what he did, + stretched forth as if to put her away. Roxana shrank back, grieved and wondering, but + Artazostra seized his arm quickly. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page233">[pg 233]</span> + <a name="Pg233" id="Pg233" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What is this, Prexaspes? All is not well. Your manner is strange!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He shook her off, almost savagely. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Call me not Prexaspes,”</span> he cried, not in Persian, but in Greek. <span class="tei tei-q">“I am Glaucon of + Athens; as Glaucon I must live, as Glaucon die. No man—not though he desire it—can + disown the land that bore him. And if I dreamed I was a Persian, I wake to find myself + a Greek. Therefore forget me forever. I go to my own!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Prexaspes, my lover,”</span>—Roxana, strong in fear and passion, clung about his girdle, + while again Artazostra seized him,—<span class="tei tei-q">“last night I was in your arms. Last night you + kissed me. Are we not to be happy together? What is this you say?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He stood one instant silent, then shook himself and put them both aside with a + marvellous ease. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Forget my name,”</span> he commanded. <span class="tei tei-q">“If I have given you sorrow, I repent it. I go to + my own. Go you to yours. My place is with Leonidas—to save him, or more like to die + with him! Farewell!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He sprang away from them. He saw Roxana sink upon the ground. He heard Artazostra + calling to the horse-boys and the eunuchs,—perhaps she bade them to pursue. Once he + looked back, but never twice. He knew the watchwords, and all the sentries let him pass + by freely. With a feverish stride he traced the avenues of sleeping tents. Soon he was + at the outposts, where strong divisions of Cissian and Babylonian infantrymen were + slumbering under arms, ready for the attack the instant the uproar from the rear of the + pass told how Hydarnes had completed his circuit. Eos—<span class="tei tei-q">“Rosy-Fingered Dawn”</span>—was + just shimmering above the mist-hung peak of Mt. Telethrius in Eubœa across the bay when + Glaucon came to the last Persian outpost. The pickets <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page234">[pg 234]</span><a name="Pg234" id="Pg234" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>saluted with their lances, as he went by them, taking him for a high officer on a + reconnoissance before the onset. Next he was on the scene of the former battles. He + stumbled over riven shields, shattered spear butts, and many times over ghastlier + objects—objects yielding and still warm—dead men, awaiting the crows of the morrow. He + walked straight on, while the dawn strengthened and the narrow pass sprang into view, + betwixt mountain and morass. Then at last a challenge, not in Persian, but in round + clear Doric. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Halt! Who passes?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon held up his right hand, and advanced cautiously. Two men in heavy armour + approached, and threatened his breast with their lance points. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who are you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A friend, a Hellene—my speech tells that. Take me to Leonidas. I’ve a story worth + telling.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span> Master <span class="tei tei-q">‘Friend,’</span> our general can’t be waked for + every deserter. We’ll call our decarch.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A shout brought the subaltern commanding the Greek outposts. He was a Spartan of less + sluggish wits than many of his breed, and presently believed Glaucon when he declared he + had reason in asking for Leonidas. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But your accent is Athenian?”</span> asked the decarch, with wonderment. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ay, Athenian,”</span> assented Glaucon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Curses on you! I thought no Athenian ever Medized. What business had <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></span> in the Persian camp? Who of your countrymen are there save + the sons of Hippias?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not many,”</span> rejoined the fugitive, not anxious to have the questions pushed home. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well, to Leonidas you shall go, sir Athenian, and state your business. But you are + like to get a bearish welcome. Since your pretty Glaucon’s treason, our king has not + wasted much love even on repentant traitors.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page235">[pg 235]</span> + <a name="Pg235" id="Pg235" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> With a soldier on either side, the deserter was marched within the barrier wall. + Another encampment, vastly smaller and less luxurious than the Persian, but of martial + orderliness, spread out along the pass. The Hellenes were just waking. Some were + breakfasting from helmets full of cold boiled peas, others buckled on the well-dinted + bronze cuirasses and greaves. Men stared at Glaucon as he was led by them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A deserter they take to the chief,”</span> ran the whisper, and a little knot of idle + Spartans trailed behind, when at last Glaucon’s guides halted him before a brown tent + barely larger than the others. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A man sat on a camp chest by the entrance, and was busy with an iron spoon eating <span class="tei tei-q">“black broth”</span><a id="noteref_9" name="noteref_9" href="#note_9"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">9</span></span></a> from a huge kettle. In the dim light Glaucon + could just see that he wore a purple cloak flung over his black armour, and that the + helmet resting beside him was girt by a wreath of gold foil. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The two guards dropped their spears in salute. The man looked upward. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A deserter,”</span> reported one of Glaucon’s mentors; <span class="tei tei-q">“he says he has important + news.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wait!”</span> ordered the general, making the iron spoon clack steadily. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The weal of Hellas rests thereon. Listen!”</span> pleaded the nervous Athenian. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wait!”</span> was the unruffled answer, and still the iron spoon went on plying. The + Spartan lifted a huge morsel from the pot, chewed it deliberately, then put the vessel + by. Next he inspected the newcomer from head to toe, then at last gave his permission. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page236">[pg 236]</span> + <a name="Pg236" id="Pg236" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon’s words were like a bursting torrent. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fly, your Excellency! I’m from Xerxes’s camp. I was at the Persian council. The + mountain path is betrayed. Hydarnes and the guard are almost over it. They will fall + upon your rear. Fly, or you and all your men are trapped!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> observed the Spartan, slowly, motioning for the deserter to cease, but + Glaucon’s fears made that impossible. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I say I was in Xerxes’s own tent. I was interpreter betwixt the king and the traitor. + I know all whereof I say. If you do not flee instantly, the blood of these men is on + your head.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Leonidas again scanned the deserter with piercing scrutiny, then flung a question. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who are you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The blood leaped into the Athenian’s cheeks. The tongue that had wagged so nimbly + clove in his mouth. He grew silent. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who are you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As the question was repeated, the scrutiny grew yet closer. The soldiers were pressing + around, one comrade leaning over another’s shoulder. Twenty saw the fugitive’s form + straighten as he stood in the morning twilight. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am Glaucon of Athens, Isthmionices!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah!”</span> Leonidas’s jaw dropped for an instant. He showed no other astonishment, but + the listening Spartans raised a yell. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Death! Stone the traitor!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Leonidas, without a word, smote the man nearest to him with a spear butt. The soldiers + were silent instantly. Then the chief turned back to the deserter. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why here?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page237">[pg 237]</span> + <a name="Pg237" id="Pg237" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon had never prayed for the gifts of Peitho, <span class="tei tei-q">“Our Lady Persuasion,”</span> more + than at that crucial moment. Arguments, supplications, protestations of innocence, + curses upon his unknown enemies, rushed to his lips together. He hardly realized what he + himself said. Only he knew that at the end the soldiers did not tug at their hilts as + before and scowl so threateningly, and Leonidas at last lifted his hand as if to bid him + cease. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span>”</span> grunted the chief. <span class="tei tei-q">“So you wish me to believe you + a victim of fate, and trust your story? The pass is turned, you say? Masistes the seer + said the libation sputtered on the flame with ill-omen when he sacrificed this + morning. Then you come. The thing shall be looked into. Call the captains.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The locharchs and taxiarchs of the Greeks assembled. It was a brief and gloomy council + of war. While Euboulus, commanding the Corinthian contingent, was still questioning + whether the deserter was worthy of credence, a scout came running down Mt. Œta + confirming the worst. The cowardly Phocians watching the mountain trail had fled at the + first arrows of Hydarnes. It was merely a question of time before the Immortals would be + at Alpeni, the village in Leonidas’s rear. There was only one thing to say, and the + Spartan chief said it. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You must retreat.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The taxiarchs of the allied Hellenes under him were already rushing forth to their men + to bid them fly for dear life. Only one or two stayed by the tent, marvelling much to + observe that Leonidas gave no orders to his Lacedæmonians to join in the flight. On the + contrary, Glaucon, as he stood near, saw the general lift the discarded pot of broth and + explore it again with the iron spoon. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page238">[pg 238]</span> + <a name="Pg238" id="Pg238" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O Father Zeus,”</span> cried the incredulous Corinthian leader. <span class="tei tei-q">“Are you turned mad, + Leonidas?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Time enough for all things,”</span> returned the unmoved Spartan, continuing his + breakfast. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Time!”</span> shouted Euboulus. <span class="tei tei-q">“Have we not to flee on wings, or be cut off?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fly, then.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But you and your Spartans?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We will stay.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Stay? A handful against a million? Do I hear aright? What can you do?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Die.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The gods forbid! Suicide is a fearful end. No man should rush on destruction. What + requires you to perish?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Honour.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Honour! Have you not won glory enough by holding Xerxes’s whole power at bay two + days? Is not your life precious to Hellas? What is the gain?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glory to Sparta.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then in the red morning half-light, folding his big hands across his mailed chest, + Leonidas looked from one to another of the little circle. His voice was still in + unemotional gutturals when he delivered the longest speech of his life. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We of Sparta were ordered to defend this pass. The order shall be obeyed. The rest of + you must go away—all save the Thebans, whose loyalty I distrust. Tell Leotychides, my + colleague at Sparta, to care for Gorgo my wife and Pleistarchus my young son, and to + remember that <a name="corr238" id="corr238" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Themistocles</span> the Athenian loves Hellas and gives sage counsel. Pay + Strophius of Epidaurus the three hundred drachmæ I owe him for my horse. + Likewise—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A second breathless scout interrupted with the tidings that Hydarnes was on the last + stretches of his road. The <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page239">[pg 239]</span><a name="Pg239" id="Pg239" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>chief arose, drew the helmet + down across his face, and motioned with his spear. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Go!”</span> he ordered. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Corinthian would have seized his hand. He shook him off. At Leonidas’s elbow was + standing the trumpeter for his three hundred from Lacedæmon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Blow!”</span> commanded the chief. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The keen blast cut the air. The chief deliberately wrapped the purple mantle around + himself and adjusted the gold circlet over his helmet, for on the day of battle a + Lacedæmonian was wont to wear his best. And even as he waited there came to him out of + the midst of the panic-stricken, dissolving camp, one by one, tall men in armour, who + took station beside him—the men of Sparta who had abided steadfast while all others + prepared to flee, waiting for the word of the chief. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Presently they stood, a long black line, motionless, silent, whilst the other + divisions filed in swift fear past. Only the Thespians—let their names not be + forgotten—chose to share the Laconians’ glory and their doom and took their stand + behind the line of Leonidas. With them stood also the Thebans, but compulsion held them, + and they tarried merely to desert and pawn their honour for their lives. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> More couriers. Hydarnes’s van was in sight of Alpeni now. The retreat of the + Corinthians, Tegeans, and other Hellenes became a run; only once Euboulus and his + fellow-captains turned to the silent warrior that stood leaning on his spear. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Are you resolved on madness, Leonidas?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chaire!</span></span> Farewell!”</span> was the only answer he gave them. + Euboulus sought no more, but faced another figure, hitherto almost forgotten in the + confusion of the retreat. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Haste, Master Deserter, the Barbarians will give you <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page240">[pg 240]</span><a name="Pg240" id="Pg240" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>an overwarm welcome, and you are no Spartan; save yourself!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon did not stir. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you not see that it is impossible?”</span> he answered, then strode across to + Leonidas. <span class="tei tei-q">“I must stay.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Are you also mad? You are young—”</span> The good-hearted Corinthian strove to drag him + into the retreating mob. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon sprang away from him and addressed the silent general. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Shall not Athens remain by Sparta, if Sparta will accept?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He could see Leonidas’s cold eyes gleam out through the slits in his helmet. The + general reached forth his hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sparta accepts,”</span> called he; <span class="tei tei-q">“they have lied concerning your Medizing! And you, + Euboulus, do not filch from him his glory.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Zeus pity you!”</span> cried Euboulus, running at last. One of the Spartans brought to + Glaucon the heavy hoplite’s armour and the ponderous spear and shield. He took his place + in the line with the others. Leonidas stalked to the right wing of his scant array, the + post of honour and of danger. The Thespians closed up behind. Shield was set to shield. + Helmets were drawn low. The lance points projected in a bristling hedge in front. All + was ready. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The general made no speech to fire his men. There was no wailing, no crying to the + gods, no curses upon the tardy ephors at Lacedæmon who had deferred sending their whole + strong levy instead of the pitiful three hundred. Sparta had sent this band to hold the + pass. They had gone, knowing she might require the supreme sacrifice. Leonidas had + spoken for all his men. <span class="tei tei-q">“Sparta demanded it.”</span> What more was to be said? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As for Glaucon he could think of nothing save—in the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page241">[pg 241]</span><a name="Pg241" id="Pg241" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>language of his people—<span class="tei tei-q">“this was a beautiful manner and place in which to die.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Count no man happy until he meets a happy end,”</span> so had said Solon, and of all ends + what could be more fortunate than this? Euboulus would tell in Athens, in all Hellas, + how he had remained with Leonidas and maintained Athenian honour when Corinthian and + Tegean turned away. From <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the Traitor”</span> he would be raised to <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the + Hero.”</span> Hermione, Democrates, and all others he loved would flush with pride and no + more with shame when men spoke of him. Could a life of a hundred years add to his glory + more than he could win this day? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Blow!”</span> commanded Leonidas again, and again pealed the trumpet. The line moved + beyond the wall toward Xerxes’s camp in the open beside the Asopus. Why wait for + Hydarnes’s coming? They would meet the king of the Aryans face to face and show him the + terrible manner in which the men of Lacedæmon knew how to die. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As they passed from the shadow of the mountain, the sun sprang over the hills of + Eubœa, making fire of the bay and bathing earth and heavens with glory. In their rear + was already shouting. Hydarnes had reached his goal at Alpeni. All retreat was ended. + The thin line swept onward. Before them spread the whole host of the Barbarian as far as + the eye could reach,—a tossing sea of golden shields, scarlet surcoats, silver + lance-heads,—awaiting with its human billows to engulf them. The Laconians halted just + beyond bow shot. The line locked tighter. Instinctively every man pressed closer to his + comrade. Then before the eyes of Xerxes’s host, which kept silence, marvelling, the + handful broke forth with their pæan. They threw their well-loved charging song of + Tyrtæus in the very face of the king. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page242">[pg 242]</span> + <a name="Pg242" id="Pg242" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Press the charge, O sons of Sparta!</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Ye are sons of men born free:</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Press the charge; ’tis where the shields lock,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">That your sires would have you be!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Honour’s cheaply sold for life,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Press the charge, and join the strife:</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Let the coward cling to breath,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Let the base shrink back from death,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic">Press the charge, let cravens + flee!</span></span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Leonidas’s spear pointed to the ivory throne, around which and him that sat thereon in + blue and scarlet glittered the Persian grandees. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Onward!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Immortal ichor seemed in the veins of every Greek. They burst into one shout. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The king! The king!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A roar from countless drums, horns, and atabals answered from the Barbarians, as + across the narrow plain-land charged the three hundred—and one. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page243">[pg 243]</span> + <a name="Pg243" id="Pg243" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf27" id="pdf27"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> MARDONIUS GIVES A PROMISE </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ugh—the dogs died hard, but they are dead,”</span> grunted Xerxes, still shivering on + the ivory throne. The battle had raged disagreeably close to him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They are dead; even so perish all of your Eternity’s enemies,”</span> rejoined Mardonius, + close by. The bow-bearer himself was covered with blood and dust. A Spartan sword had + grazed his forehead. He had exposed himself recklessly, as well he might, for it had + taken all the efforts of the Persian captains, as well as the ruthless laying of whips + over the backs of their men, to make the king’s battalions face the frenzied Hellenes, + until the closing in of Hydarnes from the rear gave the battle its inevitable ending. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Xerxes was victorious. The gate of Hellas was unlocked. The mountain wall of Œta would + hinder him no more. But the triumph had been bought with a price which made Mardonius + and every other general in the king’s host shake his head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord,”</span> reported Hystaspes, commander of the Scythians, <span class="tei tei-q">“one man in every seven + of my band is slain, and those the bravest.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord,”</span> spoke Artabazus, who led the Parthians, <span class="tei tei-q">“my men swear the Hellenes were + possessed by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">dævas</span></span>. They dare not approach even their dead bodies.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord,”</span> asked Hydarnes, <span class="tei tei-q">“will it please your Eternity to <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page244">[pg 244]</span><a name="Pg244" id="Pg244" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>appoint five other officers in the Life Guard, for of my ten lieutenants + over the Immortals five are slain?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But the heaviest news no man save Mardonius dared to bring to the king. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“May it please your Omnipotence,”</span> spoke the bow-bearer, <span class="tei tei-q">“to order the funeral + pyres of cedar and precious oils to be prepared for your brothers Abrocomes and + Hyperanthes, and command the Magians to offer prayers for the repose of their <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">fravashis</span></span> in Garonmana the Blessed, for it pleased Mazda the + Great they should fall before the Hellenes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Xerxes waved his hand in assent. It was hard to be the <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord of the World,”</span> and + be troubled by such little things as the deaths of a few thousand servants, or even of + two of his numerous half-brethren, hard at least on a day like this when he had seen his + desire over his enemies. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They shall be well avenged,”</span> he announced with kingly dignity, then smiled with + satisfaction when they brought him the shield and helmet of Leonidas, the madman, who + had dared to contemn his power. But all the generals who stood by were grim and sad. One + more such victory would bring the army close to destruction. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Xerxes’s happiness, however, was not to be clouded. From childish fears he had passed + to childish exultation. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Have you found the body also of this crazed Spartan?”</span> he inquired of the cavalry + officer who had brought the trophies. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“As you say, Omnipotence,”</span> rejoined the captain, bowing in the saddle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good, then. Let the head be struck off and the trunk fastened on a cross that all may + see it. And you, Mardonius,”</span> addressing the bow-bearer, <span class="tei tei-q">“ride back to the hillock + where these madmen made their last stand. If you discover among the corpses any who + yet breathe, bring them hither <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page245">[pg 245]</span><a name="Pg245" id="Pg245" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to me, that they may + learn the futility of resisting my might.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The bow-bearer shrugged his shoulders. He loved a fair battle and fair treatment of + valiant foes. The dishonouring of the corpse of Leonidas was displeasing to more than + one high-minded Aryan nobleman. But the king had spoken, and was to be obeyed. Mardonius + rode back to the hillock at the mouth of the pass, where the Hellenes had retired—after + their spears were broken and they could resist only with swords, stones, or naked + hands—for the final death grip. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The slain Barbarians lay in heaps. The Greeks had been crushed at the end, not in + close strife, but by showers of arrows. Mardonius dismounted and went with a few + followers among the dead. Plunderers were already at their harpy work of stripping the + slain. The bow-bearer chased them angrily away. He oversaw the task which his attendants + performed as quickly as possible. Their toil was not quite fruitless. Three or four + Thespians were still breathing, a few more of the helots who had attended Leonidas’s + Spartans, but not one of the three hundred but seemed dead, and that too with many + wounds. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Snofru, Mardonius’s Egyptian body-servant, rose from the ghastly work and grinned with + his ivories at his master. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“All the rest are slain, Excellency.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have not searched that pile yonder.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Snofru and his helpers resumed their toil. Presently the Egyptian dragged from a + bloody heap a body, and raised a yell. <span class="tei tei-q">“Another one—he breathes!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There’s life in him. He shall not be left to the crows. Take him forth and lay him + with the others that are living.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was not easy to roll the three corpses from their feebly stirring comrade. When + this was done, the stricken man <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page246">[pg 246]</span><a name="Pg246" id="Pg246" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was still encased in + his cuirass and helmet. They saw only that his hands were slim and white. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“With care,”</span> ordered the humane bow-bearer, <span class="tei tei-q">“he is a young man. I heard Leonidas + took only older men on his desperate venture. Here, rascals, do you not see he is + smothered in that helmet? Lift him up, unbuckle the cuirass. By Mithra, he has a + strong and noble form! Now the helmet—uncover the face.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But as the Egyptian did so, his master uttered a shout of mingled wonderment and + terror. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon—Prexaspes, and in Spartan armour!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> What had befallen Glaucon was in no wise miraculous. He had borne his part in the + battle until the Hellenes fell back to the fatal hillock. Then in one of the fierce + onsets which the Barbarians attempted before they had recourse to the simpler and less + glorious method of crushing their foes by arrow fire, a Babylonian’s war club had dashed + upon his helmet. The stout bronze had saved him from wound, but under the stroke + strength and consciousness had left him in a flash. The moment after he fell, the + soldier beside him had perished by a javelin, and falling above the Athenian made his + body a ghastly shield against the surge and trampling of the battle. Glaucon lay + scathless but senseless through the final catastrophe. Now consciousness was returning, + but he would have died of suffocation save for Snofru’s timely aid. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was well for the Athenian that Mardonius was a man of ready devices. He had not + seen Glaucon at his familiar post beside the king, but had presumed the Hellene had + remained at the tents with the women, unwilling to watch the destruction of his people. + In the rush and roar of the battle the messenger Artazostra had sent her husband telling + of <span class="tei tei-q">“Prexaspes’s”</span> flight had never reached him. But Mar<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page247">[pg 247]</span><a name="Pg247" id="Pg247" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>donius could divine what had happened. The swallow must fly south in the + autumn. The Athenian had returned to his own. The bow-bearer’s wrath at his protégé’s + desertion was overmastered by the consuming fear that tidings of Prexaspes’s disloyalty + would get to the king. Xerxes’s wrath would be boundless. Had he not proffered his new + subject all the good things of his empire? And to be rewarded thus! Glaucon’s recompense + would be to be sawn asunder or flung into a serpent’s cage. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Fortunately Mardonius had only his own personal followers around him. He could count + on their discreet loyalty. Vouchsafing no explanations, but bidding them say not a word + of their discovery on their heads, he ordered Snofru and his companions to make a litter + of cloaks and lances, to throw away Glaucon’s tell-tale Spartan armour, and bear him + speedily to Artazostra’s tents. The stricken man was groaning feebly, moving his limbs, + muttering incoherently. The sight of Xerxes driving in person to inspect the + battle-field made Mardonius hasten the litter away, while he remained to parley with the + king. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So only a few are alive?”</span> asked Xerxes, leaning over the silver rail of the + chariot, and peering on the upturned faces of the dead which were nearly trampled by his + horses. <span class="tei tei-q">“Are any sound enough to set before me?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“None, your Eternity; even the handful that live are desperately wounded. We have laid + them yonder.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let them wait, then; all around here seem dead. Ugly hounds!”</span> muttered the + monarch, still peering down; <span class="tei tei-q">“even in death they seem to grit their teeth and defy me. + Faugh! The stench is already terrible. It is just as well they are dead. Angra-Mainyu + surely possessed them to fight so! It cannot be there are many more who can fight like + this left in Hellas, though Demaratus, the Spartan outlaw, says <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page248">[pg 248]</span><a name="Pg248" id="Pg248" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>there are. Drive away, Pitiramphes—and you, Mardonius, ride beside me. + I cannot abide those corpses. Where is my handkerchief? The one with the Sabæan nard + on it. I will hold it to my nose. Most refreshing! And I had a question to ask—I have + forgotten what.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Whether news has come from the fleets before Artemisium?”</span> spoke Mardonius, + galloping close to the wheel. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not that. Ah! I remember. Where was Prexaspes? I did not see him near me. Did he stay + in the tents while these mad men were destroyed? It was not loyal, yet I forgive him. + After all, he was once a Hellene.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“May it please your Eternity,”</span>—Mardonius chose his words carefully,—a Persian + always loved the truth, and lies to the king were doubly impious,—<span class="tei tei-q">“Prexaspes was not + in the tents but in the thick of the battle.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah!”</span> Xerxes smiled pleasantly, <span class="tei tei-q">“it was right loyal of him to show his devotion + to me thus. And he acquitted himself valiantly?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Most valiantly, Omnipotence.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Doubly good. Yet he ought to have stayed near me. If he had been a true Persian, he + would not have withdrawn from the person of the king, even to display his prowess in + combat. Still he did well. Where is he?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I regret to tell your Eternity he was desperately wounded, though your servant hopes + not unto death. He is even now being taken to my tents.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Where that pretty dancer, your sister, will play the surgeon—ha!”</span> cried the king. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well, tell him his Lord is grateful. He shall not be forgotten. If his wounds do + not mend, call in my body-physicians. And I will send him something in gratitude—a + golden cimeter, perhaps, or it may be another cream Nisæan charger.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A general rode up to the chariot with his report, and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page249">[pg 249]</span><a name="Pg249" id="Pg249" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Mardonius was suffered to gallop to his own tents, blessing Mazda; he had saved the + Athenian, yet had not told a lie. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The ever ready eunuchs of Artazostra ran to tell Mardonius of the Hellene’s strange + desertion, even before their lord dismounted. Mardonius was not astonished now, however + much the tidings pained him. The Greek had escaped more than trifling wounds; ten days + would see him sound and hale, but the stunning blow had left his wits still wandering. + He had believed himself dead at first, and demanded why Charon took so long with his + ferry-boat. He had not recognized Roxana, but spoke one name many times—<span class="tei tei-q">“Hermione!”</span> And the Egyptian, understanding too well, went to her own tent weeping + bitterly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He has forsaken us,”</span> spoke Artazostra, harshly, to her husband. <span class="tei tei-q">“He has paid + kindness with disloyalty. He has chosen the lot of his desperate race rather than + princely state amongst the Aryans. Your sister is in agony.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And I with her,”</span> returned the bow-bearer, gravely, <span class="tei tei-q">“but let us not forget one + thing—this man has saved our lives. And all else weighs small in the balance.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> When Mardonius went to him, Glaucon was again himself. He lay on bright pillows, his + forehead swathed in linen. His eyes were unnaturally bright. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You know what has befallen?”</span> asked Mardonius. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They have told me. I almost alone of all the Hellenes have not been called to the + heroes’ Elysium, to the glory of Theseus and Achilles, the glory that shall not die. + Yet I am content. For plainly the Olympians have destined that I should see and do + great things in Hellas, otherwise they would not have kept me back from Leonidas’s + glory.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Athenian’s voice rang confidently. None of the halting weakness remained that had + made it falter once when <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page250">[pg 250]</span><a name="Pg250" id="Pg250" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Mardonius asked him, <span class="tei tei-q">“Will + your Hellenes fight?”</span> He spoke as might one returned crowned with the victor’s + laurel. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And wherefore are you grown so bold?”</span> The bow-bearer was troubled as he looked on + him. <span class="tei tei-q">“Nobly you and your handful fought. We Persians honour the brave, and full honour + we give to you. But was it not graven upon the stars what should befall? Were not + Leonidas, his men, and you all mad—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, yes! divinely mad.”</span> Brighter still grew the Athenian’s eyes. <span class="tei tei-q">“For that + moment of exultation when we charged to meet the king I would again pay a + lifetime.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yet the gateway of Hellas is unlocked. Your bravest are fallen. Your land is + defenceless. What else can be written hereafter save, <span class="tei tei-q">‘The Hellenes strove with + fierce courage to fling back Xerxes. Their valour was foolishness. The god turned + against them. The king prevailed.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Glaucon met the Persian’s glance with one more bold. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No, Mardonius, good friend, for do not think that we must be foes one to another + because our people are at war,—I can answer you with ease. Leonidas you have slain, + and his handful, and you have pierced the mountain wall of Œta, and no doubt your + king’s host will march even to Athens. But do not dream Hellas is conquered by + striding over her land. Before you shall possess the land you must first possess the + men. And I say to you, Athens is still left, and Sparta left, free and strong, with + men whose hearts and hands can never fail. I doubted once. But now I doubt no more. + And our gods will fight for us. Your Ahura-Mazda has still to prevail over Zeus the + Thunderer and Athena of the Pure Heart.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you?”</span> asked the Persian. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page251">[pg 251]</span> + <a name="Pg251" id="Pg251" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And as for me, I know I have cast away by my own act all the good things you and your + king would fain bestow upon me. Perhaps I deserve death at your hands. I will never + plead for respite, but this I know, whether I live or die, it shall be as Glaucon of + Athens who owns no king but Zeus, no loyalty save to the land that bore him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> There was stillness in the tent. The wounded man sank back on the pillows, breathing + deep, closing his eyes, expectant almost of a burst of wrath from the Persian. But + Mardonius answered without trace of anger. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Friend, your words cut keenly, and your boasts are high. Only the Most High knoweth + whether you boast aright. Yet this I say, that much as I desire your friendship, would + see you my brother, even,—you know that,—I dare not tell you you do wholly wrong. A + man is given one country and one manner of faith in God. He does not choose them. I + was born to serve the lord of the Aryans, and to spread the triumphs of Mithra the + Glorious, and you were born in Athens. I would it were otherwise. Artazostra and I + would fain have made you Persian like ourselves. My sister loves you. Yet we cannot + strive against fate. Will you go back to your own people and share their lot, however + direful?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Since life is given me, I will.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius stepped to the bedside and gave the Athenian his right hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“At the island you saved my life and that of my best beloved. Let it never be said + that Mardonius, son of Gobryas, is ungrateful. To-day, in some measure, I have repaid + the debt I owe. If you will have it so, as speedily as your strength returns and + opportunity offers I will return you to your people. And amongst them may your own + gods show you favour, for you will have none from ours!”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page252">[pg 252]</span> + <a name="Pg252" id="Pg252" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon took the proffered hand in silent gratitude. He was still very weak and rested + on the pillows, breathing hard. The bow-bearer went out to his wife and his sister and + told his promise. There was little to be said. The Athenian must go his path, and they + go theirs, unless he were to be handed over to Xerxes to die a death of torments. And + not even Roxana, keenly as pierced her sorrow, would think of that. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page253">[pg 253]</span> + <a name="Pg253" id="Pg253" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf28" id="pdf28"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXIII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE DARKEST HOUR </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A city of two hundred thousand awaiting a common sentence of death,—such seemed the + doom of Athens. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Every morning the golden majesty of the sun rose above the wall of Hymettus, but few + could lift their hands to Lord Helios and give praise for another day of light. <span class="tei tei-q">“Each + sunrise brings Xerxes nearer.”</span> The bravest forgot not that. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet Athens was never more truly the <span class="tei tei-q">“Violet-Crowned City”</span> than on these last days + before the fearful advent. The sun at morn on Hymettus, the sun at night on Daphni, the + nightingales and cicadas in the olives by Cephissus, the hum of bees on the sweet thyme + of the mountain, the purple of the hills, the blue and the fire of the bay, the merry + tinkle of the goat bells upon the rocks, the laugh of little children in the + streets—all these made Athens fair, but could not take the cloud from the hearts of the + people. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Trade was at standstill in the Agora. The most careless frequented the temples. Old + foes composed their cases before the arbitrator. The courts were closed, but there was + meeting after meeting in the Pnyx, with incessant speeches on one theme—how Athens must + resist to the bitter end. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And why should not the end be bitter? Argos and Crete had Medized. Corcyra promised + and did nothing. Thebes was weakening. Thessaly had sent earth and water. Corinth, + Ægina, and a few lesser states were moderately loyal, but great Sparta only + procrastinated and despatched no help <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page254">[pg 254]</span><a name="Pg254" id="Pg254" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to her Athenian + ally. So every day the Persian thunder-cloud was darkening. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But one man never faltered, nor suffered others about him to falter,—Themistocles. + The people heard him gladly—he would never talk of defeat. He had a thousand reasons + why the invader should be baffled, from a convenient hexameter in old Bacis’s oracle + book, up to the fact that the Greeks used the longest spears. If he found it weary work + looking the crowding peril in the face and smiling still, he never confessed it. His + friends would marvel at his serenity. Only when they saw him sit silent, saw his brows + knit, his hand comb at his beard, they knew his inexhaustible brain was weaving the web + which should ensnare the lord of the Aryans. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Thus day after day—while men thought dark things in their hearts. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermippus had come down to his city house from Eleusis, and with him his wife and + daughter. The Eleusinian was very busy. He was a member of the Areopagus, the old + council of ex-archons, an experienced body that found much to do. Hermippus had strained + his own resources to provide shields for the hoplites. He was constantly with + Themistocles, which implied being much with Democrates. The more he saw of the young + orator, the better the Eleusinian liked him. True, not every story ran to Democrates’s + credit, but Hermippus knew the world, and could forgive a young man if he had + occasionally spent a jolly night. Democrates seemed to have forsworn Ionian harp-girls + now. His patriotism was self-evident. The Eleusinian saw in him a most desirable + protector in the perils of war for Hermione and her child. Hermione’s dislike for her + husband’s destroyer was natural,—nay, in bounds, laudable,—but one must not <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page255">[pg 255]</span><a name="Pg255" id="Pg255" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>give way too much to women’s phantasies. The lady was + making a Cyclops of Democrates by sheer imagination; an interview would dispel her + prejudices. Therefore Hermippus planned, and his plan was not hard to execute. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> On the day the fleet sailed to Artemisium, Hermione went with her mother to the + havens, as all the city went, to wish godspeed to the <span class="tei tei-q">“wooden wall”</span> of Hellas. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> One hundred and twenty-seven triremes were to go forth, and three and fifty to follow, + bearing the best and bravest of Athens with them. Themistocles was in absolute command, + and perhaps in his heart of hearts Democrates was not mournful if it lay out of his + power to do a second ill-turn to his country. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was again summer, and again such a day as when Glaucon with glad friends had rowed + toward Salamis. The Saronian bay flashed fairest azure. The scattered isles and the + headlands of Argolis rose in clear beauty. The city had emptied itself. Mothers hung on + the necks of sons as the latter strode toward Peiræus; friends clasped hands for the + last time as he who remained promised him who went that the wife and little ones should + never be forgotten. Only Hermione, as she stood on the hill of Munychia above the triple + havens, shed no tear. The ship bearing her all was gone long since. Themistocles would + never lead it back. Hermippus was at the quay in Peiræus, taking leave of the admiral. + Old Cleopis held the babe as Hermione stood by her mother. The younger woman had + suffered her gaze to wander to far Ægina, where a featherlike cloud hung above the + topmost summit of the isle, when her mother’s voice called her back. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They go.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A line of streamers blew from the foremast of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> as + the piper on the flag-ship gave the time to the oars. The triple line of blades, pumiced + white, splashed with a <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page256">[pg 256]</span><a name="Pg256" id="Pg256" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>steady rhythm. The long black + hull glided away. The trailing line of consorts swiftly followed. From the hill and the + quays a shout uprose from the thousands, to be answered by the fleet,—a cheer or a + prayer to sea-ruling Poseidon those who gave it hardly knew. The people stood silent + till the last dark hull crept around the southern headland; then, still in silence, the + multitudes dissolved. The young and the strong had gone from them. For Athens this was + the beginning of the war. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermione and Lysistra awaited Hermippus before setting homeward, but the Eleusinian + was delayed. The fleet had vanished. The havens were empty. In Cleopis’s arms little + Phœnix wept. His mother was anxious to be gone, when she was surprised to see a figure + climbing the almost deserted slope. A moment more and she was face to face with + Democrates, who advanced outstretching his hand and smiling. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The orator wore the dress of his new office of strategus. The purple-edged cloak, the + light helmet wreathed with myrtle, the short sword at his side, all became him well. If + there were deeper lines about his face than on the day Hermione last saw him, even an + enemy would confess a leader of the Athenians had cause to be thoughtful. He was + cordially greeted by Lysistra and seemed not at all abashed that Hermione gave only a + sullen nod. From the ladies he turned with laughter to Cleopis and her burden. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A new Athenian!”</span> spoke he, lightly, <span class="tei tei-q">“and I fear Xerxes will have been chased + away before he has a chance to prove his valour. But fear not, there will be more + brave days in store.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermione shook her head, ill-pleased. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Blessed be Hera, my babe is too young to know aught of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page257">[pg 257]</span><a name="Pg257" id="Pg257" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>wars. And if we survive this one, will not just Zeus spare us from + further bloodshed?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates, without answering, approached the nurse, and Phœnix—for reasons best + known to himself—ceased lamenting and smiled up in the orator’s face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“His mother’s features and eyes,”</span> cried Democrates. <span class="tei tei-q">“I swear it—ay, by all + Athena’s owls—that young Hermes when he lay in Maia’s cave on Mt. Cylene was not + finer or lustier than he. His mother’s face and eyes, I say.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“His father’s,”</span> corrected Hermione. <span class="tei tei-q">“Is not his name Phœnix? In him will not + Glaucon the Beautiful live again? Will he not grow to man’s estate to avenge his + murdered father?”</span> The lady spoke without passion, but with a cold bitterness that + made Democrates cease from smiling. He turned away from the babe. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Forgive me, dear lady,”</span> he answered her, <span class="tei tei-q">“I am wiser at ruling the Athenians + than at ruling children, but I see nothing of Glaucon about the babe, though much of + his beautiful mother.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You had once a better memory, Democrates,”</span> said Hermione, reproachfully. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not understand your Ladyship.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I mean that Glaucon has been dead one brief year. Can you forget <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">his</span></span> face in so short a while?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But here Lysistra interposed with all good intent. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are fond and foolish, Hermione, and like all young mothers are enraged if all the + world does not see his father’s image in their first-born.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates knows what I would say,”</span> said the younger woman, soberly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Since your Ladyship is pleased to speak in riddles and I am no seer nor + oracle-monger, I must confess I cannot follow. But we will contend no more concerning + little <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page258">[pg 258]</span><a name="Pg258" id="Pg258" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Phœnix. Enough that he will grow up fair as + the Delian Apollo and an unspeakable joy to his mother.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Her only joy,”</span> was Hermione’s icy answer. <span class="tei tei-q">“Wrap up the child, Cleopis. My father + is coming. It is a long walk home to the city.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> With a rustle of white Hermione went down the slope in advance of her mother. + Hermippus and Lysistra were not pleased. Plainly their daughter kept all her prejudice + against Democrates. Her cold contempt was more disappointing even than open fury. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Once at home Hermione held little Phœnix long to her heart and wept over him. For the + sake of her dead husband’s child, if for naught else, how could she suffer them to give + her to Democrates? That the orator had destroyed Glaucon in black malice had become a + corner-stone in her belief. She could at first give for it only a woman’s reason—blind + intuition. She could not discuss her conviction with her mother or with any save a + strange confidant—Phormio. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> She had met the fishmonger in the Agora once when she went with the slaves to buy a + mackerel. The auctioneer had astonished everybody by knocking down to her a noble fish + an obol under price, then under pretext of showing her a rare Bœotian eel got her aside + into his booth and whispered a few words that made the red and white come and go from + her cheeks, after which the lady’s hand went quickly to her purse, and she spoke quick + words about <span class="tei tei-q">“the evening”</span> and <span class="tei tei-q">“the garden gate.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Phormio refused the drachma brusquely, but kept the tryst. Cleopis had the key to the + garden, and would contrive anything for her mistress—especially as all Athens knew + Phormio was harmless save with his tongue. That evening for the first time Hermione + heard the true story of Glaucon’s escape by the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span>, but when + the fishmonger paused she hung down her head closer. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page259">[pg 259]</span> + <a name="Pg259" id="Pg259" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You saved him, then? I bless you. But was the sea more merciful than the + executioner?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The fishmonger let his voice fall lower. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates is unhappy. Something weighs on his mind. He is afraid.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of what?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Bias his slave came to see me again last night. Many of his master’s doings have been + strange to him. Many are riddles still, but one thing at last is plain. Hiram has been + to see Democrates once more, despite the previous threats. Bias listened. He could not + understand everything, but he heard Lycon’s name passed many times, then one thing he + caught clearly. <span class="tei tei-q">‘<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Babylonish carpet-seller was the Prince + Mardonius.</span></span>’</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">‘The Babylonian fled on the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Solon</span></span>.’</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">‘The Prince is safe in Sardis.’</span> If Mardonius could escape the storm and wreck, + why not Glaucon, a king among swimmers?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermione clapped her hands to her head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Don’t torture me. I’ve long since trodden out hope. Why has he sent me no word in all + these months of pain?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is not the easiest thing to get a letter across the Ægean in these days of roaring + war.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I dare not believe it. What else did Bias hear?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Very little. Hiram was urging something. Democrates always said, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Impossible.’</span> + Hiram went away with a very sour grin. However, Democrates caught Bias lurking.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And flogged him?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No, Bias ran into the street and cried out he would flee to the Temple of Theseus, + the slave’s sanctuary, and demand that the archon sell him to a kinder master. Then + suddenly Democrates forgave him and gave him five drachmæ to say no more about it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And so Bias at once told you?”</span> Hermione could not for<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page260">[pg 260]</span><a name="Pg260" id="Pg260" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>bear a smile, but her gesture was of desperation. <span class="tei tei-q">“O Father Zeus—only + the testimony of a slave to lean on, I a weak woman and Democrates one of the chief + men in Athens! O for strength to wring out all the bitter truth!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyria</span></span>,”</span> said Phormio, not ungently, <span class="tei tei-q">“Aletheia, + Mistress Truth, is a patient dame, but she says her word at last. And you see that + hope is not quite dead.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I dare not cherish it. If I were but a man!”</span> repeated Hermione. But she thanked + Phormio many times, would not let him refuse her money, and bade him come often again + and bring her all the Agora gossip about the war. <span class="tei tei-q">“For we are friends,”</span> she + concluded; <span class="tei tei-q">“you and I are the only persons who hold Glaucon innocent in all the world. + And is that not tie enough?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So Phormio came frequently, glad perhaps to escape the discipline of his spouse. Now + he brought a rumour of Xerxes’s progress, now a bit of Bias’s tattling about his master. + The talebearing counted for little, but went to make Hermione’s conviction like adamant. + Every night she would speak over Phœnix as she held him whilst he slept. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Grow fast, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">makaire</span></span>, grow strong, for there is work for you to + do! Your father cries, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Avenge me well,’</span> even from Hades.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> After the departure of the fleet Athens seemed silent as the grave. On the streets one + met only slaves and graybeards. In the Agora the hucksters’ booths were silent, but + little groups of white-headed men sat in the shaded porticos and watched eagerly for the + appearing of the archon before the government house to read the last despatch of the + progress of Xerxes. The Pnyx was deserted. The gymnasia were closed. The more + superstitious scanned the heavens for a lucky or unlucky flight of hawks. The priest<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page261">[pg 261]</span><a name="Pg261" id="Pg261" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>esses sang litanies all day and all night on the + Acropolis where the great altar to Athena smoked with victims continually. At last, + after the days of uncertainty and wavering rumour, came surer tidings of battles. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Leonidas is fighting at Thermopylæ. The fleets are fighting at Artemisium, off Eubœa. + The first onsets of the Barbarians have failed, but nothing is decided.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> This was the substance, and tantalizingly meagre. And the strong army of Sparta and + her allies still tarried at the Isthmus instead of hasting to aid the pitiful handful at + Thermopylæ. Therefore the old men wagged their heads, the altars were loaded with + victims, and the women wept over their children. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So ended the first day after news came of the fighting. The second was like it—only + more tense. Hermione never knew that snail called time to creep more slowly. Never had + she chafed more against the iron custom which commanded Athenian gentlewomen to keep, + tortoise-like, at home in days of distress and tumult. On the evening of the second day + came once more the dusty courier. Leonidas was holding the gate of Hellas. The + Barbarians had perished by thousands. At Artemisium, Themistocles and the allied Greek + admirals were making head against the Persian armadas. But still nothing was decided. + Still the Spartan host lingered at the Isthmus, and Leonidas must fight his battle + alone. The sun sank that night with tens of thousands wishing his car might stand fast. + At gray dawn Athens was awake and watching. Men forgot to eat, forgot to drink. One food + would have contented—news! </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was about noon—<span class="tei tei-q">“the end of market time,”</span> had there been any market then at + Athens—when Hermione knew by instinct that news had come from the battle and that it + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page262">[pg 262]</span><a name="Pg262" id="Pg262" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was evil. She and her mother had sat since dawn by + the upper window, craning forth their heads up the street toward the Agora, where they + knew all couriers must hasten. Along the street in all the houses other women were + peering forth also. When little Phœnix cried in his cradle, his mother for the first + time in his life almost angrily bade him be silent. Cleopis, the only one of the + fluttering servants who went placidly about the wonted tasks, vainly coaxed her young + mistress with figs and a little wine. Hermippus was at the council. The street, save for + the leaning heads of the women, was deserted. Then suddenly came a change. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> First a man ran toward the Agora, panting,—his himation blew from his shoulders, he + never stopped to recover it. Next shouts, scattered in the beginning, then louder, and + coming not as a roar but as a wailing, rising, falling like the billows of the howling + sea,—as if the thousands in the market-place groaned in sore agony. Shrill and hideous + they rose, and a hand of ice fell on the hearts of the listening women. Then more + runners, until the street seemed alive by magic, slaves and old men all crowding to the + Agora. And still the shout and ever more dreadful. The women leaned from the windows and + cried vainly to the trampling crowd below. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell us! In the name of Athena, tell us!”</span> No answer for long, till at last a + runner came not toward the Agora but from it. They had hardly need to hear what he was + calling. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Leonidas is slain. Thermopylæ is turned! Xerxes is advancing!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermione staggered back from the lattice. In the cradle Phœnix awoke; seeing his + mother bending over him, he crowed cheerily and flung his chubby fists in her face. She + caught him up and again could not fight the tears away. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page263">[pg 263]</span> + <a name="Pg263" id="Pg263" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon! Glaucon!”</span> she prayed,—for her husband was all but a deity in her + sight,—<span class="tei tei-q">“hear us wherever you are, even if in the blessed land of Rhadamanthus. Take + us thither, your child and me, for there is no peace or shelter left on earth!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then, seeing her panic-stricken women flying hither and thither like witless birds, + her patrician blood asserted itself. She dashed the drops from her eyes and joined her + mother in quieting the maids. Whatever there was to hope or fear, their fate would not + be lightened by wild moaning. Soon the direful wailing from the Agora ceased. A blue + flag waved over the Council House, a sign that the <span class="tei tei-q">“Five Hundred”</span> had been called + in hurried session. Simultaneously a dense column of smoke leaped up from the + market-place. The archons had ordered the hucksters’ booths to be burned, as a signal to + all Attica that the worst had befallen. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> After inexpressibly long waiting Phormio came, then Hermippus, to tell all they knew. + Leonidas had perished gloriously. His name was with the immortals, but the mountain wall + of Hellas had been unlocked. No Spartan army was in Bœotia. The bravest of Athens were + in the fleet. The easy Attic passes of Phyle and Decelea could never be defended. + Nothing could save Athens from Xerxes. The calamity had been foreseen, but to foresee is + not to realize. That night in Athens no man slept. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page264">[pg 264]</span> + <a name="Pg264" id="Pg264" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf29" id="pdf29"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXIV</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE EVACUATION OF ATHENS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It had come at last,—the hour wise men had dreaded, fools had scoffed at, cowards had + dared not face. The Barbarian was within five days’ march of Attica. The Athenians must + bow the knee to the world monarch or go forth exiles from their country. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the morning after the night of terror came another courier, not this time from + Thermopylæ. He bore a letter from Themistocles, who was returning from Eubœa with the + whole allied Grecian fleet. The reading of the letter in the Agora was the first rift in + the cloud above the city. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Be strong, prove yourselves sons of Athens. Do what a year ago you so boldly voted. + Prepare to evacuate Attica. All is not lost. In three days I will be with you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> There was no time for an assembly at the Pnyx, but the Five Hundred and the Areopagus + council acted for the people. It was ordered to remove the entire population of Attica, + with all their movable goods, across the bay to Salamis or to the friendly Peloponnesus, + and that same noon the heralds went over the land to bear the direful summons. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> To Hermione, who in the calm after-years looked back on all this year of agony and + stress as on an unreal thing, one time always was stamped on memory as no dream, but + vivid, unforgetable,—these days of the great evacuation. Up and down the pleasant plain + country of the Mesogia to <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page265">[pg 265]</span><a name="Pg265" id="Pg265" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>southward, to the rolling + highlands beyond Pentelicus and Parnes, to the slumbering villages by Marathon, to the + fertile farm-land by Eleusis, went the proclaimers of ill-tidings. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Quit your homes, hasten to Athens, take with you what you can, but hasten, or stay as + Xerxes’s slaves.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For the next two days a piteous multitude was passing through the city. A country of + four hundred thousand inhabitants was to be swept clean and left naked and profitless to + the invader. Under Hermione’s window, as she gazed up and down the street, jostled the + army of fugitives, women old and young, shrinking from the bustle and uproar, grandsires + on their staves, boys driving the bleating goats or the patient donkeys piled high with + pots and panniers, little girls tearfully hugging a pet puppy or hen. But few strong men + were seen, for the fleet had not yet rounded Sunium to bear the people away. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The well-loved villas and farmsteads were tenantless. They left the standing grain, + the ripening orchards, the groves of the sacred olives. Men rushed for the last time to + the shrines where their fathers had prayed,—the temples of Theseus, Olympian Zeus, + Dionysus, Aphrodite. The tombs of the worthies of old, stretching out along the Sacred + Way to Eleusis, where Solon, Clisthenes, Miltiades, and many another bulwark of Athens + slept, had the last votive wreath hung lovingly upon them. And especially men sought the + great temple of the <span class="tei tei-q">“Rock,”</span> to lift their hands to Athena Polias, and vow awful + vows of how harm to the Virgin Goddess should be wiped away in blood. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So the throng passed through the city and toward the shore, awaiting the fleet. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It came after eager watching. The whole fighting force of Athens and her Corinthian, + Æginetan, and other allies. Before the rest raced a stately ship, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>, her triple-<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page266">[pg 266]</span><a name="Pg266" id="Pg266" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>oar bank flying faster + than the spray. The people crowded to the water’s edge when the great trireme cast off + her pinnace and a well-known figure stepped therein. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles is with us!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He landed at Phaleron, the thousands greeted him as if he were a god. He seemed their + only hope—the Atlas upbearing all the fates of Athens. With the glance of his eye, with + a few quick words, he chased the terrors from the strategi and archons that crowded up + around him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why distressed? Have we not held the Barbarians back nobly at Artemisium? Will we not + soon sweep his power from the seas in fair battle?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> With almost a conqueror’s train he swept up to the city. A last assembly filled the + Pnyx. Themistocles had never been more hopeful, more eloquent. With one voice men voted + never to bend the knee to the king. If the gods forbade them to win back their own dear + country, they would go together to Italy, to found a new and better Athens far from the + Persian’s power. And at Themistocles’s motion they voted to recall all the political + exiles, especially Themistocles’s own great enemy Aristeides the Just, banished by the + son of Neocles only a few years before. The assembly dispersed—not weeping but with + cheers. Already it was time to be quitting the city. Couriers told how the Tartar + horsemen were burning the villages beyond Parnes. The magistrates and admirals went to + the house of Athena. The last incense smoked before the image. The bucklers hanging on + the temple wall were taken down by Cimon and the other young patricians. The statue was + reverently lifted, wound in fine linen, and borne swiftly to the fleet. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Come, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">makaira</span></span>!”</span> called Hermippus, entering his house to + summon his daughter. Hermione sent a last glance around the disordered aula; her mother + called to the bevy <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page267">[pg 267]</span><a name="Pg267" id="Pg267" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of pallid, whimpering maids. Cleopis + was bearing Phœnix, but Hermione took him from her. Only his own mother should bear him + now. They went through the thinning Agora and took one hard look at each familiar + building and temple. When they should return to them, the inscrutable god kept hid. So + to Peiræus,—and to the rapid pinnaces which bore them across the narrow sea to Salamis, + where for the moment at least was peace. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> All that day the boats were bearing the people, and late into the night, until the + task was accomplished, the like whereof is not found in history. No Athenian who willed + was left to the power of Xerxes. One brain and voice planned and directed all. Leonidas, + Ajax of the Hellenes, had been taken. Themistocles, their Odysseus, valiant as Ajax and + gifted with the craft of the immortals, remained. Could that craft and that valour turn + back the might of even the god-king of the Aryans? </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page268">[pg 268]</span> + <a name="Pg268" id="Pg268" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf30" id="pdf30"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXV</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE ACROPOLIS FLAMES </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A few days only Xerxes and his host rested after the dear-bought triumph at + Thermopylæ. An expedition sent to plunder Delphi returned discomfited—thanks, said + common report, to Apollo himself, who broke off two mountain crags to crush the impious + invaders. But no such miracle halted the march on Athens. Bœotia and her cities welcomed + the king; Thespiæ and Platæa, which had stood fast for Hellas, were burned. The + Peloponnesian army lingered at Corinth, busy with a wall across the Isthmus, instead of + risking valorous battle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“By the soul of my father,”</span> the king had sworn, <span class="tei tei-q">“I believe that after the lesson + at Thermopylæ these madmen will not fight again!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“By land they will not,”</span> said Mardonius, always at his lord’s elbow, <span class="tei tei-q">“by sea—it + remains for your Eternity to discover.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Will they really dare to fight by sea?”</span> asked Xerxes, hardly pleased at the + suggestion. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Omnipotence, you have slain Leonidas, but a second great enemy remains. While + Themistocles lives, it is likely your slaves will have another opportunity to prove to + you their devotion.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, yes! A stubborn rogue, I hear. Well—if we must fight by sea, it shall be under + my own eyes. My loyal <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page269">[pg 269]</span><a name="Pg269" id="Pg269" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Phœnician and Egyptian mariners + did not do themselves full justice at Artemisium; they lacked the valour which comes + from being in the presence of their king.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Which makes a dutiful subject fight as ten,”</span> quickly added Pharnaspes the + fan-bearer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course,”</span> smiled the monarch, <span class="tei tei-q">“and now I must ask again, Mardonius, how fares + it with my handsome Prexaspes?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Only indifferently, your Majesty, since you graciously deign to inquire.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Such a sad wound? That is heavy news. He takes long in recovering. I trust he wants + for nothing.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Nothing, Omnipotence. He has the best surgeons in the camp.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To-day I will send him Helbon wine from my own table. I miss his comely face about + me. I want him here to play at dice. Tell him to recover because his king desires it. + If he has become right Persian, that will be better than any physic.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have no doubt he will be deeply moved to learn of your Eternity’s kindness,”</span> + rejoined the bow-bearer, who was not sorry that further discussion of this delicate + subject was averted by the arch-usher introducing certain cavalry officers with their + report on the most practicable line of march through Bœotia. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon, in fact, was long since out of danger, thanks to the sturdy bronze of his + Laconian helmet. He was able to walk, and, if need be, ride, but Mardonius would not + suffer him to go outside his own tents. The Athenian would be certain to be recognized, + and at once Xerxes would send for him, and how Glaucon, in his new frame of mind, would + deport himself before majesty, whether he would not taunt the irascible monarch to his + face, the bow-bearer did not know. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page270">[pg 270]</span><a name="Pg270" id="Pg270" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Therefore the + Athenian endured a manner of captivity in the tents with the eunuchs, pages, and women. + Artazostra was often with him, and less frequently Roxana. But the Egyptian had lost all + power over him now. He treated her with a cold courtesy more painful than contempt. Once + or twice Artazostra had tried to turn him back from his purpose, but her words always + broke themselves over one barrier. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am born a Hellene, lady. My gods are not yours. I must live and die after the + manner of my people. And that our gods are strong and will give victory, after that + morning with Leonidas I dare not doubt.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> When the host advanced south and eastward from Thermopylæ, Glaucon went with it, + riding in a closed travelling carriage guarded by Mardonius’s eunuchs. All who saw it + said that here went one of the bow-bearer’s harem women, and as for the king, every day + he asked for his favourite, and every day Mardonius told him, <span class="tei tei-q">“He is even as + before,”</span> an answer which the bow-bearer prayed to truth-loving Mithra might not be + accounted a lie. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was while the army lay at Platæa that news came which might have shaken Glaucon’s + purpose, had that purpose been shakable. Euboulus the Corinthian had been slain in a + skirmish shortly after the forcing of Thermopylæ. The tidings meant that no one lived + who could tell in Athens that on the day of testing the outlaw had cast in his lot with + Hellas. Leonidas was dead. The Spartan soldiers who had heard Glaucon avow his identity + were dead. In the hurried conference of captains preceding the retreat, Leonidas had + told his informant’s precise name only to Euboulus. And now Euboulus was slain, + doubtless before any word from him of Glaucon’s deed could spread abroad. To Athenians + Glaucon was still the <span class="tei tei-q">“Traitor,”</span> doubly execrated in this hour of trial. If he + returned to his people, would he not be <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page271">[pg 271]</span><a name="Pg271" id="Pg271" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>torn in pieces + by the mob? But the young Alcmæonid was resolved. Since he had not died at Thermopylæ, + no life in the camp of the Barbarian was tolerable. He would trust sovran Athena who had + plucked him out of one death to deliver from a second. Therefore he nursed his + strength—a caged lion waiting for freedom,—and almost wished the Persian host would + advance more swiftly that he might haste onward to his own. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon had cherished a hope to see the whole power of the Peloponnesus in array in + Bœotia, but that hope proved quickly vain. The oracle was truly to be fulfilled,—the + whole of <span class="tei tei-q">“the land of Cecrops”</span> was to be possessed by the Barbarian. The mountain + passes were open. No arrows greeted the Persian vanguard as it cantered down the + defiles, and once more the king’s courtiers told their smiling master that not another + hand would be raised against him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The fourth month after quitting the Hellespont Xerxes entered Athens. The gates stood + ajar. The invaders walked in silent streets as of a city of the dead. A few runaway + slaves alone greeted them. Only in the Acropolis a handful of superstitious old men and + temple warders had barricaded themselves, trusting that Athena would still defend her + holy mountain. For a few days they defended the steep, rolling down huge boulders, but + the end was inevitable. The Persians discovered a secret path upward. The defenders were + surprised and dashed themselves from the crags or were massacred. A Median spear-man + flung a fire-brand. The house of the guardian goddess went up in flame. The red column + leaping to heaven was a beacon for leagues around that Xerxes held the length and + breadth of Attica. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon watched the burning temple with grinding teeth. Mardonius’s tents were pitched + in the eastern city by the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page272">[pg 272]</span><a name="Pg272" id="Pg272" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fountain of Callirhoë,—a + spot of fond memories for the Alcmæonid. Here first he had met Hermione, come with her + maids to draw water, and had gone away dreaming of Aphrodite arising from the sea. Often + here he had sat with Democrates by the little pool, whilst the cypresses above talked + their sweet, monotonous music. Before him rose the Rock of Athena,—the same, yet not + the same. The temple of his fathers was vanishing in smoke and ashes. What wonder that + he turned to Artazostra at his side with a bitter smile. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lady, your people have their will. But do not think Athena Nikephorus, the Lady of + Triumphs, will forget this day when we stand against you in battle.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> She did not answer him. He knew that many noblemen had advised Xerxes against driving + the Greeks to desperation by this sacrilege, but this fact hardly made him the happier. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At dusk the next evening Mardonius suffered him to go with two faithful eunuchs and + rove through the deserted city. The Persians were mostly encamped without the walls, and + plundering was forbidden. Only Hydarnes with the Immortals pitched on Areopagus, and the + king had taken his abode by the Agora. It was like walking through the country of the + dead. Everything familiar, everything changed. The eunuchs carried torches. They + wandered down one street after another, where the house doors stood open, where the + aulas were strewn with the débris of household stuff which the fleeing citizens had + abandoned. A deserter had already told Glaucon of his father’s death; he was not amazed + therefore to find the house of his birth empty and desolate. But everywhere else, also, + it was to call back memories of glad days never to return. Here was the school where + crusty Pollicharmes had driven the <span class="tei tei-q">“reading, writing, and music”</span> into Democrates + and himself between the blows. Here was the corner Hermes, before which he had + sacrificed the day <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page273">[pg 273]</span><a name="Pg273" id="Pg273" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>he won his first wreath in the + public games. Here was the house of Cimon, in whose dining room he had enjoyed many a + bright symposium. He trod the Agora and walked under the porticos where he had lounged + in the golden evenings after the brisk stroll from the wrestling ground at Cynosarges, + and had chatted and chaffered with light-hearted friends about <span class="tei tei-q">“the war”</span> and <span class="tei tei-q">“the + king,”</span> in the days when the Persian seemed very far away. Last of all an + instinct—he could not call it desire—drove him to seek the house of Hermippus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They had to force the door open with a stone. The first red torch-light that glimmered + around the aula told that the Eumolpid had awaited the enemy in Athens, not in Eleusis. + The court was littered with all manner of stuff,—crockery, blankets, tables, + stools,—which the late inhabitants had been forced to forsake. A tame quail hopped from + the tripod by the now cold hearth. Glaucon held out his hand, the bird came quickly, + expecting the bit of grain. Had not Hermione possessed such a quail? The outlaw’s blood + ran quicker. He felt the heat glowing in his forehead. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A chest of clothes stood open by the entrance. He dragged forth the contents—women’s + dresses and uppermost a white airy gauze of Amorgos that clung to his hands as if he + were lifting clouds. Out of its folds fell a pair of white shoes with clasps of gold. + Then he recognized this dress Hermione had worn in the Panathenæa and on the night of + his ruin. He threw it down, next stood staring over it like a man possessed. The + friendly eunuchs watched his strange movements. He could not endure to have them follow + him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Give me a torch. I return in a moment.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He went up the stair alone to the upper story, to the chambers of the women. Confusion + here also,—the more valuable possessions gone, but much remaining. In one <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page274">[pg 274]</span><a name="Pg274" id="Pg274" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>corner stood the loom and stretched upon it the half-made web of + a shawl. He could trace the pattern clearly wrought in bright wools,—Ariadne sitting + desolate awaiting the returning of Theseus. Would the wife or the betrothed of + Democrates busy herself with <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that</span></span>, whatever the griefs in her + heart? Glaucon’s temples now were throbbing as if to burst. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A second room, and more littered confusion, but in one corner stood a bronze + statue,—Apollo bending his bow against the Achæans,—which Glaucon had given to + Hermione. At the foot of the statue hung a wreath of purple asters, dead and dry, but he + plucked it asunder and set many blossoms in his breast. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A third room, and almost empty. He was moving back in disappointment, when the + torch-light shook over something that swung betwixt two beams,—a wicker cradle. The + woollen swaddling bands were still in it. One could see the spot on the little pillow + with the impress of the tiny head. Glaucon almost dropped the torch. He pressed his hand + to his brow. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Zeus pity me!”</span> he groaned, <span class="tei tei-q">“preserve my reason. How can I serve Hellas and those + I love if thou strikest me mad?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> With feverish anxiety he sent his eyes around that chamber. His search was not in + vain. He almost trampled upon the thing that lay at his feet,—a wooden rattle, the toy + older than the Egyptian pyramids. He seized it, shook it as a warrior his sword. He + scanned it eagerly. Upon the handle were letters carved, but there was a mist before his + eyes which took long to pass away. Then he read the rude inscription: <span class="tei tei-q">“ΦΟΙΝΙΞ : ΥΙΟΣ : ΓΛΑΥΚΟΝΤΟΣ.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Phœnix the son of Glaucon.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">His</span></span> child. He was the father of a fair son. His wife, he was sure + thereof, had not yet been given to Democrates. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page275">[pg 275]</span> + <a name="Pg275" id="Pg275" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Overcome by a thousand emotions, he flung himself upon a chest and pressed the homely + toy many times to his lips. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> After a long interval he recovered himself enough to go down to the eunuchs, who were + misdoubting his long absence. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Persian,”</span> he said to Mardonius, when he was again at the bow-bearer’s tents, <span class="tei tei-q">“either suffer me to go back to my people right soon or put me to death. My wife has + borne me a son. My place is where I can defend him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius frowned, but nodded his head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You know I desire it otherwise. But my word is given. And the word of a prince of the + Aryans is not to be recalled. You know what to expect among your people—perhaps a + foul death for a deed of another.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I know it. I also know that Hellas needs me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To fight against us?”</span> asked the bow-bearer, with a sigh. <span class="tei tei-q">“Yet you shall go. Eran + is not so weak that adding one more to her enemies will halt her triumph. To-morrow + night a boat shall be ready on the strand. Take it. And after that may your gods guard + you, for I can do no more.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> All the next day Glaucon sat in the tents and watched the smoke cloud above the + Acropolis and the soldiers in the plain hewing down the sacred olives, Athena’s trees, + which no Athenian might injure and thereafter live. But Glaucon was past cursing + now,—endure a little longer and after that, what vengeance! </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The gossiping eunuchs told readily what the king had determined. Xerxes was at + Phaleron reviewing his fleet. The Hellenes’ ships confronted him at Salamis. The + Persians had met in council, deliberating one night over their wine, reconsidering the + next morning when sober. Their wisdom each time had been to force a battle. Let the king + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page276">[pg 276]</span><a name="Pg276" id="Pg276" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>destroy the enemy at Salamis, and he could land + troops at ease at the very doors of Sparta, defying the vain wall across the Isthmus. + Was not victory certain? Had he not two ships to the Hellenes’ one? So the Phœnician + vassal kings and all his admirals assured him. Only Artemisia, the martial queen of + Halicarnassus, spoke otherwise, but none would hear her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To-morrow the war is ended,”</span> a cup-bearer had told a butler in Glaucon’s hearing, + and never noticed how the Athenian took a horseshoe in his slim fingers and straightened + it, whilst looking on the scorched columns of the Acropolis. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At length the sun spread his last gold of the evening. The eunuchs called Glaucon to + the pavilion of Artazostra, who came forth with Roxana for their farewell. They were in + royal purple. The amethysts in their hair were worth a month’s revenues of Corinth. + Roxana had never been lovelier. Glaucon was again in the simple Greek dress, but he + knelt and kissed the robes of both the women. Then rising he spoke to them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To you, O princess, my benefactress, I wish all manner of blessing. May you be + crowned with happy age, may your fame surpass Semiramis, the conqueror queen of the + fables, let the gods refuse only one prayer—the conquest of Hellas. The rest of the + world is yours, leave then to us our own.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you, sister of Mardonius,”</span> he turned to Roxana now, <span class="tei tei-q">“do not think I despise + your love or your beauty. That I have given you pain, is double pain to me. But I + loved you only in a dream. My life is not for the rose valleys of Bactria, but for the + stony hills by Athens. May Aphrodite give you another love, a brighter fortune than + might ever come by linking your fate to mine.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They held out their hands. He kissed them. He saw tears on the long lashes of Roxana. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page277">[pg 277]</span> + <a name="Pg277" id="Pg277" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Farewell,”</span> spoke the women, simply. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Farewell,”</span> he answered. He turned from them. He knew they were re-entering the + tent. He never saw the women again. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius accompanied him all the long way from the fount of Callirhoë to the + sea-shore. Glaucon protested, but the bow-bearer would not hearken. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have saved my life, Athenian,”</span> was his answer, <span class="tei tei-q">“when you leave me now, it is + forever.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The moon was lifting above the gloomy mass of Hymettus and scattering all the Attic + plain with her pale gold. The Acropolis Rock loomed high above them. Glaucon, looking + upward, saw the moonlight flash on the spear point and shield of a soldier,—a Barbarian + standing sentry on the ruined shrine of the Virgin Goddess. Once more the Alcmæonid was + leaving Athens, but with very different thoughts than on that other night when he had + fled at Phormio’s side. They quitted the desolate city and the sleeping camp. The last + bars of day had long since dimmed in the west when before them loomed the hill of + Munychia clustered also with tents, and beyond it the violet-black vista of the sea. A + forest of masts crowded the havens, the fleet of the <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord of the World”</span> that was + to complete his mastery with the returning sun. Mardonius did not lead Glaucon to the + ports, but southward, where beyond the little point of Colias spread an open sandy + beach. The night waves lapped softly. The wind had sunk to warm puffs from the + southward. They heard the rattle of anchor-chains and tackle-blocks, but from far away. + Beyond the vague promontory of Peiræus rose dark mountains and headlands, at their foot + lay a sprinkling of lights. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Salamis!”</span> cried Glaucon, pointing. <span class="tei tei-q">“Yonder are the ships of Hellas.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page278">[pg 278]</span> + <a name="Pg278" id="Pg278" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius walked with him upon the shelving shore. A skiff, small but stanch, was + ready with oars. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What else will you?”</span> asked the bow-bearer. <span class="tei tei-q">“Gold?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Nothing. Yet take this.”</span> Glaucon unclasped from his waist the golden belt Xerxes + had bestowed at Sardis. <span class="tei tei-q">“A Hellene I went forth, a Hellene I return.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He made to kiss the Persian’s dress, but Mardonius would not suffer it. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Did I not desire you for my brother?”</span> he said, and they embraced. As their arms + parted, the bow-bearer spoke three words in earnest whisper:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Beware of Democrates.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What do you mean?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I can say no more. Yet be wise. Beware of Democrates.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The attendants, faithful body-servants of Mardonius, and mute witnesses of all that + passed, were thrusting the skiff into the water. There were no long farewells. Both knew + that the parting was absolute, that Glaucon might be dead on the morrow. A last clasping + of the hands and quickly the boat was drifting out upon the heaving waters. Glaucon + stood one moment watching the figures on the beach and pondering on Mardonius’s strange + warning. Then he set himself to the oars, rowing westward, skirting the Barbarian fleet + as it rode at anchor, observing its numbers and array and how it was aligned for battle. + After that, with more rapid stroke, he sent the skiff across the dark ribbon toward + Salamis. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page279">[pg 279]</span> + <a name="Pg279" id="Pg279" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf31" id="pdf31"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXVI</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THEMISTOCLES IS THINKING </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Leonidas was taken. Themistocles was left,—left to bear as crushing a load as ever + weighed on man,—to fight two battles, one with the Persian, one with his own unheroic + allies, and the last was the harder. Three hundred and seventy Greek triremes rode off + Salamis, half from Athens, but the commander-in-chief was Eurybiades of Sparta, the + sluggard state that sent only sixteen ships, yet the only state the bickering + Peloponnesians would obey. Hence Themistocles’s sore problems. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Different from the man of unruffled brow who ruled from the bema was he who paced the + state cabin of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> a few nights after the evacuation. + For <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">he</span></span> at least knew the morn would bring Hellas her doom. There + had been a gloomy council that afternoon. They had seen the Acropolis flame two days + before. The great fleet of Xerxes rode off the Attic havens. At the gathering of the + Greek chiefs in Eurybiades’s cabin Themistocles had spoken one word many times,—<span class="tei tei-q">“Fight!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> To which Adeimantus, the craven admiral of Corinth, and many another had answered:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Delay! Back to the Isthmus! Risk nothing!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then at last the son of Neocles silenced them, not with arguments but threats. <span class="tei tei-q">“Either here in the narrow straits we can fight the king or not at all. In the open + seas his numbers <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page280">[pg 280]</span><a name="Pg280" id="Pg280" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>can crush us. Either vote to fight + here or we Athenians sail for Italy and leave you to stem Xerxes as you can.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> There had been sullen silence after that, the admirals misliking the furrow drawn + above Themistocles’s eyes. Then Eurybiades had haltingly given orders for battle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> That had been the command, but as the Athenian left the Spartan flag-ship in his + pinnace he heard Globryas, the admiral of Sicyon, muttering, <span class="tei tei-q">“Headstrong fool—he + shall not destroy us!”</span> and saw Adeimantus turn back for a word in Eurybiades’s ear. + The Spartan had shaken his head, but Themistocles did not deceive himself. In the battle + at morn half of the Hellenes would go to battle asking more <span class="tei tei-q">“how escape?”</span> than <span class="tei tei-q">“how conquer?”</span> and that was no question to ask before a victory. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The cabin was empty now save for the admiral. On the deck above the hearty shouts of + <a name="corr280" id="corr280" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Ameinias</span> the trierarch, and chanting of the seamen told that on the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> at least there would be no slackness in the fight. The ship was being + stripped for action, needless spars and sails sent ashore, extra oars made ready, and + grappling-irons placed. <span class="tei tei-q">“Battle”</span> was what every Athenian prayed for, but amongst + the allies Themistocles knew it was otherwise. The crucial hour of his life found him + nervous, moody, silent. He repelled the zealous subalterns who came for orders. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My directions have been given. Execute them. Has Aristeides come yet?”</span> The last + question was to Simonides, who had been half-companion, half-counsellor, in all these + days of storm. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He is not yet come from Ægina.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Leave me, then.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles’s frown deepened. The others went out. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The state cabin was elegant, considering its place. Themistocles had furnished it + according to his luxurious taste,<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page281">[pg 281]</span><a name="Pg281" id="Pg281" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>—stanchions cased in + bronze hammered work, heavy rugs from Carthage, lamps swinging from chains of precious + Corinthian brass. Behind a tripod stood an image of Aphrodite of Fair Counsel, the + admiral’s favourite deity. By force of habit now he crossed the cabin, took the golden + box, and shook a few grains of frankincense upon the tripod. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Attend, O queen,”</span> he said mechanically, <span class="tei tei-q">“and be thou propitious to all my + prayers.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He knew the words meant nothing. The puff of night air from the port-hole carried the + fragrance from the room. The image wore its unchanging, meaningless smile, and + Themistocles smiled too, albeit bitterly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So this is the end. A losing fight, cowardice, slavery—no, I shall not live to see + that last.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He looked from the port-hole. He could see the lights of the Barbarian fleet clearly. + He took long breaths of the clear brine. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So the tragedy ends—worse than Phrynicus’s poorest, when they pelted his chorus from + the orchestra with date-stones. And yet—and yet—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He never formulated what came next even in his own mind. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eu!</span></span>”</span> he cried, springing back with part of his old + lightness, <span class="tei tei-q">“I have borne a brave front before it all. I have looked the Cyclops in the + face, even when he glowered the fiercest. But it all will pass. I presume Thersytes + the caitiff and Agamemnon the king have the same sleep and the same dreams in Orchus. + And a few years more or a few less in a man’s life make little matter. But it would be + sweeter to go out thinking <span class="tei tei-q">‘I have triumphed’</span> than <span class="tei tei-q">‘I have failed, and all the + things I loved fail with me.’</span> And Athens—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Again he stopped. When he resumed his monologue, it was in a different key. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There are many things I cannot understand. They can<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page282">[pg 282]</span><a name="Pg282" id="Pg282" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>not unlock the riddles at Delphi, no seer can read them in the omens of birds. Why + was Glaucon blasted? Was he a traitor? What was the truth concerning his treason? + Since his going I have lost half my faith in mortal men.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Once more his thoughts wandered. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How they trust me, my followers of Athens! Is it not better to be a leader of one + city of freemen than a Xerxes, master of a hundred million slaves? How they greeted + me, as if I were Apollo the Saviour, when I returned to Peiræus! And must it be + written by the chroniclers thereafter, <span class="tei tei-q">‘About this time Themistocles, son of + Neocles, aroused the Athenians to hopeless resistance and drew on them utter + destruction’</span>? O Father Zeus, must men say <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that</span></span>? Am I a + fool or crazed for wishing to save my land from the fate of Media, Lydia, Babylonia, + Egypt, Ionia? Has dark Atropos decreed that the Persians should conquer forever? Then, + O Zeus, or whatever be thy name, O Power of Powers, look to thine empire! Xerxes is + not a king, but a god; he will besiege Olympus, even thy throne.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He crossed the cabin with hard strides. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How can I?”</span> he cried half-aloud, beating his forehead. <span class="tei tei-q">“How can I make these + Hellenes fight?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> His hand tightened over his sword-hilt. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“This is the only place where we can fight to advantage. Here in the strait betwixt + Salamis and Attica we have space to deploy all our ships, while the Barbarians will be + crowded by numbers. And if we once retreat?—Let Adeimantus and the rest prate + about—<span class="tei tei-q">‘The wall, the wall across the Isthmus! The king can never storm it.’</span> + Nor will he try to, unless his councillors are turned stark mad. Will he not have + command of the sea? can he not land his army behind the wall, wherever he wills? Have + I not dinned that argument in those doltish Peloponnesians’ ears <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page283">[pg 283]</span><a name="Pg283" id="Pg283" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>until I have grown hoarse? Earth and gods! suffer me rather to convince + a stone statue than a Dorian. The task is less hard. Yet they call themselves + reasoning beings.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A knock upon the cabin door. Simonides reëntered. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You do not come on deck, Themistocles? The men ask for you. <a name="corr283" id="corr283" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Ameinias’s</span> cook has + prepared a noble supper—anchovies and tunny—will you not join the other officers and + drink a cup to Tychē, Lady Fortune, that she prosper us in the morning?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am at odds with Tychē, Simonides. I cannot come with you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The case is bad, then?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ay, bad. But keep a brave face before the men. There’s no call to pawn our last + chance.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Has it come to that?”</span> quoth the little poet, in curiosity and concern. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Leave me!”</span> ordered Themistocles, with a sweep of the hand, and Simonides was wise + enough to obey. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles took a pen from the table, but instead of writing on the outspread sheet + of papyrus, thrust the reed between his teeth and bit it fiercely. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How can I? How can I make these Hellenes fight? Tell that, King Zeus, tell that!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then quickly his eager brain ran from expedient to expedient. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Another oracle, some lucky prediction that we shall conquer? But I have shaken the + oracle books till there is only chaff in them. Or a bribe to Adeimantus and his + fellows? But gold can buy only souls, not courage. Or another brave speech and + convincing argument? Had I the tongue of Nestor and the wisdom of Thales, would those + doltish Dorians listen?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page284">[pg 284]</span> + <a name="Pg284" id="Pg284" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Again the knock, still again Simonides. The dapper poet’s face was a cubit long. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, grief to report it! Cimon sends a boat from his ship the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Perseus</span></span>. He says the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dikē</span></span>, the Sicyonian ship beside + him, is not stripping for battle, but rigging sail on her spars as if to flee + away.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is that all?”</span> asked Themistocles, calmly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And there is also a message that Adeimantus and many other admirals who are minded + like him have gone again to Eurybiades to urge him not to fight.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I expected it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Will the Spartan yield?”</span> The little poet was whitening. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Very likely. Eurybiades would be a coward if he were not too much of a fool.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you are not going to him instantly, to confound the faint hearts and urge them to + quit themselves like Hellenes?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not yet.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“By the dog of Egypt, man,”</span> cried Simonides, seizing his friend’s arm, <span class="tei tei-q">“don’t you + know that if nothing’s done, we’ll all walk the asphodel to-morrow?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course. I am doing all I can.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“All? You stand with folded hands!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“All—for I am thinking.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Thinking—oh, make actions of your thoughts!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I will.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“When?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“When the god opens the way. Just now the way is fast closed.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai!</span></span> woe—and it is already far into the evening, and Hellas is + lost.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles laughed almost lightly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No, my friend. Hellas will not be lost until to-morrow <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page285">[pg 285]</span><a name="Pg285" id="Pg285" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>morning, and much can happen in a night. Now go, and let me think yet + more.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Simonides lingered. He was not sure Themistocles was master of himself. But the + admiral beckoned peremptorily, the poet’s hand was on the cabin door, when a loud knock + sounded on the other side. The <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">prōreus</span></span>, commander of the + fore-deck and Ameinas’s chief lieutenant, entered and saluted swiftly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your business?”</span> questioned the admiral, sharply. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“May it please your Excellency, a deserter.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A deserter, and how and why here?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He came to the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> in a skiff. He swears he has just come + from the Barbarians at Phaleron. He demands to see the admiral.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He is a Barbarian?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No, a Greek. He affects to speak a kind of Doric dialect.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles laughed again, and even more lightly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A deserter, you say. Then why, by Athena’s owls, has he left <span class="tei tei-q">‘the Land of Roast + Hare’</span> among the Persians, whither so many are betaking themselves? We’ve not so + many deserters to our cause that to-night we can ignore one. Fetch him in.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But the council with Eurybiades?”</span> implored Simonides, almost on his knees. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To the harpies with it! I asked Zeus for an omen. It comes—a fair one. There is time + to hear this deserter, to confound Adeimantus, and to save Hellas too!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles tossed his head. The wavering, the doubting frown was gone. He was + himself again. What he hoped for, what device lay in that inexhaustible brain of his, + Simonides did not know. But the sight itself of this strong, smiling man gave courage. + The officer reëntered, with him a young man, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page286">[pg 286]</span><a name="Pg286" id="Pg286" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>his face + in part concealed by a thick beard and a peaked cap drawn low upon his forehead. The + stranger came boldly across to Themistocles, spoke a few words, whereat the admiral + instantly bade the officer to quit the cabin. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page287">[pg 287]</span> + <a name="Pg287" id="Pg287" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf32" id="pdf32"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXVII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE CRAFT OF ODYSSEUS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The stranger drew back the shaggy cap. Simonides and Themistocles saw a young, + well-formed man. With his thick beard and the flickering cabin lamps it was impossible + to discover more. The newcomer stood silent as if awaiting remark from the others, and + they in turn looked on him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> spoke the admiral, at length, <span class="tei tei-q">“who are you? Why are you here?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You do not know me?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not in the least, and my memory is good. But your speech now is Attic, not Doric as + they told me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It may well be Attic, I am Athenian born.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Athenian? And still to me a stranger? Ah! an instant. Your voice is familiar. Where + have I heard it before?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The last time,”</span> rejoined the stranger, his tones rising, <span class="tei tei-q">“it was a certain night + at Colonus. Democrates and Hermippus were with you—likewise—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles leaped back three steps. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The sea gives up its dead. You are Glaucon son of—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Conon,”</span> completed the fugitive, folding his arms calmly, but the admiral was not + so calm. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Miserable youth! What harpy, what evil god has brought you hither? What prevents that + I give you over to the crew to crucify at the foremast?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Nothing hinders! nothing”</span>—Glaucon’s voice mounted <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page288">[pg 288]</span><a name="Pg288" id="Pg288" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to shrillness—<span class="tei tei-q">“save that Athens and Hellas need all their sons this night.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A loyal son you have been!”</span> darted Themistocles, his lips curling. <span class="tei tei-q">“Where did + you escape the sea?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I was washed on Astypalæa.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Where have you been since?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In Sardis.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who protected you there?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mardonius.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Did the Persians treat you so shabbily that you were glad to desert them?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They loaded me with riches and honour. Xerxes showered me with benefits.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you accompanied their army to Hellas? You went with the other Greek <a name="corr288" id="corr288" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">renegades</span>—the sons of Hippias and the rest?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon’s brow grew very red, but he met Themistocles’s arrowlike gaze. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I did—and yet—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, yes—the <span class="tei tei-q">‘yet,’</span> ”</span> observed Themistocles, sarcastically. <span class="tei tei-q">“I had expected + it. Well, I can imagine many motives for coming,—to betray our hopes to the Persians, + or even because Athena has put some contrite manhood in your heart. You know, of + course, that the resolution we passed recalling the exiles did not extend pardon to + traitors.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I know it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles flung himself into a chair. The admiral was in a rare condition for + him,—truly at a loss to divine the best word and question. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sit also, Simonides,”</span> his order, <span class="tei tei-q">“and you, once Alcmæonid and now outlaw, tell + why, after these confessions, I should believe any other part of your story?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not ask you to believe,”</span>—Glaucon stood like a <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page289">[pg 289]</span><a name="Pg289" id="Pg289" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>statue,—<span class="tei tei-q">“I shall not blame you if you do the worst,—yet you shall + hear—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The admiral made an impatient gesture, commanding <span class="tei tei-q">“Begin,”</span> and the fugitive + poured out his tale. All the voyage from Phaleron he had been nerving himself for this + ordeal; his composure did not desert now. He related lucidly, briefly, how the fates had + dealt with him since he fled Colonus. Only when he told of his abiding with Leonidas + Themistocles’s gaze grew sharper. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell that again. Be careful. I am very good at detecting lies.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon repeated unfalteringly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What proof that you were with Leonidas?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“None but my word. Euboulus of Corinth and the Spartans alone knew my name. They are + dead.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Humph! And you expect me to accept the boast of a traitor with a price upon his + head?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You said you were good at detecting lies.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles’s head went down between his hands; at last he lifted it and gazed the + deserter in the face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Now, son of Conon, do you still persist that you are innocent? Do you repeat those + oaths you swore at Colonus?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“All. I did not write that letter.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who did, then?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A malignant god, I said. I will say it again.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles shook his head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Gods take human agencies to ruin a man in these days, even Hermes the Trickster. + Again I say, who wrote that letter?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Athena knows.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And unfortunately her Ladyship the Goddess will not tell,”</span> cried the admiral, + blasphemously. <span class="tei tei-q">“Let us fall back on easier questions. Did I write it?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page290">[pg 290]</span> + <a name="Pg290" id="Pg290" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Absurd.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Did Democrates?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Absurd again, still—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you not see, dearest outlaw,”</span> said Themistocles, mildly, <span class="tei tei-q">“until you can lay + that letter on some other man’s shoulders, I cannot answer, <span class="tei tei-q">‘I believe you’</span>?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I did not ask that. I have a simpler request. Will you let me serve Hellas?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How do I know you are not a spy sent from Mardonius?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Because too many deserters and talebearers are flying to Xerxes now to require that I + thrust my head in the Hydra’s jaws. You know surely that.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles raised his eyebrows. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There’s truth said there, Simonides. What do you think?”</span> The last question was to + the poet. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That this Glaucon, whatever his guilt a year ago, comes to-night in good faith.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span> that’s easily said. But what if he betrays us again?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If I understand aright,”</span> spoke Simonides, shrewdly, <span class="tei tei-q">“our case is such there’s + little left worth betraying.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not badly put,”</span>—again Themistocles pressed his forehead, while Glaucon stood as + passive as hard marble. Then the admiral suddenly began to rain questions like an arrow + volley. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You come from the king’s camp?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And have heard the plans of battle?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I was not at the council, but nothing is concealed. The Persians are too + confident.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course. How do their ships lie?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Crowded around the havens of Athens. The vassal Ionians have their ships on the left. + The Phœnicians, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page291">[pg 291]</span><a name="Pg291" id="Pg291" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Xerxes’s chief hope, lie on the + right, but on the extreme right anchor the Egyptians.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How do you know this?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“From the camp-followers’ talk. Then, too, I rowed by the whole armada while on my way + to Salamis. I have eyes. The moon was shining. I was not mistaken.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you know where rides the trireme of Ariabignes, Xerxes’s admiral-in-chief?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Off the entrance to Peiræus. It is easy to find her. She is covered with lights.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah! and the Egyptian squadron is on the extreme right and closest to Salamis?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Very close.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If they went up the coast as far as the promontory on Mt. Ægaleos, the strait toward + Eleusis would be closed?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Certainly.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And on the south the way is already blocked by the Ionians.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I had trouble in passing even in my skiff.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> More questions, Glaucon not knowing whither they all were drifting. Without warning + Themistocles uprose and smote his thigh. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So you are anxious to serve Hellas?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Have I not said it?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dare you die for her?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I made the choice once with Leonidas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dare you do a thing which, if it slip, may give you into the hands of the Barbarians + to be torn by wild horses or of the Greeks to be crucified?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But it shall not slip!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span> that is a noble answer. Now let us come.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Whither?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To Eurybiades’s flag-ship. Then I can know whether you must risk the deed.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page292">[pg 292]</span> + <a name="Pg292" id="Pg292" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles touched a bronze gong; a marine adjutant entered. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My pinnace,”</span> ordered the admiral. As the man went out, Themistocles took a long + himation from the locker and wrapped it around the newcomer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Since even Simonides and I did not recognize you in your long beard, I doubt if you + are in danger of detection to-night. But remember your name is Critias. You can dye + your hair if you come safe back from this adventure. Have you eaten?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who has hunger now?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles laughed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So say all of us. But if the gifts of Demeter cannot strengthen, it is not so with + those of Dionysus. Drink.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He took from a hook a leathern bottle and poured out a hornful of hot Chian. Glaucon + did not refuse. After he had finished the admiral did likewise. Then Glaucon in turn + asked questions. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Where is my wife?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In the town of Salamis, with her father; do you know she has borne—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A son. Are both well?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well. The child is fair as the son of Leto.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They could see the light flash out of the eyes of the outlaw. He turned toward the + statue and stretched out his hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O Aphrodite, I bless thee!”</span> Then again to the admiral, <span class="tei tei-q">“And Hermione is not yet + given to Democrates in marriage?”</span> The words came swiftly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not yet. Hermippus desires it. Hermione resists. She calls Democrates your + destroyer.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon turned away his face that they might not behold it. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page293">[pg 293]</span> + <a name="Pg293" id="Pg293" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The god has not yet forgotten mercy,”</span> Simonides thought he heard him say. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The pinnace is waiting, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>,”</span> announced the orderly from + the companionway. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let the deserter’s skiff be towed behind,”</span> ordered Themistocles, once on deck, <span class="tei tei-q">“and let Sicinnus also go with me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The keen-eyed Asiatic took his place with Themistocles and Glaucon in the stern. The + sturdy boatmen sent the pinnace dancing. All through the brief voyage the admiral was at + whispers with Sicinnus. As they reached the Spartan flag-ship, half a score of pinnaces + trailing behind told how the Peloponnesian admirals were already aboard clamouring at + Eurybiades for orders to fly. From the ports of the stern-cabin the glare of many lamps + spread wavering bars of light across the water. Voices came, upraised in jarring debate. + The marine guard saluted with his spear as Themistocles went up the ladder. Leaving his + companions on deck, the admiral hastened below. An instant later he was back and + beckoned the Asiatic and the outlaw to the ship’s rail. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Take Sicinnus to the Persian high admiral,”</span> was his ominous whisper, <span class="tei tei-q">“and fail + not,—fail not, for I say to you except the god prosper you now, not all Olympus can + save our Hellas to-morrow.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Not another word as he turned again to the cabin. The pinnace crew had brought the + skiff alongside, Sicinnus entered it, Glaucon took the oars, pulled out a little, as if + back to the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>, then sent the head of the skiff around, + pointing across the strait, toward the havens of Athens. Sicinnus sat in silence, but + Glaucon guessed the errand. The wind was rising and bringing clouds. This would hide the + moon and lessen the danger. But above all things speed was needful. The athlete put his + strength upon the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page294">[pg 294]</span><a name="Pg294" id="Pg294" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>oars till the heavy skiff shot across + the black void of the water. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was little short of midnight when Glaucon swung the skiff away from the tall + trireme of Ariabignes, the Barbarian’s admiral. The deed was done. He had sat in the + bobbing boat while Sicinnus had been above with the Persian chiefs. Officers who had + exchanged the wine-cup with Glaucon in the days when he stood at Xerxes’s side passed + through the glare of the battle lanterns swaying above the rail. The Athenian had + gripped at the dagger in his belt as he watched them. Better in the instant of discovery + to slay one’s self than die a few hours afterward by slow tortures! But discovery had + not come. Sicinnus had come down the ladder, smiling, jesting, a dozen subalterns + salaaming as he went, and offering all manner of service, for had he not been a bearer + of great good tidings to the king? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Till to-morrow,”</span> an olive-skinned Cilician navarch had spoken. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Till to-morrow,”</span> waved the messenger, lightly. He did all things coolly, as if he + had been bearing an invitation to a feast, took his post in the stern of the skiff + deliberately, then turned to the silent man with him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Pull.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Whither?”</span> Glaucon was already tugging the oars. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To Eurybiades’s ship. Themistocles is waiting. And again all speed.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The line of twinkling water betwixt the skiff and the Persian widened. For a few + moments Glaucon bent himself silently to his task, then for the first time questioned. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What have you done?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Even in the darkness he knew Sicinnus grinned and showed his teeth. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page295">[pg 295]</span> + <a name="Pg295" id="Pg295" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In the name of Themistocles I have told the Barbarian chiefs that the Hellenes are at + strife one with another, that they are meditating a hasty flight, that if the king’s + captains will but move their ships so as to enclose them, it is likely there will be + no battle in the morning, but the Hellenes will fall into the hands of Xerxes + unresisting.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And the Persian answered?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That I and my master would not fail of reward for this service to the king. That the + Egyptian ships would be swung at once across the strait to cut off all flight by the + Hellenes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The outlaw made no answer, but pulled at the oars. The reaction from the day and + evening of strain and peril was upon him. He was unutterably weary, though more in mind + than in body. The clumsy skiff seemed only to crawl. Trusting the orders of Sicinnus to + steer him aright, he closed his eyes. One picture after another of his old life came up + before him now he was in the stadium at Corinth and facing the giant Spartan, now he + stood by Hermione on the sacred Rock at Athens, now he was at Xerxes’s side with the + fleets and the myriads passing before them at the Hellespont, he saw his wife, he saw + Roxana, and all other things fair and lovely that had crossed his life. Had he made the + best choice? Were the desperate fates of Hellas better than the flower-banked streams of + Bactria, whose delights he had forever thrust by? Would his Fortune, guider of every + human destiny, bring him at last to a calm haven, or would his life go out amid the + crashing ships to-morrow? The oars bumped on the thole-pins. He pulled mechanically, the + revery ever deepening, then a sharp hail awoke him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O-op! What do you here?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The call was in Phœnician. Glaucon scarce knew the harsh Semitic speech, but the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">lembos</span></span>, a many-oared patrol cutter, was nearly on them. A moment + more, and seizure <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page296">[pg 296]</span><a name="Pg296" id="Pg296" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>would be followed by identification. + Life, death, Hellas, Hermione, all flashed before his eyes as he sat numbed, but + Sicinnus saved them both. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The password to-night? You know it,”</span> he demanded in quick whisper. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Hystaspes,’</span> ”</span> muttered Glaucon, still wool-gathering. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who are you? Why here?”</span> An officer in the cutter was rising and upholding an + unmasked lantern. <span class="tei tei-q">“We’ve been ordered to cruise in the channel and snap up deserters, + and by Baal, here are twain! The crows will pick at your eyes to-morrow.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Sicinnus stood upright in the skiff. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fool,”</span> he answered in good Sidonian, <span class="tei tei-q">“dare you halt the king’s privy messenger? + It is not <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">our</span></span> heads that the crows will find the soonest.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The cutter was close beside them, but the officer dropped his lantern. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good, then. Give the password.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Hystaspes.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They could see the Phœnician’s hand rise to his head in salute. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Forgive my rudeness, worthy sir. It’s truly needless to seek deserters to-night with + the Hellenes’ affairs so desperate, yet we must obey his Eternity’s orders.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I pardon you,”</span> quoth the emissary, loftily, <span class="tei tei-q">“I will commend your vigilance to + the admiral.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“May Moloch give your Lordship ten thousand children,”</span> called back the mollified + Semite. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The crew of the cutter dropped their blades into the water. The boats glided apart. + Not till there was a safe stretch betwixt them did Glaucon begin to grow hot, then cold, + then hot again. Chill Thanatos had passed and missed by a hair’s breadth. Again the + bumping of the oars and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page297">[pg 297]</span><a name="Pg297" id="Pg297" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the slow, slow creeping over + the water. The night was darkening. The clouds had hid the moon and all her stars. + Sicinnus, shrewd and weatherwise, remarked, <span class="tei tei-q">“There will be a stiff wind in the + morning,”</span> and lapsed into silence. Glaucon toiled on resolutely. A fixed conviction + was taking possession of his mind,—one that had come on the day he had been preserved + at Thermopylæ, now deepened by the event just passed,—that he was being reserved by the + god for some crowning service to Hellas, after which should come peace, whether the + peace of a warrior who dies in the arms of victory, whether the peace of a life spent + after a deed well done, he scarcely knew, and in the meantime, if the storms must beat + and the waves rise up against him, he would bear them still. Like the hero of his race, + he could say, <span class="tei tei-q">“Already have I suffered much and much have I toiled in perils of waves + and war, let this be added to the tale of those.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Bump—bump, the oars played their monotonous music on the thole-pins. Sicinnus stirred + on his seat. He was peering northward anxiously, and Glaucon knew what he was seeking. + Through the void of the night their straining eyes saw masses gliding across the face of + the water. Ariabignes was making his promise good. Yonder the Egyptian fleet were + swinging forth to close the last retreat of the Hellenes. Thus on the north, and + southward, too, other triremes were thrusting out, bearing—both watchers wisely + guessed—a force to disembark on Psyttaleia, the islet betwixt Salamis and the main, a + vantage-point in the coming battle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The coming battle? It was so silent, ghostlike, far away, imagination scarce could + picture it. Was this black slumberous water to be the scene at dawn of a combat beside + which that of Hector and Achilles under Troy would be only <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page298">[pg 298]</span><a name="Pg298" id="Pg298" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>as a tale that is told? And was he, Glaucon, son of Conon the Alcmæonid, + sitting there in the skiff alone with Sicinnus, to have a part therein, in a battle the + fame whereof should ring through the ages? Bump, bump—still the monologue of the oars. + A fish near by leaped from the water, splashing loudly. Then for an instant the clouds + broke. Selene uncovered her face. The silvery flash quickly come, more quickly flying, + showed him the headlands of that Attica now in Xerxes’s hands. He saw Pentelicus and + Hymettus, Parnes and Cithæron, the hills he had wandered over in glad boyhood, the hills + where rested his ancestors’ dust. It was no dream. He felt his warm blood quicken. He + felt the round-bowed skiff spring over the waves, as with unwearied hands he tugged at + the oar. There are moments when the dullest mind grows prophetic, and the mind of the + Athenian was not dull. The moonlight had vanished. In its place through the magic + darkness seemed gathering all the heroes of his people beckoning him and his compeers + onward. Perseus was there, and Theseus and Erechtheus, Heracles the Mighty, and Odysseus + the Patient, whose intellect Themistocles possessed, Solon the Wise, Periander the + Crafty, Diomedes the Undaunted, men of reality, men of fable, sages, warriors, demigods, + crowding together, speaking one message: <span class="tei tei-q">“Be strong, for the heritage of what you do + this coming day shall be passed beyond children’s children, shall be passed down to + peoples to whom the tongue, the gods, yea, the name of Hellas, are but as a dream.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon felt the weariness fly from him. He was refreshed as never by wine. Then + through the void in place of the band of heroes slowly outspread the tracery of a vessel + at anchor,—the outermost guardship of the fleet of the Hellenes. They were again + amongst friends. The watcher on the trireme was keeping himself awake after the manner + of sentries by <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page299">[pg 299]</span><a name="Pg299" id="Pg299" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>singing. In the night-stillness the + catch from Archilochus rang lustily. </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">By my spear I have won my bread,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">By spear won my clear, red wine,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">On my spear I will lean and drink,—</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Show me a merrier life than is mine!</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The trolling called Glaucon back to reality. Guided by Sicinnus, who knew the stations + of the Greek fleet better than he, a second time they came beside the Spartan admiral. + The lamps were still burning in the stern-cabin. Even before they were alongside, they + caught the clamours of fierce debate. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Still arguing?”</span> quoth Sicinnus to the yawning marine officer who advanced to greet + them as they reached the top of the ladder. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Still arguing,”</span> grunted the Spartan. <span class="tei tei-q">“I think your master has dragged forth all + his old arguments and invented a thousand new ones. He talks continuously, as if + battling for time, though only Castor knows wherefore. There’s surely a majority + against him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The emissary descended the companionway, Themistocles leaped up from his seat in the + crowded council. A few whispers, the Asiatic returned to Glaucon on the deck. The two + gazed down the companionway, observing everything. They had not long to wait. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page300">[pg 300]</span> + <a name="Pg300" id="Pg300" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf33" id="pdf33"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXVIII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> BEFORE THE DEATH GRAPPLE </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For the fourth time the subaltern who stood at Eurybiades’s elbow turned the + water-glass that marked the passing of the hours. The lamps in the low-ceiled cabin were + flickering dimly. Men glared on one another across the narrow table with drawn and + heated faces. Adeimantus of Corinth was rising to reply to the last appeal of the + Athenian. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We have had enough, Eurybiades, of Themistocles’s wordy folly. Because the Athenian + admiral is resolved to lead all Hellas to destruction, is no reason that we should + follow. As for his threat that he will desert us with his ships if we refuse to fight, + I fling it in his face that he dare not make it good. Why go all over the + well-threshed straw again? Is not the fleet of the king overwhelming? Were we not + saved by a miracle from overthrow at Artemisium? Do not the scouts tell us the + Persians are advancing beyond Eleusis toward Megara and the Isthmus? Is not our best + fighting blood here in the fleet? Then if the Isthmus is threatened, our business is + to defend it and save the Peloponnesus, the last remnant of Hellas unconquered. Now + then, headstrong son of Neocles, answer that!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Corinthian, a tall domineering man, threw back his shoulders like a boxer awaiting + battle. Themistocles did not answer, but only smiled up at him from his seat opposite. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have silenced you, grinning babbler, at last,”</span> thundered <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page301">[pg 301]</span><a name="Pg301" id="Pg301" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Adeimantus, <span class="tei tei-q">“and I demand of you, O Eurybiades, that we end this tedious + debate. If we are to retreat, let us retreat. A vote, I say, a vote!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Eurybiades rose at the head of the table. He was a heavy, florid individual with more + than the average Spartan’s slowness of tongue and intellect. Physically he was no + coward, but he dreaded responsibility. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Much has been said,”</span> he announced ponderously, <span class="tei tei-q">“many opinions offered. It would + seem the majority of the council favour the decision to retire forthwith. Has + Themistocles anything more to say why the vote should not be taken?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Nothing,”</span> rejoined the Athenian, with an equanimity that made Adeimantus snap his + teeth. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We will therefore take the vote city by city,”</span> went on Eurybiades. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you, + Phlegon of Seriphos, give your vote.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Seriphos—wretched islet—sent only one ship, but thanks to the Greek mania for <span class="tei tei-q">“equality”</span> + <a name="corr301" id="corr301" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Phlegon’s</span> vote had equal weight with that of Themistocles. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Salamis is not defensible,”</span> announced the Seriphian, shortly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Retreat.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you, Charmides of Melos?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Retreat.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you, Phoibodas of Trœzene?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Retreat, by all the gods.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you, Hippocrates of Ægina?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Stay and fight. If you go back to the Isthmus, Ægina must be abandoned to the + Barbarians. I am with Themistocles.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Record his vote,”</span> shouted Adeimantus, ill-naturedly, <span class="tei tei-q">“he is but one against + twenty. But I warn you, Eurybiades, do not call for Themistocles’s vote, or the rest + of us will be angry. The man whose city is under the power of the Bar<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page302">[pg 302]</span><a name="Pg302" id="Pg302" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>barian has no vote in this council, however much we condescend + to listen to his chatterings.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Athenian sprang from his seat, his aspect as threatening as Apollo descending + Olympus in wrath. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Where is my country, Adeimantus? Yonder!”</span> he pointed out the open port-hole, <span class="tei tei-q">“there rides the array of our Athenian ships. What other state in Hellas sends so many + and sets better men within them? Athens still lives, though her Acropolis be wrapped + in flames. <span class="tei tei-q">‘Strong-hearted men and naught else are warp and woof of a city.’</span> Do + you forget Alcæus’s word so soon, O Boaster from Corinth? Yes, by Athena Promachos, + Mistress of Battles, while those nine score ships ride on the deep, I have a city + fairer, braver, than yours. And will you still deny me equal voice and vote with this + noble trierarch from Siphinos with his one, or with his comrade from Melos with his + twain?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles’s voice rang like a trumpet. Adeimantus winced. Eurybiades broke in with + soothing tones. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No one intends to deny your right to vote, Themistocles. The excellent Corinthian did + but jest.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A fitting hour for jesting!”</span> muttered the Athenian, sinking back into his seat. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The vote, the vote!”</span> urged the Sicyonian chief, from Adeimantus’s elbow, and the + voting went on. Of more than twenty voices only three—Themistocles’s and those of the + Æginetan and Megarian admirals—were in favour of abiding the onset. Yet even when + Eurybiades arose to announce the decision, the son of Neocles sat with his hands + sprawling on the table, his face set in an inscrutable smile as he looked on Adeimantus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is the plain opinion,”</span>—Eurybiades hemmed and hawed with his words,—<span class="tei tei-q">“the + plain opinion, I say, of this council that the allied fleet retire at once to the + Isthmus. There<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page303">[pg 303]</span><a name="Pg303" id="Pg303" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fore, I, as admiral-in-chief, do order + each commander to proceed to his own flag-ship and prepare his triremes to retire at + dawn.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well said,”</span> shouted Adeimantus, already on his feet; <span class="tei tei-q">“now to obey.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But with him rose Themistocles. He stood tall and calm, his thumbs thrust in his + girdle. His smile was a little broader, his head held a little higher, than of wont. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Good Eurybiades, I grieve to blast the wisdom of all these valiant gentlemen, but + they cannot retire if they wish.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Explain!”</span> a dozen shouted. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Very simply. I have had good reason to know that the king has moved forward the + western horn of his fleet, so as to enclose our anchorage at Salamis. It is impossible + to retire save through the Persian line of battle.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Perseus upholding the Gorgon’s head before Polydectes’s guests and turning them to + stone wrought hardly more of a miracle than this calm announcement of Themistocles. Men + stared at him vacantly, stunned by the tidings, then Adeimantus’s frightened wrath broke + loose. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fox!<a id="noteref_10" name="noteref_10" href="#note_10"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">10</span></span></a> Was this + your doing?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I did not ask you to thank me, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotate</span></span>,”</span> was the easy + answer. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is, however, urgent to consider whether you wish to be taken unresisting + in the morning.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Corinthian shook his fist across the table. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Liar, as a last device to ruin us, you invent this folly.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is easy to see if I lie,”</span> rejoined Themistocles; <span class="tei tei-q">“send out a pinnace and note + where the Persians anchor. It will not take long.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For an instant swords seemed about to leap from their scabbards, and the enraged + Peloponnesians to sheathe them in the Athenian’s breast. He stood unflinching, smiling, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page304">[pg 304]</span><a name="Pg304" id="Pg304" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>while a volley of curses flew over him. Then an + orderly summoned him on deck, while Adeimantus and his fellows foamed and contended + below. Under the battle lantern Themistocles saw a man who was his elder in years, + rugged in feature, with massive forehead and wise gray eyes. This was Aristeides the + Just, the admiral’s enemy, but their feud had died when Xerxes drew near to Athens. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hands clasped heartily as the twain stood face to face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Our rivalry forever more shall be a rivalry which of us can do most to profit + Athens,”</span> spoke the returning exile; then Aristeides told how he had even now come + from Ægina, how he had heard of the clamours to retreat, how retreat was impossible, for + the Persians were pressing in. A laugh from Themistocles interrupted. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My handiwork! Come to the council. They will not believe me, no, not my oath.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Aristeides told his story, and how his vessel to Salamis had scarce escaped the + Egyptian triremes, and how by this time all entrance and exit was surely closed. But + even now many an angry captain called him <span class="tei tei-q">“liar.”</span> The strife of words was at white + heat when Eurybiades himself silenced the fiercest doubter. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Captains of Hellas, a trireme of Teos has deserted from the Barbarian to us. Her + navarch sends word that all is even as Themistocles and Aristeides tell. The Egyptians + hold the passage to Eleusis. Infantry are disembarked on Psyttaleia. The Phœnicians + and Ionians enclose us on the eastern strait. We are hemmed in.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Once more the orderly turned the water-clock. It was past midnight. The clouds had + blown apart before the rising wind. The debate must end. Eurybiades stood again to take + the votes of the wearied, tense-strung men. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page305">[pg 305]</span> + <a name="Pg305" id="Pg305" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In view of the report of the Teans, what is your voice and vote?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Before all the rest up leaped Adeimantus. He was no craven at heart, though an evil + genius had possessed him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have your will, Themistocles,”</span> he made the concession sullenly yet firmly, <span class="tei tei-q">“you have your will. May Poseidon prove you in the right. If it is battle or slavery + at dawn, the choice is quick. Battle!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Battle!”</span> shouted the twenty, arising together, and Eurybiades had no need to + declare the vote. The commanders scattered to their flag-ships, to give orders to be + ready to fight at dawn. Themistocles went to his pinnace last. He walked proudly. He + knew that whatever glory he might gain on the morrow, he could never win a fairer + victory than he had won that night. When his barge came alongside, his boat crew knew + that his eyes were dancing, that his whole mien was of a man in love with his fortune. + Many times, as Glaucon sat beside him, he heard the son of Neocles repeating as in + ecstasy:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They must fight. They must fight.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon sat mutely in the pinnace which had headed not for the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>, but toward the shore, where a few faint beacons were burning. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I must confer with the strategi as to the morning,”</span> Themistocles declared after a + long interval, at which Sicinnus broke in anxiously:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You will not sleep, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sleep?”</span> laughed the admiral, as at an excellent jest, <span class="tei tei-q">“I have forgotten there + was such a god as Hypnos.”</span> Then, ignoring Sicinnus, he addressed the outlaw. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am grateful to you, my friend,”</span> he did not call Glaucon by name before the + others, <span class="tei tei-q">“you have saved me, and I have <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page306">[pg 306]</span><a name="Pg306" id="Pg306" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>saved Hellas. + You brought me a new plan when I seemed at the last resource. How can the son of + Neocles reward you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Give me a part to play to-morrow.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Thermopylæ was not brisk enough fighting, ha? Can you still fling a javelin?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I can try.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span> Try you shall.”</span> He let his voice drop. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not + forget your name henceforth is Critias. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> crew are + mostly from Sunium and the Mesogia. They’d hardly recognize you under that beard; + still Sicinnus must alter you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Command me, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>,”</span> said the Asiatic. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A strange time and place, but you must do it. Find some dark dye for this man’s hair + to-night, and at dawn have him aboard the flag-ship.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The thing can be done, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“After that, lie down and sleep. Because Themistocles is awake, is no cause for + others’ star-gazing. Sleep sound. Pray Apollo and Hephæstus to make your eye sure, + your hand strong. Then awake to see the glory of Hellas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Confidence, yes, power came through the tones of the admiral’s voice. Themistocles + went away to the belated council. Sicinnus led his charge through the crooked streets of + the town of Salamis. Sailors were sleeping in the open night, and they stumbled over + them. At last they found a small tavern where a dozen shipmen sprawled on the earthen + floor, and a gaping host was just quenching his last lamp. Sicinnus, however, seemed to + know him. There was much protesting and headshaking, at last ended by the glint of a + daric. The man grumbled, departed, returned after a tedious interval with a pot of + ointment, found Hermes knew <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page307">[pg 307]</span><a name="Pg307" id="Pg307" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>where. By a rush-candle’s + flicker Sicinnus applied the dark dye with a practised hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You know the art well,”</span> observed the outlaw. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Assuredly; the agent of Themistocles must be a Proteus with his disguises.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Sicinnus laid down his pot and brushes. They had no mirror, but Glaucon knew that he + was transformed. The host got his daric. Again they went out into the night and + forsaking the crowded town sought the seaside. The strand was broad, the sand soft and + cool, the circling stars gave three hours yet of night, and they lay down to rest. The + sea and the shore stretched away, a magic vista with a thousand mystic shapes springing + out of the charmed darkness, made and unmade as overwrought fancy summoned them. As from + an unreal world Glaucon—whilst he lay—saw the lights of the scattered ships, heard the + clank of chains, the rattling of tacklings. Nature slept. Only man was waking. </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">The mountain brows, the rocks, the peaks are sleeping,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.80em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Uplands and gorges hush!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">The thousand moorland things are silence keeping,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.80em"><span style="font-size: 80%">The beasts under each bush</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 5.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Crouch, and the hived bees</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 5.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Rest in their honeyed ease;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 80%">In the purple sea fish lie as they were dead,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">And each bird folds his wing over his + head.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The school-learned lines of Alcman, with a thousand other trivial things, swarmed back + through the head of Glaucon the Alcmæonid. How much he had lived through that night, how + much he would live through,—if indeed he was to live,—upon the morrow! The thought was + benumbing in its greatness. His head swam with confused memories. Then at last all + things dimmed. Once more he dreamed. He was with Hermione gathering red poppies on the + hill above <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page308">[pg 308]</span><a name="Pg308" id="Pg308" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Eleusis. She had filled her basket full. He + called to her to wait for him. She ran away. He chased, she fled with laughter and + sparkling eyes. He could hear the wavings of her dress, the little cries she flung back + over her shoulder. Then by the sacred well near the temple he caught her. He felt her + struggling gayly. He felt her warm breath upon his face, her hair was touching his + forehead. Rejoicing in his strength, he was bending her head toward his—but here he + wakened. Sicinnus had disappeared. A bar of gray gold hung over the water in the east. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“This was the day. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">This was the day!</span></span>”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Some moments he lay trying to realize the fact in its full moment. A thin mist rested + on the black water waiting to be dispelled by the sun. From afar came sounds not of + seamen’s trumpets, but horns, harps, kettledrums, from the hidden mainland across the + strait, as of a host advancing along the shore. <span class="tei tei-q">“Xerxes goes down to the marge with + his myriads,”</span> Glaucon told himself. <span class="tei tei-q">“Have not all his captains bowed and smiled, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Your Eternity’s victory is certain. Come and behold.’</span> ”</span> But here the + Athenian shut his teeth. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> People at length were passing up and down the strand. The coast was waking. The gray + bar was becoming silver. Friends passed, deep in talk,—perchance for the last time. + Glaucon lay still a moment longer, and as he rested caught a voice so familiar he felt + all the blood surge to his forehead,—Democrates’s voice. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I tell you, Hiram,—I told you before,—I have no part in the ordering of the fleet. + Were I to interfere with ever so good a heart, it would only breed trouble for us + all.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So close were the twain, the orator’s trailing chiton almost fell on Glaucon’s face. + The latter marvelled that his own heart did not spring from its prison in his breast, so + fierce were its beatings. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page309">[pg 309]</span> + <a name="Pg309" id="Pg309" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If my Lord would go to Adeimantus and suggest,”</span>—the other’s Greek came with a + marked Oriental accent. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Harpy! Adeimantus is no Medizer. He is pushed to bay now, and is sure to fight. Have + you Barbarians no confidence? Has not the king two triremes to our one? Only fools can + demand more. Tell Lycon, your master, I have long since done my uttermost to serve + him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yet remember, Excellency.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Begone, scoundrel. Don’t threaten again. If I know your power over me, I can also + promise you not to go down to Orchus alone, but take excellent pains to have fair + company.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am sorry to bear such tidings to Lycon, Excellency.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Away with you!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not raise your voice, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>,”</span> spoke Hiram, never more + blandly, <span class="tei tei-q">“here is a man asleep.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The hint sent Democrates from the spot almost on a run. Hiram disappeared in the + opposite direction. Glaucon rose, shook the sand from his cloak, and stood an instant + with his head whirling. The voice of his boyhood friend, of the man who had ruined him + because of a suspicion of treason—and now deep in compromising talk with the agent of + the chief of the peace party at Sparta! And wherefore had Mardonius spoken those + mysterious words at their parting, <span class="tei tei-q">“Beware of Democrates”</span>? For an instant the + problems evoked made him forget even the coming battle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A clear trumpet-blast down the strand gave a truce to questioning. Sicinnus + reappeared, and led Glaucon to one of the great fires roaring on the beach, where the + provident Greek sailors were breakfasting on barley porridge and meat broth before + dining on spears and arrow-heads. A silent company, no laughter, no jesting. All knew + another sun for them might never rise. Glaucon ate not because he hungered, but because + duty ordered it. As the light strengthened, the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page310">[pg 310]</span><a name="Pg310" id="Pg310" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>strand + grew alive with thousands of men at toil. The triremes drawn on shore went down into the + sea on their rollers. More trumpet-blasts sent the rowers aboard their ships. But last + of all, before thrusting out to do or die, the Greeks must feast their ears as well as + their stomachs. On the sloping beach gathered the officers and the armoured + marines,—eighteen from each trireme,—and heard one stirring harangue after another. + The old feuds were forgotten. Adeimantus and Eurybiades both spoke bravely. The seers + announced that every bird and cloud gave good omen. Prayer was offered to Ajax of + Salamis that the hero should fight for his people. Last of all Themistocles spoke, and + never to fairer purpose. No boasts, no lip courage, a painting of the noble and the + base, the glory of dying as freemen, the infamy of existing as slaves. He told of + Marathon, of Thermopylæ, and asked if Leonidas had died as died a fool. He drew tears. + He drew vows of vengeance. He never drew applause. Men were too strained for that. At + last he sent the thousands forth. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Go, then. Quit yourselves as Hellenes. That is all the task. And I say to you, in the + after days this shall be your joy, to hear the greatest declare of you, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Reverence + this man, for he saved us all at Salamis.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The company dispersed, each man to his ship. Themistocles went to his pinnace, and a + cheer uprose from sea and land as the boat shot out to the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>. Eurybiades might be chief in name; who did not know that Themistocles + was the surest bulwark of Hellas? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The son of Neocles, standing in the boat, uplifted his face to the now golden east. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Be witness, Helios,”</span> he cried aloud, <span class="tei tei-q">“be witness when thou comest, I have done + all things possible. And do thou and thy fellow-gods on bright Olympus rule our battle + now; the lot is in your hands!”</span> + </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page311">[pg 311]</span> + <a name="Pg311" id="Pg311" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf34" id="pdf34"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXIX</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> SALAMIS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Sunrise. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> was ready. Ameinias the navarch walked + the deck above the stern-cabin with nervous strides. All that human forethought could do + to prepare the ship had long been done. The slim hull one hundred and fifty feet long + had been stripped of every superfluous rope and spar. The masts had been lowered. On the + cat-heads hung the anchors weighted with stone to fend off an enemy, astern towed the + pinnace ready to drag alongside and break the force of the hostile ram. The heavy-armed + marines stood with their long boarding spears, to lead an attack or cast off + grappling-irons. But the true weapon of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> was herself. + To send the three-toothed beak through a foeman’s side was the end of her being. To meet + the shock of collision two heavy cables had been bound horizontally around the hull from + stem to stern. The oarsmen,—the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">thranites</span></span> of the upper tier, the + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">zygites</span></span> of the middle, the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">thalamites</span></span> of + the lower,—one hundred and seventy swart, nervous-eyed men, sat on their benches, and + let their hands close tight upon those oars which trailed now in the drifting water, but + which soon and eagerly should spring to life. At the belt of every oarsman dangled a + sword, for boarders’ work was more than likely. Thirty spare rowers rested impatiently + on the centre deck, ready to leap wherever needed. On the forecastle commanded the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">prōreus</span></span>, Ameinias’s lieutenant, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page312">[pg 312]</span><a name="Pg312" id="Pg312" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and with him the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">keleustes</span></span>, the oar master who must give time + on his sounding-board for the rowing, and never fail,—not though the ships around + reeled down to watery grave. And finally on the poop by the captain stood the <span class="tei tei-q">“governor,”</span>—knotted, grizzled, and keen,—the man whose touch upon the heavy + steering oars might give the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> life or destruction when + the ships charged beak to beak. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The trireme is ready, admiral,”</span> reported Ameinias, as Themistocles came up + leisurely from the stern-cabin. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The son of Neocles threw back his helmet, that all might see his calm, untroubled + face. He wore a cuirass of silvered scale-armour over his purple chiton. At his side + walked a young man, whom the ship’s people imagined the deserter of the preceding night, + but he had drawn his helmet close. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“This is Critias,”</span> said Themistocles, briefly, to the navarch; <span class="tei tei-q">“he is a good + caster. See that he has plenty of darts.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“One of Themistocles’s secret agents,”</span> muttered the captain to the governor, <span class="tei tei-q">“we + should have guessed it.”</span> And they all had other things to think of than the whence + and wherefore of this stranger. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was a weary, nervous interval. Men had said everything, done everything, hoped and + feared everything. They were in no mood even to invoke the gods. In desperation some + jested riotously as they gripped the oars on the benches,—demonstrations which the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">prōreus</span></span> quelled with a loud <span class="tei tei-q">“Silence in the ship.”</span> The + morning mist was breaking. A brisk wind was coming with the sun. Clear and strong sang + the Notus, the breeze of the kindly south. It covered the blue bay with crisping + whitecaps, it sent the surf foaming up along the Attic shore across the strait. + Themistocles watched it all with silent eyes, but eyes that spoke of gladness. He knew + the waves would beat with full force on the Persian <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page313">[pg 313]</span><a name="Pg313" id="Pg313" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>prows, and make their swift movement difficult while the Greeks, taking the galloping + surf astern, would suffer little. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Æolus fights for us. The first omen and a fair one.”</span> The word ran in whispers down + the benches, and every soul on the trireme rejoiced. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> How long did they sit thus? An æon? Would Eurybiades never draw out his line of + battle? Would Adeimantus prove craven at the end? Would treachery undo Hellas to-day, as + once before at Lade when the Ionian Greeks had faced the Persian fleet in vain? Now as + the vapour broke, men began to be able to look about them, and be delivered from their + own thoughts. The shores of Salamis were alive,—old men, women, little children,—the + fugitives from Attica were crowding to the marge in thousands to watch the deed that + should decide their all. And many a bronze-cheeked oarsman arose from his bench to wave + farewell to the wife or father or mother, and sank back again,—a clutching in his + throat, a mist before his eyes, while his grip upon the oar grew like to steel. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> rode at her place in the long line of ships + spread up and down the shore of Salamis, it was easy to detect forms if not faces on the + strand. And Glaucon, peering out from his helmet bars, saw Democrates himself standing + on the sands and beckoning to Themistocles. Then other figures became clear to him out + of the many, this one or that whom he had loved and clasped hands with in the sunlit + days gone by. And last of all he saw those his gaze hungered for the most, Hermippus, + Lysistra, and another standing at their side all in white, and in her arms she bore + something he knew must be her child,—Hermione’s son, his son, born to the lot of a free + man of Athens or a slave of Xerxes according as his elders played their part this day. + Only <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page314">[pg 314]</span><a name="Pg314" id="Pg314" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a glimpse,—the throng of strangers opened to + disclose them closed again; Glaucon leaned on a capstan. All the strength for the moment + was gone out of him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You rowed and wrought too much last night, Critias,”</span> spoke Themistocles, who had + eyes for everything. <span class="tei tei-q">“To the cabin, Sicinnus, bring a cup of Chian.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No wine, for Athena’s sake!”</span> cried the outlaw, drawing himself together, <span class="tei tei-q">“it is + passed. I am strong again.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A great shout from the shores and the waiting fleet made him forget even the sight of + Hermione. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They come! The Persians! The Persians!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The fleet of the Barbarians was advancing from the havens of Athens. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The sun rose higher. He was far above Hymettus now, and shooting his bright javelins + over mainland, islands, and waters. With his rising the southern breeze sang ever + clearer, making the narrow channel betwixt Salamis and Attica white, and tossing each + trireme merrily. Not a cloud hung upon Pentelicus, Hymettus, or the purple northern + range of Parnes. Over the desolate Acropolis hovered a thin mist,—smoke from the + smouldering temple, the sight of which made every Attic sailor blink hard and think of + the vengeance. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yonder on the shore of the mainland the host of the Persian was moving: horsemen in + gilded panoply, Hydarnes’s spearmen in armour like suns. They stood by myriads in + glittering masses about a little spur of Mt. Ægaleos, where a holy close of Heracles + looked out upon the sea. To them were coming more horsemen, chariots, litters, and + across the strait drifted the thunderous acclamation, <span class="tei tei-q">“Victory to the king!”</span> For + here on the ivory throne, with his mighty men, his captains, his harem, about him, the + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord of the World”</span> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page315">[pg 315]</span><a name="Pg315" id="Pg315" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>would look down on the battle and see how his slaves + could fight. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Now the Barbarians began to move forth by sea. From the havens of Peiræus and their + anchorages along the shore swept their galleys,—Phœnician, Cilician, Egyptian, and, + sorrow of sorrows, Ionian—Greek arrayed against Greek! Six hundred triremes and more + they were, taller in poop and prow than the Hellenes, and braver to look upon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Each vied with each in the splendour of the scarlet, purple, and gold upon stern and + foreship. Their thousands of white oars moved like the onward march of an army as they + trampled down the foam. From the masts of their many admirals flew innumerable gay + signal-flags. The commands shouted through trumpets in a dozen strange tongues—the + shrill pipings of the oar masters, the hoarse shouts of the rowers—went up to heaven in + a clamorous babel. <span class="tei tei-q">“Swallows’ chatter,”</span> cried the deriding Hellenes, but hearts + were beating quicker, breath was coming faster in many a breast by Salamis then,—and no + shame. For now was the hour of trial, the wrestle of Olympian Zeus with Ahura-Mazda. Now + would a mighty one speak from the heavens to Hellas, and say to her <span class="tei tei-q">“Die!”</span> or <span class="tei tei-q">“Be!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Barbarians’ armadas were forming. Their black beaks, all pointing toward Salamis, + stretched in two bristling lines from the islet of Psyttaleia—whence the shields of the + landing force glittered—to that brighter glitter on the promontory by Ægaleos where sat + the king. To charge their array seemed charging a moving hedge of spears, impenetrable + in defence, invincible in attack. Slowly, rocked by the sea and rowing in steady order, + the armament approached Salamis. And still the Greek ships lay spread out along the + shore, each trireme swinging at the end of the cable which moored her to the land, each + mariner listening <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page316">[pg 316]</span><a name="Pg316" id="Pg316" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to the beatings of his own heart and + straining his eyes on one ship now—Eurybiades’s—which rode at the centre of their line + and far ahead. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> All could read the order of battle at last as squadron lay against squadron. On the + west, under Xerxes’s own eye, the Athenians must charge the serried Phœnicians, at the + centre the Æginetans must face the Cilicians, on the east Adeimantus and his fellows + from Peloponnese must make good against the vassal Ionians. But would the signal to row + and strike never come? Had some god numbed Eurybiades’s will? Was treachery doing its + darkest work? With men so highly wrought moments were precious. The bow strung too long + will lose power. And wherefore did Eurybiades tarry? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Every soul in the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> kept his curses soft, and + waited—waited till that trailing monster, the Persian fleet, had crept halfway from + Psyttaleia toward them, then up the shrouds of the Spartan admiral leaped a flag. Eager + hands drew it, yet it seemed mounting as a snail, till at the masthead the clear wind + blew it wide,—a plain red banner, but as it spread hundreds of axes were hewing the + cables that bound the triremes to the shore, every Greek oar was biting the sea, the + ships were leaping away from Salamis. From the strand a shout went up, a prayer more + than a cheer, mothers, wives, little ones, calling it together:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Zeus prosper you!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A roar from the fleet, the tearing of countless blades on the thole-pins answered + them. Eurybiades had spoken. There was no treason. All now was in the hand of the god. </p> + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Across the strait they went, and the Barbarians seemed springing to meet them. From + the mainland a tumult of voices was rising, the myriads around Xerxes encouraging <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page317">[pg 317]</span><a name="Pg317" id="Pg317" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>their comrades by sea to play the man. No indecisive, + half-hearted battle should this be, as at Artemisium. Persian and Hellene knew that. The + keen Phœnicians, who had chafed at being kept from action so long, sent their line of + ships sweeping over the waves with furious strokes. The grudges, the commercial + rivalries between Greek and Sidonian, were old. No Persian was hotter for Xerxes’s cause + than his Phœnician vassals that day. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And as they charged, the foemen’s lines seemed so dense, their ships so tall, their + power so vast, that involuntarily hesitancy came over the Greeks. Their strokes slowed. + The whole line lagged. Here an Æginetan galley dropped behind, yonder a Corinthian + navarch suffered his men to back water. Even the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">keleustes</span></span> of the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> slackened his beating on the sounding-board. + Eurybiades’s ship had drifted behind to the line of her sisters, as in defiance a + towering Sidonian sprang ahead of the Barbarian line of battle, twenty trumpets from her + poop and foreship asking, <span class="tei tei-q">“Dare you meet me?”</span> The Greek line became almost + stationary. Some ships were backing water. It was a moment which, suffered to slip + unchecked, leads to irreparable disaster. Then like a god sprang Themistocles upon the + capstan on his poop. He had torn off his helmet. The crews of scores of triremes saw + him. His voice was like Stentor’s, the herald whose call was strong as fifty common men. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In a lull amidst the howls of the Barbarians his call rang up and down the flagging + ships:— </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic">O Sons of Hellas! save + your land,</span></span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic">Your children save, your altars and your wives!</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic">Now dare and do, for ye have staked your + all!</span></span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Now dare and do, for ye have staked your all!”</span> </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Navarch shouted it to navarch. The + cry went up and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page318">[pg 318]</span><a name="Pg318" id="Pg318" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>down the line of the Hellenes, <span class="tei tei-q">“loud + as when billows lash the beetling crags.”</span> The trailing oars beat again into the + water, and even as the ships once more gained way, Themistocles nodded to Ameinias, and + he to the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">keleustes</span></span>. The master oarsman leaped from his seat and + crashed his gavel down upon the sounding-board. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aru! Aru! Aru!</span></span> Put it on, my men!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> answered with a leap. Men wrought at the oar + butts, tugging like mad, their backs toward the foe, conscious only that duty bade them + send the trireme across the waves as a stone whirls from the sling. Thus the men, but + Themistocles, on the poop, standing at the captain’s and governor’s side, never took his + gaze from the great Barbarian that leaped defiantly to meet them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Can we risk the trick?”</span> his swift question to Ameinias. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The captain nodded. <span class="tei tei-q">“With this crew—yes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Two stadia, one stadium, half a stadium, a ship’s length, the triremes were charging + prow to prow, rushing on a common death, when Ameinias clapped a whistle to his lips and + blew shrilly. As one man every rower on the port-side leaped to his feet and dragged his + oar inward through its row-hole. The deed was barely done ere the Sidonian was on them. + They heard the roaring water round her prow, the cracking of the whips as the petty + officers ran up and down the gangways urging on the panting cattle at the oars. Then + almost at the shock the governor touched his steering oar. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> swerved. The prow of the Sidonian rushed past them. A shower of darts + pattered down on the deck of the Hellene, but a twinkling later from the Barbarians + arose a frightful cry. Right across her triple oar bank, still in full speed, ploughed + the Athenian. The Sidonian’s oars were snapping like faggots. The luckless rowers were + flung from their benches in heaps. In less time than the telling every oar on the + Barbarian’s port-side <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page319">[pg 319]</span><a name="Pg319" id="Pg319" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>had been put out of play. The <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">diekplous</span></span>, favourite trick of the Grecian seamen, had never been + done more fairly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Now was Themistocles’s chance. He used it. There was no need for him to give orders to + the oar master. Automatically every rower on the port-tiers of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> had run out his blade again. The governor sent the head of the trireme + around with a grim smile locked about his grizzled lips. It was no woman’s task which + lay before them. Exposing her whole broadside lay the long Sidonian; she was helpless, + striving vainly to crawl away with her remaining oar banks. Her people were running to + and fro, howling to Baal, Astarte, Moloch, and all their other foul gods, and stretching + their hands for help to consorts too far away. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aru! Aru! Aru!</span></span>”</span> was the shout of the oar master; again the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> answered with her leap. Straight across the narrow + water she shot, the firm hand of the governor never veering now. The stroke grew faster, + faster. Then with one instinct men dropped the oars, to trail in the rushing water, and + seized stanchions, beams, anything to brace themselves for the shock. The crash which + followed was heard on the mainland and on Salamis. The side of the Phœnician was beaten + in like an egg-shell. From the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> poop they saw her open + hull reel over, saw the hundreds of upturned, frantic faces, heard the howls of agony, + saw the waves leap into the gaping void.— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Back water,”</span> thundered Ameinias, <span class="tei tei-q">“clear the vortex, she is going down!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> people staggered to the oars. So busy were they + in righting their own ship few saw the crowning horror. A moment more and a few drifting + spars, a few bobbing heads, were all that was left of the Phœnician. The Ægean had + swallowed her. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page320">[pg 320]</span> + <a name="Pg320" id="Pg320" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A shout was pealing from the ships of the Hellenes. <span class="tei tei-q">“Zeus is with us! Athena is with + us!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At the outset of the battle, when advantage tells the most, advantage had been won. + Themistocles’s deed had fused all the Greeks with hopeful courage. Eurybiades was + charging. Adeimantus was charging. Their ships and all the rest went racing to meet the + foe. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> had paid for her victory. In the shock of + ramming the triple-toothed beak on her prow had been wrenched away. In the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">mêlée</span></span> of ships which had just begun, she must play her part robbed + of her keenest weapon. The sinking of the Barbarian had been met with cheers by the + Hellenes, by howls of revengeful rage by the host against them. Not lightly were the + Asiatics who fought beneath the eyes of the king to be daunted. They came crowding up + the strait in such masses that sheer numbers hindered them, leaving no space for the + play of the oars, much less for fine manœuvre. Yet for an instant it seemed as if mere + weight would sweep the Hellenes back to Salamis. Then the lines of battle dissolved into + confused fragments. Captains singled out an opponent and charged home desperately, + unmindful how it fared elsewhere in the battle. Here an Egyptian ran down a Eubœan, + there a Sicyonian grappled a Cilician and flung her boarders on to the foeman’s decks. + To the onlookers the scene could have meant naught save confusion. A hundred duels, a + hundred varying victories, but to which side the final glory would fall, who + knew?—perchance not even Zeus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the roaring <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">mêlée</span></span> the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> had + for some moments moved almost aimlessly, her men gathering breath and letting their + unscathed comrades pass. Then gradually the battle drifted round them also. A Cyprian, + noting they <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page321">[pg 321]</span><a name="Pg321" id="Pg321" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>had lost their ram, strove to charge them + bow to bow. The skill of the governor avoided that disaster. They ran under the stem of + a Tyrian, and Glaucon proved he had not forgotten his skill when he sent his javelins + among the officers upon the poop. A second Sidonian swept down on them, but grown wise + by her consort’s destruction turned aside to lock with an Æginetan galley. How the fight + at large was going, who was winning, who losing, Glaucon saw no more than any one else. + An arrow grazed his arm. He first learned it when he found his armour bloody. A + sling-stone smote the marine next to him on the forehead. The man dropped without a + groan. Glaucon flung the body overboard, almost by instinct. Themistocles was + everywhere, on the poop, on the foreship, among the rowers’ benches, shouting, laughing, + cheering, ordering, standing up boldly where the arrows flew thickest, yet never hit. So + for a while, till out of the confusion of ships and wrecks came darting a trireme, + loftier than her peers. The railing on poop and prow was silver. The shields of the + javelin-men that crowded her high fighting decks were gilded. Ten pennons whipped from + her masts, and the cry of horns, tambours, and kettledrums blended with the shoutings of + her crew. A partially disabled Hellene drifted across her path. She ran the luckless + ship down in a twinkling. Then her bow swung. She headed toward the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you know this ship?”</span> asked Themistocles, at Glaucon’s side on the poop. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A Tyrian, the newest in their fleet, but her captain is the admiral Ariamenes, + Xerxes’s brother.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“She is attacking us, Excellency,”</span> called Ameinias, in his chief’s ear. The din + which covered the sea was beyond telling. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles measured the water with his eye. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page322">[pg 322]</span> + <a name="Pg322" id="Pg322" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“She will be alongside then in a moment,”</span> was his answer, <span class="tei tei-q">“and the beak is + gone?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Gone, and ten of our best rowers are dead.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles drew down the helmet, covering his face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span> Since the choice is to grapple or fly, we had better + grapple.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The governor shifted again the steering paddles. The head of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> fell away toward her attacker, but no signal was given to quicken the + oars. The Barbarian, noting what her opponent did, but justly fearing the handiness of + the Greeks, slackened also. The two ships drifted slowly together. Long before they + closed in unfriendly contact the arrows of the Phœnician pelted over the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> like hail. Rowers fell as they sat on the upper benches; + on the poop the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">prōreus</span></span> lay with half his men. Glaucon never + counted how many missiles dinted his helmet and buckler. The next instant the two ships + were drifting without steerage-way. The grappling-irons dashed down upon the Athenian, + and simultaneously the brown Phœnician boarders were scrambling like cats upon her + decks. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Swords, men!”</span> called Themistocles, never less daunted than at the pinch, <span class="tei tei-q">“up and + feed them with iron!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Three times the Phœnicians poured as a flood over the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>. + Three times they were flung back with loss, but only to rage, call on their gods, and + return with tenfold fury. Glaucon had hurled one sheaf of javelins, and tore loose + another, eye and arm aiming, casting mechanically. In the lulls he saw how wind and sea + were sweeping the two ships landward, until almost in arrow-shot of the rocky point + where sat Xerxes and his lords. He saw the king upon his ivory throne and all his mighty + men around him. He saw the scribes standing near with parchment and papyrus, inscribing + the names of this or that ship which did well or <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page323">[pg 323]</span><a name="Pg323" id="Pg323" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ill in + behalf of the lord of the Aryans. He saw the gaudy dresses of the eunuchs, the litters, + and from them peering forth the veiled women. Did Artazostra think <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">now</span></span> the Hellenes were mad fools to look her brother’s power in the face? From the + shores of Attica and of Salamis, where the myriads rejoiced or wept as the scattered + battle changed, the cries were rising, falling, like the throb of a tragic chorus,—a + chorus of Titans, with the actors gods. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Another charge!”</span> shouted Ameinias, through the din, <span class="tei tei-q">“meet them briskly, + lads!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Once more the hoarse Semitic war-shout, the dark-faced Asiatics dropping upon the + decks, the whir of javelins, the scream of dying men, the clash of steel on steel. A + frantic charge, but stoutly met. Themistocles was in the thickest <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">mêlée</span></span>. With his own spear he dashed two Tyrians overboard, as they sprang upon + the poop. The band that had leaped down among the oar benches were hewn in pieces by the + seamen. The remnant of the attackers recoiled in howls of despair. On the Phœnician’s + decks the Greeks saw the officers laying the lash mercilessly across their men, but the + disheartened creatures did not stir. Now could be seen Ariamenes, the high admiral + himself, a giant warrior in his purple and gilded armour, going up and down the poop, + cursing, praying, threatening,—all in vain. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> + people rose and cheered madly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Enough! They have enough! Glory to Athens!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But here Ameinias gripped Themistocles’s arm. The chief turned, and all the Hellenes + with him. The cheer died on their lips. A tall trireme was bearing down on them in full + charge even while the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> drifted. They were as helpless as + the Sidonian they had sent to death. One groan broke from the Athenians. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Save, Athena! Save! It is Artemisia! The queen of Halicarnassus!”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page324">[pg 324]</span> + <a name="Pg324" id="Pg324" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The heavy trireme of the amazon princess was a magnificent sight as they looked on + her. Her oars flew in a flashing rhythm. The foam leaped in a cataract over her ram. The + sun made fire of the tossing weapons on her prow. A yell of triumph rose from the + Phœnicians. On the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> men dropped sword and spear, moaned, + raved, and gazed wildly on Themistocles as if he were a god possessing power to dash the + death aside. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To your places, men!”</span> rang his shout, as he faced the foe unmoved, <span class="tei tei-q">“and die as + Athenians!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then even while men glanced up at the sun to greet Helios for the last time, there was + a marvel. The threatening beak shot around. The trireme flew past them, her oars leaping + madly, her people too intent on escape even to give a flight of javelins. And again the + Athenians cheered. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Perseus</span></span>! Cimon has saved us.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Not three ships’ lengths behind the Halicarnassian raced the ship of the son of + Miltiades. They knew now why <a name="corr324" id="corr324" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Artemisia</span> had veered. Well she + might; had she struck the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> down, her own broadside would + have swung defenceless to the fleet pursuer. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Perseus</span></span> sped + past her consort at full speed, Athenian cheering Athenian as she went. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Need you help?”</span> called Cimon, from his poop, as Themistocles waved his sword. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“None, press on, smite the Barbarian! Athena is with us!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Athena is with us! Zeus is with us!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> crew were lifted from panic to mad enthusiasm. + Still above them towered the tall Phœnician, but they could have scaled Mt. Caucasus at + that instant. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Onward! Up and after them,”</span> rang Ameinias’s blast, <span class="tei tei-q">“she is our own, we will take + her under the king’s own eye.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page325">[pg 325]</span> + <a name="Pg325" id="Pg325" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The javelins and arrows were pelting from the Barbarian. The Athenians mocked the + shower as they leaped the void from bulwark to bulwark. Vainly the Phœnicians strove to + clear the grapples. Too firm! Their foes came on to their decks with long leaps, or here + and there ran deftly on projecting spars, for what athlete of Hellas could not run the + tight rope? In an instant the long rowers’ deck of the Tyrian was won, and the attackers + cheered and blessed Athena. But this was only storming the first outpost. Like castles + forward and aft reared the prow and poop, whither the sullen defenders retreated. + Turning at bay, the Phœnicians swarmed back into the waist, waiting no scourging from + their officers. Now their proud admiral himself plunged into the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">mêlée</span></span>, laying about with a mighty sword worthy of Ajax at Troy, showing he was a + prince of the Aryans indeed. It took all the steadiness of Ameinias and his stoutest men + to stop the rush, and save the Athenians in turn from being driven overboard. The rush + was halted finally, though this was mere respite before a fiercer breaking of the storm. + The two ships were drifting yet closer to the strand. Only the fear of striking their + own men kept the Persians around the king from clouding the air with arrows. Glaucon saw + the grandees near Xerxes’s throne brandishing their swords. In imagination he saw the + monarch leaping from his throne in agony as at Thermopylæ. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Back to the charge,”</span> pealed Ariamenes’s summons to the Tyrians; <span class="tei tei-q">“will you be + cowards and dogs beneath the very eyes of the king?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The defenders answered with a second rush. Others again hurled darts from the stern + and foreship. Then out of the <a name="corr325" id="corr325" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">mælstrom</span> of men and weapons came a truce. Athenian and + Tyrian drew back, whilst Themistocles and Ariamenes were fighting blade to blade. Twice + the giant Persian almost <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page326">[pg 326]</span><a name="Pg326" id="Pg326" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>dashed the Hellene down. Twice + Themistocles recovered poise, and paid back stroke for stroke. He had smitten the helmet + from Ariamenes’s head and was swinging for a master-blow when his foot slipped on the + bloody plank. He staggered. Before he could recover, the Persian had brought his own + weapon up, and flung his might into the downward stroke. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The admiral—lost!”</span> Athenians shuddered together, but with the groan shot a + javelin. Clear through the scales of the cuirass it tore, and into the Persian’s + shoulder,—Glaucon’s cast, never at the Isthmus truer with hand or eye. The ponderous + blade turned, grazed the Athenian’s corselet, clattered on the deck. The Persian sprang + back disarmed and powerless. At sight thereof the Phœnicians flung down their swords. + True Orientals, in the fate of their chief they saw decreeing Destiny,—what use to + resist it? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yield, my Lord, yield,”</span> called Glaucon, in Persian, <span class="tei tei-q">“the battle is against you, + and no fault of yours. Save the lives of your men.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Ariamenes gave a toss of his princely head, and with his left hand plucked the javelin + from his shoulder. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A prince of the Aryans knows how to die, but not how to yield,”</span> he cast back, and + before the Athenians guessed his intent he sprang upon the bulwark. There in the sight + of his king he stood and bowed his head and with his left arm made the sign of + adoration. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Seize him!”</span> shouted Ameinias, divining his intent, but too late. The Persian + leaped into the water. In his heavy mail he sank like lead. The wave closed over him, as + he passed forever from the sight of man. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> There was stillness on the Tyrian for a moment. A groan of helpless horror was rising + from the Barbarians on the shore. Then the Phœnicians fell upon their knees, crying in + their harsh tongue, <span class="tei tei-q">“Quarter! Quarter!”</span> and embracing and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page327">[pg 327]</span><a name="Pg327" id="Pg327" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>kissing the feet of the victors. Thanks to the moment of quietness given + them, the Athenians’ blood had cooled a little; they gathered up the weapons cast upon + the deck; there was no massacre. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles mounted the poop of the captured flag-ship, and Glaucon with him. The + wind was wafting them again into the centre of the channel. For the first time for many + moments they were able to look about them, to ask, <span class="tei tei-q">“How goes the battle?”</span> Not the + petty duel they had fought, but the great battle of battles which was the life-struggle + of Hellas. And behold, as they gazed they pressed their hands upon their eyes and looked + and looked again, for the thing they saw seemed overgood for truth. Where the great + Barbarian line had been pushing up the strait, were only bands of scattered ships, and + most of these turning their beaks from Salamis. The waves were strewn with wrecks, and + nigh every one a Persian. And right, left, and centre the triumphant Hellenes were + pressing home, ramming, grappling, capturing. Even whilst the fight raged, pinnaces were + thrusting out from Salamis—Aristeides’s deed, they later heard—crowded with martial + graybeards who could not look idly on while their sons fought on the ships, and who + speedily landed on <a name="corr327" id="corr327" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Psyttaleia</span> to massacre the luckless Persians there stationed. The + cheers of the Barbarians were ended now; from the shores came only a beastlike howling + which drowned the pæans of the victors. As the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> people + looked, they could see the once haughty Phœnicians and Cilicians thrusting back against + the land, and the thousands of footmen running down upon the shore to drag the shattered + triremes up and away from the triumphant Hellenes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> people in wondering gaze stood there for a long + time as if transfixed, forgetful how their ship and its prize drifted, forgetful of + weariness, forgetful of wounds. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page328">[pg 328]</span><a name="Pg328" id="Pg328" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Then as one man they + turned to the poop of the captured Tyrian, and to Themistocles. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">He</span></span> had done it—their admiral. He had saved Hellas under the eyes of the vaunting + demigod who thought to be her destroyer. They called to Themistocles, they worshipped as + if he were the Olympian himself. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page329">[pg 329]</span> + <a name="Pg329" id="Pg329" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf35" id="pdf35"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXX</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THEMISTOCLES GIVES A PROMISE </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> After the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> had returned that night to Salamis, after + the old men and the women had laughed and wept over the living,—they were too proud to + weep over the dead,—after the prudent admirals had set the fleet again in order, for + Xerxes might tempt fate again in the morning with his remaining ships, Themistocles + found himself once more in his cabin. With him was only Glaucon the Alcmæonid. The + admiral’s words were few and pointed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Son of Conon, last night you gave me the thought whereby I could save Hellas. To-day + your javelin saved me from death. I owe you much. I will repay in true coin. To-morrow + I can give you back to your wife and all your friends if you will but suffer me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The younger man flushed a little, but his eyes did not brighten. He felt + Themistocles’s reservation. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“On what terms?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You shall be presented to the Athenians as one who, yielding for a moment to + overmastering temptation, has atoned for one error by rendering infinite service.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then I am to be <span class="tei tei-q">‘Glaucon the Traitor’</span> still, even if <span class="tei tei-q">‘Glaucon the Repentant + Traitor’</span>?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your words are hard, son of Conon; what may I say? Have you any new explanation for + the letter to Argos?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The old one—I did not write it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let us not bandy useless arguments. Do you not see I shall be doing all that is + possible?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page330">[pg 330]</span> + <a name="Pg330" id="Pg330" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let me think a little.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The younger Athenian held down his head, and Themistocles saw his brows knitting. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Son of Neocles,”</span> said Glaucon, at length, <span class="tei tei-q">“I thank you. You are a just man. + Whatever of sorrow has or will be mine, you have no part therein, but I cannot + return—not to Hermione and my child—on any terms you name.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your purpose, then?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To-day the gods show mercy to Hellas, later they may show justice to me. The war is + far from ended. Can you not let me serve on some ship of the allies where none can + recognize me? Thus let me wait a year, and trust that in that year the sphinx will + find her riddle answered.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To wait thus long is hard,”</span> spoke the other, kindly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have done many hard things, Themistocles.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And your wife?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hera pity her! She bade me return when Athens knew me innocent. Better that she wait + a little longer, though in sorrow, when I can return to her even as she bade me. + Nevertheless, promise one thing.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Name it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That if her parents are about to give her to Democrates or any other, you will + prevent.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles’s face lightened. He laid a friendly hand on the young man’s shoulder. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not know how to answer your cry of innocency, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotate</span></span>, + but this I know, in all Hellas I think none is fairer in body or soul than you. Have + no fear for Hermione, and in the year to come may Revealer Apollo make all of your + dark things bright.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon bowed his head. Themistocles had given everything the outlaw could ask, and + the latter went out of the cabin. </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page331">[pg 331]</span> + <a name="Pg331" id="Pg331" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf36" id="pdf36"></a> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">BOOK III</span></h1> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> THE PASSING OF THE PERSIAN </span></h1> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page332">[pg 332]</span> + <a name="Pg332" id="Pg332" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + </p> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page333">[pg 333]</span> + <a name="Pg333" id="Pg333" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf37" id="pdf37"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXXI</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> DEMOCRATES SURRENDERS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hellas was saved. But whether forever or only for a year the gods kept hid. + Panic-stricken, the <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord of the World”</span> had fled to Asia after the great disaster. + The eunuchs, the harem women, the soft-handed pages, had escaped with their master to + luxurious Sardis, the remnant of the fleet fled back across the Ægean. But the brain and + right arm of the Persians, Mardonius the Valiant, remained in Hellas. With him were + still the Median infantry, the Tartar horse-archers, the matchless Persian lancers,—the + backbone of the undefeated army. Hellas was not yet safe. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates had prospered. He had been reëlected strategus. If Themistocles no longer + trusted him quite so freely as once, Aristeides, restored now to much of his former + power, gave him full confidence. Democrates found constant and honourable employment + through the winter in the endless negotiations at Sparta, at Corinth, and elsewhere, + while the jealous Greek states wrangled and intrigued, more to humiliate some rival than + to advance the safety of Hellas. But amongst all the patriot chiefs none seemed more + devoted to the common weal of Hellas than the Athenian orator. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermippus at least was convinced of this. The Eleusinian had settled at Trœzene on the + Argive coast, a hospitable city that received many an outcast Athenian. He found his <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page334">[pg 334]</span><a name="Pg334" id="Pg334" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>daughter’s resistance to another marriage increasingly + unreasonable. Was not Glaucon dead for more than a year? Ought not any woman to bless + Hera who gave her so noble, so eloquent, a husband as Democrates—pious, rich, trusted + by the greatest, and with the best of worldly prospects? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If you truly desire any other worthy man, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">makaira</span></span>,”</span> said + Hermippus, once, <span class="tei tei-q">“you shall not find me obstinate. Can a loving father say more? But + if you are simply resolved never to marry, I will give you to him despite your will. A + senseless whim must not blast your highest happiness.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He ruined Glaucon,”</span> said Hermione, tearfully. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“At least,”</span> returned Lysistra, who like many good women could say exceeding cruel + things, <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">he</span></span> has never been a traitor to his country.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermione’s answer was to fly to her chamber, and to weep—as many a time before—over + Phœnix in the cradle. Here old Cleopis found her, took her in her arms, and sang her the + old song about Alphæus chasing Arethusa—a song more fit for Phœnix than his mother, but + most comforting. So the contest for the moment passed, but after a conference with + Hermippus, Democrates went away on public business to Corinth unusually well pleased + with the world and himself. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was a tedious, jangling conference held at the Isthmus city. Mardonius had tempted + the Athenians sorely. In the spring had come his envoys proffering reparation for all + injuries in the wars, enlarged territory, and not slavery, but free alliance with the + Great King, if they would but join against their fellow-Hellenes. The Athenians had met + the tempter as became Athenians. Aristeides had given the envoys the answer of the whole + people. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We know your power. Yet tell it to Mardonius, that so long as Helios moves in the + heavens we will not make <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page335">[pg 335]</span><a name="Pg335" id="Pg335" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>alliance with Xerxes, but + rather trust to the gods whose temples he has burned.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Bravely said, but when the Athenians looked to Sparta for the great army to hasten + north and give Mardonius his death-stroke, it was the old wearisome tale of excuses and + delay. At the conference in Corinth Aristeides and Democrates had passed from arguments + to all but threats, even such as Themistocles had used at Salamis. It was after one of + these fruitless debates that Democrates passed out of the gathering at the Corinthian + prytaneum, with his colleagues all breathing forth their wrath against Dorian stupidity + and evasiveness. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates himself crossed the city Agora, seeking the house of the friendly merchant + where he was to sup. He walked briskly, his thoughts more perhaps on the waiting + betrothal feast at Trœzene, than on the discussion behind him. The Agora scene had + little to interest, the same buyers, booths, and babel as in Athens, only the citadel + above was the mount of Acro-Corinthus, not the tawny rock of Athena. And in late months + he had begun to find his old fears and terrors flee away. Every day he was growing more + certain that his former <span class="tei tei-q">“missteps”</span>—that was his own name for certain + occurrences—could have no malign influence. <span class="tei tei-q">“After all,”</span> he was reflecting, <span class="tei tei-q">“Nemesis is a very capricious goddess. Often she forgets for a lifetime, and after + death—who knows what is beyond the Styx?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He was on such noble terms with all about him that he could even give ear to the whine + of a beggar. The man was sitting on the steps between the pillars of a colonnade, with a + tame crow perched upon his fist, and as Democrates passed he began his doggerel + prayer:— </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Good master, a handful of barley bestow</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">On the child of Apollo, the sage, sable crow.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page336">[pg 336]</span> + <a name="Pg336" id="Pg336" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Athenian began to fumble in his belt for an obol, when he was rudely distracted by + a twitch upon his chiton. Turning, he was little pleased to come face to face with no + less a giant than Lycon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There was an hour, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotate</span></span>,”</span> spoke the Spartan, with + ill-concealed sneer, <span class="tei tei-q">“when you did not have so much silver to scatter out to + beggars.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Time had not mended Lycon’s aspect, nor taken from his eye that sinister twinkle which + was so marked a foil to his brutishness. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I did not invite you, dear fellow,”</span> rejoined the Athenian, <span class="tei tei-q">“to remind me of the + fact.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yet you should have gratitude, and you have lacked that virtue of late. It was a + sorry plight Mardonius’s money saved you from two years since, and nobly have you + remembered his good service.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Worthy Lacedæmonian,”</span> said Democrates, with what patience he could command, <span class="tei tei-q">“if + you desire to go over all that little business which concerned us then, at least I + would suggest not in the open Agora.”</span> He started to walk swiftly away. The + Spartan’s ponderous strides easily kept beside him. Democrates looked vainly for an + associate whom he could approach and on some pretext could accompany. None in sight. + Lycon kept fast hold of his cloak. For practical purposes Democrates was prisoner. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why in Corinth?”</span> he threw out sullenly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For three reasons, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotate</span></span>,”</span> Lycon grinned over his + shoulder, <span class="tei tei-q">“first, the women at the Grove of Aphrodite here are handsome; second, I am + weary of Sparta and its black broth and iron money; third, and here is the rose for my + garland, I had need to confer with your noble self.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Would not Hiram be your dutiful messenger again?”</span> queried the other, vainly + watching for escape. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page337">[pg 337]</span> + <a name="Pg337" id="Pg337" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hiram is worth twenty talents as a helper;”</span>—Lycon gave a hound-like chuckle,—<span class="tei tei-q">“still he is not Apollo, and there are too many strings on this lyre for him to play + them all. Besides, he failed at Salamis.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He did! Zeus blast his importunity and yours likewise. Where are you taking me? I + warn you in advance, you are <span class="tei tei-q">‘shearing an ass,’</span>—attempting the impossible,—if + you deceive yourself as to my power. I can do nothing more to prevent the war from + being pressed against Mardonius. It is only your Laconian ephors that are + hindering.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We shall see, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotate</span></span>, we shall see,”</span> grunted the + Spartan, exasperatingly cool. <span class="tei tei-q">“Here is Poseidon’s Temple. Let us sit in the shaded + portico.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates resigned himself to be led to a stone seat against the wall. The gray old + <span class="tei tei-q">“dog-watcher”</span> by the gate glanced up to see that no dogs were straying into the + holy house, noted only two gentlemen come for a chat, and resumed his siesta. Lycon took + a long time in opening his business. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The world has used you well of late, dear fellow.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Passing well, by Athena’s favour.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You should say by Hermes’s favour, but I would trust you Athenians to grow fat on + successful villany and then bless the righteous gods.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I hope you haven’t left Sparta just to revile me!”</span> cried Democrates, leaping up, + to be thrust back by Lycon’s giant paw. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai!</span></span> mix a little honey with your speech, it costs nothing. + Well, the length and breadth of my errand is this, Mardonius must fight soon, and must + be victorious.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That is for your brave ephors to say,”</span> darted Democrates. <span class="tei tei-q">“According to their + valiant proposals they desire this war to imitate that with Troy,—to last ten + years.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page338">[pg 338]</span> + <a name="Pg338" id="Pg338" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Indeed—but I always held my people surpassed in procrastination, as yours in + deceiving. However, their minds will change.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Aristeides and Themistocles will bless you for that.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lycon shrugged his great shoulders. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then I’ll surpass the gods, who can seldom please all men. Still it is quite + true.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’m glad to hear it.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dear Democrates, you know what’s befallen in Sparta. Since Leonidas died, his rivals + from my own side of the royal house have gathered a great deal more of power. My uncle + Nicander is at present head of the board of ephors, and gladly takes my advice.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ha!”</span> Democrates began to divine the drift. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It seemed best to me after the affair at Salamis to give the lie to my calumniators, + who hinted that I desired to <span class="tei tei-q">‘Medize,’</span> and that it was by my intriguing that the + late king took so small a force to Thermopylæ.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“All Hellas knows <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">your</span></span> patriotism!”</span> cried Democrates, + satirically. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Even so. I have silenced my fiercest abusers. If I have not yet urged in our assembly + that we should fight Mardonius, it is merely because—it is not yet prudent.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Excellent scoundrel,”</span> declared the other, writhing on his seat, <span class="tei tei-q">“you are no + Spartan, but long-winded as a Sicilian.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Patience, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotate</span></span>, a Spartan must either speak in apothegms + or take all day. I have not advised a battle yet because I was not certain of your + aid.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ay, by Zeus,”</span> broke out Democrates, <span class="tei tei-q">“that ointment I sniffed a long way off. I + can give you quick answer. Fly back to Sparta, swift as Boreas; plot, conspire, earn + Tartarus, to your heart’s content—you’ll get no more help from me.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page339">[pg 339]</span> + <a name="Pg339" id="Pg339" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I expected that speech.”</span> Lycon’s coolness drove his victim almost frantic. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In the affair of Tempē I bent to you for the last time,”</span> Democrates charged + desperately. <span class="tei tei-q">“I have counted the cost. Perhaps you can use against me certain + documents, but I am on a surer footing than once. In the last year I have done such + service to Hellas I can even hope to be forgiven, should these old mistakes be proved. + And if you drive me to bay, be sure of this, I will see to it that all the dealings + betwixt the Barbarian and your noble self are expounded to your admiring + countrymen.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You show truly excellent courage, dear Democrates,”</span> cried Lycon, in + pseudo-admiration. <span class="tei tei-q">“That speech was quite worthy of a tragic actor.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If we’re in the theatre, let the chorus sing its last strophe and have done. You + disgust me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace, peace,”</span> ordered Lycon, his hand still on the Athenian’s shoulder, <span class="tei tei-q">“I will + make all the haste I can, but obstinacy is disagreeable. I repeat, you are needed, + sorely needed, by Mardonius to enable him to complete the conquest of Hellas. You + shall not call the Persians ungrateful—the tyranny of Athens under the easy + suzerainty of the king, is that no dish to whet your appetite?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I knew of the offer before.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A great pity you are not more eager. Hermes seldom sends such chances twice. I hoped + to have you for <span class="tei tei-q">‘my royal brother’</span> when they gave me the like lordship of + Lacedæmon. However, the matter does not end with your refusal.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have said, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Do your worst.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And my worst is—Agis.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For an instant Lycon was dismayed. He thought he had slain his victim with one word. + Democrates dropped from his clutch and upon the pavement as though stricken through <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page340">[pg 340]</span><a name="Pg340" id="Pg340" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the heart by an arrow. He was pallid as a corpse, at + first he only groaned. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eu! eu!</span></span> good comrade,”</span> cried the Spartan, dragging him up, + half triumphant, half sympathetic, <span class="tei tei-q">“I did not know I was throwing Zeus’s + thunderbolts.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Athenian sat with his head on his hands. In all his dealings with the Spartan he + had believed he had covered the details of the fate of Glaucon. Lycon could surmise what + he liked, but the proof to make the damning charges good Democrates believed he had safe + in his own keeping. Only one man could have unlocked the casket of infamy—Agis—and the + mention of his name was as a bolt from the blue. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Where is he? I heard he was killed at Artemisium.”</span> Lycon hardly understood his + victim’s thick whispers. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wounded indeed, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotate</span></span>, taken prisoner, and sent to Thebes. + There friends of mine found he had a story to tell—greatly to my advantage. It is + only a little time since he came to Sparta.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What lies has he told?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Several, dear fellow, although if they are lies, then Aletheia, Lady Truth, must + almost own them for her children. At least they are interesting lies; as, for example, + how you advised the Cyprian to escape from Athens, how you gave Agis a letter to hide + in the boots of Glaucon’s messenger, of your interviews with Lampaxo and Archias, of + the charming art you possess of imitating handwritings and seals.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Base-born swine! who will believe him?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Base born, Democrates, but hardly swinish. He can tell a very clear story. Likewise, + Lampaxo and Archias must testify at the trial, also your slave Bias can tell many + interesting things.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Only if I consent to produce him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“When did a master ever refuse to let his slave testify, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page341">[pg 341]</span><a name="Pg341" id="Pg341" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>if demanded, unless he wished to blast his own cause with the jury? No, + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">makaire</span></span>, you will not enjoy the day when Themistocles arrays + the testimony against you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates shivered. The late spring sun was warm. He felt no heat. A mere charge of + treason he was almost prepared now to endure. If Mistress Fortune helped him, he might + refute it, but to be branded before Hellas as the destroyer of his bosom friend, and + that by guile the like whereof Tantalus, Sisyphus, and Ixion conjoined had never + wrought—what wonder his knees smote together? Why had he not foreseen that Agis would + fall into Lycon’s hands? Why had he trusted that lying tale from Artemisium? And worst + of all, worse than the howls of the people who would tear his body asunder like dogs, + not waiting the work of the hemlock, was the thought of Hermione. She hated him now. How + she would love him, though he sat on Xerxes’s throne, if once her suspicion rose to + certainty! He saw himself ruined in life and in love, and blazoned as infamous forever. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lycon was wise enough to sit some moments, letting his utterance do its work. He was + confident, and rightly. Democrates looked on him at last. The workings of the Athenian’s + face were terrible. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am your slave, Spartan. Had you bought me for ten minæ and held the bill of sale, I + were not yours more utterly. Your wish?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lycon chose his words and answered slowly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You must serve Persia. Not for a moment, but for all time. You must place that + dreadful gift of yours at our disposal. And in return take what is promised,—the + lordship of Athens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No word of that,”</span> groaned the wretched man, <span class="tei tei-q">“what will you do?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page342">[pg 342]</span> + <a name="Pg342" id="Pg342" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Aristeides is soon going to Sparta to press home his demands that the Lacedæmonians + march in full force against Mardonius. I can see to it that his mission succeeds. A + great battle will be fought in Bœotia. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">We</span></span> can see to it that + Mardonius is so victorious that all further resistance becomes a dream.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And my part in this monster’s work?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The demands and propositions with which Lycon answered this despairing question will + unfold themselves in due place and time. Suffice it here, that when he let the Athenian + go his way Lycon was convinced that Democrates had bound himself heart and soul to + forward his enterprise. The orator was no merry guest for his Corinthian hosts that + night. He returned to his old manner of drinking unmixed wine. <span class="tei tei-q">“Thirsty as a + Macedonian!”</span> cried his companions, in vain endeavour to drive him into a laugh. + They did not know that once more the chorus of the Furies was singing about his ears, + and he could not still it by the deepest wine-cup. They did not know that every time he + closed his eyes he was seeing the face of Glaucon. That morning he had mocked at + Nemesis. That night he heard the beating of her brazen wings. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page343">[pg 343]</span> + <a name="Pg343" id="Pg343" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf38" id="pdf38"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXXII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE STRANGER IN TRŒZENE </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Despite exile, life had moved pleasantly for Hermippus’s household that spring. The + Trœzenians had surpassed all duties to Zeus Xenios—the stranger’s god—in entertaining + the outcast Athenians. The fugitives had received two obols per day to keep them in figs + and porridge. Their children had been suffered to roam and plunder the orchards. But + Hermippus had not needed such generosity. He had placed several talents at interest in + Corinth; likewise bonds of <span class="tei tei-q">“guest-friendship”</span> with prominent Trœzenians made his + residence very agreeable. He had hired a comfortable house, and could enjoy even luxury + with his wife, daughter, young sons, and score of slaves. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Little Phœnix grew marvellously day by day, as if obeying his mother’s command to wax + strong and avenge his father. Old Cleopis vowed he was the healthiest, least tearful + babe, as well as the handsomest, she had ever known,—and she spoke from wide + experience. When he was one year old, he was so active they had to tie him in the + cradle. When the golden spring days came, he would ride forth upon his nurse’s back, + surveying the Hellas he was born to inherit, and seeming to find it exceeding good. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But as spring verged on summer, Hermione demanded so much of Cleopis’s care that even + Phœnix ceased to be the focus of attention. The lordly Alcmæonid fell into the cus<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page344">[pg 344]</span><a name="Pg344" id="Pg344" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>tody of one Niobe, a dark-haired lass of the islands, who + treated him well, but cared too much for certain young <span class="tei tei-q">“serving-gentlemen”</span> to waste + on her charge any unreciprocated adoration. So on one day, just as the dying grass told + the full reign of the Sun King, she went forth with her precious bundle wriggling in her + arms, but her thoughts hardly on Master Phœnix. Procles the steward had been cold of + late, he had even cast sly glances at Jocasta, Lysistra’s tiring-woman. Mistress Niobe + was ready—since fair means of recalling the fickle Apollo failed—to resort to foul. + Instead, therefore, of going to the promenade over the sea, she went—burden and all—to + the Agora, where she was sure old Dion, who kept a soothsayer’s shop, would give due + assistance in return for half a drachma. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The market was just thinning. Niobe picked her way amongst the vegetable women, fought + off a boy who thrust on her a pair of geese, and found in a quiet corner by a temple + porch the booth of Dion, who grinned with his toothless gums in way of greeting. He + listened with paternal interest to her story, soothed her when she sniffled at Procles’s + name, and made her show her silver, then began pulling over his bags and vials of + strange powders and liquids. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, kind Master Dion,”</span> began Niobe, for the sixth time, <span class="tei tei-q">“if only some philtre + could make Procles loath that abominable Jocasta!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eu! eu!</span></span>”</span> muttered the old sinner, <span class="tei tei-q">“it’s hard to say + what’s best,—powder of toad’s bone or the mixture of wormwood and adder’s fat. The + safest thing is to consult the god—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What do you mean?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, my holy cock here, hatched at Delphi with Apollo’s blessings on him.”</span> Dion + pointed with his thumb to the small coop at his feet. <span class="tei tei-q">“The oracle is simple. You cast + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page345">[pg 345]</span><a name="Pg345" id="Pg345" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>before him two piles of corn; if he picks at the + one to right we take toad’s bone, to left the adder’s fat. Heaven will speak to + us.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Excellent,”</span> cried Niobe, brightening. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But, of course, we must use only consecrated corn, that’s two obols more.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Niobe’s face fell. <span class="tei tei-q">“I’ve only this half-drachma.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotata</span></span>,”</span> said Dion, kindly but firmly, <span class="tei tei-q">“we had + better wait a little longer.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Niobe wept. <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai!</span></span> woe. <span class="tei tei-q">‘A little longer’</span> and Jocasta has + Procles. I can’t ask Hermione again for money. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai! ai!</span></span>”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Two round tears did not move Dion in the slightest. Niobe was sobbing, at her small + wits’ end, when a voice sounded behind her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What’s there wrong, lass? By Zeus, but you carry a handsome child!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Niobe glanced, and instantly stopped weeping. A young man dressed roughly as a sailor, + and with long black hair and beard, had approached her, but despite dress and beard she + was quite aware he was far handsomer than even Procles. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I beg pardon, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>,”</span>—she said <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>”</span> by instinct,—<span class="tei tei-q">“I’m only an honest maid. Dion is terribly + extortionate.”</span> She cast down her eyes, expecting instant succour from the + susceptible seaman, but to her disgust she saw he was admiring only the babe, not + herself. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah! Gods and goddesses, what a beautiful child! A girl?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A boy,”</span> answered Niobe, almost sullenly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Blessed the house in Trœzene then that can boast of such a son.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, he’s not Trœzenian, but one of the exiles from <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page346">[pg 346]</span><a name="Pg346" id="Pg346" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Athens,”</span> volunteered Dion, who kept all the tittle-tattle of the little city in + stock along with his philtres. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“An Athenian! Praised be Athena Polias, then. I am from Athens myself. And his + father?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The brat will never boast of his father,”</span> quoth Dion, rolling his eyes. <span class="tei tei-q">“He left + the world in a way, I wager five minæ, the mother hopes she can hide from her darling, + but the babe’s of right good stock, an Alcmæonid, and the grandfather is that + Hermippus—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hermippus?”</span> The stranger seemed to catch the word out of Dion’s mouth. A donkey + had broken loose at the upper end of the Agora; he turned and stared at it and its + pursuers intently. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If you’re Athenian,”</span> went on the soothsayer, <span class="tei tei-q">“the story’s an old one—of Glaucon + the Traitor.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The stranger turned back again. For a moment Dion saw he was blinking, but no doubt it + was dust. Then he suddenly began to fumble in his girdle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What do you want, girl?”</span> he demanded of Niobe, nigh fiercely. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Two obols.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Take two drachmæ. I was once a friend to that Glaucon, and traitor though he has been + blazed, his child is yet dear to me. Let me take him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Without waiting her answer he thrust the coin into her hands, and caught the child out + of them. Phœnix looked up into the strange, bearded face, and deliberated an instant + whether to crow or to weep. Then some friendly god decided him. He laughed as sweetly, + as musically, as ever one can at his most august age. With both chubby hands he plucked + at the black beard and held tight. The strange sailor answered laugh with laugh, and + released himself right gayly. Then whilst Niobe and Dion watched and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page347">[pg 347]</span><a name="Pg347" id="Pg347" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>wondered they saw the sailor kiss the child full fifty times, + all the time whispering soft words in his ear, at which Phœnix crowed and laughed yet + more. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“An old family servant,”</span> threw out Dion, in a whisper. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sheep!”</span> retorted the nurse, <span class="tei tei-q">“do you call yourself wise? Do you think a man with + that face and those long hands ever felt the stocks or the whip? He’s gentleman born, + by Demeter!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“War makes many changes,”</span> rejoined Dion. <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai!</span></span> is he beside + himself or a kidnapper? He is walking off with the babe.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The stranger indeed had seemed to forget them all and was going with swift strides up + the Agora, but just before Niobe could begin her outcry he wheeled, and brought his + merry burden back to the nurse’s arms. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You ought to be exceeding proud, my girl,”</span> he remarked almost severely, <span class="tei tei-q">“to have + such a precious babe in charge. I trust you are dutiful.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So I strive, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>, but he grows very strong. One cannot keep + the swaddling clothes on him now. They say he will be a mighty athlete like his + father.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, yes—his father—”</span> The sailor looked down. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You knew Master Glaucon well?”</span> pressed Dion, itching for a new bit of gossip. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> answered the sailor, standing gazing on the child as though something held + him fascinated, then shot another question. <span class="tei tei-q">“And does the babe’s lady-mother + prosper?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“She is passing well in body, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>, but grievously ill in + mind. Hera give her a release from all her sorrow!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sorrow?”</span> The man’s eyes were opening wider, wider. <span class="tei tei-q">“What mean you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, all Trœzene knows it, I’m sure.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page348">[pg 348]</span> + <a name="Pg348" id="Pg348" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’m not from Trœzene. My ship made port from Naxos this morning. Speak, girl!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He seized Niobe’s wrist in a grip which she thought would crush the bone. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai!</span></span> Let go, sir, you hurt. Don’t stare so. I’m frightened. + I’ll tell as fast as I can. Master Democrates has come back from Corinth. Hermippus is + resolved to make the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyria</span></span> wed him, however bitterly she + resists. It’s taken a long time for her father to determine to break her will, but now + his mind’s made up. The betrothal is in three days, the wedding ten days + thereafter.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The sailor had dropped her hand. She shrank at the pallor of his face. He seemed + struggling for words; when they came she made nothing of them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles, Themistocles—your promise!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then by some giant exercise of will he steadied. His speech grew more coherent. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Give me the child,”</span> he commanded, and Niobe mutely obeyed. He kissed Phœnix on + both cheeks, mouth, forehead. They saw that tears were running down his bronzed face. He + handed back the babe and again held out money,—a coin for both the slave girl and the + soothsayer,—gold half-darics, that they gaped at wonderingly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Say nothing!”</span> ordered the sailor, <span class="tei tei-q">“nothing of what I have said or done, or as + Helios shines this noon, I will kill you both.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Not waiting reply, he went down the Agora at a run, and never looked back. It took + some moments for Dion and Niobe to recover their equanimity; they would have believed it + all a dream, but lo! in their hands gleamed the money. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There are times,”</span> remarked the soothsayer, dubiously at last, <span class="tei tei-q">“when I begin to + think the gods again walk the earth and work wonders. This is a very high matter. Even + I <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page349">[pg 349]</span><a name="Pg349" id="Pg349" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with my art dare not meddle with it. It is best to + heed the injunction to silence. Wagging tongues always have troubles as their + children. Now let us proceed with my sacred cock and his divination.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Niobe got her philtre,—though whether it reconquered Procles is not contained in this + history. Likewise, she heeded Dion’s injunction. There was something uncanny about the + strange sailor; she hid away the half-daric, and related nothing of her adventure even + to her confidant Cleopis. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Three days later Democrates was not drinking wine at his betrothal feast, but sending + this cipher letter by a swift and trusty <span class="tei tei-q">“distance-runner”</span> to Sparta. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Democrates to Lycon, greeting:—At Corinth I cursed you. + Rejoice therefore; you are my only hope. I am with you whether your path leads to + Olympus or to Hades. Tartarus is opened at my feet. You must save me. My words are + confused, do you think? Then hear this, and ask if I have not cause for turning + mad.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Yesterday, even as Hermippus hung garlands on his house, and summoned the guests to + witness the betrothal contract, Themistocles returned suddenly from Eubœa. He called + Hermippus and myself aside. </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Glaucon lives</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">,</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> he said, </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">and with the god’s help we’ll prove his innocence.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> Hermippus at once broke off + the betrothal. No one else knows aught thereof, not even Hermione. Themistocles + refuses all further details. </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Glaucon lives,</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—I can think of nothing else. Where + is he? What does he? How soon will the awful truth go flying through Hellas? I + trembled when I heard he was dead. But name my terrors now I know he is alive! Send + Hiram. He, if any snake living, can find me my enemy before it is too late. And speed + the victory of Mardonius! </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Chaire.</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon lives.”</span> Democrates had only written one least part of his terrors. Two + words—but enough to make the orator the most miserable man in Hellas, the most supple + of Xerxes’s hundred million slaves. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page350">[pg 350]</span> + <a name="Pg350" id="Pg350" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf39" id="pdf39"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXXIII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> WHAT BEFELL ON THE HILLSIDE </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Once more the Persians pressed into Attica, once more the Athenians,—or such few of + them as had ventured home in the winter,—fled with their movables to Salamis or + Peloponnesus, and an embassy, headed by Aristeides, hastened to Sparta to demand for the + last time that the tardy ephors make good their promise in sending forth their infantry + to hurl back the invader. If not, Aristeides spoke plainly, his people must perforce + close alliance with Mardonius. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Almost to the amazement of the Athenian chiefs, so accustomed were they to Dorian + doltishness and immobility, after a ten days’ delay and excuses that <span class="tei tei-q">“they must + celebrate their festival the Hyacinthia,”</span> the ephors called forth their whole levy. + Ten thousand heavy infantrymen with a host of lightly armed <span class="tei tei-q">“helots”</span><a id="noteref_11" name="noteref_11" href="#note_11"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">11</span></span></a> were started northward under the able + lead of Pausanias, the regent for Leonidas’s young son. Likewise all the allies of + Lacedæmon—Corinthians, Sicyonians, Elians, Arcadians—began to hurry toward the + Isthmus. Therefore men who had loved Hellas and had almost despaired for her took + courage. <span class="tei tei-q">“At last we will have a great land battle, and an end to the Barbarian.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> All was excitement in the Athenian colony at Trœzene. The board of strategi met and + voted that now was the time <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page351">[pg 351]</span><a name="Pg351" id="Pg351" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>for a crowning effort. Five + thousand men-at-arms should march under Aristeides to join against Mardonius in Bœotia. + By sea Themistocles should go with every available ship to Delos, meet the allied + squadrons there, and use his infallible art in persuading the sluggish Spartan high + admiral to conduct a raid across the Ægean at Xerxes’s own doors. Of the ten strategi + Democrates had called loudest for instant action, so loudly indeed that Themistocles had + cautioned him against rashness. Hermippus was old, but experienced men trusted him, + therefore he was appointed to command the contingent of his tribe. Democrates was to + accompany Aristeides as general adjutant; his diplomatic training would be invaluable in + ending the frictions sure to arise amongst the allies. Cimon would go with Themistocles, + and so every other man was sent to his place. In the general preparation private + problems seemed forgotten. Hermippus and Democrates both announced that the betrothal of + Hermione had been postponed, pending the public crisis. The old Eleusinian had not told + his daughter, or even his wife, why he had seemed to relax his announced purpose of + forcing Hermione to an unwelcome marriage. The young widow knew she had respite—for + how long nothing told her, but for every day her agony was postponed she blessed kind + Hera. Then came the morning when her father must go forth with his men. She still loved + him, despite the grief he was giving her. She did him justice to believe he acted in + affection. The gay ribbons that laced his cuirass, the red and blue embroidery that + edged his <span class="tei tei-q">“taxiarch’s”</span> cloak, were from the needle of his daughter. Hermione kissed + him as she stood with her mother in the aula. He coughed gruffly when he answered their + <span class="tei tei-q">“farewell.”</span> The house door closed behind him, and Hermione and Lysistra ran into + one another’s arms. They had given to Hellas their best, and now must look to Athena. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page352">[pg 352]</span> + <a name="Pg352" id="Pg352" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermippus and Aristeides were gone, Democrates remained in Trœzene. His business, he + said, was more diplomatic than military, and he was expecting advices from the islands + which he must take to Pausanias in person. He had a number of interviews with + Themistocles, when it was observed that every time he came away with clouded brow and + gruff answers to all who accosted. It began to be hinted that all was not as well as + formerly between the admiral and the orator, that Democrates had chosen to tie too + closely to Aristeides for the son of Neocles’s liking, and that as soon as the campaign + was decided, a bitter feud would break out betwixt them. But this was merest gossip. + Outwardly Democrates and Themistocles continued friends, dined together, exchanged + civilities. On the day when Themistocles was to sail for Delos he walked arm in arm with + Democrates to the quay. The hundreds of onlookers saw him embrace the young strategus in + a manner belying any rumour of estrangement, whilst Democrates stood on the sand waving + his good wishes until the admiral climbed the ladder of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was another day and landscape which the stranger in Hellas would have remembered + long. The haven of Trœzene, noblest in Peloponnesus, girt by its two mountain + promontories, Methana and the holy hill Calauria, opened its bright blue into the deeper + blue of the Saronic bay. Under the eye of the beholder Ægina and the coasts of Attica + stood forth, a fit frame to the far horizon. Sun, sea, hills, and shore wrought together + to make one glorious harmony, endless variety, yet ordered and fashioned into a divine + whole. <span class="tei tei-q">“Euopis,”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Fair-Faced,”</span> the beauty-loving dwellers of the country called it, and they + named aright. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Something of the beauty touched even Hermione as she <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page353">[pg 353]</span><a name="Pg353" id="Pg353" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>stood on the hill slope, gazing across the sea. Only Cleopis was with her. The young + widow had less trembling when she looked on the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> than + when one year before the stately trireme had sailed for Artemisium. If ill news must + come, it would be from the plains of Bœotia. Most of Themistocles’s fleet was already at + Delos. He led only a dozen sail. When his squadron glided on into the blue deep, the + haven seemed deserted save for the Carthaginian trader that swung at her cables close + upon the land. As Hermione looked and saw the climbing sun change the tintings of the + waters, here spreading a line of green gold amidst the blue, here flashing the waves + with dark violet, something of the peace and majesty of the scene entered into her own + breast. The waves at the foot of the slope beat in monotonous music. She did not wonder + that Thetis, Galatea, and all the hundred Nereids loved their home. Somewhere, far off + on that shimmering plain, Glaucon the Beautiful had fallen asleep; whether he waked in + the land of Rhadamanthus, whether he had been stolen away by Leucothea and the other + nymphs to be their playfellow, she did not know. She was not sad, even to think of him + crowned with green seaweed, and sitting under the sea-floor with fish-tailed Tritons at + their tables of pearl, while the finny shoals like birds flitted above their heads. + Thales the Sage made all life proceed out of the sea. Perchance all life should return + to it. Then she would find her husband again, not beyond, but within the realms of great + Oceanus. With such beauty spreading out before her eyes the phantasy was almost welcome. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The people had wandered homeward. Cleopis set the parasol on the dry grass where it + would shade her mistress and betook herself to the shelter of a rock. If Hermione was + pleased to meditate so long, she would not deny her slave a siesta. So the Athenian sat + and mused, now sadly, now <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page354">[pg 354]</span><a name="Pg354" id="Pg354" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with a gleam of brightness, + for she was too young to have her sun clouded always. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A speaker near by her called her out of her reverie. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You sit long, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyria</span></span>, and gaze forth as if you were Zeus in + Olympus and could look on all the world.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermione had not exchanged a word with Democrates since that day she cast scorn on him + on that other hill slope at Munychia, but this did not make his intrusion more welcome. + With mortification she realized that she had forgotten herself. That she lay on the + sunny bank with her feet outstretched and her hair shaken loose on her shoulders. Her + feet she instantly covered with her long himation. Her hands flew instantly to her hair. + Then she uprose, flushing haughtily. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It has pleased my father, sir,”</span> she spoke with frigid dignity, <span class="tei tei-q">“to tell me that + you are some day perchance to be my husband. The fulfilment lies with the gods. But + to-day the strategus Democrates knows our customs too well to thrust himself upon an + Attic gentlewoman who finds herself alone save for one servant.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyria</span></span>; pardon the word, it’s overcold; <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">makaira</span></span>, I’d say more gladly,”</span> Democrates was marvellously at his ease + despite her frowns, <span class="tei tei-q">“your noble father will take nothing amiss if I ask you to sit + again that we may talk together.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not think so.”</span> Hermione drew herself up at full height. But Democrates + deliberately placed himself in the path up the hillside. To have run toward the water + seemed folly. She could expect no help from Cleopis, who would hardly oppose a man soon + probably to be her master. As the less of evils, Hermione did not indeed sit as desired, + but stood facing her unloved lover and hearkening. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“How long I’ve desired this instant!”</span> Democrates looked as if he might seize her + hands to kiss them, but she thrust <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page355">[pg 355]</span><a name="Pg355" id="Pg355" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>them behind her. <span class="tei tei-q">“I know you hate me bitterly because, touching your late husband, I did my duty.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your duty?”</span> Nestor’s eloquence was in her incredulous echo. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If I have pained you beyond telling, do you think my act was a pleasant one for me? A + bosom friend to ruin, the most sacred bonds to sever, last and not least, to give + infinite sorrow to her I love?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I hardly understand.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates drew a step nearer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah! Hera, Artemis, Aphrodite the Golden—by what name shall I call my goddess?”</span> + Hermione drew back a step. There was danger in his eyes. <span class="tei tei-q">“I have loved you, loved you + long. Before Glaucon took you in marriage I loved you. But Eros and Hymen hearkened to + his prayers, not mine. You became his bride. I wore a bright face at your wedding. You + remember I was Glaucon’s groomsman, and rode beside you in the bridal car. You loved + him, he seemed worthy of you. Therefore I trod my own grief down into my heart, and + rejoiced with my friends. But to cease loving you I could not. Truly they say Eros is + the strongest god, and pitiless—do not the poets say bloody Ares begat him—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Spare me mythologies,”</span> interposed Hermione, with another step back. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“As you will, but you shall hearken. I have desired this moment for two years. Not as + the weak girl given by her father, but as the fair goddess who comes to me gladly, I + do desire you. And I know you will smile on me when you have heard me through.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Keep back your eloquence. You have destroyed Glaucon. That is enough.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hear me.”</span> Democrates cried desperately now. Her<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page356">[pg 356]</span><a name="Pg356" id="Pg356" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>mione feared even to retreat farther, lest he pass to violence. She summoned courage + and looked him in the eye. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Say on, then. But remember I am a woman and alone save for Cleopis. If you profess to + love me, you will not forget that.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Democrates was passing almost beyond the limits of coherent speech. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, when you come to me, you will not know what a price I have paid for you. In + Homer’s day men wooed their wives with costly gifts, but I—have I not paid for you + with my soul? My soul, I say—honour, friendship, country, what has weighed against + Himeros, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Master Desire,’</span>—the desire ever for you!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> She hardly understood him, his speech flowed so thick. She knew he was on the edge of + reason, and feared to answer lest she drive beyond it. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you hear the price I have paid? Do you still look on in cold hate, lady? Ah, by + Zeus, even in your coldest, most forbidding mood you are fair as the Paphian when she + sprang above the sea! And I will win you, lady, I will win your heart, for they shall + do you homage, even all Athens, and I will make you a queen. Yes! the house of Athena + on the Acropolis shall be your palace if you will, and they will cry in the Agora, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Way, way for Hermione, glorious consort of Democrates our king!’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sir,”</span> spoke Hermione, while her hands grew chill, for now she was sure he raved, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have not the joy to comprehend. There is no king in Athens, please Athena, there + never will be. Treason and blasphemy you speak all in one.”</span> She sought vainly with + her eyes for refuge. None in sight. The hill slope seemed empty save for the scattered + brown boulders. Far away a goat was wandering. She motioned to Cleopis. The old woman + was staring now, and doubtless <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page357">[pg 357]</span><a name="Pg357" id="Pg357" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>thought Democrates was + carrying his familiarities too far, but she was a weak creature, and at best could only + scream. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Treason and blasphemy,”</span> cried Democrates, dropping on his knees, his frame shaking + with dishonest passion, <span class="tei tei-q">“yes! call them so now. They will be blessed truth for me in a + month, for me, for you. Hermes the Trickster is a mighty god. He has befriended Eros. + I shall possess Athens and possess you. I shall be the most fortunate mortal upon + earth as now I am most miserable. Ah! but I have waited so long.”</span> He sprang to his + feet. <span class="tei tei-q">“Tarry, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">makaira</span></span>, tarry! A kiss!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermione screamed at last shrilly and turned to fly. Instantly Democrates was upon + her. In that fluttering white dress escape was hopeless. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Apollo pursuing Daphne!”</span>—his crazed shout as his arms closed around her,—<span class="tei tei-q">“but + Daphne becomes no laurel this time. Her race is lost. She shall pay the forfeit.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> She felt him seize her girdle. He swung her face to face. She saw his wide eyes, his + mad smile. His hot breath smote her cheek. Cleopis at last was screaming. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mine,”</span> he triumphed, while he forced her resisting head to his own, <span class="tei tei-q">“there is + none to hinder!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But even while the woman’s flesh crept back at his impure kiss, a giant power came + rending the twain apart. A man had sundered them, sprung from the ground or from heaven + belike, or from behind a boulder? He tore Democrates’s hands away as a lion tears a + lamb. He dashed the mad orator prone upon the sod, and kicked him twice, as of mingled + hatred and contempt. All this Hermione only knew in half, while her senses swam. Then + she came to herself enough to see that the stranger was a young man in a sailor’s loose + dress, his features almost hidden under the dishevelled hair and beard. All this time he + uttered no word, but having smitten <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page358">[pg 358]</span><a name="Pg358" id="Pg358" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Democrates down, + leaped back, rubbing his hands upon his thigh, as if despising to touch so foul an + object. The orator groaned, staggered upward. He wore a sword. It flew from its scabbard + as he leaped on the sailor. The stranger put forth his hand, snatched his opponent’s + wrist, and with lightning dexterity sent the blade spinning back upon the grass. Then he + threw Democrates a second time, and the latter did not rise again hastily, but lay + cursing. The fall had not been gentle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But all this while Cleopis was screaming. People were hastening up the + hill,—fishermen from a skiff upon the beach, slaves who had been carrying bales to the + haven. In a moment they would be surrounded by a dozen. The strange sailor turned as if + to fly. He had not spoken one word. Hermione herself at last called to him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My preserver! Your name! Blessed be you forever!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The fisherfolk were very close. Cleopis was still screaming. The sailor looked once + into the lady’s eyes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am nameless! You owe me nothing!”</span> And with that he was gone up the hill slopes, + springing with long bounds that would have mocked pursuing, had any attempted. But + Cleopis quenched her outcry instantly; her screams had been drowned by a louder scream + from Hermione, who fell upon the greensward, no marble whiter than her face. The nurse + ran to her mistress. Democrates staggered to his feet. Whatever else the chastisement + had given him, it had restored his balance of mind. He told the fisherfolk a glib story + that a sailor wandering along the strand had accosted Hermione, that he himself had + chased the villain off, but had tripped whilst trying to follow. If the tale was not of + perfect workmanship at all points, there was no one with interest to gainsay it. A few + ran up the hill slope, but the sailor was nowhere in sight. Hermione was still + speechless. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page359">[pg 359]</span><a name="Pg359" id="Pg359" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>They made a litter of oars and sail-cloth + and carried her to her mother. Democrates oiled Cleopis’s palm well, that she should + tell nothing amiss to Lysistra. It was a long time before Hermione opened her eyes in + her chamber. Her first words were:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon! I have seen Glaucon!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have had a strange dream, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotata</span></span>,”</span> soothed Lysistra, + shifting the pillows, <span class="tei tei-q">“lie still and rest.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Hermione shook her shining brown head and repeated, many times:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No dream! No dream! I have seen Glaucon face to face. In that instant he spoke and + looked on me I knew him. He lives. He saved me. Ah! why does he stay away?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lysistra, whose husband had not deemed it prudent to inform her of Themistocles’s + revelations, was infinitely distressed. She sent for the best physicians of the city, + and despatched a slave to the temple of Asclepius at Epidaurus—not distant—to + sacrifice two cocks for her daughter’s recovery. The doctors looked wise and recommended + heavy doses of spiced wine, and if those did not suffice, said that the patient might + spend a night in the temple of the Healer, who would no doubt explain the true remedy in + a dream. A <span class="tei tei-q">“wise woman”</span> who had great following among the slaves advised that a + young puppy be tied upon Hermione’s temples to absorb the disaffection of her brain. + Lysistra was barely persuaded not to follow her admonitions. After a few days the + patient grew better, recovered strength, took an interest in her child. Yet ever and + anon she would repeat over Phœnix’s cradle:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your father lives! I have seen him! I have seen him!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> What, however, puzzled Lysistra most, was the fact that Cleopis did not contradict her + young mistress in the least, but maintained a mysterious silence about the whole + adventure. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page360">[pg 360]</span> + <a name="Pg360" id="Pg360" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf40" id="pdf40"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXXIV</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE LOYALTY OF LAMPAXO </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The night after his adventure on the hill slope Democrates received in his chambers no + less an individual than Hiram. That industrious Phœnician had been several days in + Trœzene, occupied in a manner he and his superior discreetly kept to themselves. The + orator had a bandage above one eye, where a heavy sandal had kicked him. He was + exceedingly pale, and sat in the arm-chair propped with pillows. That he had awaited + Hiram eagerly, betrayed itself by the promptness with which he cut short the inevitable + salaam. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well, my dear rascal, have you found him?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“May it please your Excellency to hearken to even the least of your slaves?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you hear, fox?—have you found him?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My Lord shall judge for himself.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cerberus eat you, fellow,—though you’d be a poisonous mouthful,—tell your story in + as few words as possible. I <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">know</span></span> that he is lurking about + Trœzene.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Compassion, your Lordship, compassion,”</span>—Hiram seemed washing his hands in oil, + they waved so soothingly—<span class="tei tei-q">“if your Benignity will grant it, I have a very worthy woman + here who, I think, can tell a story that will be interesting.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In with her, then.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The person Hiram escorted into the room proved to be no more nor less than Lampaxo. + Two years had not removed <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page361">[pg 361]</span><a name="Pg361" id="Pg361" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the wrinkles from her cheek, + the sharpness from her nose, the rasping from her tongue. At sight of her Democrates + half rose from his seat and held out his hand affably, the demagogue’s instinct + uppermost. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah! my good dame, whom do I recognize? Are you not the wife of our excellent + fishmonger, Phormio? A truly sterling man, and how, pray, is your good husband?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Poorly, poorly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>.”</span> Lampaxo looked down and fumbled her + dirty chiton. Such condescension on the part of a magnate barely less than Themistocles + or Aristeides was overpowering. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Poorly? I grieve to learn it. I was informed that he was comfortably settled here + until it was safe to return to Attica, and had even opened a prosperous stall in the + market-place.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>; and the trade, considering the times, is not + so bad—Athena be praised—and he’s not sick in body. It’s worse, far worse. I was + even on the point of going to your Lordship to state my misgivings, when your good + friend, the Phœnician, fell into my company, and I found he was searching for the very + thing I wanted to reveal.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah!”</span> Democrates leaned forward and battled against his impatience,—<span class="tei tei-q">“and what is + the matter wherein I can be of service to so deserving a citizen as your husband?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I fear me,”</span>—Lampaxo put her apron dutifully to her face and began to sniff,—<span class="tei tei-q">“your Excellency won’t call him <span class="tei tei-q">‘deserving’</span> any more. Hellas knows your + Excellency is patriotism itself. The fact is Phormio has <span class="tei tei-q">‘Medized.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Medized!”</span> The orator started as became an actor. <span class="tei tei-q">“Gods and goddesses! what trust + is in men if Phormio the Athenian has Medized?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hear my story, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">mu! mu!</span></span>”</span> groaned Lampaxo. <span class="tei tei-q">“It’s a terrible + thing to accuse one’s own husband, but duty to <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page362">[pg 362]</span><a name="Pg362" id="Pg362" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Hellas + is duty. Your Excellency is a merciful man, if he could only warn Phormio in + private.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Woman,”</span>—Democrates pulled his most consequential frown,—<span class="tei tei-q">“Medizing is treason. + On your duty as a daughter of Athens I charge you tell everything, then rely on my + wisdom.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Certainly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>, certainly,”</span> gasped Lampaxo, and so she + began a recital mingled with many moans and protestations, which Democrates dared not + bid her hasten. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The good woman commenced by reminding the strategus how he had visited her and her + brother Polus to question them as to the doings of the Babylonish carpet merchant, and + how it had seemed plain to them that Glaucon was nothing less than a traitor. Next she + proceeded to relate how her husband had enabled the criminal to fly by sea, and her own + part therein—for she loudly accused herself of treason in possessing a guilty knowledge + of the outlaw’s manner of escape. As for Bias, he had just now gone on a message to + Megara, but Democrates would surely castigate his own slave. <span class="tei tei-q">“Still,”</span> wound up + Lampaxo, <span class="tei tei-q">“the traitor seemed drowned, and his treason locked up in Phorcys’s strong + box, and so I said nothing about him. More’s the pity.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The more reason for concealing nothing now.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Zeus strike me if I keep back anything. It’s now about ten days since <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">he</span></span> returned.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘He?’</span> Whom do you mean?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It’s not overeasy to tell, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>. He calls himself Critias, + and wears a long black beard and tangled hair. Phormio brought him home one + evening—said he was the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">prōreus</span></span> of a Melian trireme + caulking at Epidaurus, but was once in the fish trade at Peiræus and an old friend. I + told Phormio we had enough these days to fill our own bellies, but my husband would be + hospitable. I had to bring out my best honey <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page363">[pg 363]</span><a name="Pg363" id="Pg363" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>cakes. + Your Lordship knows I take just pride in my honey cakes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Beyond doubt,”</span>—Democrates’s hand twitched with impatience,—<span class="tei tei-q">“but tell of the + stranger.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“At once, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>; well, we all sat down to sup. Phormio kept + pressing wine on the fellow as if we had not only one little jar of yellow Rhodian in + the cellar. All the time the sailor barely spoke a few words of island Doric, but my + heart misgave. He seemed so refined, so handsome. And near the roots of his hair it + was not so dark—as if dyed and needing renewal. Trust a woman’s eyes for that. When + supper was over Phormio orders me, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Up the ladder and to bed. I’ll come shortly, but + leave a blanket and pillow for our friend who sleeps on the hearth.’</span> Your + Excellency knows we hired a little house on the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Carpenter’s Street,’</span> very + reasonably you will grant—only half a minæ for the winter. I gave the stranger a fine + pillow and a blanket embroidered by Stephanium, she was my great-aunt, and left it to + me by will, and the beautiful red wool was from Byzantium—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But you spoke of Critias?”</span> Democrates could scarce keep upon his seat. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>. Well, I warned Phormio not to give him any more + wine. Then I went up the ladder. O Mother Demeter, how sharply I listened, but the + rascals spoke too low together for me to catch anything, save that Critias had dropped + his Doric and spoke good Attic now. At last Phormio came up to me, and I pretended to + snore. In the morning, lo! the scoundrelly stranger had slipped away. In the evening + he returns late. Phormio harbours him again. So for several nights, coming late, going + early. Then to-night he comes a bit before his wont. He and Phormio drank more than + common. After Phormio sent me away, they talked a long time and in louder voice.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page364">[pg 364]</span> + <a name="Pg364" id="Pg364" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You overheard?”</span> Democrates gripped his arm-chair. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>, blessed be Athena! The stranger spoke pure Attic + such as your Excellency might use. Many times I heard Hermione named, and yourself + once—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And how?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The stranger said: <span class="tei tei-q">‘So she will not wed Democrates. She loathes him. Aphrodite shed + joy on her forever.’</span> Then Phormio answered him, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Therefore, dear Glaucon, you + should trust the gods a little longer.’</span> ”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Glaucon,’</span> said he?”</span> Democrates leaped from the chair. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Glaucon,’</span> on my oath by the Styx. Then I covered my head and wept. I knew my + husband harboured the arch-traitor. Heaven can tell how he escaped the sea. As soon as + Phormio was sleeping snug beside me, I went down the ladder, intending to call the + watch. In the street I met a man, this good Phœnician here,—he explained he was + suspecting this <span class="tei tei-q">‘Critias’</span> himself, and lurked about in hopes of tracing him in + the morning. I told my story. He said it was best to come straight to you. And now I + have accused my own husband, Excellency. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai!</span></span> was wife ever + harder beset? Phormio is a kindly and commonly obedient man, even if he doesn’t know + the value of an obol. You will be merciful—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace,”</span> commanded Democrates, with portentous gravity, <span class="tei tei-q">“justice first, mercy + later. Do you solemnly swear you heard Phormio call this stranger <span class="tei tei-q">‘Glaucon’</span>?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>. Woe! woe!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you say he is now asleep in your house?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, the wine has made them both very heavy.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have done well.”</span> Democrates extended his hand again. <span class="tei tei-q">“You are a worthy + daughter of Athens. In years to come they will name you with King Codrus who + sacrificed his life for the freedom of Attica, for have you not sacrificed what should + be dearer than life,—the fair name of your <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page365">[pg 365]</span><a name="Pg365" id="Pg365" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>husband? + But courage. Your patriotism may extenuate his crime. Only the traitor must be + taken.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, he was breathing hard when I went out. Ah! seize him quickly.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Retire,”</span> commanded Democrates, with a flourish; <span class="tei tei-q">“leave me to concert with this + excellent Hiram the means of thwarting I know not what gross villany.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The door had hardly closed behind Lampaxo, when Democrates fell as a heap into the + cushions. He was ashen and palsied. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Courage, master,”</span>—Hiram was drawing a suggestive finger across his throat,—<span class="tei tei-q">“the woman’s tale is true metal. Critias shall sleep snug and sweetly to-night, if + perchance too soundly.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What will you do?”</span> shrieked the wretched man. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The thing is marvellously simple, master. The night is not yet old. Hasdrubal and his + crew of Carthaginians are here and by the grace of Baal can serve you. This cackling + hen will guide us to the house. Heaven has put your enemy off his guard. He and + Phormio will never wake to feel their throats cut. Then a good stone on each foot + takes the corpses down in the harbour.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Democrates dashed his hand in negation. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No, by the infernal gods, not so! No murder. I cannot bear the curse of the Furies. + Seize him, carry him to the ends of the earth, to hardest slavery. Let him never cross + my path again. But no bloodshed—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hiram almost lost his never failing smile, so much he marvelled. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But, your Lordship, the man is a giant, mighty as Melkarth.<a id="noteref_12" name="noteref_12" href="#note_12"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">12</span></span></a> Seizing will be hard. Sheol is the safest prison.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page366">[pg 366]</span> + <a name="Pg366" id="Pg366" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No.”</span> Democrates was still shaking. <span class="tei tei-q">“His ghost came to me a thousand times, + though yet he lived. It would hound me mad if I murdered him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">You</span></span> would not murder him. Your slave is not afflicted by + dreams.”</span> Hiram’s smile was extremely insinuating. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Don’t quibble with words. It would be I who slew him, though I never struck the blow. + You can seize him. Is he not asleep? Call Hasdrubal—bind Glaucon, gag him, drag him + to the ship. But he must not die.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Very good, Excellency.”</span> Hiram seldom quarrelled to no purpose with his betters. <span class="tei tei-q">“Let your Lordship deign to leave this small matter to his slave. By Baal’s favour + Hasdrubal and six of his crew sleep on shore to-night. Let us pray they be not deep in + wine. Wait for me one hour, perhaps two, and your heart and liver shall be + comforted.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Go, go! I will wait and pray to Hermes Dolios.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hiram even now did not forget his punctilious salaam before departing. Never had he + seemed more the beautiful serpent with the shining scales than the instant he bent + gracefully at Democrates’s feet, the red light falling on his gleaming ear and nose + rings, his smooth brown skin and beady eyes. The door turned on its pivots—closed. + Democrates heard the retiring footsteps. No doubt the Phœnician was taking Lampaxo with + him. The Athenian staggered across the room to his bed and flung himself on it, laughing + hysterically. How absolutely his enemy was delivered into his hands! How the Moræ in + sending that Carthaginian ship, to do Lycon’s business and his, had provided the means + of ridding him of the haunting terror! How everything conspired to aid him! He need not + even kill Glaucon. He would have no blood guiltiness, he need not dread Alecto and her + sister Furies. He could trust Hiram and Hasdrubal to see to it that Glaucon never re<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page367">[pg 367]</span><a name="Pg367" id="Pg367" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>turned to plague him. And Hermione? Democrates laughed + again. He was almost frightened at his own glee. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A month, my nymph, a month, and you and your dear father, yes, Themistocles himself, + will be in no state to answer me <span class="tei tei-q">‘nay,’</span>—though Glaucon come to claim you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Thus he lay a long time, while the drip, drip from the water-clock in the corner told + how the night was passing. The lamp flickered and burned lower. He never knew the hours + to creep so slowly. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At last, a knock; Scodrus, the yawning valet, ushering in a black and bearded sailor, + who crouched eastern fashion at the feet of the strategus. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have seized him?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Blessed be Moloch, Baal, and Melkarth! They have poured sleep upon my Lord’s + enemy.”</span> The sailor’s Greek was harsh and execrable. <span class="tei tei-q">“Your servants did even as + commanded. The woman let us in. The young man my Lord hates was bound and gagged + almost ere he could waken, likewise the fishmonger was seized.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Bravely done. I never forget good service. And the woman?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“She is retained likewise. I have hastened hither to learn the further will of my + Lord.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates arose hastily. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My himation, staff, and shoes, boy!”</span> he ordered. <span class="tei tei-q">“I will go forth myself. The + prisoners are still at the fishmonger’s house?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Even so, Excellency.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I go back with you. I must see this stranger with my own eyes. There must be no + mistake.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Scodrus stared widely when he saw his master go out into the dark, for his only escort + a black Carthaginian sailor <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page368">[pg 368]</span><a name="Pg368" id="Pg368" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with a dirk a cubit long. + Democrates did not even ask for a lantern. None of the servants could fathom their + master’s doings of late. He gave strappings when they asked questions, and Bias was + away. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The streets of Trœzene were utterly deserted when Democrates threaded them. There was + no moon, neither he nor his companion were overcertain of the way. Once they missed the + right turn, wandered down a blind alley, and plunged into a pile of offal awaiting the + scavenger dogs. But finally the seaman stopped at a low door in a narrow street, and a + triple rap made it open. The scene was squalid. A rush-candle was burning on a table. + Around it squatted seven men who rose and bowed as the strategus entered. In the dim + flicker he could just recognize the burly shipmaster Hasdrubal and gigantic Hib, the + Libyan <span class="tei tei-q">“governor,”</span> whose ebon face betrayed itself even there. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We have expected you, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>,”</span> said Hiram, who was one of + the group. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Thanks be to Hermes and to you all. I have told my guide already I will be grateful. + Where is he?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In the kitchen behind, your Lordship. We were singularly favoured. Hib had the cord + around his arms before he wakened. He could scarcely struggle despite his power. The + fishmonger awoke before Hasdrubal could nip him. For a moment we feared his outcries + would rouse the street. But again the gods blessed us. No one stirred, and we soon + throttled him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Take the light,”</span> ordered Democrates. <span class="tei tei-q">“Come.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Accompanied by Hiram, the orator entered the kitchen, a small square room. The + white-washed ceiling was blacked around the smoke-hole, a few pots and pans lay in the + corners, a few dying embers gleamed on the hearth. But Democrates had eyes only for two + objects,—human figures tightly bound lying rigid as <a name="corr368" id="corr368" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">faggots</span> in the further corner. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page369">[pg 369]</span> + <a name="Pg369" id="Pg369" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Which is he?”</span> asked Democrates again, stepping softly as though going to danger. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The further one is Phormio, the nearer is my Lord’s enemy. Your Excellency need not + fear to draw close. He is quite secure.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Give me the candle.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates held the light high and trod gently over to the prostrate men. Hiram spoke + rightly that his victim was secure. They had lashed him hand and foot, using small + chains in lieu of cords. A bit of wood had been thrust into his mouth and tied with + twine under the ears. Democrates stood an instant looking down, then very deliberately + knelt beside the prisoner and moved the candle closer. He could see now the face hidden + half by the tangled black hair and beard and the gag—but who could doubt it?—the deep + blue eye, the chiselled profile, the small, fine lips, yes, and the godlike form visible + in its comeliness despite the bands. He was gazing upon the man who two years ago had + called him <span class="tei tei-q">“bosom-friend.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The prisoner looked straight upward. The only thing he could move was his eyes, and + these followed Democrates’s least motion. The orator pressed the candle closer yet. He + even put out his hand, and touched the face to brush away the hair. A long look—and he + was satisfied. No mistake was possible. Democrates arose and stood over the prisoner, + then spoke aloud. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon, I have played at dice with Fortune. I have conquered. I did not ruin you + willingly. There was no other way. A man must first be a friend to himself, and then + friendly to others. I have cast in my lot with the Persians. It was I who wrote that + letter which blasted you at Colonus. Very soon there will be a great battle fought in + Bœotia. Lycon and I will make it certain that Mardonius <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page370">[pg 370]</span><a name="Pg370" id="Pg370" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>conquers. I am to be tyrant of Athens. Hermione shall be my wife.”</span> + The workings of the prisoner’s face made Democrates wince; from Glaucon’s throat came + rattlings, his eyes were terrible. But the other drove recklessly forward. <span class="tei tei-q">“As for + you, you pass this night out of my life. How you escaped the sea I know not and care + less. Hasdrubal will take you to Carthage, and sell you into the interior of Libya. I + wish you no misery, only you go where you shall never see Hellas again. I am merciful. + Your life is in my hands. But I restore it. I am without blood guiltiness. What I have + done you would have done, had you loved as I—had you been under necessity as I. Eros + is a great god, but Anangkë, Dame Necessity, is yet mightier. So to-night we + part—farewell.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A strong spasm passed through the prisoner’s frame. For a moment Democrates thought + the bonds would snap. Too strong. The orator swung on his heel and returned to the outer + room. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The night wanes, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>,”</span> remarked Hasdrubal; <span class="tei tei-q">“if these + good people are to be taken to the ship, it must be soon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“As you will. I do nothing more concerning them.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fetch down the woman,”</span> ordered Hasdrubal; in the mongrel Greek current amongst + Mediterranean sea-folk. Two of his seamen ascended the ladder and returned with Lampaxo, + who smirked and simpered at sight of Democrates and bobbed him a courtesy. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The traitor is seized, your Excellency. I hope your Excellency will see that he + drinks hemlock. You will be merciful to my poor husband, even if he must be arrested + for the night. Gods and goddesses! what are these men doing to me?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A stalwart Carthaginian was in the act of knotting a cord <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page371">[pg 371]</span><a name="Pg371" id="Pg371" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>around the good woman’s arms preparatory to pinioning them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kyrie! kyrie!</span></span>”</span> she screamed, <span class="tei tei-q">“they are binding me, too! + Me—the most loyal woman in Attica.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates scowled and turned his back on her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Lordship surely intended this woman to be taken also,”</span> suggested Hiram, + sweetly. <span class="tei tei-q">“It cannot be he will leave such a dangerous witness at large.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course not. Off with her!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kyrie! kyrie!</span></span>”</span> was her shriek, but quickly ended, for + Hasdrubal knitted his fingers around her throat. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A gag,”</span> he ordered, and with a few more struggles Lampaxo stood helpless and + silent. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A little later the band was threading its stealthy way down the black streets. Four of + the Carthaginians carried Glaucon, slung hands and feet over a pole. They dared not + trust him on his feet. Phormio and Lampaxo walked, closely pinioned and pricked on by + the captain’s dagger. They were soon at the deserted strand, and their ship’s pinnace + lay upon the beach. Democrates accompanied them as far as the dark marge, and watched + while the boat glided out into the gloom of the haven. The orator paced homeward alone. + Everything had favoured him. He had even cleared himself of the curse of the Furies and + the pursuit of Nemesis. He had, he congratulated himself, shown marvellous qualities of + mercy. Glaucon lived? Yes—but the parching sand-plains of Libya would be as fast a + prison as the grave, and the life of a slave in Africa was a short one. Glaucon had + passed from his horizon forever. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page372">[pg 372]</span> + <a name="Pg372" id="Pg372" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf41" id="pdf41"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXXV</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> MOLOCH BETRAYS THE PHŒNICIAN </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Even whilst the boat pulled out to the trader, Hiram suggested that since his + superior’s <span class="tei tei-q">“unfortunate scruples”</span> forbade them to shed blood, at least they could + disable the most dangerous captive by putting out his eyes. But Hasdrubal, thrifty + Semite, would not hearken. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is not the fellow worth five hundred shekels in the Carthage market?—but who will + give two for a blind dog?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And once at the ship the prisoners were stowed in the hold so securely that even Hiram + ceased to concern himself. In the morning some of the neighbours indeed wondered at + Phormio’s closed door and the silence of the jangling voice of Lampaxo; but the + fishmonger was after all an exile, and might have returned suddenly to Attica, now the + Persians had retreated again to Bœotia, and before these surmises could change to + misdoubting, the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> was bearing forth into the Ægean. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The business of Hasdrubal with the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> at Trœzene appeared + simple. The war had disturbed the Greek harvests. He had come accordingly with a cargo + of African corn, and was taking a light return lading of olive oil and salt fish. But + those who walked along the harbour front remarked that the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> + was hardly a common merchantman. She was a <span class="tei tei-q">“sea-mouse,”</span> long, shallow, and very + fast under sail; she also carried again an unwontedly heavy crew. When <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page373">[pg 373]</span><a name="Pg373" id="Pg373" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Hasdrubal’s cargo seemed completed, he lingered a couple of + days, alleging he was repairing a cable; then the third morning after his nocturnal + adventure a cipher letter to Democrates sent the Carthaginian to sea. The letter went + thus:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Lycon, in the camp of the Greeks in Bœotia, to Democrates in Trœzene, + greeting:—The armies have now faced many days. The soothsayers declare that the + aggressor is sure to be defeated, still there has been some skirmishing in which your + Athenians slew Masistes, Mardonius’s chief of cavalry. This, however, is no great loss + to us. Your presence with Aristeides is now urgently needed. Send Hasdrubal and Hiram + at once to Asia with the papers we arranged in Corinth. Come yourself with speed to + the army. Ten days and this merry dice-throwing is ended. </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Chaire!</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates immediately after this gave Hiram a small packet of papyrus sheets rolled + very tight, with the ominous injunction to <span class="tei tei-q">“conceal carefully, weight it with lead, + and fling it overboard if there is danger of capture.”</span> At which Hiram bowed more + elegantly than usual and answered, <span class="tei tei-q">“Fear not; it shall be guarded as the priests guard + the ark of Moloch, and when next your slave comes, it is to salute my Lord as the + sovran of Athens.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hiram smiled fulsomely and departed. An hour later the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> + ran out on the light wind around the point of Calauria and into the sparkling sea to + eastward. Democrates stood gazing after her until she was a dark speck on the horizon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The speck at last vanished. The strategus walked homeward. Glaucon was gone. The + fateful packet binding Democrates irrevocably to the Persian cause was gone. He could + not turn back. At the gray of morning with a few servants he quitted Trœzene, and + hastened to join Aristeides and Pausanias in Bœotia. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the hold of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span>, where Hasdrubal had stowed his <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page374">[pg 374]</span><a name="Pg374" id="Pg374" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>unwilling passengers, there crept just enough sunlight to + make darkness visible. The gags had been removed from the prisoners, suffering them to + eat, whereupon Lampaxo had raised a truly prodigious outcry which must needs be silenced + by a vigorous anointing with Hasdrubal’s whip of bullock’s hide. Her husband and Glaucon + disdained to join a clamour which could never escape the dreary cavern of the hold, and + which only drew the hoots of their unmagnanimous guardians. The Carthaginians had not + misinterpreted Glaucon’s silence, however. They knew well they had a Titan in custody, + and did not even unlash his hands. His feet and Phormio’s were tied between two beams in + lieu of stocks. The giant Hib took it upon himself to feed them bean porridge with a + wooden spoon, making the dainty sweeter with tales of the parching heats of Africa and + the life of a slave under Libyan task-masters. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So one day, another, and another, while the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> rocked at + anchor, and the prisoners knew that liberty lay two short cable lengths away, yet might + have been in Atlantis for all it profited them. Phormio never reviled his wife as the + author of their calamity, and Lampaxo, with nigh childish earnestness, would protest + that surely Democrates knew not what the sailors did when they bound her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“So noble a patriot! An evil god bewitched him into letting these harpies take us. + Woe! woe! What misfortune!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> To which plaint the others only smiled horribly and ground their teeth. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Phormio as well as Glaucon had heard the avowal of Democrates on the night of the + seizure. There was no longer any doubt of the answer to the great riddle. But + disheartening, benumbing beyond all personal anguish was the dread for Hellas. The + sacrifice at Thermopylæ vain. The glory of Salamis vain. Hellas and Athens enslaved. The + will of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page375">[pg 375]</span><a name="Pg375" id="Pg375" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Xerxes and Mardonius accomplished not because + of their valour, but because of their enemies’ infamy. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O gods, if indeed there be gods!”</span> Glaucon was greatly doubting that at last; <span class="tei tei-q">“if + ye have any power, if justice, truth, and honour weigh against iniquity, put that + power forth, or never claim the prayers and sacrifice of men again.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon was past dreading for himself. He prayed that Hermione might be spared a long + life of tears, and that Artemis might slay her quickly by her silent arrows. To follow + his thoughts in all their dark mazes were profitless. Suffice it that the night which + had brooded over his soul from the hour he fled from Colonus was never so dark as now. + He was too despairing even to curse. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The last hope fled when they heard the rattling of the cables weighing anchor. Soon + the soft slap of the water around the bow and the regular heaving motion told that the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> was under way. The sea-mouse creaked and groaned through + all her timbers and her lading. The foul bilge-water made the hold stifling as a + charnel-house. Lampaxo, Hib being absent, began to howl and moan. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O Queen Hera! O Queen Hera, I die for a breath of air—I, the most patriotic woman in + Athens!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Silence, goodwife,”</span> muttered Phormio, twisting desperately on the filthy straw + under him. <span class="tei tei-q">“Have I not enough to fret about without the addition of your pipings?”</span> + And he muttered underbreath the old saw of Hesiod:— </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">He who doth a woman trust,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Doth trust a den of thieves.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Silence below there, you squealing sow,”</span> ordered Hib, from the hatchway. <span class="tei tei-q">“Must I + tan your hide again?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lampaxo subsided. Phormio tugged vainly at his feet in the stocks. Glaucon said + nothing. A terrible hope had <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page376">[pg 376]</span><a name="Pg376" id="Pg376" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>come to him. If he could + not speedily die, at least he would soon go mad, and that would rescue him from his most + terrible enemy—himself. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span>, it has been said, headed not south but eastward. + Hasdrubal’s commission was to fetch Samos, where the still formidable fleet of the + Barbarian lay, and to put the precious packet from Democrates in the hands of Tigranes, + Xerxes’s commander-in-chief on the coast of Asia Minor. But although speed had been + enjoined, the voyage did not go prosperously. Off Belbina the wind deserted them + altogether, and Hasdrubal had been compelled to force his craft along by + sweeps,—ponderous oars, worked by three men,—but his progress at best was slow. Off + Cythnos the breeze had again arisen, but it was the Eurus from the southeast, worse than + useless; the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> had been obliged to ride at anchor off the + island for two days. Then another calm; and at last, <span class="tei tei-q">“because,”</span> said Hasdrubal + piously, <span class="tei tei-q">“he had vowed two black lambs to the Wind God,”</span> the breeze came clear and + cool from the north, which, if not wholly favourable, enabled the merchantman to plough + onward. It was the fifth day, finally, after quitting Trœzene, that the headlands of + Naxos came in sight at dawn, and the master began to take comfort. The fleet of the + Greeks—a fisherboat had told him—was swinging inactive at Delos well to the north and + westward, and he could fairly consider himself in waters dominated by the king. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A fortunate voyage,”</span> the master was boasting to Hiram, as he sat at breakfast in + the stern-cabin above a platter of boiled dolphin; <span class="tei tei-q">“two talents from the Persians for + acting as their messenger; a thousand drachmæ profit on the corn; a hundred from + Master Democrates in return for our little service, not to mention the profit on the + return cargo, and last but not least the three slaves.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page377">[pg 377]</span> + <a name="Pg377" id="Pg377" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, the three slaves. I had almost forgotten about them.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You see, my dear Hiram,”</span> quoth the master, betwixt two unwontedly huge mouthfuls, + <span class="tei tei-q">“you see what folly it was of you to suggest putting out that handsome fellow’s + eyes. I am strongly thinking of selling him not to Carthage, but to Babylon. I know a + trader at Ephesus who makes a specialty of handsome youths. The satrap Artabozares has + commissioned him to find as many good-looking out-runners as possible. Also for his + harem—if this Glaucon were only a eunuch—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hiram, breaking a large disk of bread, was smiling very suggestively before making + reply, when a sailor shouted at the hatch:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ships, master! Ships with oars!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In what quarter?”</span> Hasdrubal sprang up, letting the dishes clatter. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“From Myconus. They come up fast. Hib at the masthead counts eleven triremes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Baal preserve us!”</span> The master at once clambered on deck. <span class="tei tei-q">“The Greek fleet may be + quitting Delos. We must pray for wind.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was a gray, hazy day after a dozen bright ones. The northerly breeze seemed + falling. The water spread out a sombre lead colour. The heights of Naxos were in sight + to starboard, but none too clearly. Much more interesting to Hasdrubal was the line of + dots spreading on the horizon to northwest. Despite the distance his keen eyes could + catch the rise and fall of the oar banks—<a name="corr377" id="corr377" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">war-ships</span>, + not traders. Hib was right, and + Hasdrubal’s face grew longer. No triremes save the Greeks could be bearing thither, and + a merchantman, even from nominally neutral Carthage, caught headed for the king’s coasts + in those days of blazing war <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page378">[pg 378]</span><a name="Pg378" id="Pg378" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was nothing if not fair + prize. The master’s decision was prompt. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They are far off. Put the ship before the wind.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The sea-mouse was fleet indeed for a trader, but unlike a trireme must count on her + canvas for her speed. With a piping breeze she could mock pursuit. In a calm she was + fearfully handicapped. However, for a moment Hasdrubal congratulated himself he could + slip away unnoticed. The distance was very great. Then his dark lips cursed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Moloch consume me! If I see aright, we are chased.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Two vessels, in fact, seemed turning away from the rest. They were heading straight + after the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span>. A long race it would be, but with the gale so + light the chances were against the sea-mouse. Hasdrubal had no need to urge his crew to + rig out the oars and tug furiously, if they wished to escape a Greek prison and a slave + market. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The whole crew, forty black-visaged, black-eyed creatures, were soon busy over the + dozen great sweeps in a frantic attempt to force the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> beyond + danger. Panting, yelling, blaspheming, for a while they seemed holding their own, but + the master watched with sinking heart the waning breeze. At the end of an hour their + pursuers could be distinguished,—a tall trireme behind, but closer, pulling more + rapidly, a penteconter, a slim scouting galley working fifty oars in a single bank. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hasdrubal began to shout desperately: <span class="tei tei-q">“Wind, Baal, wind! Fill the sails, and seven + he-goats await thy altar in Carthage!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Either the god found the bribe too small or lacked the power to accept it. The breeze + did not stiffen. The sailors strove like demons at the sweeps, but almost imperceptibly + the gap betwixt them and the war-ships was narrowing.</p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page379">[pg 379]</span><a name="Pg379" id="Pg379" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hiram, who had been rowing, now left his post to approach the master. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What of the captives? Crucifixion waits us all if they are found on the ship and tell + their story. Kill them at once and fling the bodies overboard.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hasdrubal shook his head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not yet. Still a good chance. I’ll not cast five hundred bright shekels to the fish + till harder pressed. The breeze may strengthen.”</span> Then he redoubled his shout. <span class="tei tei-q">“Wind, Baal, wind!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But a little later the gap betwixt the sea-mouse and the penteconter had so dwindled + that even the master’s inborn thrift began to yield to prudence. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hark you, Hib,”</span> he cried from the helm. <span class="tei tei-q">“Take Adherbal and Lars the Etruscan. + It’s a good ten furlongs to that cursed galley still, but we must have those prisoners + ready on deck. Over they go if the chase gets a bit closer.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The giant Libyan hastened to comply, while all the crew joined in the captain’s howl, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wind, Baal, wind!”</span> and cried reckless vows, while they scanned the fateful + stretch of gray-green water behind the stern, whereon liberty if not life depended. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The trireme, pulling only one of her banks, was dropping behind, her navarch leaving + the tiring chase to the penteconter, but the latter hung on doggedly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Curse those war-ships with their long oars and heavy crews,”</span> growled Hib, + reappearing above the hatch with the prisoners. <span class="tei tei-q">“The penteconter’s only nine furlongs + off.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He had been obliged to release the captives from the stocks, but Hib had taken the + precaution to place on the formidable athlete a pair of leg irons joined by a shackle. + Not merely were Glaucon’s arms pinioned by a stout cord, but the great <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page380">[pg 380]</span><a name="Pg380" id="Pg380" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Libyan was gripping them tightly. Lars and Adherbal conducted + the other prisoners, whose feet, however, were not bound. For a moment the three + captives stood blinking at the unfamiliar light, unconscious of the situation and their + extremity, whilst Hasdrubal for the fortieth time measured the distance. The wind had + strengthened a little. Let it strengthen a trifle more and the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> would hold her own. Still her people were nearly spent with their toiling, + and the keen beak and large complement of the man-of-war made resistance madness if she + once came alongside. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Have ready sand-bags,”</span> ordered Hasdrubal, <span class="tei tei-q">“to tie to these wretches’ feet. Set + them by the boat mast, so the sail can hide our pretty deed from the penteconter. Have + ready an axe. We’ll bide a little longer, though, before we say <span class="tei tei-q">‘farewell’</span> to our + passengers. The gods may help yet.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hib and his fellows were marching the prisoners to the poop, when the sight of the + war-ship told Phormio all the story. No gag now hindered his tongue. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, dragons from Carthage, are you going to murder us?”</span> he began in tones more + indignant than terrified. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No, save as Heaven enjoins it!”</span> quoth the master, clapping his hands to urge on + the rowing stroke. <span class="tei tei-q">“Pray, then, your Æolus, Hellene, to stiffen the breeze.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Pray, then, to Pluto, whelps,”</span> bawled the undaunted fishmonger, <span class="tei tei-q">“to give you a + snug berth in Orcus. Ha! but it’s a merry thought of you and all your pretty lads + stretched on crosses and waiting for the crows.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But a violent screech came from Lampaxo, who had just comprehended the fate awaiting. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai! ai!</span></span> save me, fellow-Hellenes!”</span> she bawled toward the + penteconter, <span class="tei tei-q">“a citizeness of Athens, the most patriotic woman in the city, + slaughtered by Barbarians—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Silence the squealing sow!”</span> roared Hasdrubal. <span class="tei tei-q">“They’ll <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page381">[pg 381]</span><a name="Pg381" id="Pg381" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>hear her on the war-ship. Aft with her and overboard at once.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But as they dragged Lampaxo on the poop, her outcry rose to a tempest till Lars the + Etruscan clapped his hand upon her mouth. Her screaming stilled, but his own outcry more + than replaced it. In a twinkling the virago’s hard teeth closed over his fingers. Two + ran from the oars to him. But the woman, conscious that she fought for life or death, + held fast. Curses, blows, even a dagger pried betwixt her lips—all bootless. She seemed + as a thing possessed. And all the time the Etruscan howled in mortal agony. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The thin dagger, bent too hard, snapped betwixt her teeth. Lars’s clamour could surely + be heard on the penteconter. Again the breeze was falling. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They seized the fury’s throat, and pressed it till she turned black, but the grip of + her jaw only tightened. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Attatai! attatai!</span></span>”</span> groaned the victim, <span class="tei tei-q">“forbear. Don’t + throttle her. Her teeth are iron. They are biting through the bone. If you strangle + her, they will never relax. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Attatai! attatai!</span></span>”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Nip him tight, little wife,”</span> called Phormio, for once regarding his spouse with + supreme satisfaction. <span class="tei tei-q">“It’s a dainty morsel you have in your mouth. Chew it well!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lampaxo’s attackers paused an instant, uncertain how to release the Etruscan. To their + threats of torture the woman was deaf as the mainmast, and still the Etruscan screamed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon had stood perfectly passive during all this grim by-play. Once Phormio saw his + fellow-captive’s face twist into a smile, but in the excitement of the moment the + fishmonger as well as the Carthaginians almost forgot the Isthmionices, and Hib relaxed + his grip and guard. Lars’s finger was streaming red, when Hasdrubal threw away the + steering-paddle in a rage. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page382">[pg 382]</span> + <a name="Pg382" id="Pg382" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Silence her forever! The axe, Hib. Split her skull open!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The axe lay at the Libyan’s feet. One instant, only one, betook his hands from the + athlete’s wrists to seize the weapon, but in that instant the yell from all the crew + drowned even the howls of Lars. Had any watched, they might have seen all the muscles in + the Alcmæonid’s glorious body contract, might have seen the fire spring from his eyes as + he put forth a godlike might. Heracles and Athena Polias had been with him when he threw + his strength upon the bands that held his arms. The crushing of Lycon down had been no + feat like this. In a twinkling the cords about his wrists were snapped. He swung his + free hands in the air. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Athens!”</span> he shouted, whilst the crew stood spellbound. <span class="tei tei-q">“Hermione! Glaucon is + still Glaucon!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hib had grasped the axe, but he never knew what smote him once behind the ear and sent + him rolling lifeless against the bulwark. In an instant his bright weapon was swinging + high above the athlete’s head. Glaucon stood terrible as Achilles before the cowering + Trojans. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Woe! woe! he is Melkarth. We are lost men!”</span> groaned the crew. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“At him, fools!”</span> bawled Hasdrubal, first to recover wits, <span class="tei tei-q">“his feet are still + shackled.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But whilst the master called to them, the axe dashed down upon the fetters, and one + great stroke smote the coupling-link in twain. The Athenian stood a moment looking right + and left, the axe dancing as a toy in his grasp, and a smile on his face inviting, <span class="tei tei-q">“Prove me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A javelin singing from the hand of Adherbal flew at him. An imperceptible bending of + the body, a red streak on Glaucon’s naked side, and it dug into the deck. Yet whilst it + quivered, was out again and hurled through the Cartha<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page383">[pg 383]</span><a name="Pg383" id="Pg383" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ginian’s breast and shoulders. He fell in a heap beside the Libyan. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Another howl from the sailors. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not Melkarth, but Baal the Dragon-Slayer. We are lost. Who can contend with him?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cowards!”</span> thundered Hasdrubal, whipping the sword from his thigh, <span class="tei tei-q">“do you not + know these three sniff our true business? If they live when the penteconter comes, + it’s not prison but Sheol that’s waiting. Their lives or ours. One rush and we have + this madman down!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But their terrible adversary gave the master no time to gather his myrmidons. One + stroke of the axe had already released Phormio, who clutched the arms of his wife. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The cabin!”</span> the ready-witted fishmonger commanded, and Lampaxo, scarce knowing + what she did, released her ungentle hold on Lars and suffered her husband to drag her + down the ladder. Glaucon went last; no man loving death enough to come within reach of + the axe. Hasdrubal saw his victims escaping under his eyes and groaned. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“There is only one hatchway. We must force it. Darts, belaying-pins, ballast + stones—fling anything down. It’s for life or death!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The penteconter is four furlongs away!”</span> shrieked a sailor, growing gray under his + dark skin. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And Democrates’s despatches are hid in the cabin,”</span> added Hiram, chattering. <span class="tei tei-q">“If + they do not go overboard, our deaths will be terrible.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hear, King Moloch!”</span> called Hasdrubal, lifting his swarthy arms to heaven, then + striking them with his sword till the blood gushed down, <span class="tei tei-q">“suffer us to escape this + calamity and I vow thee even my daughter Tibaït,—a child in her tenth year,—she + shall die in thy holy furnace a sacrifice.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hear, Baal! Hear, Moloch!”</span> chorussed the crew; and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page384">[pg 384]</span><a name="Pg384" id="Pg384" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>gathering courage from necessity seized boat-hooks, oars, dirks, and all other handy + weapons for their attack. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But below the released prisoners had not been idle. Never—Glaucon knew it—had his + brain been clearer, his invention more fertile than now, and Phormio was not too old to + cease to be a valiant helper. The cabin was small. A few spears and swords stood in the + rack about the mast. The athlete bolted the sliding hatch-cover, and tore down the + weapons. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Release your wife,”</span> he ordered Phormio; <span class="tei tei-q">“yonder sea chest is strong. Drag it + over to bar the hatch-ladder. Work as Titans if you hope for another sun.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai, ai, ai!</span></span>”</span> screeched Lampaxo, who had released Lars’s + fingers only to resume her din, <span class="tei tei-q">“we all perish. They are hewing the hatch-cover with + their axes. Hera preserve us! The wood splinters. We die.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We have no time to die,”</span> called the athlete, <span class="tei tei-q">“but only to save Hellas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A dozen blows beat the frail hatch-cover to splinters. A dark face with grinning teeth + showed itself. A heavy ballast stone grazed the athlete’s shoulder, but the intruder + fell back with a gurgling in his throat, his hands clutching the empty air. Glaucon had + sent a heavy spear clean through him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> More ballast stones, but the Titanic Alcmæonid had torn a mattress from a bunk, and + held it as effective shield. By main force the others dragged the chest across to the + hatchway, making the entrance doubly narrow. Vainly Hasdrubal stormed at his men to rush + down boldly. They barely dared to fling stones and darts, so fast their adversary sped + them back, and to the mark. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A god! a god! We fight against Heaven!”</span> bleated the seamen. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page385">[pg 385]</span> + <a name="Pg385" id="Pg385" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Their groans were answered by the screechings of Lampaxo through the port-hole and the + taunts of Phormio. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sing, sing, pretty Pisinoë, sweetest of the sirens,”</span> tossed the fishmonger, + playing his part at Glaucon’s side; <span class="tei tei-q">“lure that dear penteconter a little nearer. And + you, brave, gentle sirs, don’t try <span class="tei tei-q">‘to flay a skinned dog’</span> by thrusting down + here. Your hands are just itching for the nails, I warrant!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hasdrubal redoubled his vows to Moloch. In place of his daughter he substituted his + son, though the lad was fourteen years old and the darling of his parents. But the god + was not tempted even now. The attack on the cabin had called the sailors from the oars. + The penteconter consequently had gained fast upon them. The trireme behind was manning + her other banks and drawing down apace. Hiram cast a hopeless glance toward her. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I know those <span class="tei tei-q">‘eyes’</span>—those red hawse-holes—the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>. + Come what may, Themistocles must not read the packet in the cabin. There is one + chance.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He approached the splintered hatchway and outstretched his hands—weaponless. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, good and gracious Master Glaucon, and your honest friends, your gods of Hellas + are very great and have delivered us, your poor slaves, into your hands. Your friends + approach. We will resist no longer. Come on deck; and when the ship is taken, entreat + the navarch to be merciful and generous.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Bah!”</span> spat Phormio, <span class="tei tei-q">“you write your promises in water, or better in oil, + black-scaled viper. We know what time of day it is with us, and what for you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hiram saw Glaucon’s hand rise with a javelin, and shrank shivering. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They won’t hearken. All’s lost,”</span> he whimpered, his smile becoming ghastly. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page386">[pg 386]</span> + <a name="Pg386" id="Pg386" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Another rush, men!”</span> pleaded Hasdrubal. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lead the charge yourself, master!”</span> retorted the seamen, sullenly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The captain, swinging a cutlass, leaped down the bloodstained hatch. One moment the + desperate fury of his attack carried Glaucon backward. The two fought—sword against + axe—in doubtful combat. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Follow! follow!”</span> called Hasdrubal, dashing Phormio aside with the flat of his + blade. <span class="tei tei-q">“I have him at last!”</span> But just as Hiram was leading down a dozen more, the + athlete’s axe swept past the sword, and fell like a millstone on the master’s skull. He + never screamed as he crashed upon the planks. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> This was enough. The seamen were at the end of their valour. If they must die, they + must die. What use resisting destiny? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Slowly, slowly the moments crept for the three in the cabin. Even Lampaxo grew still. + They heard Hiram pleading frantically, vainly, for another attempt, and raving strange + things about Democrates, Lycon, and the Persian. Then behind the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> sounded the rushing of foam around a ram, the bumping of fifty oars plying + on the thole-pins. Into their sight shot the penteconter, the brass glistening on her + prow, the white blades leaping in rhythm. Marines in armour stood on the forecastle. A + few arrows pattered on the plankings of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span>. Her abject + crew obeyed the demand to surrender. Their helmsman pushed over the steering-paddle, and + flung himself upon the deck. The sea-mouse went up into the wind. The grappling-irons + rattled over the bulwark. Glaucon heard the Phœnicians whining, <span class="tei tei-q">“Mercy! mercy!”</span> as + they embraced the boarders’ feet, then the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">prōreus</span></span>, in hearty + Attic, calling, <span class="tei tei-q">“Secure the prisoners and rummage the prize!”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page387">[pg 387]</span> + <a name="Pg387" id="Pg387" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon had suffered many things of late. He had faced intolerable captivity, + immediate death. Now around his eyes swam hot mist. He fell upon a sea chest, and for a + little cared not for anything around, whilst down his cheeks would flow the tears. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page388">[pg 388]</span> + <a name="Pg388" id="Pg388" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf42" id="pdf42"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXXVI</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE READING OF THE RIDDLE </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A hard chase. The rowers of the penteconter were well winded before they caught the + <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span>. A merchantman making for Asia was, however, undoubted + prize; the luckless crew could be sold in the Agora, the cargo of oil, fish, and pottery + was likewise of value. Cimon was standing on his poop, listening to the report of his + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">prōreus</span></span>. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We’re all a mina richer for the race, captain, and they’ve some jars of their good + Numidian wine in the forecastle.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But here a seaman interrupted, staring blankly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kyrie</span></span>, here’s a strange prize. Five men lie dead on the deck. + The planks are bloody. In the cabin are two men and a woman. All three seem mad. They + are Greeks. They keep us out, and bawl, <span class="tei tei-q">‘The navarch! show us the navarch, or Hellas + is lost.’</span> And one of them—as true as that I sucked my mother’s milk—is + Phormio—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Phormio the fishmonger,”</span>—Cimon dropped his steering oar,—<span class="tei tei-q">“on a Carthaginian + ship? You’re mad yourself, man.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“See with your own eyes, captain. They’ll yield to none save you. The prisoners are + howling that one of these men is a giant.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> For the active son of Miltiades to leap from bulwark to bulwark took an instant. Only + when he showed himself did the three in the cabin scramble up the ladder, covered with + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page389">[pg 389]</span><a name="Pg389" id="Pg389" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>blood, the red lines of the fetters marked into wrist + and ankle. Lampaxo had thrown her dress over her head and was screaming still, despite + assurances. The third Hellene’s face was hid under a tangle of hair. But Cimon knew the + fishmonger. Many a morning had he haggled with him merrily for a fine mackerel or tunny, + and the navarch recoiled in horror at his fellow-citizen’s plight. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Infernal gods! You a prisoner here? Where is this cursed vessel from?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“From Trœzene,”</span> gasped the refugee; <span class="tei tei-q">“if you love Athens and Hellas—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He turned just in time to fling an arm about Hiram, who—carelessly guarded—was + gliding down the hatchway. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Seize that viper, bind, torture; he knows all. Make him tell or Hellas is lost!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Control yourself, friend,”</span> adjured Cimon, sorely perplexed, while Hiram struggled + and began tugging out a crooked knife, before two brawny seamen nipped him fast and + disarmed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah! you carrion meat,”</span> shouted Phormio, shaking his fists under the helpless + creature’s nose. <span class="tei tei-q">“Honest men have their day at last. There’s a gay hour coming before + Zeus claps the lid over you in Tartarus.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace,”</span> commanded the navarch, who betwixt Phormio’s shouts, Lampaxo’s howls, and + Hiram’s moans was at his wit’s end. <span class="tei tei-q">“Has no one on this ship kept aboard his + senses?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“If you will be so good, sir captain,”</span> the third Hellene at last broke his silence, + <span class="tei tei-q">“you will hearken to me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who are you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">prōreus</span></span> of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Alcyone</span></span> of Melos. + More of myself hereafter. But if you love the weal of Hellas, demand of this Hiram + where he concealed the treasonable despatches he received at Trœzene and now has + aboard.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page390">[pg 390]</span> + <a name="Pg390" id="Pg390" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hiram? O Lord Apollo, I recognize the snake! The one that was always gliding around + Lycon at the Isthmus. If despatches he has, I know the way to get them. Now, + black-hearted Cyclops,”</span>—Cimon’s tone was not gentle,—<span class="tei tei-q">“where are your + papers?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hiram had turned gray as a corpse, but his white teeth came together. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Phormio is mistaken. Your slave has none.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Bah!”</span> threw out Cimon, <span class="tei tei-q">“I can smell your lies like garlic. Silent still? Good, + see how I am better than Asclepius. I make the dumb talk by a miracle. A cord and + belaying-pin, Naon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The seaman addressed passed a cord about the Phœnician’s forehead with a fearful + dexterity, and put the iron pin at the back of the skull. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Twist!”</span> commanded Cimon. Two mariners gripped the victim’s arms. Naon pressed the + cord tighter, tighter. A beastlike groan came through the lips of the Phœnician. His + beady eyes started from his head, but he did not speak. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Again,”</span> thundered the navarch, and as the cord stretched a howl of mortal agony + escaped the prisoner. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Pity! Mercy! My head bursts. I will tell!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell quick, or we’ll squeeze your brains out. Relax a little, Naon.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“In the boat mast.”</span> Hiram spit the words out one by one. <span class="tei tei-q">“In the cabin. There is + a peg. Pull it out. The mast is hollowed. You will find the papers. Woe! woe! cursed + the day I was born. Cursed my mother for bearing me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The miserable creature fell to the deck, pressing his hands to his temples and moaning + in agony. No one heeded him now. Cimon himself ran below to the mast, and wrenched the + peg from its socket. Papyrus sheets were there, rolled compactly, covered with writing + and sealed. The navarch <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page391">[pg 391]</span><a name="Pg391" id="Pg391" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>turned over the packet + curiously, then to the amazement of the sailors seemed to stagger against the mast. He + was as pale as Hiram. He thrust the packet into the hands of his <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">prōreus</span></span>, who stood near. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What make you of this seal? As you fear Athena, tell the truth.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You need not adjure me so, captain. The device is simple: Theseus slaying the + Minotaur.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And who, in Zeus’s name, do you know in Athens who uses a seal like that?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Silence for a moment, then the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">prōreus</span></span> himself was pale. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Excellency does not mean—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates!”</span> cried the trembling navarch. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And why not Democrates?”</span> The words came from the released prisoner, who had been + so silent, but who had glided down and stood at Cimon’s elbow. He spoke in a changed + voice now; again the navarch was startled. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is Themistocles on the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>?”</span> asked the stranger, + whilst Cimon gazed on him spellbound, asking if he himself were growing mad. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes—but your voice, your face, your manner—my head is dizzy.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The stranger touched him gently on the hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Have I so changed, you quite forget me, Cimon?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The son of Miltiades was a strong man. He had looked on Hiram’s tortures with a laugh. + To his own death he would have gone with no eyelash trembling. But now the rest saw him + blench; then with a cry, at once of wonder and inexpressible joy, his arms closed round + the tattered outlaw’s neck. Treason or no treason—what matter! He forgot all save that + before him was his long-time comrade. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“My friend! My boyhood’s friend!”</span> and so for many times they kissed. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page392">[pg 392]</span> + <a name="Pg392" id="Pg392" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> had followed the chase at easy distance, ready + with aid in case the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> resisted. Themistocles was in his + cabin with Simonides, when Cimon and Glaucon came to him. The admiral heard his young + navarch’s report, then took the unopened packet and requested Cimon and the poet to + withdraw. As their feet sounded on the ladder in the companionway, Themistocles turned + on the outlaw, it seemed, fiercely. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell your story.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon told it: the encounter on the hillside at Trœzene, the seizure in Phormio’s + house, the coming of Democrates and his boasts over the captives, the voyage and the + pursuing. The son of Neocles never hastened the recital, though once or twice he widened + it by an incisive question. At the end he demanded:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And does Phormio confirm all this?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“All. Question him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Humph! He’s a truthful man in everything save the price of fish. Now let us open the + packet.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles was exceeding deliberate. He drew his dagger and pried the wrapper open + without breaking the seals or tearing the papyrus. He turned the strips of paper + carefully one by one, opened a casket, and drew thence a written sheet which he compared + painfully with those before him. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The same hand,”</span> his remark in undertone. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He was so calm that a stranger would have thought him engaged with routine business. + Many of the sheets he simply lifted, glanced at, laid down again. They did not seem to + interest. So through half the roll, but the outlaw, watching patiently, at last saw he + eyebrows of the son of Neocles pressing ever closer,—sign that the inscrutable brain + was at its fateful work. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At last he uttered one word, <span class="tei tei-q">“Cipher.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page393">[pg 393]</span> + <a name="Pg393" id="Pg393" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A sheet lay before him covered with broken words and phrases—seemingly without + meaning—but the admiral knew the secret of the Spartan <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">scytalē</span></span>, the <span class="tei tei-q">“cipher wood.”</span> Forth from his casket came a number of rounded + sticks of varying lengths. On one after another he wound the sheet spirally until at the + fifth trial the scattered words came together. He read with ease. Then Themistocles’s + brows grew closer than before. He muttered softly in his beard. But still he said + nothing aloud. He read the cipher sheet through once, twice; it seemed thrice. Other + sheets he fingered delicately, as though he feared the touch of venom. All without + haste, but at the end, when Themistocles arose from his seat, the outlaw trembled. Many + things he had seen, but never a face so changed. The admiral was neither flushed nor + pale. But ten years seemed added to those lines above his eyes. His cheeks were + hollowed. Was it fancy that put the gray into his beard and hair? Slowly he rose; slowly + he ordered the marine on guard outside the cabin to summon Simonides, Cimon, and all the + officers of the flag-ship. They trooped hither and filled the narrow cabin—fifteen or + more hale, handsome Athenians, intent on the orders of the admiral. Were they to dash at + once for Samos and surprise the Persian? Or what other adventure waited? The breeze had + died. The gray breast of the Ægean rocked the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> softly. + The thranites of the upper oar bank were alone on the benches, and stroking the great + trireme along to a singsong chant about Amphitrite and the Tritons. On the poop above + two sailors were grumbling lest the penteconter’s people get all the booty of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span>. Glaucon heard their grunts and complainings whilst he looked + on Themistocles’s awful face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The officers ranged themselves and saluted stiffly. Themistocles stood before them, + his hands closed over the packet. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page394">[pg 394]</span><a name="Pg394" id="Pg394" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>The first time he + started to speak his lips closed desperately. The silence grew awkward. Then the admiral + gave his head a toss, and drew his form together as a runner before a race. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates is a traitor. Unless Athena shows us mercy, Hellas is lost.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates is a traitor!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The cry from the startled men rang through the ship. The rowers ceased their chant and + their stroking. Themistocles beckoned angrily for silence. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I did not call you down to wail and groan.”</span> He never raised his voice; his + calmness made him terrible. But now the questions broke loose as a flood. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“When? How? Declare.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace, men of Athens; you conquered the Persian at Salamis, conquer now yourselves. + Harken to this cipher. Then to our task and prove our comrades did not die in + vain.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet despite him men wept on one another’s shoulders as became true Hellenes, whilst + Themistocles, whose inexorable face never relaxed, rewound the papyrus on the cipher + stick and read in hard voice the words of doom. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“This is the letter secreted on the Carthaginian. The hand is + Democrates’s, the seals are his. Give ear.</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Democrates the Athenian to Tigranes, commander of the hosts of + Xerxes on the coasts of Asia, greeting:—Understand, dear Persian, that Lycon and I as + well as the other friends of the king among the Hellenes are prepared to bring all + things to pass in a way right pleasing to your master. Even now I depart from Trœzene + to join the army of the allied Hellenes in Bœotia, and, the gods helping, we cannot + fail. Lycon and I will contrive to separate the Athenians and Spartans from their + other allies, to force them to give battle, and at the crisis cause the divisions + under our personal commands to retire, breaking the phalanx and making Mardonius’s + victory certain.</span></span> </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page395">[pg 395]</span> + <a name="Pg395" id="Pg395" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">For your part, excellent Tigranes, you must avoid the Hellenic + ships at Delos and come back to Mardonius with your fleet ready to second him at once + after his victory, which will be speedy; then with your aid he can readily turn the + wall at the Isthmus. I send also letters written, as it were, in the hand of + Themistocles. See that they fall into the hands of the other Greek admirals. They will + breed more hurt amongst the Hellenes than you can accomplish with all your ships. I + send, likewise, lists of such Athenians and Spartans as are friendly to his Majesty, + also memoranda of such secret plans of the Greeks as have come to my knowledge.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">From Trœzene, given into the hands of Hiram on the second of Metageitnion, in the + archonship of Xanthippus. </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Chaire!</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles ceased. No man spoke a word. It was as if a god had flung a bolt from + heaven. What use to cry against it? Then, in an ominously low voice, Simonides asked a + question. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What are these letters which purport to come from your pen, Themistocles?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The admiral unrolled another papyrus, and as he looked thereon his fine face + contracted with loathing. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let another read. I am made to pour contempt and ridicule upon my fellow-captains. I + am made to boast <span class="tei tei-q">‘when the war ends, I will be tyrant of Athens.’</span> A thousand + follies and wickednesses are put in my mouth. Were this letter true, I were the vilest + wretch escaping Orcus. Since forged—”</span> his hands clinched—<span class="tei tei-q">“by that man, that man + whom I have trusted, loved, cherished, called <span class="tei tei-q">‘younger brother,’</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">‘oldest son’</span>—”</span> He spat in rising fury and was still. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Fain would I grip his liver in my teeth,’</span> ”</span> cried the little poet, even in + storm and stress not forgetting his Homer. And the howl from the man-of-war’s men was as + the howl of beasts desiring their prey. But the admiral’s burst of anger ended. He stood + again an image of calm power. The voice that <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page396">[pg 396]</span><a name="Pg396" id="Pg396" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>had + charmed the thousands rang forth in its strength and sweetness. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Men of Athens, this is no hour for windy rage. Else I should rage the most, for who + is more wronged than I? One whom we loved is fallen—later let us weep for him. One + whom we trusted is false—later punish him. But now the work is neither to weep nor to + punish, but to save Hellas. A great battle impends in Bœotia. Except the Zeus of our + sires and Athena of the Pure Eyes be with us, we are men without home, without + fatherland. Pausanias and Aristeides must be warned. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> is the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Salaminia,’</span>—the swiftest trireme in the fleet. Ours must + be the deed, and ours the glory. Enough of this—the men must hear, and then to the + oars.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles had changed from despair to a triumph note. There was uplift even to look + upon him. He strode before all his <a name="corr396" id="corr396" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">lieutenants</span> up and out + upon the poop. The long tiers of benches and the gangways filled with rowers peered up + at him. They had seen their officers gather in the cabin, and Dame Rumour, subtlest of + Zeus’s messengers, had breathed <span class="tei tei-q">“ill-tidings.”</span> Now the admiral stood forth, and in + few words told all the heavy tale. Again a great shout, whilst the bronzed men groaned + on the benches. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates is a traitor!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A deity had fallen from their Olympus; the darling of the Athenians’s democracy was + sunk to vilest of the vile. But the admiral knew how to play on their two hundred hearts + better than Orpheus upon his lyre. Again the note changed from despair to incitement, + and when at last he called, <span class="tei tei-q">“And can we cross the Ægean as never trireme crossed and + pluck back Hellas from her fate?”</span> thalamite, zygite, and thranite rose, tossing + their brawny arms into the air. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">We can!</span></span>”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page397">[pg 397]</span> + <a name="Pg397" id="Pg397" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then Themistocles folded his own arms and smiled. He felt the god was still with him. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet, eager as was the will, they could not race forth instantly. Orders must be + written to Xanthippus, the Athenian vice-admiral far away, bidding him at all hazards to + keep the Persian fleet near Samos. Cimon was long in privy council with Themistocles in + the state cabin. At the same time a prisoner was passed aboard the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span>, not gently bound,—Hiram, a precious witness, before the dogs had + their final meal on him. But the rest of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra’s</span></span> people found + a quicker release. The penteconter’s people decided their fate with a yell. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sell such harpies for slaves? The money would stink through our pouches!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So two by two, tied neck to neck and heel to heel, the wretches were flung overboard, + <span class="tei tei-q">“because we lack place and wood to crucify you,”</span> called the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> governor, as he pushed the last pair off into the leaden sea,—for + the day was distant when the destruction of such Barbarian rogues would weigh even on + tender consciences. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So the Carthaginians ceased from troubling, but before the penteconter and the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> bore away to join the remaining fleet, another deed was done + in sight of all three ships. For whilst Themistocles was with Cimon, Simonides and + Sicinnus had taken Glaucon to the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> forecastle. Now as + the penteconter was casting off, again he came to view, and the shout that greeted him + was not of fear this time, but wonder and delight. The Alcmæonid was clean-shaven, his + hair clipped close, the black dye even in a manner washed away. He had flung off the + rough seaman’s dress, and stood forth in all his godlike beauty. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Before all men Cimon, coming from the cabin, ran and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page398">[pg 398]</span><a name="Pg398" id="Pg398" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>kissed him once more, whilst the rowers clapped their hands. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Apollo—it is Delian Apollo! Glaucon the Beautiful lives again. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Io! + Io! pæan!</span></span>”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> spoke Themistocles, in a burst of gladness. <span class="tei tei-q">“The gods take one friend, + they restore another. Œdipus has read the sphinx’s riddle. Honour this man, for he is + worthy of honour through Hellas!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The officers ran to the athlete, after them the sailors. They covered his face and + hands with kisses. He seemed escaped the Carthaginian to perish in the embrace of his + countrymen. Never was his blush more boyish, more divine. Then a bugle-blast sent every + man to his station. Cimon leaped across to his smaller ship. The rowers of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> ran out their oars, the hundred and seventy blades trailed + in the water. Every man took a long breath and fixed his eyes on the admiral standing on + the poop. He held a golden goblet set with turquoise, and filled with the blood-red + Pramnian wine. Loudly Themistocles prayed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Zeus of Olympus and Dodona, Zeus Orchios, rewarder of the oath-breaker, to whom the + Hellenes do not vainly pray, and thou Athena of the Pure Eyes, give ear. Make our ship + swift, our arms strong, our hearts bold. Hold back the battle that we come not too + late. Grant that we confound the guilty, put to flight the Barbarian, recompense the + traitor. So to you and all other holy gods whose love is for the righteous we will + proffer prayer and sacrifice forever. Amen.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He poured out the crimson liquor; far into the sea he flung the golden cup. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Heaven speed you!”</span> shouted from the penteconter. Themistocles nodded. The <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">keleustes</span></span> smote his gavel upon the sounding-board. The triple oar + bank rose as one and plunged into the foam. A long <span class="tei tei-q">“h-a!”</span> went up from the benches. + The race to save Hellas was begun. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page399">[pg 399]</span> + <a name="Pg399" id="Pg399" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf43" id="pdf43"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXXVII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE RACE TO SAVE HELLAS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The chase had cost the Athenians dear. Before the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> had + submitted to her fate, she had led the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> and her consort + well down into the southern Ægean. A little more and they would have lifted the shaggy + headlands of Crete. The route before the great trireme was a long one. Two thousand + stadia,<a id="noteref_13" name="noteref_13" href="#note_13"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">13</span></span></a> as the crow flies, sundered + them from the Euripus, the nearest point whence they could despatch a runner to + Pausanias and Aristeides; and what with the twistings around the scattered Cyclades the + route was one-fourth longer. But men had ceased reckoning distance. Their hearts were in + the flying oars, and at first the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> ran leaping across the + waves as leaps the dolphin,—the long gleaming blades springing like shuttles in the + hands of the ready crew. They had taken from the penteconter all her spare rowers, and + to make the great ship bound over the steel-gray deep was children’s play. <span class="tei tei-q">“We must + save Hellas, and we can!”</span> That was the thought of all from Themistocles to the + meanest thranite. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> So at the beginning when the task seemed light and hands were strong. The breeze that + had betrayed the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span> ever sank lower. Presently it died + altogether. The sails they set hung limp on the mast. The navarch had them furled. The + sea spread out before them, a glassy, leaden-coloured floor; <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page400">[pg 400]</span><a name="Pg400" id="Pg400" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the waves roaring in their wake faded in a wide ripple far behind. To + hearten his men the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">keleustes</span></span> ceased his beating on the + sounding-board, and clapped lips to his pipe. The whole trireme chorussed the familiar + song together:— </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Fast and more fast</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">O’er the foam-spray we’re passed.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">And our creaking sails swell</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">To the swift-breathing blast,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">For Poseidon’s wild steeds</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">With their manifold feet,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Like a hundred white nymphs</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">On the blue sea-floor fleet.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">And we wake as we go</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Gray old Phorcys below,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Whilst on shell-clustered trumpets</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">The loud Tritons blow!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">The loud Tritons blow!</span></div> + </div> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">All of Æolus’s train</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Springing o’er the blue main</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">To our pæans reply</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">With their long, long refrain;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">And the sea-folk upleap</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">From their dark weedy caves;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">With a clear, briny laugh</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">They dance over the waves;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Now their mistress below,—</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">See bright Thetis go,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">As she leads the mad revels,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">While loud Tritons blow!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">While loud Tritons blow!</span></div> + </div> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">With the foam gliding white,</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Where the light flash is bright.</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">We feel the live keel</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Leaping on with delight;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">And in melody wild</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Men and Nereids and wind</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page401">[pg 401]</span><a name="Pg401" id="Pg401" class="tei tei-anchor" style="text-align: left"></a><span style="font-size: 80%">Sing and laugh all their praise,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">To the bluff seagods kind;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Whilst deep down below,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Where no storm blasts may go,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">On their care-charming trumpets</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">The loud Tritons blow,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">The loud Tritons blow.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Bravely thus for a while, but at last Themistocles, watching from the poop with eyes + that nothing evaded, saw how here and there the dip of the blades was weakening, here + and there a breast was heaving rapidly, a mouth was panting for air. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The relief,”</span> he ordered. And the spare rowers ran gladly to the places of those + who seemed the weariest. Only a partial respite. Fifty supernumeraries were a poor + stop-gap for the one hundred and seventy. Only the weakest could be relieved, and even + those wept and pled to continue at the benches a little longer. The thunderous threat of + Ameinias, that he who refused a proffered relief must stand all day by the mast with an + iron anchor on his shoulder, alone sufficed to make the malcontents give place. Yet + after a little while the singing died. Breath was too precious to waste. It was mockery + to troll of <span class="tei tei-q">“Æolus’s winds”</span> whilst the sea was one motionless mirror of gray. The + monotonous <span class="tei tei-q">“beat,”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“beat”</span> of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">keleustes’s</span></span> hammer, and the creaking of the + oars in their leathered holes alone broke the stillness that reigned through the length + of the trireme. The penteconter and her prize had long since faded below the horizon. + With almost wistful eyes men watched the islets as they glided past one after another, + Thera now, then Ios, and presently the greater Paros and Naxos lay before them. They + relieved oars whenever possible. The supernumeraries needed no urging after their scanty + rest to spring to the place of him who was fainting, but hardly any man spoke a word. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page402">[pg 402]</span> + <a name="Pg402" id="Pg402" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The first time the relief went in Glaucon had stepped forward. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am strong. I am able to pull an oar,”</span> he had cried almost angrily when + Themistocles laid his hand upon him, but the admiral would have none of it. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You shall not. Sooner will I go on to the bench myself. You have been through the + gates of Tartarus these last days, and need all your strength. Are you not the + Isthmionices,—the swiftest runner in Hellas?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then Glaucon had stepped back and said no more. He knew now for what Themistocles + reserved him,—that after the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> made land he must run, as + never man ran before across wide Bœotia to bear the tidings to Pausanias. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They were betwixt Paros and Naxos at last. Wine and barley cakes soaked in oil were + passed among the men at the oars. They ate without leaving the benches. And still the + sea spread out glassy, motionless, and the pennon hung limp on the mainmast. The <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">keleustes</span></span> slowed his beatings, but the men did not obey him. No + whipped cattle were they, such as rowed the triremes of Phœnicia, but freemen born, sons + of Athens, who called it joy to die for her in time of need. Therefore despite the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">keleustes’s</span></span> beats, despite Themistocles’s command, the rowing might + not slacken. And the black wave around the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> bow sang + its monotonous music. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Themistocles ever turned his face eastward, until men thought he was awaiting some + foe in chase, and presently—just as a rower among the zygites fell back with the blood + gushing from mouth and nostrils—the admiral pointed his finger toward the sky-line of + the morning. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Look! Athena is with us!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And for the first time in hours those panting, straining men let the hot oar butts + slip from their hands, even trail <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page403">[pg 403]</span><a name="Pg403" id="Pg403" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>in the darkling + water, whilst they rose, looked, and blessed their gods. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was coming, the strong kind Eurus out of the south and east. They could see the + black ripple springing over the glassy sea; they could hear the singing of the cordage; + they could catch the sweet sniff of the brine. Admiral and rower lifted their hands + together at this manifest favour of heaven. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Poseidon is with us! Athena is with us! Æolus is with us! We can save Hellas!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Soon the sun burst forth above the mist. All the wide ocean floor was adance with + sparkling wavelets. No need of Ameinias’s lusty call to bend again the sails. The + smaller canvas on the foremast and great spread on the mainmast were bellying to the + piping gale. A fair wind, but no storm. The oars were but helpers now,—men laughed, + hugged one another as boys, wept as girls, and let the benignant wind gods labour for + them. Delos the Holy they passed, and Tenos, and soon the heights of Andros lifted, as + the ship with its lading of fate flew over the island-strewn sea. At last, just as the + day was leaving them, they saw Helios going down into the fire-tinged waves in a parting + burst of glory. Darkness next, but the kindly wind failed not. Through the night no man + on that trireme slumbered. Breeze or calm, he who had an obol’s weight of power spent it + at the oars. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Long after midnight Themistocles and Glaucon clambered the giddy cordage to the ship’s + top above the swelling mainsail. On the narrow platform, with the stars above, the dim + tracery of the wide sail, the still dimmer tracery of the long ship below, they seemed + transported to another world. Far beneath by the glimmer of the lanterns they saw the + rowers swaying at their toil. In the wake the phosphorous bubbles ran away, opalescent + gleams springing upward, as if torches of Doris and her dancing Nereids. So much had <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page404">[pg 404]</span><a name="Pg404" id="Pg404" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>admiral and outlaw lived through this day they had + thought little of themselves. Now calmer thought returned. Glaucon could tell of many + things he had heard and thought, of the conversation overheard the morning before + Salamis, of what Phormio had related during the weary captivity in the hold of the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span>. Themistocles pondered long. Yet for Glaucon when standing + even on that calm pinnacle the trireme must creep over the deep too slowly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O give me wings, Father Zeus,”</span> was his prayer; <span class="tei tei-q">“yes, the wings of Icarus. Let me + fly but once to confound the traitor and deliver thy Hellas,—after that, like Icarus + let me fall. I am content to die.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Themistocles pressed close against his side. <span class="tei tei-q">“Ask for no wings,”</span>—in the + admiral’s voice was a tremor not there when he sped confidence through the crew,—<span class="tei tei-q">“if + it be destined we save Hellas, it is destined; if we are to die, we die. <span class="tei tei-q">‘No man of + woman born, coward or brave, can shun the fate assigned.’</span> Hector said that to + Andromache, and the Trojan was right. But we shall save Hellas. Zeus and Athena are + great <a name="corr404" id="corr404" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">gods.</span> They did not give us glory at Salamis to make that + glory tenfold vain. We shall save Hellas. Yet I have fear—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of what, then?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Fear that Themistocles will be too merciful to be just. Ah! pity me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I understand—Democrates.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I pray he may escape to the Persians, or that Ares may slay him in fair battle. If + not—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What will you do?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The admiral’s hold upon the younger Athenian’s arm tightened. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I will prove that Aristeides is not the only man in Hellas who deserves the name of + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Just.’</span> When I was young, my <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page405">[pg 405]</span><a name="Pg405" id="Pg405" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>tutor would + predict great things of me. <span class="tei tei-q">‘You will be nothing small, Themistocles, but great, + whether for good or ill, I know not,—but great you will be.’</span> And I have always + struggled upward. I have always prospered. I am the first man in Hellas. I have set my + will against all the power of Persia. Zeus willing, I shall conquer. But the Olympians + demand their price. For saving Hellas I must pay—Democrates. I loved him.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The two men stood in silence long, whilst below the oars and the rushing water played + their music. At last the admiral relaxed his hand on Glaucon. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eu!</span></span> They will call me <span class="tei tei-q">‘Saviour of Hellas’</span> if all goes + well. I shall be greater than Solon, or Lycurgus, or Periander, and in return I must + do justice to a friend. Fair recompense!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The laugh of the son of Neocles was harsher than a cry. The other answered nothing. + Themistocles set his foot on the ladder. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I must return to the men. I would go to an oar, only they will not let me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The admiral left Glaucon for a moment alone. All around him was the night,—the stars, + the black æther, the blacker sea,—but he was not lonely. He felt as when in the + foot-race he turned for the last burst toward the goal. One more struggle, one supreme + summons of strength and will, and after that the triumph and the rest.—Hellas, Athens, + Hermione, he was speeding back to all. Once again all the things past floated out of the + dream-world and before him,—the wreck, the lotus-eating at Sardis, Thermopylæ, Salamis, + the agony on the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span>. Now came the end, the end promised in + the moment of vision whilst he pulled the boat at Salamis. What was it? He tried not to + ask. Enough it was to be the end. He, like Themistocles, had supreme con<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page406">[pg 406]</span><a name="Pg406" id="Pg406" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fidence that the treason would be thwarted. The gods were cruel, + but not so cruel that after so many deliverances they would crush him at the last. <span class="tei tei-q">“The miracles of Zeus are never wrought in vain.”</span> Had not Zeus wrought miracles for + him once and twice? The proverb was great comfort. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Suddenly whilst he built his palace of phantasy, a cry from the foreship dissolved it. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Attica, Attica, hail, all hail!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He saw upon the sky-line the dim tracery of the Athenian headlands <span class="tei tei-q">“like a shield + laid on the misty deep.”</span> Again men were springing from the oars, laughing, weeping, + embracing, whilst under the clear, unflagging wind the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> + sped up the narrowing strait betwixt Eubœa and the mainland. Dawn glowed at last, + unveiling the brown Attic shoreline with Pentelicus the marble-fretted and all his + darker peers. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hour by hour they ran onward. They skirted the long low coast of Eubœa to the + starboard. They saw Marathon and its plain of fair memories stretching to port, and now + the strait grew closer yet, and it needed all the governor’s skill at the steering-oars + to keep the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> from the threatening rocks. Marathon was + behind at last. The trireme rounded the last promontory; the bay grew wider; the prow + was set more to westward. Every man—the faintest—struggled back to his oar if he had + left it—this was the last hundred stadia to Oropus, and after that the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> might do no more. Once again the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">keleustes</span></span> piped, and his note was swift and feverish. The blades shot faster, + faster, as the trireme raced down the sandy shore of the Attic <span class="tei tei-q">“Diacria.”</span> Once in + the strait they saw a brown-sailed fisherboat, and the helm swerved enough to bring her + within hail. The fishermen stared at the flying trireme and her straining, wide-eyed + men. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page407">[pg 407]</span> + <a name="Pg407" id="Pg407" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Has there been a battle?”</span> cried Ameinias. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not yet. We are from Styra on Eubœa; we expect the news daily. The armies are almost + together.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And where are they?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Near to Platæa.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> That was all. The war-ship left the fishermen rocking in her wake, but again + Themistocles drew his eyebrows close together, while Glaucon tightened the buckle on his + belt. Platæa,—the name meant that the courier must traverse the breadth of Bœotia, and + with the armies face to face how long would Zeus hold back the battle? How long indeed, + with Democrates and Lycon intent on bringing battle to pass? The ship was more than ever + silent as she rushed on the last stretch of her course. More men fell at the oars with + blood upon their faces. The supernumeraries tossed them aside like logs of wood, and + leaped upon their benches. Themistocles had vanished with Simonides in the cabin; all + knew their work,—preparing letters to Aristeides and Pausanias to warn of the bitter + truth. Then the haven at last: the white-stuccoed houses of Oropus clustering down upon + the shore, the little mole, a few doltish peasants by the landing gaping at the great + trireme. No others greeted them, for the terror of Mardonius’s Tartar raiders had driven + all but the poorest to some safe shelter. The oars slipped from numb fingers; the anchor + plunged into the green water; the mainsail rattled down the mast. Men sat on the benches + motionless, gulping down the clear air. They had done their part. The rest lay in the + hands of the gods, and in the speed of him who two days since they had called <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon + the Traitor.”</span> The messenger came from the cabin, half stripped, on his head a felt + skullcap, on his feet high hunter’s boots laced up to the knees. He had never shone in + more noble beauty. The crew watched Themistocles place a papyrus <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page408">[pg 408]</span><a name="Pg408" id="Pg408" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>roll in Glaucon’s belt, and press his mouth to the messenger’s ear in + parting admonition. Glaucon gave his right hand to Themistocles, his left to Simonides. + Fifty men were ready to man the pinnace to take him ashore. On the beach the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> people saw him stand an instant, as he turned his face + upward to the <span class="tei tei-q">“dawn-facing”</span> gods of Hellas, praying for strength and swiftness. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Apollo speed you!”</span> called two hundred after him. He answered from the beach with a + wave of his beautiful arms. A moment later he was hid behind a clump of olives. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> people knew the ordeal before him, but many a man said + Glaucon had the easier task. He could run till life failed him. They now could only fold + their hands and wait. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was long past noon when Glaucon left the desolate village of Oropus behind him. The + day was hot, but after the manner of Greece not sultry, and the brisk breeze was + stirring on the hill slopes. Over the distant mountains hung a tint of deep violet. It + was early in Bœdromion.<a id="noteref_14" name="noteref_14" href="#note_14"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">14</span></span></a> The + fields—where indeed the Barbarian cavalry men had not deliberately burned them—were + seared brown by the long dry summer. Here and there great black crows were picking, and + a red fox would whisk out of a thicket and go with long bounds across the unharvested + fields to some safer refuge. Glaucon knew his route. Three hundred and sixty stadia lay + before him, and those not over the well-beaten course in the gymnasium, but by rocky + goat trails and by-paths that made his task no easier. He started off slowly. He was too + good an athlete to waste his speed by one fierce burst at the outset. At first his road + was no bad one, for he skirted the willow-hung Asopus, the boundary stream be<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page409">[pg 409]</span><a name="Pg409" id="Pg409" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>twixt Attica and Bœotia. But he feared to keep too long upon + this highway to Tanagra, and of the dangers of the road he soon met grim warnings. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> First, it was a farmstead in black ruin, with the carcass of a horse half burned lying + before the gate. Next, it was the body of a woman, three days slain, and in the centre + of the road,—no pleasant sight, for the crows had been at their banquet,—and hardened + though the Alcmæonid was to war, he stopped long enough to cast the ceremonial handful + of dust on the poor remains, as symbolic burial, and sped a wish to King Pluto to give + peace to the wanderer’s spirit. Next, people met him: an old man, his wife, his young + son,—wretched shepherd-folk dressed in sheepskins,—the boy helping his elders as they + tottered along on their staves toward the mountain. At sight of Glaucon they feebly made + to fly, but he held out his hand, showing he was unarmed, and they halted also. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Whence and whither, good father?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Whereat the old man began to shake all over and tell a mumbling story, how they had + been set upon by the Scythian troopers in their little farm near Œnophytæ, how he had + seen the farmhouse burn, his two daughters swung shrieking upon the steeds of the wild + Barbarians, and as for himself and his wife and son, Athena knew what saved them! They + had lost all but life, and fearful for that were seeking a cave on Mt. Parnes. Would not + the young man come with them, a thousand dangers lurked upon the way? But Glaucon did + not wait to hear the story out. On he sped up the rocky road. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, Mardonius! ah, Artazostra!”</span> he was speaking in his heart, <span class="tei tei-q">“noble and brave + you are to your peers, but this is your rare handiwork,—and though you once called me + friend, Zeus and Dikē still rule, there is a price for this and you shall tell it + out.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page410">[pg 410]</span> + <a name="Pg410" id="Pg410" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Yet he bethought himself of the old man’s warning, and left the beaten way. At the + long steady trot learned in the stadium, he went onward under the greenwood behind the + gleaming river, where the vines and branches whipped on his face; and now and again he + crossed a half-dried brook, where he swept up a little water in his hands, and said a + quick prayer to the friendly nymphs of the stream. Once or twice he sped through fig + orchards, and snatched at the ripe fruit as he ran, eating without slackening his + course. Presently the river began to bend away to westward. He knew if he followed it, + he came soon to Tanagra, but whether that town were held by the Persians or burned by + them, who could tell? He quitted the Asopus and its friendly foliage. The bare wide + plain of Bœotia was opening. Concealment was impossible, unless indeed he turned far + eastward toward Attica and took refuge on the foothills of the mountains. But speed was + more precious than safety. He passed Scolus, and found the village desolate, burned. No + human being greeted him, only one or two starving dogs rushed forth to snap, bristle, + and be chased away by a well-sent stone. Here and yonder in the fields were still the + clusters of crows picking at carrion,—more tokens that Mardonius’s Tartar raiders had + done their work too well. Then at last, an hour or more before the sunset, just as the + spurs of Cithæron, the long mountain over against Attica, began to thrust their bald + summits up before the runner’s ken, far ahead upon the way approached a cloud of dust. + The Athenian paused in his run, dashed into the barren field, and flung himself flat + between the furrows. He heard the hoof-beats of the wiry steppe horses, the clatter of + targets and scabbards, the shrill shouts of the raiders. He lifted his head enough to + see the red streamers on their lance tips flutter past. He let the noise die away before + he dared to take the road once more. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page411">[pg 411]</span><a name="Pg411" id="Pg411" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>The time he lost + was redeemed by a burst of speed. His head was growing very hot, but it was not time to + think of that. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Already the hills were spreading their shadows, and Platæa was many stadia away. + Knowledge of how much remained made him reckless. He ran on without his former caution. + The plain was again changing to undulating foothills. He had passed Erythræ + now,—another village burned and deserted. He mounted a slope, was descending to mount + another, when lo! over the hill before came eight riders at full speed. What must be + done, must be done quickly. To plunge into the fallow field again were madness, the + horsemen had surely seen him, and their sure-footed beasts could run over the furrows + like rabbits. Glaucon stood stock still and stretched forth both hands, to show the + horsemen he did not resist them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O Athena Polias,”</span> uprose the prayer from his heart, <span class="tei tei-q">“if thou lovest not me, + forget not thy love for Hellas, for Athens, for Hermione my wife.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The riders were on him instantly, their crooked swords flew out. They surrounded their + captive, uttering outlandish cries and chatterings, ogling, muttering, pointing with + their swords and lances as if debating among themselves whether to let the stranger go + or hew him in pieces. Glaucon stood motionless, looking from one to another and asking + for wisdom in his soul. Seven were Tartars, low-browed, yellow-skinned, flat of nose, + with the grins of apes. He might expect the worst from these. But the eighth showed a + long blond beard under his leather helm, and Glaucon rejoiced; the chief of the band was + a Persian and more amenable. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Tartars continued gesturing and debating, flourishing their steel points right at + the prisoner’s breast. He regarded <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page412">[pg 412]</span><a name="Pg412" id="Pg412" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>them calmly, so + calmly that the Persian gave vent to his admiration. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Down with your lance-head, Rūkhs. By Mithra, I think this Hellene is brave as he + is beautiful! See how he stands. We must have him to the Prince.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Excellency,”</span> spoke Glaucon, in his best court Persian, <span class="tei tei-q">“I am a courier to the + Lord Mardonius. If you are faithful servants of his Eternity the king, where is your + camp?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The chief started. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“On the life of my father, you speak Persian as if you dwelled in Eran at the king’s + own doors! What do you here alone upon this road in Hellas?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Glaucon put out his hand before answering, caught the tip of Rūkhs’s lance, and + snapped it short like a reed. He knew the way to win the admiration of the Barbarians. + They yelled with delight, all at least save Rūkhs. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Strong as he is brave and handsome,”</span> cried the Persian. <span class="tei tei-q">“Again—who are you?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Alcmæonid drew himself to full height and gave his head its lordliest poise. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Understand, Persian, that I have indeed lived long at the king’s gates. Yes,—I have + learned my Aryan at the Lord Mardonius’s own table, for I am the son of Attaginus of + Thebes, who is not the least of the friends of his Eternity in Hellas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The mention of one of the foremost Medizers of Greece made the subaltern bend in his + saddle. His tone became even obsequious. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, I understand. Your Excellency is a courier. You have despatches from the + king?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Despatches of moment just landed from Asia. Now tell me where the army is + encamped.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“By the Asopus, much to northward. The Hellenes lie to <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page413">[pg 413]</span><a name="Pg413" id="Pg413" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>south. Here, Rūkhs, take the noble courier behind you on the horse, and conduct + him to the general.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Heaven bless your generosity,”</span> cried the runner, with almost precipitate haste, <span class="tei tei-q">“but I know the country well, and the worthy Rūkhs will not thank me if I deprive + him of his share in your booty.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, yes, we have heard of a farm across the hills at Eleutheræ that’s not yet been + plundered,—handsome wenches, and we’ll make the father dig up his pot of money. Mazda + speed you, sir, for we are off.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yeh! yeh!”</span> yelled the seven Tartars, none more loudly than Rūkhs, who had no + hankering for conducting a courier back into the camp. So the riders came and went, + whilst Glaucon drew his girdle one notch tighter and ran onward through the gathering + evening. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The adventure had been a warning. Once Athena had saved him, not perchance + twice,—again he took to the fields. He did not love the sight of the sun ever lower, on + the long brown ridge of Helicon far to west. Until now he scarce thought enough of self + to realize the terrible draughts he had made upon his treasure-house of strength. Could + it be that he—the Isthmionices, who had crushed down the giant of Sparta before the + cheering myriads—could faint like a weary girl, when the weal of Hellas was his to win + or lose? Why did his tongue burn in his throat as a coal? Why did those feet—so swift, + so ready when he sped from Oropus—lift so heavily? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> As a flash it came over him what he had endured,—the slow agony on the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Bozra</span></span>, the bursting of the bands, the fight for life, the scene + with Themistocles, the sleepless night on the trireme. Now he was running as the wild + hare runs before the baying chase. Could it be that all this race was vain? </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page414">[pg 414]</span> + <a name="Pg414" id="Pg414" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For Hellas! For Hermione!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Whilst he groaned through his gritted teeth, some malignant god made him misstep, + stumble. He fell between the hard furrows, bruising his face and hands. After a moment + he rose, but rose to sink back again with keen pain shooting through an ankle. He had + turned it. For an instant he sat motionless, taking breath, then his teeth came together + harder. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles trusts me. I carry the fate of Hellas. I can die, but I cannot fail.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was quite dusk now. The brief southern twilight was ending in pale bars of gold + above Helicon. Glaucon rose again; the cold sweat sprang out upon his forehead. Before + his eyes rose darkness, but he did not faint. Some kind destiny set a stout pole upright + in the field,—perhaps for vines to clamber,—he clutched it, and stood until his sight + cleared and the pain a little abated. He tore the pole from the ground, and reached the + roadway. He must take his chance of meeting more raiders. He had one vast comfort,—if + there had been no battle fought that day, there would be none before dawn. But he had + still weary stadia before him, and running was out of the question. Ever and anon he + would stop his hobbling, take air, and stare at the vague tracery of the + hills,—Cithæron to southward, Helicon to west, and northward the wide dark Theban + plain. He gave up counting how many times he halted, how many times he spoke the magic + words, <span class="tei tei-q">“For Hellas! For Hermione!”</span> and forced onward his way. The moon failed, even + the stars were clouded. A kind of brute instinct guided him. At last—he guessed it was + nearly midnight—he caught once more the flashings of a shallow river and the dim + outlines of shrubbery beside the bank—again the Asopus. He must take care or he would + wander straight into Mardonius’s camp. Therefore <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page415">[pg 415]</span><a name="Pg415" id="Pg415" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>he + stopped awhile, drank the cool water, and let the stream purl around his burning foot. + Then he set his face to the south, for there lay Platæa. There he would find the + Hellenes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He was almost unconscious of everything save the fierce pain and the need to go + forward even to the end. At moments he thought he saw the mountains springing out of + their gloom,—Helicon and Cithæron beckoning him on, as with living fingers. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Not too late. Marathon was not vain, nor Thermopylæ, nor Salamis. You can save + Hellas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Who spoke that? He stared into the solitary night. Was he not alone? Then phantasms + came as on a flood. He was in a kind of euthanasy. The pain of his foot had ceased. He + saw the Paradise by Sardis and its bending feathery palms; he heard the tinkling of the + Lydian harps, and Roxana singing of the magic Oxus, and the rose valleys of Eran. Next + Roxana became Hermione. He was standing at her side on the knoll of Colonus, and + watching the sun sink behind Daphni making the Acropolis glow with red fire and gold. + Yet all the time he knew he was going onward. He must not stop. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For Hellas! For Hermione!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At last even the vision of the Violet-Crowned City faded to mist. Had he reached the + end,—the rest by the fields of Rhadamanthus, away from human strife? The night was ever + darkening. He saw nothing, felt nothing, thought nothing save that he was still going + onward, onward. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> At some time betwixt midnight and dawning an Athenian outpost was pacing his beat + outside the lines of Aristeides. The allied Hellenes were retiring from their position + by the Asopus to a more convenient spot by Platæa, less exposed to the dreaded Persian + cavalry, but on the night march the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page416">[pg 416]</span><a name="Pg416" id="Pg416" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>contingents had + become disordered. The Athenians were halting under arms,—awaiting orders from + Pausanias the commander-in-chief. The outpost—Hippon, a worthy charcoal-burner of + Archarnæ—was creeping gingerly behind the willow hedges, having a well-grounded fear of + Tartar arrows. Presently his fox-keen ears caught footfalls from the road. His shield + went up. He couched his spear. His eyes, sharpened by the long darkness, saw a man + hardly running, nor walking, yet dragging one foot and leaning on a staff. Here was no + Tartar, and Hippon sprang out boldly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Halt, stranger, tell your business.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For Aristeides.”</span> The apparition seemed holding out something in his hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That’s not the watchword. Give it, or I must arrest you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For Aristeides.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Zeus smite you, fellow, can’t you speak Greek? What have you got for our general?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For Aristeides.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The stranger was hoarse as a crow. He was pushing aside the spear and forcing a packet + into Hippon’s hands. The latter, sorely puzzled, whistled through his fingers. A moment + more the locharch of the scouting division and three comrades appeared. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why the alarm? Where’s the enemy?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“No enemy, but a madman. Find what he wants.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The locharch in earlier days had kept an oil booth in the Athens Agora and knew the + local celebrities as well as Phormio. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Now, friend,”</span> he spoke, <span class="tei tei-q">“your business, and shortly; we’ve no time for + chaffering.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For Aristeides.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page417">[pg 417]</span> + <a name="Pg417" id="Pg417" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The fourth time he’s said it,—sheep!”</span> cried Hippon, but as he spoke the newcomer + fell forward heavily, groaned once, and lay on the roadway silent as the dead. The + locharch drew forth the horn lantern he had masked under his chalmys and leaned over the + stranger. The light fell on the seal of the packet gripped in the rigid fingers. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles’s seal,”</span> he cried, and hastily turned the fallen man’s face upward to + the light, when the lantern almost dropped from his own hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the Alcmæonid! Glaucon the Traitor who was dead! He or his shade come back + from Tartarus.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The four soldiers stood quaking like aspen, but their leader was of stouter stuff. + Never had his native Attic shrewdness guided him to more purpose. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ghost, traitor, what not, this man has run himself all but to death. Look on his + face. And Themistocles does not send a courier for nothing. This packet is for + Aristeides, and to Aristeides take it with speed.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hippon seized the papyrus. He thought it would fade out of his hands like a spectre. + It did not. The sentinel dropped his spear and ran breathless toward Platæa, where he + knew was his general. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page418">[pg 418]</span> + <a name="Pg418" id="Pg418" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf44" id="pdf44"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXXVIII</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE COUNCIL OF MARDONIUS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Never since Salamis had Persian hopes been higher than that night. What if the + Spartans were in the field at last, and the incessant skirmishing had been partly to + Pausanias’s advantage? Secure in his fortified camp by the Asopus, Mardonius could + confidently wait the turn of the tide. His light Tartar cavalry had cut to pieces the + convoys bringing provisions to the Hellenes. Rumour told that Pausanias’s army was ill + fed, and his captains were at loggerheads. Time was fighting for Mardonius. A joyful + letter he had sent to Sardis the preceding morning: <span class="tei tei-q">“Let the king have patience. In + forty days I shall be banqueting even in Sparta.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the evening the Prince sat at council with his commanders. Xerxes had left behind + his own war pavilion, and here the Persians met. Mardonius sat on the high seat of the + dais. Gold, purple, a hundred torches, made the scene worthy of the monarch himself. + Beside the general stood a young page,—beautiful as Armaiti, fairest of the archangels. + All looked on the page, but discreetly kept their thoughts to whispers, though many had + guessed the secret of Mardonius’s companion. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The debate was long and vehement. Especially Artabazus, general of the rear-guard, was + loud in asserting no battle should be risked. He was a crafty man, who, the Prince <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page419">[pg 419]</span><a name="Pg419" id="Pg419" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>suspected, was his personal enemy, but his opinion was + worth respecting. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I repeat what I said before. The Hellenes showed how they could fight at Thermopylæ. + Let us retire to Thebes.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Bravely said, valiant general,”</span> sneered Mardonius, none too civilly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is mine to speak, yours to follow my opinion as you list. I say we can conquer + these Hellenes with folded hands. Retreat to Thebes; money is plentiful with us; we + can melt our gold cups into coin. Sprinkle bribes among the hostile chiefs. We know + their weakness. Not steel but gold will unlock the way to Sparta.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The generalissimo stood up proudly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Bribes and stealth? Did Cyrus and Darius win us empire with these? No, by the + Fiend-Smiter, it was sharp steel and the song of the + <a name="corr419" id="corr419" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">bow-string</span> that made Eran to + prosper, and prosper to this day. But lest Artabazus think that in putting on the lion + I have forgotten the fox, let the strangers now come to us stand forth, that he and + every other may know how I have done all things for the glory of my master and the + Persian name.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He smote with his commander’s mace upon the bronze ewer on the table. Instantly there + appeared two soldiers, between them two men, one of slight, one of gigantic, stature, + but both in Grecian dress. Artabazus sprang to his feet. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who are these men—Thebans?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“From greater cities than Thebes. You see two new servants of the king, therefore + friends of us all. Behold Lycon of Sparta and Democrates, friend of Themistocles.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> His speech was Persian, but the newcomers both understood when he named them. The tall + Laconian straightened his bull neck, as in defiance. The Athenian flushed. His head + seemed sinking betwixt his shoulders. Much worm<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page420">[pg 420]</span><a name="Pg420" id="Pg420" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>wood had + he drunk of late, but none bitterer than this,—to be welcomed at the councils of the + Barbarian. Artabazus salaamed to his superior half mockingly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Verily, son of Gobryas, I was wrong. You are guileful as a Greek. There can be no + higher praise.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Prince’s nostrils twitched. Perhaps he was not saying all he felt. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let your praise await the issue,”</span> he rejoined coldly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Suffice it that these + friends were long convinced of the wisdom of aiding his Eternity, and to-night come + from the camp of the Hellenes to tell all that has passed and why we should make ready + for battle at the dawning.”</span> He turned to the Greeks, ordering in their own tongue, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Speak forth, I am interpreter for the council.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> An awkward instant followed. Lycon looked on Democrates. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are an Athenian, your tongue is readiest,”</span> he whispered. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you the first to Medize. Finish your handiwork,”</span> the retort. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We are waiting,”</span> prompted Mardonius, and Lycon held up his great head and began in + short sentences which the general deftly turned into Persian. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your cavalry has made our position by the Asopus intolerable. All the springs are + exposed. We have to fight every time we try to draw water. To-day was a meeting of the + commanders, many opinions, much wrangling, but all said we must retire. The town of + Platæa is best. It is strong, with plenty of water. You cannot attack it. To-night our + camp has been struck. The troops begin to retire, but in disorder. The contingent of + each city marches by itself. The Athenians, thanks to Democrates, delay retreating; + the Spartans I have delayed also. I have per<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page421">[pg 421]</span><a name="Pg421" id="Pg421" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>suaded + Amompharetus, my cousin, who leads the Pitanate <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">mora</span></span>,<a id="noteref_15" name="noteref_15" href="#note_15"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">15</span></span></a> and who was not at the council, + that it is cowardly for a Spartan to retreat. He is a sheep-skulled fool and has + believed me. Consequently, he and his men are holding back. The other Spartans wait + for them. At dawn you will find the Athenians and Spartans alone near their old + camping ground, their allies straggling in the rear. Attack boldly. When the onset + joins, Democrates and I will order our own divisions to retire. The phalanxes will be + broken up. With your cavalry you will have them at mercy, for once the spear-hedge is + shattered, they are lost. The battle will not cost you twenty men.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Artabazus rose again and showed his teeth. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A faithful servant of the king, Mardonius,—and so well is all provided, do we brave + Aryans need even to string our bows?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Prince winced at the sarcasm. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am serving the king, not my own pleasure,”</span> he retorted stiffly. <span class="tei tei-q">“The son of + Gobryas is too well known to have slurs cast on his courage. And now what questions + would my captains ask these Greeks? Promptly—they must be again in their own lines, + or they are missed.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> An officer here or there threw an interrogation. Lycon answered briefly. Democrates + kept sullen silence. He was clearly present more to prove the good faith of his Medizing + than for anything he might say. Mardonius smote the ewer again. The soldiers escorted + the two Hellenes forth. As the curtains closed behind them, the curious saw that the + features of the beautiful page by the general’s side were contracted with disgust. + Mardonius himself spat violently. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dogs, and sons of dogs, let Angra-Mainyu wither them <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page422">[pg 422]</span><a name="Pg422" id="Pg422" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>forever. Bear witness, men of Persia, how, for the sake of our Lord the King, I hold + converse even with these vilest of the vile!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Soon the council was broken up. The final commands were given. Every officer knew his + task. The cavalry was to be ready to charge across the Asopus at gray dawn. With Lycon + and Democrates playing their part the issue was certain, too certain for many a grizzled + captain who loved the ring of steel. In his own tent Mardonius held in his arms the + beautiful page—Artazostra! Her wonderful face had never shone up at his more brightly + than on that night, as he drew back his lips from a long fond kiss. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To-morrow—the triumph. You will be conqueror of Hellas. Xerxes will make you satrap. + I wish we could conquer in fairer fight, but what wrong to vanquish these Hellenes + with their own sly weapons? Do you remember what Glaucon said?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What thing?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“That Zeus and Athena were greater than Mazda the Pure and glorious Mithra? To-morrow + will prove him wrong. I wonder whether he yet lives,—whether he will ever confess + that Persia is irresistible.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not know. From the evening we parted at Phaleron he has faded from our + world.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“He was fair as the Amesha-Spentas, was he not? Poor Roxana—she is again in Sardis + now. I hope she has ceased to eat her heart out with vain longing for her lover. He + was noble minded and spoke the truth. How rare in a Hellene. But what will you do with + these two gold-bought traitors, <span class="tei tei-q">‘friends of the king’</span> indeed?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius’s face grew stern. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have promised them the lordships of Athens and of Sparta. The pledge shall be + fulfilled, but after that,”</span>—<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page423">[pg 423]</span><a name="Pg423" id="Pg423" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Artazostra understood + his sinister smile,—<span class="tei tei-q">“there are many ways of removing an unwelcome vassal prince, if I + be the satrap of Hellas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you are that in the morning.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For your sake,”</span> was his cry, as again he kissed her, <span class="tei tei-q">“I would I were not satrap + of Hellas only, but lord of all the world, that I might give it to you, O daughter of + Darius and Atossa.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am mistress of the world,”</span> she answered, <span class="tei tei-q">“for my world is Mardonius. To-morrow + the battle, the glory, and then what next—Sicily, Carthage, Italy? For Mazda will + give us all things.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Otherwise talked Democrates and Lycon as they quitted the Persian pickets and made + their way across the black plain, back to the lines of the Hellenes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You should be happy to-night,”</span> said the Athenian. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Assuredly. I draw up my net and find it very full of mullets quite to my liking.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Take care it be not so full that it break.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dear Democrates,”</span>—Lycon slapped his paw on the other’s shoulder,—<span class="tei tei-q">“why always + imagine evil? Hermes is a very safe guide. I only hope our victory will be so complete + Sparta will submit without fighting. It will be awkward to rule a plundered city.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I shudder at the thought of being amongst even conquered Athenians; I shall see a + tyrannicide in every boy in the Agora.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A stout Persian garrison in your Acropolis is the surest physic against that.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“By the dog, Lycon, you speak like a Scythian. Hellene you surely are not.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page424">[pg 424]</span> + <a name="Pg424" id="Pg424" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hellene I am, and show my native wisdom in seeing that Persia must conquer and + trimming sail accordingly.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Persia is not irresistible. With a fair battle—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“It will not be a fair battle. What can save Pausanias? Nothing—except a miracle sent + from Zeus.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <a name="corr424" id="corr424" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“Such as what?”</span><span class="tei tei-corr"></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“As merciful Hiram’s relenting and releasing your dear Glaucon.”</span> Lycon’s chuckle + was loud. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Never, as you hope me to be anything save your mortal enemy, mention that name + again.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“As you like it—it’s no very pretty tale, I grant, even amongst Medizers. Yet it was + most imprudent to let him live.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have never heard the Furies, Lycon.”</span> Democrates’s voice was so grave as to dry + up the Spartan’s banter. <span class="tei tei-q">“But I shall never see him again, and I shall possess + Hermione.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A pretty consolation. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eu!</span></span> here are our outposts. We must pass + for officers reconnoitring the enemy. You know your part to-morrow. At the first + charge bid your division <span class="tei tei-q">‘wheel to rear.’</span> Three words, and the thing is done.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Lycon gave the watchword promptly to one of Pausanias’s outposts. The man saluted his + officers, and said that the Greeks of the lesser states had retreated far to the rear, + that Amompharetus still refused to move his division, that the Spartans waited for him, + and the Athenians for the Spartans. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Noble tidings,”</span> whispered the giant, as the two stood an instant, before each went + to his own men. <span class="tei tei-q">“Behold how Hermes helps us—a great deity.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sometimes I think Nemesis is greater,”</span> said Democrates, once again refusing + Lycon’s proffered hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“By noon you’ll laugh at Nemesis, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotate</span></span>, when we both drink + Helbon wine in Xerxes’s tent!”</span> and away went Lycon into the dark. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page425">[pg 425]</span> + <a name="Pg425" id="Pg425" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates went his own way also. Soon he was in the fallow-field, where under the + warm night the Athenians were stretched, each man in armour, his helmet for a pillow. A + few torches were moving. From a distance came the hum from a group of officers in + excited conversation. As the orator picked his way among the sleeping men, a locharch + with a lantern accosted him suddenly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are Democrates the strategus?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Certainly.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Aristeides summons you at once. Come.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> There was no reason for refusing. Democrates followed. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page426">[pg 426]</span> + <a name="Pg426" id="Pg426" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf45" id="pdf45"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XXXIX</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE AVENGING OF LEONIDAS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Morning at last, ruddy and windy. The Persian host had been long prepared. The Tartar + cavalry with their bulls-hide targets and long lances, the heavy Persian cuirassiers, + the Median and Assyrian archers with their ponderous wicker-shields, stood in rank + waiting only the word that should dash them as sling-stones on Pausanias and his + ill-starred following. The Magi had sacrificed a stallion, and reported that the holy + fire gave every favouring sign. Mardonius went from his tent, all his eunuchs bowing + their foreheads to the earth and chorussing, <span class="tei tei-q">“Victory to our Lord, to Persia, and to + the King.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They brought Mardonius his favourite horse, a white steed of the sacred breed of + Nisæa. The Prince had bound around his turban the gemmed tiara Xerxes had given him on + his wedding-day. Few could wield the Babylonish cimeter that danced in the chieftain’s + hand. The captains cheered him loudly, as they might have cheered the king. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Life to the general! To the satrap of Hellas!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But beside the Nisæan pranced another, lighter and with a lighter mount. The rider was + cased in silvered scale-armour, and bore only a steel-tipped reed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The general’s page,”</span> ran the whisper, and other whispers, far softer, followed. + None heard the quick words passed back and forth betwixt the two riders. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page427">[pg 427]</span> + <a name="Pg427" id="Pg427" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You may be riding to death, Artazostra. What place is a battle for women?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What place is the camp for the daughter of Darius, when her husband rides to war? We + triumph together; we perish together. It shall be as Mazda decrees.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius answered nothing. Long since he had learned the folly of setting his will + against that of the masterful princess at his side. And was not victory certain? Was not + Artazostra doing even as Semiramis of Nineveh had done of old? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The army is ready, Excellency,”</span> declared an adjutant, bowing in his saddle. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Forward, then, but slowly, to await the reconnoitring parties sent toward the + Greeks.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the gray morning the host wound out of the stockaded camp. The women and grooms + called fair wishes after them. The far slopes of Cithæron were reddening. A breeze + whistled down the hills. It would disperse the mist. Soon the leader of the scouts came + galloping, leaped down and salaamed to the general. <span class="tei tei-q">“Let my Lord’s liver find peace. + All is even as our friends declared. The enemy have in part fled far away. The + Athenians halt on a foot-hill of the mountain. The Laconians sit in companies on the + ground, waiting their division that will not retreat. Let my Lord charge, and glory + waits for Eran!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius’s cimeter swung high. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Forward, all! Mazda fights for us. Bid our allies the Thebans<a id="noteref_16" name="noteref_16" href="#note_16"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">16</span></span></a> attack the Athenians. Ours is the + nobler prey—even the men of Sparta.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Victory to the king!”</span> thundered the thousands. Confident of triumph, Mardonius + suffered the ranks to be broken, as his myriads rushed onward. Over the Asopus and its + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page428">[pg 428]</span><a name="Pg428" id="Pg428" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>shallow fords they swept, and raced across the + plain-land. Horse mingled with foot; Persians with Tartars. The howlings in a score of + tongues, the bray of cymbals and kettledrums, the clamour of spear-butts beaten on + armour—who may tell it? Having unleashed his wild beasts, Mardonius dashed before to + guide their ragings as he might. The white Nisæan and its companion led the way across + the hard plain. Behind, as when in the springtime flood the watery wall goes crashing + down the valley, so spread the thousands. A god looking from heaven would not have + forgotten that sight of whirling plumes, plunging steeds, flying steel, in all the æons. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Five stadia, six, seven, eight,—so Mardonius led. Already before him he could see the + glistering crests and long files of the Spartans—the prey he would crush with one + stroke as a vulture swoops over the sparrow. Then nigh involuntarily his hand drew rein. + What came to greet him? A man on foot—no horseman even. A man of huge stature running + at headlong speed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The risen sun was now dazzling. The general clapped his hand above his eyes. Then a + tug on the bridle sent the Nisæan on his haunches. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lycon, as Mazda made me!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Spartan was beside them soon, he had run so swiftly. He was so dazed he barely + heeded Mardonius’s call to halt and tell his tale. He was almost naked. His face was + black with fear, never more brutish or loathsome. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“All is betrayed. Democrates is seized. Pausanias and Aristeides are warned. They will + give you fair battle. I barely escaped.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Who betrayed you?”</span> cried the Prince. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon the Alcmæonid, he is risen from the dead. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai!</span></span> woe! no + fault of mine.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page429">[pg 429]</span> + <a name="Pg429" id="Pg429" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Never before had the son of Gobryas smiled so fiercely as when the giant cowered + beneath his darting eyes. The general’s sword whistled down on the skull of the traitor. + The Laconian sprawled in the dust without a groan. Mardonius laughed horribly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A fair price then for unlucky villany. Blessed be Mithra, who suffers me to give + recompense. Wish me joy,”</span>—as his captains came galloping around him,—<span class="tei tei-q">“our duty + to the king is finished. We shall win Hellas in fair battle.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Then it were well, Excellency,”</span> thrust in Artabazus, <span class="tei tei-q">“since the plot is foiled, + to retire to the camp.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius’s eyes flashed lightnings. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Woman’s counsel that! Are we not here to conquer Hellas? Yes, by Mithra the Glorious, + we will fight, though every <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">dæva</span></span> in hell joins against us. + Re-form the ranks. Halt the charge. Let the bowmen crush the Spartans with their + arrows. Then we will see if these Greeks are stouter than Babylonian, Lydian, and + Egyptian who played their game with Persia to sore cost. And you, Artabazus, to your + rear-guard, and do your duty well.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The general bowed stiffly. He knew the son of Gobryas, and that disobedience would + have brought Mardonius’s cimeter upon his own helmet. By a great effort the charge was + stayed,—barely in time,—for to have flung that disorganized horde on the waiting + Spartan spears would have been worse than madness. A single stadium sundered the two + hosts when Mardonius brought his men to a stand, set his strong divisions of bowmen in + array behind their wall of shields, and drew up his cavalry on the flanks of the bowmen. + Battle he would give, but it must be cautious battle now, and he did not love the + silence which reigned among the motionless lines of the Spartans. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> It was bright day at last. The two armies—the whole <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page430">[pg 430]</span><a name="Pg430" id="Pg430" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>strength of the Barbarian, the Spartans with only their Tegean allies—stood facing, + as athletes measuring strength before the grapple. The Spartan line was thinner than + Mardonius’s: no cavalry, few bowmen, but shield was set beside shield, and everywhere + tossed the black and scarlet plumes of the helmets. Men who remembered Thermopylæ + gripped their spear-stocks tighter. No long postponing now. On this narrow field, this + bit of pebble and greensward, the gods would cast the last dice for the destiny of + Hellas. All knew that. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The stolidity of the Spartans was maddening. They stood like bronze statues. In clear + view at the front was a tall man in scarlet chlamys, and two more in white,—Pausanias + and his seers examining the entrails of doves, seeking a fair omen for the battle. + Mardonius drew the turban lower over his eyes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“An end to this truce. Begin your arrows.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A cloud of bolts answered him. The Persian archers emptied their quivers. They could + see men falling among the foe, but still Pausanias stood beside the seers, still he gave + no signal to advance. The omens doubtless were unfavourable. His men never shifted a + foot as the storm of death flew over them. Their rigidity was more terrifying than any + battle-shout. What were these men whose iron discipline bound so fast that they could be + pelted to death, and no eyelash seem to quiver? The archers renewed their volley. They + shot against a rock. The Barbarians joined in one rending yell,—their answer was + silence. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Deliberately, arrows dropping around him as tree-blossoms in the gale, Pausanias + raised his hand. The omens were good. The gods permitted battle. Deliberately, while men + fell dying, he walked to his post on the right wing. Deliberately, while heaven seemed + shaking with the Barbarians’ <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page431">[pg 431]</span><a name="Pg431" id="Pg431" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>clamour, his hand went up + again. Through a lull in the tumult pealed a trumpet. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Then the + Spartans marched.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Slowly their lines of bristling spear-points and nodding crests moved on like the + sea-waves. Shrill above the booming Tartar drums, the blaring Persian war-horns pierced + the screams of their pipers. And the Barbarians heard that which had never met their + ears before,—the chanting of their foes as the long line crept nearer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah!—la—la—la—la! Ah!—la—la—la—la!”</span> deep, prolonged, bellowed in chorus + from every bronze visor which peered above the serried shields. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Faster,”</span> stormed the Persian captains to their slingers and bowmen, <span class="tei tei-q">“beat these + madmen down.”</span> The rain of arrows and sling-stones was like hail, like hail it + rattled from the shields and helms. Here, there, a form sank, the inexorable phalanx + closed and swept onward. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah!—la—la—la! Ah!—la—la—la!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The chant never ceased. The pipers screamed more shrilly. Eight deep, unhasting, + unresting, Pausanias was bringing his heavy infantry across the two hundred paces + betwixt himself and Mardonius. His Spartan spearmen might be unlearned, doltish, but + they knew how to do one deed and that surpassingly well,—to march in line though + lightnings dashed from heaven, and to thrust home with their lances. And not a pitiful + three hundred, but ten thousand bold and strong stood against the Barbarian that + morning. Mardonius was facing the finest infantry in the world, and the avenging of + Leonidas was nigh. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah!—la—la—la! Ah!—la—la—la!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Flesh and blood in the Persian host could not wait the death grip longer. <span class="tei tei-q">“Let us + charge, or let us flee,”</span> many a stout officer cried to his chief, and he sitting + stern-eyed on the white horse gave to a Tartar troop its word, <span class="tei tei-q">“Go!”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page432">[pg 432]</span> + <a name="Pg432" id="Pg432" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then like a mountain stream the wild Tartars charged. The clods flew high under the + hoofs. The yell of the riders, the shock of spears on shields, the cry of dying men and + dying beasts, the stamping, the dust-cloud, took but a moment. The chant of the Spartans + ceased—an instant. An instant the long phalanx halted, from end to end bent and swayed. + Then the dust-cloud passed, the chanting renewed. Half of the Tartars were spurring + back, with shivered lances, bleeding steeds. The rest,—but the phalanx shook now here, + now there, as the impenetrable infantry strode over red forms that had been men and + horses. And still the Spartans marched, still the pipes and the war-chant. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then for the first time fear entered the heart of Mardonius, son of Gobryas, and he + called to the thousand picked horsemen, who rode beside him,—not Tartars these, but + Persians and Medes of lordly stock, men who had gone forth conquering and to conquer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Now as your fathers followed Cyrus the Invincible and Darius the Dauntless, follow + you me. Since for the honour of Eran and the king I ride this day.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We ride. For Eran and the king!”</span> shouted the thousand. All the host joined. + Mardonius led straight against the Spartan right wing where Pausanias’s life-guard + marched. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Old soldiers of Lacedæmon fighting their battles in the after days, when a warrior of + Platæa was as a god to each youth in Hellas, would tell how the Persian cavalrymen rode + their phalanx down. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And say never,”</span> they always added, <span class="tei tei-q">“the Barbarians know not how to fight and how + to die. Fools say it, not we of Platæa. For our first line seemed broken in a + twinkling. The <a name="corr432" id="corr432" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Pitanate</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">mora</span></span> + was cut to pieces; Athena Pro<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page433">[pg 433]</span><a name="Pg433" id="Pg433" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>machus and Ares the City-Waster alone turned back that + charge when Mardonius led the way.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But turned it was. And the thousand horse, no thousand now, drifted to the cover of + their shield wall, raging, undaunted, yet beaten back. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then at last the phalanx locked with the Persian footmen and their rampart of wicker + shields. At short spear length men grinned in each other’s faces, while their veins were + turned to fire. Many a soldier—Spartan, Aryan—had seen his twenty fights, but never a + fight like this. And the Persians—those that knew Greek—heard words flung through + their foemen’s helmets that made each Hellene fight as ten. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Remember Leonidas! Remember Thermopylæ!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Orders there were none; the trumpets were drowned in the tumult. Each man fought as he + stood, knowing only he must slay the man before him, while slowly, as though by a cord + tighter and ever tighter drawn, the Persian shield wall was bending back before the + unrelenting thrusting of the Spartans. Then as a cord snaps so broke the barrier. One + instant down and the Hellenes were sweeping the light-armed Asiatic footmen before them, + as the scythe sweeps down the standing grain. So with the Persian infantry, for their + scanty armour and short spears were at terrible disadvantage, but the strength of the + Barbarian was not spent. Many times Mardonius led the cavalry in headlong charge, each + repulse the prelude to a fiercer shock. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For Mazda, for Eran, for the king!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The call of the Prince was a call that turned his wild horsemen into demons, but + demons who strove with gods. The phalanx was shaken, halted even, broken never; and foot + by foot, fathom by fathom, it brushed the Barbarian horde back across the blood-bathed + plain,—and to Mardonius’s shout, a more terrible always answered:— </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page434">[pg 434]</span> + <a name="Pg434" id="Pg434" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Remember Leonidas! Remember Thermopylæ!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Prince seemed to bear a charmed life as he fought. He was in the thickest fray. He + sent the white Nisæan against the Laconian spears and beat down a dozen lance-points + with his sword. If one man’s valour could have turned the tide, his would have wrought + the miracle. And always behind, almost in reach of the Grecian sling-stones, rode that + other,—the page in the silvered mail,—nor did any harm come to this rider. But after + the fight had raged so long that men sank unwounded,—gasping, stricken by the heat and + press,—the Prince drew back a little from the fray to a rising in the plain, where + close by a rural temple of Demeter he could watch the drifting fight, and he saw the + Aryans yielding ground finger by finger, yet yielding, and the phalanx impregnable as + ever. Then he sent an aide with an urgent message. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To Artabazus and the reserve. Bid him take from the camp all the guards, every man, + every eunuch that can lift a spear, and come with speed, or the day is lost.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The adjutant’s spurs grew red as he pricked away, while Mardonius wheeled the Nisæan + and plunged back into the thickest fight. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For Mazda, for Eran, for the king!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> His battle-call pealed even above the hellish din. The Persian nobles who had never + ridden to aught save victory turned again. Their last charge was their fiercest. They + bent the phalanx back like an inverted bow. Their footmen, reckless of self, plunged on + the Greeks and snapped off the spear-points with their naked hands. Mardonius was never + prouder of his host than in that hour. Proud—but the charge was vain. As the tide swept + back, as the files of the Spartans locked once more, he knew his men had done their + uttermost. They had fought since dawn. Their shield wall was broken. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page435">[pg 435]</span><a name="Pg435" id="Pg435" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Their quivers were empty. Was not Mazda turning against them? + Had not enough been dared for that king who lounged at ease in Sardis? </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For Mazda, for Eran, for the king!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Mardonius’s shout had no answer. Here, there, he saw horsemen and footmen, now singly, + now in small companies, drifting backward across the plain to the last refuge of the + defeated, the stockaded camp by the Asopus. The Prince called on his cavalry, so few + about him now. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Shall we die as scared dogs? Remember the Aryan glory. Another charge!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> His bravest seemed never to hear him. The onward thrust of the phalanx quickened. It + was gaining ground swiftly at last. Then the Spartans were dashing forward like men + possessed. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Athenians have vanquished the Thebans. They come to join us. On, men of + Lacedæmon, ours alone must be this victory!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The shout of Pausanias was echoed by his captains. To the left and not far off charged + a second phalanx,—five thousand nodding crests and gleaming points,—Aristeides + bringing his whole array to his allies’ succour. But his help was not needed. The sight + of his coming dashed out the last courage of the Barbarians. Before the redoubled shock + of the Spartans the Asiatics crumbled like sand. Even whilst these broke once more, the + adjutant drew rein beside Mardonius. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lord, Artabazus is coward or traitor. Believing the battle lost, he has fled. There + is no help to bring.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Prince bowed his head an instant, while the flight surged round him. The Nisæan + was covered with blood, but his rider spurred him across the path of a squadron of + flying Medians. </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page436">[pg 436]</span> + <a name="Pg436" id="Pg436" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Turn! Are you grown women!”</span> Mardonius smote the nearest with his sword. <span class="tei tei-q">“If we + cannot as Aryans conquer, let us at least as Aryans die!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai! ai!</span></span> Mithra deserts us. Artabazus is fled. Save who + can!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They swept past him. He flung himself before a band of Tartars. He had better pleaded + with the north wind to stay its course. Horse, foot, Babylonians, Ethiopians, Persians, + Medes, were huddled in fleeing rout. <span class="tei tei-q">“To the camp,”</span> their cry, but Mardonius, + looking on the onrushing phalanxes knew there was no refuge there.... </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And now sing it, O mountains and rivers of Hellas. Sing it, Asopus, to Spartan + Eurotas, and you to hill-girt Alphæus. And let the maidens, white-robed and + poppy-crowned, sweep in thanksgiving up to the welcoming temples,—honouring Zeus of the + Thunders, Poseidon the Earth-Shaker, Athena the Mighty in War. The Barbarian is + vanquished. The ordeal is ended. Thermopylæ was not in vain, nor Salamis. Hellas is + saved, and with her saved the world. </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Again on the knoll by the temple, apart from the rushing fugitives, Mardonius reined. + His companion was once more beside him. He leaned that she might hear him through the + tumult. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The battle is lost. The camp is defenceless. What shall we do?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Artazostra flung back the gold-laced cap and let the sun play over her face and hair. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We are Aryans,”</span> was all her answer. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He understood, but even whilst he was reaching out to catch her bridle that their + horses might run together, he saw her lithe form bend. The arrow from a Laconian helot + had smitten through the silvered mail. He saw the red <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page437">[pg 437]</span><a name="Pg437" id="Pg437" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>spring out over her breast. With a quick grasp he swung her before him on the white + horse. She smiled up in his face, never lovelier. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon was right,”</span> she said,—their lips were very close,—<span class="tei tei-q">“Zeus and Athena are + greater than Mazda and Mithra. The future belongs to Hellas. But we have naught for + shame. We have fought as Aryans, as the children of conquerors and kings. We shall be + glad together in Garonmana the Blessed, and what is left to dread?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> A quiver passed through her. The Spartan spear-line was close. Mardonius looked once + across the field. His men were fleeing like sheep. And so it passed,—the dream of a + satrapy of Hellas, of wider conquests, of an empire of the world. He kissed the face of + Artazostra and pressed her still form against his breast. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“For Mazda, for Eran, for the king!”</span> he shouted, and threw away his sword. Then he + turned the head of his wounded steed and rode on the Spartan lances. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page438">[pg 438]</span> + <a name="Pg438" id="Pg438" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf46" id="pdf46"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XL</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE SONG OF THE FURIES </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles had started from Oropus with Simonides, a small guard of mariners, and a + fettered prisoner, as soon as the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä’s</span></span> people were a little + rested. Half the night they themselves were plodding on wearily. At Tanagra the + following afternoon a runner with a palm branch met them. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mardonius is slain. Artabazus with the rear-guard has fled northward. The Athenians + aided by the Spartans stormed the camp. Glory to Athena, who gives us victory!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And the traitors?”</span> Themistocles showed surprisingly little joy. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Lycon’s body was found drifting in the Asopus. Democrates lies fettered by + Aristeides’s tents.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then the other Athenians broke forth into pæans, but Themistocles bowed his head and + was still, though the messenger told how Pausanias and his allies had taken countless + treasure, and now were making ready to attack disloyal Thebes. So the admiral and his + escort went at leisure across Bœotia, till they reached the Hellenic host still camped + near the battle-field. There Themistocles was long in conference with Aristeides and + Pausanias. After midnight he left Aristeides’s tent. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Where is the prisoner?”</span> he asked of the sentinel before the headquarters. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your Excellency means the traitor?”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page439">[pg 439]</span> + <a name="Pg439" id="Pg439" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I will guide you.”</span> The soldier took a torch and led the way. The two went down + dark avenues of tents, and halted at one where five hoplites stood guard with their + spears ready, five more slept before the entrance. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We watch him closely, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">kyrie</span></span>,”</span> explained the decarch, + saluting. <span class="tei tei-q">“Naturally we fear suicide as well as escape. Two more are within the + tent.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Withdraw them. Do you all stand at distance. For what happens I will be + responsible.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The two guards inside emerged yawning. Themistocles took the torch and entered the + squalid hair-cloth pavilion. The sentries noticed he had a casket under his cloak. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The prisoner sleeps,”</span> said a hoplite, <span class="tei tei-q">“in spite of his fetters.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles set down the casket and carefully drew the tent-flap. With silent tread + he approached the slumberer. The face was upturned; white it was, but it showed the same + winsome features that had won the clappings a hundred times in the Pnyx. The sleep + seemed heavy, dreamless. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Themistocles’s own lips tightened as he stood in contemplation, then he bent to touch + the other’s shoulder. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates,”</span>—no answer. <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates,”</span>—still silence. <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates,”</span>—a + stirring, a clanking of metal. The eyes opened,—for one instant a smile. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ei</span></span>, Themistocles, it is you?”</span> to be succeeded by a flash of + unspeakable horror. <span class="tei tei-q">“O Zeus, the gyves! That I should come to this!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The prisoner rose to a sitting posture upon his truss of straw. His fettered hands + seized his head. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace,”</span> ordered the admiral, gently. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not rave. I have sent the sentries + away. No one will hear us.”</span> + </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page440">[pg 440]</span> + <a name="Pg440" id="Pg440" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates grew calmer. <span class="tei tei-q">“You are merciful. You do not know how I was tempted. You + will save me.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I will do all I can.”</span> Themistocles’s voice was solemn as an æolian harp, but the + prisoner caught at everything eagerly. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, you can do so much. Pausanias fought the battle, but they call you the true + saviour of Hellas. They will do anything you say.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am glad.”</span> Themistocles’s face was impenetrable as the sphinx’s. Democrates + seized the admiral’s red chlamys with his fettered hands. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You will save me! I will fly to Sicily, Carthage, the Tin Isles, as you wish. Have + you forgotten our old-time friendship?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I loved you,”</span> spoke the admiral, tremulously. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, recall that love to-night!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I do.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“O piteous Zeus, why then is your face so awful? If you will aid me to escape—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I will aid you.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Blessings, blessings, but quick! I fear to be stoned to death by the soldiers in the + morning. They threaten to crucify—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“They shall not.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Blessings, blessings,—can I escape to-night?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> but Themistocles’s tone made the prisoner’s blood run chill. He cowered + helplessly. The admiral stood, his own fine face covered with a mingling of pity, + contempt, pain. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Democrates, hearken,”</span>—his voice was hard as flint. <span class="tei tei-q">“We have seized your camp + chest, found the key to your ciphers, and know all your correspondence with Lycon. We + have discovered your fearful power of forgery. Hermes the Trickster gave it you for + your own destruction. We have <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page441">[pg 441]</span><a name="Pg441" id="Pg441" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>brought Hiram hither + from the ship. This night he has ridden the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Little Horse.’</span><a id="noteref_17" name="noteref_17" href="#note_17"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">17</span></span></a> He has howled out everything. We have seized Bias and heard his story. + There is nothing to conceal. From the beginning of your peculation of the public + money, till the moment when, the prisoners say, you were in Mardonius’s camp, all is + known to us. You need not confess. There is nothing worth confessing.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am glad,”</span>—great beads were on the prisoner’s brow,—<span class="tei tei-q">“but you do not realize + the temptation. Have you never yourself been betwixt Scylla and Charybdis? Have I not + vowed every false step should be the last? I fought against Lycon. I fought against + Mardonius. They were too strong. Athena knoweth I did not crave the tyranny of Athens! + It was not that which drove me to betray Hellas.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I believe you. But why did you not trust me at the first?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“I hardly understand.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“When first your need of money drove you to crime, why did you not come to me? You + knew I loved you. You knew I looked on you as my political son and heir in the great + work of making Athens the light of Hellas. I would have given you the gold,—yes, + fifty talents.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ai, ai</span></span>, if I had only dared! I thought of it. I was + afraid.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Right.”</span> Themistocles’s lip was curling. <span class="tei tei-q">“You are more coward than knave or + traitor. Phobos, Black Fear, has been your leading god, not Hermes. And now—”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But you have promised I shall escape.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You shall.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To-night? What is that you have?”</span> Themistocles was opening the casket. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The papers seized in your chest. They implicate many <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page442">[pg 442]</span><a name="Pg442" id="Pg442" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>noble Hellenes in Corinth, Sicyon, Sparta. Behold—”</span> Themistocles held one + papyrus after another in the torch-flame,—<span class="tei tei-q">“here is crumbling to ashes the evidence + that would destroy them all as Medizers. Mardonius is dead. Let the war die with him. + Hellas is safe.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Blessings, blessings! Help me to escape. You have a sword. Pry off these gyves. How + easy for you to let me fly!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wait!”</span> The admiral’s peremptory voice silenced the prisoner. Themistocles finished + his task. Suddenly, however, Democrates howled with animal fear. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What are you taking now—a goblet?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wait.”</span> Themistocles was indeed holding a silver cup and flask. <span class="tei tei-q">“Have I not said + you should escape this captivity—to-night?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Be quick, then, the night wanes fast.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The admiral strode over beside the creature who plucked at his hem. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Give ear again, Democrates. Your crimes against Athens and Hellas were wrought under + sore temptation. The money you stole from the public chest, if not returned already, I + will myself make good. So much is forgiven.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are a true friend, Themistocles.”</span> The prisoner’s voice was husky, but the + admiral’s eyes flashed like flint-stones struck by the steel. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Friend!”</span> he echoed. <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, by Zeus Orcios, guardian of oaths and friendship, you + had a friend. Where is he now?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates lay on the turf floor of the tent, not even groaning. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You had a friend,”</span>—the admiral’s intensity was awful. <span class="tei tei-q">“You blasted his good + name, you sought his life, you sought his wife, you broke every bond, human or divine, + to destroy him. At last, to silence conscience’ sting, you thought you <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page443">[pg 443]</span><a name="Pg443" id="Pg443" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>did a deed of mercy in sending him in captivity to a death in + life. Fool! Nemesis is not mocked. Glaucon has lain at death’s door. He has saved + Hellas, but at a price. The surgeons say he will live, but that his foot is crippled. + Glaucon can never run again. You have brought him misery. You have brought anguish to + Hermione, the noblest woman in Hellas, whom you—ah! mockery—professed to hold in + love! You have done worse than murder. Yet I have promised you shall escape this + night. Rise up.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates staggered to his feet clumsily, only half knowing what he did. Themistocles + was extending the silver cup. <span class="tei tei-q">“Escape. Drink!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“What is this cup?”</span> The prisoner had turned gray. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hemlock, coward! Did you not bid Glaucon to take his life that night in Colonus? The + death you proffered him in his innocency I proffer you now in your guilt. Drink!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have called me friend. You have said you loved me. I dare not die. A little time! + Pity! Mercy! What god can I invoke?”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“None. Cerberus himself would not hearken to such as you. Drink.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Pity, by our old-time friendship!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The admiral’s tall form straightened. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles the Friend is dead; Themistocles the Just is here,—drink.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“But you promised escape?”</span> The prisoner’s whisper was just audible. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ay, truly, from the court-martial before the roaring camp in the morning, the + unmasking of all your accomplices, the deeper shame of every one-time friend, the + blazoning of your infamy in public evidence through Hellas, the soldiers howling for + your blood, the stoning, perchance the plucking <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page444">[pg 444]</span><a name="Pg444" id="Pg444" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>in + pieces. By the gods Olympian, by the gods Infernal, do your past lovers one last + service—drink!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> That was not all Themistocles said, that was all Democrates heard. In his ears + sounded, even once again, the song of the Furies,—never so clearly as now. </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">With scourge and with ban</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">We prostrate the man</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Who with smooth-woven wile</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">And a fair-facèd smile</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Hath planted a snare for his friend!</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Though fleet, we shall find him,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 1.60em"><span style="font-size: 80%">Though strong, we shall bind him,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Who planted a snare for his friend!</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Nemesis—Nemesis, the implacable goddess, had come for her own at last. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Democrates took the cup. </p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page445">[pg 445]</span> + <a name="Pg445" id="Pg445" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <a name="pdf47" id="pdf47"></a> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XLI</span></h2> + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%"> THE BRIGHTNESS OF HELIOS </span></h2> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The day that disloyal Thebes surrendered came the tidings of the crowning of the + Hellenes’ victories. At Mycale by Samos the Greek fleets had disembarked their crews and + defeated the Persians almost at the doors of the Great King in Sardis. Artabazus had + escaped through Thrace to Asia in caitiff flight. The war—at least the perilous part + thereof—was at end. There might be more battles with the Barbarian, but no second + Salamis or Platæa. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The Spartans had found the body of Mardonius pierced with five lances—all in front. + Pausanias had honoured the brave dead,—the Persian had been carried from the + battle-ground on a shield, and covered by the red cloak of a Laconian general. But the + body mysteriously disappeared. Its fate was never known. Perhaps the curious would have + gladly heard what Glaucon on his sick-bed told Themistocles, and what Sicinnus did + afterward. Certain it is that the shrewd Asiatic later displayed a costly ring which the + satrap <a name="corr445" id="corr445" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Zariaspes,</span> Mardonius’s cousin, sent him <span class="tei tei-q">“for a + great service to the house of <span class="tei tei-corr">Gobryas</span>.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> On the same day that Thebes capitulated the household of Hermippus left Trœzene to + return to Athens. When they had told Hermione all that had befallen,—the great good, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page446">[pg 446]</span><a name="Pg446" id="Pg446" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the little ill,—she had not fainted, though Cleopis + had been sure thereof. The colour had risen to her cheeks, the love-light to her eyes. + She went to the cradle where Phœnix cooed and tossed his baby feet. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Little one, little one,”</span> she said, while he beamed up at her, <span class="tei tei-q">“you have not to + avenge your father now. You have a better, greater task, to be as fair in body and + still more in mind as he.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then came the rush of tears, the sobbing, the laughter, and Lysistra and Cleopis, who + feared the shock of too much joy, were glad. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Nausicaä</span></span> bore them to Peiræus. The harbour towns were in + black ruins, for Mardonius had wasted everything before retiring to Bœotia for his last + battle. In Athens, as they entered it, the houses were roofless, the streets scattered + with rubbish. But Hermione did not think of these things. The Agora at last,—the + porticos were only shattered, fire-scarred pillars,—and everywhere were tents and + booths and bustle,—the brisk Athenians wasting no time in lamentation, but busy + rebuilding and making good the loss. Above Hermione’s head rose a few blackened + columns,—all that was left of the holy house of Athena,—but the crystalline air and + the red Rock of the Acropolis no Persian had been able to take away. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> And even as Hermione crossed the Agora she heard a shouting, a word running from lip + to lip as a wave leaps over the sea. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> In the centre of the buzzing mart she stopped. All the blood sprang to her face, then + left it. She passed her fingers over her hair, and waited with twitching, upturned face. + Through the hucksters’ booths, amid the clamouring buyers and sellers, went a runner, + striking left and right with his staff, for the people were packing close, and he had + much ado to <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page447">[pg 447]</span><a name="Pg447" id="Pg447" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>clear the way. Horsemen next, prancing + chargers, the prizes from the Barbarian, and after them a litter. Noble youths bore it, + sons of the Eupatrid houses of Athens. At sight of the litter the buzz of the Agora + became a roar. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“The beautiful! The fortunate! The deliverer! <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Io! Io, pæan!</span></span>”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Hermione stood; only her eyes followed the litter. Its curtains were flung back; she + saw some one within, lying on purple cushions. She saw the features, beautiful as + Pentelic marble and as pale. She cared not for the people. She cared not that Phœnix, + frighted by the shouting, had begun to wail. The statue in the litter moved, rose on one + elbow. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, dearest and best,”</span>—his voice had the old-time ring, his head the old-time + poise,—<span class="tei tei-q">“you need not fear to call me husband now!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Glaucon,”</span> she cried. <span class="tei tei-q">“I am not fit to be your wife. I am not fit to kiss your + feet.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They set the litter down. Even little Simonides, though a king among the curious, + found the Acropolis peculiarly worthy of his study. Enough that Hermione’s hands were + pressing her husband, and these two cared not whether a thousand watched or only Helios + on high. Penelope was greeting the returning Odysseus:— </p> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 0.80em; margin-left: 1.60em; margin-top: 0.80em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">“</span><span style="font-size: 80%">Welcome even as to shipmen</span></span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">On the swelling, raging sea;</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">When Poseidon flings the whirlwind,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">When a thousand blasts roam free,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Then at last the land appeareth;—</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">E’en so welcome in her sight</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">Was her lord, her arms long clasped him,</span></div> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 80%">And her eyes shone pure and bright.</span><span style="font-size: 80%">”</span></span></div> + </div> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page448">[pg 448]</span> + <a name="Pg448" id="Pg448" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> After a long time Glaucon commanded, <span class="tei tei-q">“Bring me our child,”</span> and Cleopis gladly + obeyed. Phœnix ceased weeping and thrust his red fists in his father’s face. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ei</span></span>, pretty snail,”</span> said Glaucon, pressing him fast by one + hand, whilst he held his mother by the other, <span class="tei tei-q">“if I say you are a merry wight, the + nurse will not marvel any more.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> But Hermione had already heard from Niobe of the adventure in the market-place at + Trœzene. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> The young men were just taking up the litter, when the Agora again broke into cheers. + Themistocles, saviour of Hellas, had crossed to Glaucon. The admiral—never more + worshipped than now, when every plan he wove seemed perfect as a god’s—took Glaucon and + Hermione, one by each hand. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">philotatoi</span></span>,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“to all of us is given by the + sisters above so much bliss and so much sorrow. Some drink the bitter first, some the + sweet. And you have drained the bitter to the lees. Therefore look up at the Sun-King + boldly. He will not darken for you again.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Where now?”</span> asked Hermione, in all things looking to her husband. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“To the Acropolis,”</span> ordered Glaucon. <span class="tei tei-q">“If the temple is desolate, the Rock is + still holy. Let us give thanks to Athena.”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> He even would have left the litter, had not Themistocles firmly forbidden. In time the + Alcmæonid’s strength would return, though never the speed that had left the stadia + behind whilst he raced to save Hellas. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They mounted the Rock. From above, in the old-time brightness, the noonday light, the + sunlight of Athens, sprang down to them. Hermione, looking on Glaucon’s face, saw him + gaze eagerly upon her, his child, the sacred Rock, and the glory from Helios. Then his + face wore a strange smile <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page449">[pg 449]</span><a name="Pg449" id="Pg449" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>she could not understand. She + did not know that he was saying in his heart:— </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“And I thought for the rose vales of Bactria to forfeit—this!”</span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They were on the summit. The litter was set down on the projecting spur by the + southwest corner. The area of the Acropolis was desolation, ashes, drums of overturned + pillars, a few lone and scarred columns. The works of man were in ruin, but the works of + the god, of yesterday, to-day, and forever were yet the same. They turned their backs on + the ruin. Westward they looked—across land and sea, beautiful always, most beautiful + now, for had they not been redeemed with blood and tears? The Barbarian was vanquished; + the impossible accomplished. Hellas and Athens were their own, with none to take away. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> They saw the blue bay of Phaleron. They saw the craggy height of Munychia, Salamis + with its strait of the victory, farther yet the brown dome of Acro-Corinthus and the + wide breast of the clear Saronian sea. To the left was Hymettus the Shaggy, to right the + long crest of Daphni, behind them rose Pentelicus, home of the marble that should take + the shape of the gods. With one voice they fell to praising Athens and Hellas, wisely or + foolishly, according to their wit. Only Hermione and Glaucon kept silence, hand within + hand, and speaking fast,—not with their lips,—but with their eyes. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Then at the end Themistocles spoke, and as always spoke the best. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q">“We have flung back the Barbarian. We have set our might against the God-King and have + conquered. Athens lies in ruins. We shall rebuild her. We shall make her more truly + than before the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Beautiful,’</span> the <span class="tei tei-q">‘Violet-Crowned City,’</span> worthy of the + guardian Athena. The conquering <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page450">[pg 450]</span><a name="Pg450" id="Pg450" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the Persian was + hard. The making of Athens immortal by the beauty of our lives, and words, and deeds + is harder. Yet in this also we shall conquer. Yea, verily, for the day shall come that + wherever the eye is charmed by the beautiful, the heart is thrilled by the noble, or + the soul yearns after the perfect,—there in the spirit shall stand Athens.”</span> + </p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb">* * * * * * * </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> After they had prayed to the goddess, they went down from the Rock and its vision of + beauty. Below a mule car met them. They set Glaucon and Hermione with the babe therein, + and these three were driven over the Sacred Way toward the purple-bosomed hills, through + the olive groves and the pine trees, across the slope of Daphni, to rest and peace in + Eleusis-by-the-Sea. </p> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="tei tei-back" style="margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"><hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page451">[pg 451]</span> + <a name="Pg451" id="Pg451" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">STANDARD MACMILLAN FICTION</span></span> </h1> + + <div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 20%" /></div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">By WILLIAM STEARNS DAVIS</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> A Friend of </span><a name="corr451" id="corr451" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr"><span style="font-size: 144%">Cæsar</span></span> </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">A Tale of the Fall of the Roman Republic</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">As a story ... there can be no question of its success.... While the beautiful love of + Cornelia and Drusus lies at the sound sweet heart of the story, to say so is to give a + most meagre idea of the large sustained interest of the whole.... There are many + incidents so vivid, so brilliant, that they fix themselves in the memory.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Bookman.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style="font-style: italic">Cloth, 12mo, $1.50</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 144%">“</span><span style="font-size: 144%">God Wills It</span><span style="font-size: 144%">”</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">A Tale of the First Crusade</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Not since Sir Walter Scott cast his spell over us with </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Ivanhoe,</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Count Robert of Paris,</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> and </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Quentin Durward</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> have we been so completely + captivated by a story as by </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">God Wills It,</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> by William Stearns Davis. It grips the + attention of the reader in the first chapter and holds it till the last.... It is a + story of strenuous life, the spirit of which might well be applied in some of our modern + Crusades. While true to life in its local coloring, it is sweet and pure, and leaves no + after-taste of bitterness. The author’s first book, </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">A Friend of Cæsar,</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> revealed + his power, and </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">God Wills It</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> confirms and deepens the impression made.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Christian Endeavor World.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style="font-style: italic">With Illustrations by Louis Betts</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style="font-style: italic">Cloth, 12mo, $1.50</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> Falaise of the Blessed Voice </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">A Tale of the Youth of St. Louis, King of France</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style="font-size: 90%"> The story of how his enemies plotted to separate him from his fair Queen Margaret, and + even from his throne itself; of how he grew from a pale lad to a most manly king, and of + the part played in his life by the blind singer of Pontoise, the maid called </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Falaise of + the Blessed Voice.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style="font-style: italic">Cloth, 12mo, $1.50</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> The Saint of the Dragon’s Dale </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> (In the series of <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Little Novels by Favorite Authors</span></span>”</span>) </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style="font-style: italic">Cloth, decorated cover, 16mo, 50 cents</span></span> + </p> + </div> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page452">[pg 452]</span> + <a name="Pg452" id="Pg452" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">RECENT MACMILLAN NOVELS</span></span> </h1> + <div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 20%" /></div> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Each, cloth, $1.50</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> The Long Road </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By JOHN OXENHAM </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">... It is a thrilling and an absorbing story. Through all the tragedy of life ... there + is a rarely sweet accompaniment of tender tones, of love and heroism and intermittent, + never quite lost hope. It is a touching and beautiful story.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Buffalo Evening News.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> Coniston </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By WINSTON CHURCHILL </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Coniston has a lighter, gayer spirit, and a deeper, tenderer touch than Mr. Churchill + has ever achieved before.... It is one of the finest and truest transcripts of modern + American life thus far achieved in our fiction.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Chicago + Record-Herald.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, illustrated, $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> Lady Baltimore </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By OWEN WISTER </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">That the author of </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The Virginian</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> could deal deliciously with such a rich field + ... might be assumed. But with what charm and delicacy, fine humor and insight, the work + has been done, only a direct acquaintance with the finished volume can justly show. The + Southerner will certainly find enchanting home touches in it, and every reader will feel + the spell of the quiet old southern town and all the tender, dainty, and humorous + southern life and atmosphere that hang about it.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">St. Louis Globe + Democrat.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> The Garden, You and I </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Few books published in this country recently have been of a kind to make an author so + proud. Hers are immensely fine and sweet.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">St. Louis + Democrat.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style="font-size: 90%"> The new book by the author of </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The Garden of a Commuter’s Wife</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> and </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">People of + the Whirlpool,</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> is a story of new friends as charming in their own way as </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Barbara</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> herself. Their highly original vacation is described from more than one point + of view, each more deliciously funny than the next. </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> A Lady of Rome </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By F. MARION CRAWFORD </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">His skill in making his portraits live before the reader’s eyes is unsurpassed; and in + the production of story-value and prolonged suspense, Mr. Crawford has no peer.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Boston Herald.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, 12mo, $1.50 </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page453">[pg 453]</span> + <a name="Pg453" id="Pg453" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> White Fang </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By JACK LONDON </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Jack London is the apostle of strength and courage. In </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">White Fang</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> he has full + play ... in his chosen field. He has done this work so well that he makes the interest + as intense as if he were telling the story of a man.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Globe + Democrat.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Illustrated in colors, cloth, $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> When Love Speaks </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By WILL PAYNE </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">One of the most interesting novels ever written on the conflict between law and honesty + on one side and the alliance of low politics and high finance on the other. Stirring + love story woven in with the fight against an unscrupulous whiskey trust. A fine, clean + American story, of interest alike to men and women.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Chicago + Record-Herald.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> If Youth But Knew </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By AGNES and EGERTON CASTLE </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">They should be the most delightful of comrades, for their writing is so apt, so + responsive, so saturated with the promptings and the glamour of spring. It is because </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">If Youth But Knew</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> has all these adorable qualities that it is so + fascinating.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Cleveland Leader.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> Disenchanted </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By PIERRE LOTI </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Our romantic son of Hercules wields in defence of Liberty a slender, aromatic + sorcerer’s wand. And his magic has lost nothing of its might. We dare not begin quoting + a book of which every page is a picture.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The London Times.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, 12mo, $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> The Sin of George Warrener </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By Miss VAN VORST </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">For acute comprehension of human nature both masculine and feminine, and a keen + apprehension of a phase of our social conditions, the book is a piece of rare + artistry.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Phila. Evening Tel.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> Her Majesty’s Rebels </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By SIDNEY R. LYSAGHT </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">A story of Irish people that is neither prejudiced nor patronizing.... A rare and + charming novel ... racy and convincing.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">World.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, 12mo, $1.50 </p> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page454">[pg 454]</span> + <a name="Pg454" id="Pg454" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> Listener’s Lure </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By E. V. LUCAS </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">A Kensington Comedy</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> which proves that the delightful fellow-wanderer in Holland and + in London has a keen sense of humor and a gift for semi-satirical portrait sketching. </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, 12mo, $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> The Amulet </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By CHARLES E. CRADDOCK </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">... A little old-fashioned, perhaps, according to modern sensational standards, but + written with force and feeling, full of local color and character, wholesome and + interesting from cover to cover, and so far as one can judge, a truthful picture of a + most picturesque phase of pioneer history that has not been exploited to the point of + tiresomeness.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The New York Times.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> The Romance of John Bainbridge </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By HENRY GEORGE, Jr. </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Belongs to the large class of present-day novels in which a young man of high ideals + goes into politics in order to do battle with the dragons of bribery and corruption. The + particular demon in this case is a perpetual street railway franchise. The love story + betrays the apprentice hand, but the description of the fight in the aldermanic council + is a capital piece of work.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Congregationalist.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> The Way of the Gods </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By JOHN LUTHER LONG </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style="font-size: 90%"> As the readers of </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Madam Butterfly</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> know, there is no one, since the death of + Lafcadio Hearn, who can make Japanese life so charming as does Mr. Long. This story of the + little samurai, hardly big enough to be a soldier, and of how the fair eta Hoshiko met his + obligations for him, is very real and appealing. </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, $1.50 </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%"> The Vine of Sibmah </span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> By Dr. ANDREW MACPHAIL </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The book is taut with action and breathless climaxes. Its principal character, a + soldier, has for his friend a most engaging pirate. This combination alone makes + interesting reading.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Chicago Evening Post.</span></span> + </p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> Cloth, $1.50 </p> + </div></div> + <div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + + + + <hr class="page" /><div id="footnotes" class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">Footnotes</span></h1> + <dl class="tei tei-list-footnotes"><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_1" name="note_1" href="#noteref_1">1.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">A word conveying at once + <span class="tei tei-q">“welcome!”</span> and <span class="tei tei-q">“farewell!”</span></dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_2" name="note_2" href="#noteref_2">2.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">The chief magistrate of an Attic + commune.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_3" name="note_3" href="#noteref_3">3.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">Attic law allowed a + husband to will his wife to a friend.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_4" name="note_4" href="#noteref_4">4.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">A kind of grasshopper peculiar to + Greece.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_5" name="note_5" href="#noteref_5">5.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">A kind of beetle common in Greece.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_6" name="note_6" href="#noteref_6">6.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Give herself + airs.”</span></dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_7" name="note_7" href="#noteref_7">7.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">The + police magistrates of Athens.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_8" name="note_8" href="#noteref_8">8.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">A + number, of course, grossly exaggerated.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_9" name="note_9" href="#noteref_9">9.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">A pottage peculiar to Sparta, made of lumps of + meat, salt, and much vinegar.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_10" name="note_10" href="#noteref_10">10.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">Equivalent to crying <span class="tei tei-q">“Hound!”</span> in English.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_11" name="note_11" href="#noteref_11">11.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">The serfs of the Spartans.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_12" name="note_12" href="#noteref_12">12.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">The + Phœnician Hercules.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_13" name="note_13" href="#noteref_13">13.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">Nearly two hundred miles.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_14" name="note_14" href="#noteref_14">14.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">Approximately September.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_15" name="note_15" href="#noteref_15">15.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">A division in the Spartan army.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_16" name="note_16" href="#noteref_16">16.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">Who + in full force had joined the Persians.</dd><dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_17" name="note_17" href="#noteref_17">17.</a></dt><dd class="tei tei-notetext">The + rack.</dd></dl> + </div> + + + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="pdf48" id="pdf48"></a> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">Transcriber’s note</span></h1> + + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The author’s footnotes have been moved to the end of the volume.</p> + + + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Blackletter has been rendered as bold face.</p> + + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The following typographical errors were corrected:</p> + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"><tbody><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr006" class="tei tei-ref">page 6</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“gridle”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“girdle”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr008" class="tei tei-ref">page 8</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“seashore”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“sea-shore”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr023" class="tei tei-ref">page 23</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“earthern”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“earthen”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr024" class="tei tei-ref">page 24</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Thacian”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Thasian”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr029" class="tei tei-ref">page 29</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“good humoredly”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“good-humouredly”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr031" class="tei tei-ref">page 31</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Mantineia”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Mantinea”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr032" class="tei tei-ref">page 32</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“honor”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“honour”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr063" class="tei tei-ref">page 63</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“waterpots”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“water-pots”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr065" class="tei tei-ref">page 65</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“humorous”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“humourous”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr090" class="tei tei-ref">page 90</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Nausicäa”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Nausicaä”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr092" class="tei tei-ref">page 92</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“pentaconters”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“penteconters”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr093" class="tei tei-ref">page 93</a>, missing quote added before <span class="tei tei-q">“We can say”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr095" class="tei tei-ref">page 95</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“he”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“be”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr101" class="tei tei-ref">page 101</a>, comma changed to period after <span class="tei tei-q">“house was out”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr107" class="tei tei-ref">page 107</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“fish-monger”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“fishmonger”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr117" class="tei tei-ref">page 117</a>, added italics to <span class="tei tei-q">“Ai!”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr133" class="tei tei-ref">page 133</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Baylonish”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Babylonish”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr145" class="tei tei-ref">page 145</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Neverthless”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Nevertheless”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr146" class="tei tei-ref">page 146</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“haircloth”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“hair-cloth”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr157" class="tei tei-ref">page 157</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“sailcloth”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“sail-cloth”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr173" class="tei tei-ref">page 173</a>, semicolon added after <span class="tei tei-q">“beautiful”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr176" class="tei tei-ref">page 176</a>, single quote changed to double quote after <span class="tei tei-q">“kings reign forever!”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr196" class="tei tei-ref">page 196</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“intrust”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“entrust”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr229" class="tei tei-ref">page 229</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“torchlight”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“torch-light”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr230" class="tei tei-ref">page 230</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“goatskin”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“goat-skin”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr238" class="tei tei-ref">page 238</a>, comma removed after <span class="tei tei-q">“Themistocles”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr280" class="tei tei-ref">page 280</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Ameinas”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Ameinias”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr283" class="tei tei-ref">page 283</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Ameinas’s”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Ameinias’s”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr288" class="tei tei-ref">page 288</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“renegadoes”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“renegades”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr301" class="tei tei-ref">page 301</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Phelgon's”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Phlegon’s”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr324" class="tei tei-ref">page 324</a>, removed italics from <span class="tei tei-q">“Artemisia”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr325" class="tei tei-ref">page 325</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“maelstrom”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“mælstrom”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr327" class="tei tei-ref">page 327</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Psytalleia”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Psyttaleia”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr368" class="tei tei-ref">page 368</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“fagots”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“faggots”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr377" class="tei tei-ref">page 377</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“warships”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“war-ships”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr396" class="tei tei-ref">page 396</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“lieutenant”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“lieutenants”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr404" class="tei tei-ref">page 404</a>, missing period added after <span class="tei tei-q">“are great gods”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr419" class="tei tei-ref">page 419</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“bowstring”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“bow-string”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr424" class="tei tei-ref">page 424</a>, single quote removed after <span class="tei tei-q">“Such as what?”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr432" class="tei tei-ref">page 432</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Pinatate”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Pitanate”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr445" class="tei tei-ref">page 445</a>, comma added after <span class="tei tei-q">“Zariaspes”</span>, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Gobyras”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Gobryas”</span></td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr451" class="tei tei-ref">page 451</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Caesar”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Cæsar”</span></td></tr></tbody></table> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some variants in spelling, capitalization or hyphenation which cannot be regarded as + simple typographical errors have been retained.</p> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div id="pgfooter" class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"><pre 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