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diff --git a/old/61449-0.txt b/old/61449-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 695f37e..0000000 --- a/old/61449-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6588 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Persephone of Eleusis, by Clare Winger Harris - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: Persephone of Eleusis - A Romance of Ancient Greece - - -Author: Clare Winger Harris - - - -Release Date: February 18, 2020 [eBook #61449] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PERSEPHONE OF ELEUSIS*** - - -E-text prepared by Mary Glenn Krause, MFR, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page -images generously made available by Internet Archive (https://archive.org) - - - -Note: Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - https://archive.org/details/persephoneofeleu00harr - - -Transcriber’s note: - - Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - - - - - -PERSEPHONE OF ELEUSIS - -A Romance of Ancient Greece - -by - -CLARE WINGER HARRIS - - -[Illustration: STRATFORD PUBLISHERS] - - - - - - -1923 -The Stratford Company, Publishers -Boston, Massachusetts - -Copyright, 1923 -The Stratford Co., Publishers -Boston, Mass. - -The Alpine Press, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. - - - - - Preface - - -In this tale of Greece in the fifth century B. C., fact and fiction are -so closely intervolved that a detailed explanation of their respective -boundaries would be both tedious and superfluous. Suffice it to say that -I have with reluctance departed from history only when the narration of -the personal affairs of the characters made it necessary to do so. The -difficulty of accurate adherence to historical facts seems insuperable. - C. W. H. - - - - - Contents - - - Chapter Page - I At the Hot Gates 1 - II “Remember the Athenians” 10 - III The Defense on the Acropolis 17 - IV The Miracle of Salamis 28 - V The Traitor of Thermopylæ 40 - VI Athena Speaks Through the Olive-Branch 46 - VII The Banquet of Attaginus 51 - VIII Masistius’ Message to Zopyrus 60 - IX The Rescue of Ladice 70 - X A Venture at the Eve of Battle 80 - XI A Hero of Platæa 86 - XII The Prophet at Delphi 93 - XIII The House of Pasicles 101 - XIV Beyond the Dipylon Gate 111 - XV What Happened at the Theatre of Dionysus 121 - XVI The Celebration of the Mysteries 128 - XVII Persephone 136 - XVIII Agne’s Advice 142 - XIX Ephialtes’ Plot 147 - XX The Ward of Themistosles 155 - XXI In the Shadow of the Acropolis 162 - XXII A Letter from Sicily 167 - XXIII The Festivities at Naxos 174 - XXIV Dionysus and Ariadne 180 - XXV A Revelation 187 - XXVI The Home of Aeschylus 194 - XXVII The Allied Fleet Sails 201 - XXVIII The Hand of Fate 209 - XXIX After Twenty Years 216 - - - “What have I to do with the heroes or the monuments of ancient times? - With times which never can return, and heroes, whose form of life was - different from all that the present condition of mankind requires or - allows?... At least we compare our own with former times, and either - rejoice at our improvements, or, what is the first motion towards - good, discover our defects.” - Samuel Johnson in “Rasselas” - - - - - CHAPTER I. - At the Hot Gates. - - - “In gay hostility and barbarous pride, - With half mankind embattled at his side, - Great Xerxes comes to seize the certain prey, - And starves exhausted regions in his way.” - Samuel Johnson. - -The reddening glow of an evening sun was shed upon the little town of -Anthela in Locris as Zopyrus, a young Persian officer in the army of -Xerxes passed quickly from the shadows of the temple to Demeter into the -narrow street. In his general bearing and physique he was truly a -Persian; large of frame, broad of shoulders, with a proportionally small -but well poised head. But the tight clusters of blond curls, clear blue -eyes and sensitiveness of mouth were not distinguishing traits of -Persian parentage. There was a seriousness in his expression far in -advance of his years which may have numbered four and twenty. - -As he walked with swinging gait toward the Persian encampment, he turned -his gaze in the direction of the ridge of Oeta whose northern slope -silhouetted against the ruddy glow of an evening sky, approached the -Malaic gulf. At any other period in his life the beauty of his -surroundings would have called forth his admiration, but the scenes of -the past two days which had been here enacted, had completely quelled -the natural æsthetic tendencies of his soul. Here he had been a witness -to the slaughter of Persian and Greek; he in whose veins flowed the -blood of both peoples. - -As he neared the encampment another officer clad in the familiar -close-fitting leathern tunic of the Persian army hailed him. He was a -giant in stature, a man born to command. It was he who had charge of the -cavalry. Zopyrus recognized him at once. - -“Ho, Masistius! Does this beautiful June evening summon you forth too? -Truly a fair land is Hellas. Amid such surroundings as these the annals -of Persia had been different!” - -By this time darkness had descended and as Masistius surveyed the -landscape an exclamation of spontaneous admiration burst from his lips, -soldier though he was and unused to the gentler phases of life. Oeta -cast its purple shadows across the Malaic gulf, whose waters now -reflected countless stars, and in the shrubbery about the two soldiers -were heard the mournful notes of the little owls, so common in this -strange land. Occasionally the call of birds of prey grated on their -ears and brought to their minds the loathsome fact that amidst all this -entrancing loveliness of nature, death had come to hundreds of their -countrymen and allies. - -“Friend Zopyrus, although I am a soldier through and through, I am not -blind to the beauties of this land of Greece, but sterner things brought -me out tonight. I came to summon you to the presence of the king who -wishes to speak with you. Artabazus and I were in the royal tent talking -over the plans of the morrow when Xerxes suddenly commanded a slave to -summon you to his presence. The order took both Artabazus and myself -quite by surprise, for we have not been blind to the fact that Xerxes -has avoided you since the very beginning of this campaign. Why he should -do so, I cannot imagine. It has always seemed to me that the king has -quite overlooked the physical prowess and ability of his cousin -Zopyrus.” - -Zopyrus shrugged his shoulders. “True my father was Artaphernes, satrap -of Sardis and brother of Darius Hystaspis, but you must remember my -mother was only a Greek from Miletus, although her parents were both -Athenians of noble blood.” - -“But you can subdue the Greek within you, for surely the influence of -your royal father is the stronger,” said Masistius. - -Zopyrus turned his gaze to the bejeweled vault of the heaven. A lie is -an unpardonable sin to a Persian, and to that extent Zopyrus displayed -his paternal heritage, but there rose before his eyes the vision of a -beautiful woman with classic features whose last words to him before her -death had been: “Zopyrus, it is my earnest desire that sometime you go -to Greece, to Athens, and there acquire some of the culture of that -freedom-loving people in that fair land. Here in Persia you will always -be the victim of oriental despotism.” As he grew older Zopyrus realized -that his mother’s words and the past influence of her life had been -instrumental in causing him to hate not only the vain-glorious idolatry -of the Persian court, but the weakness, licentiousness and tyranny of -the Persian king. Zopyrus looked again at his companion. - -“I will go at once to Xerxes,” he said, completely ignoring the other’s -remark. - -The tent of Xerxes was in the center of the encampment to insure its -protection in case of an unexpected attack from the enemy. An Ethiopian -slave parted the hanging folds as Zopyrus approached and held them as he -passed into the interior. Seated upon a throne covered with richly woven -tapestry and surrounded by slaves and courtiers sat the monarch of -Persia. - -Zopyrus never knew in what mood he would find his royal cousin. At times -the king was most amicably inclined toward his subjects, upon which -occasions he lavished upon them generous gifts; at others, the punitive -aspect of his authority was made evident, and his dependents were -punished out of all due proportion to their offenses. - -Xerxes’ eyes followed the noble figure of his cousin with impatient -tolerance as the latter bowed and performed the customary greetings. - -“Where were you just previous to your meeting with Masistius?” -questioned the king abruptly. - -“In the town of Anthela,” was the reply. - -“Is there not a temple to that pagan goddess, Demeter, there?” - -“I believe so.” - -“Well stay away from such temples except for the purpose of destroying -them. By the way, Sikinnus,” he called, summoning a slave, “take that -rascal, Tyrastiadas, who tried to desert today and give him forty -lashes.” - -Xerxes turned again toward the son of Artaphernes whose splendid -physique and heroic mein summoned his reluctant admiration. Here he -realized were unlimited possibilities for his army, for he sincerely -believed Zopyrus to be a braver man than Mardonius or Artabazus, though -he was many years their junior; then too he had respect for the -independent air of this cousin who did not dog his footsteps with -flattering remarks and hints for the promise of favors at the close of -the war. So it was with a more deferential air that the politic Xerxes -addressed his next remarks to his cousin. - -“Zopyrus, you are too big a man to be in command of only one hundred -soldiers. At your age your half-brother, Artaphernes, together with -Datis, led the expedition which resulted in the battle of Marathon. If -at the close of this battle with the Greeks in this pass you prove your -valor, you shall be placed in command of one thousand men. Also I will -allow you to choose among the fairest maidens of the kingdom for a wife, -and for exceptional bravery I will give you a satrapy.” All eyes were -turned to Zopyrus who acknowledged his king’s favor with a slight bow. - -“I bear in mind,” continued Xerxes, “that your mother was a Greek, -though she was a lawful wife of your father. It is this taint of blood -that has stood in the way of previous honors, but with courage such as -becomes the son of a noble Persian you may be able to make me forget -completely the plebeian maternal blood.” - -Anger such as had never before been experienced by Zopyrus surged within -him at this insult to his mother’s memory, but he held it in subjection, -merely bowing stoically before the ruler. - -Xerxes had one dominating motive in attempting to win Zopyrus’ fidelity. -At the beginning of the campaign he had secretly wished to cause his -cousin’s death because he had feared him, but the latter’s advice when -consulted on matters of doubt, forced him to the opinion that Zopyrus -might become quite an asset to the Persian army if properly handled. -That he, Xerxes, had failed in this he did not know. - -At this moment the slave who stood at the entrance to the royal tent -approached his master with these words: - -“Most noble king, a Greek soldier waits without and would have word with -you alone.” - -“Bid him enter,” was the monarch’s response. - -The courtiers quickly withdrew by a rear exit, Zopyrus passing out last. -Moved by a sudden impulse and unnoticed, he quickly and silently -re-entered the tent and stood a few feet behind the throne in the -shadows. The canvas at the front entrance parted admitting the figure of -a Greek soldier. He had removed his helmet and left his shield and -javelin without in respect to the Persian monarch. Armed only with his -short sword and wearing the characteristic scaled cuirass and leather -greaves of Greek military dress he presented an interesting sight to -both Persians. His head was uncovered, displaying the artistic -hair-dress worn by the young men of Athens and Sparta. Long thick braids -were crossed at the back of his shapely head and fastened together with -a jeweled pin in front. From beneath the braids his brown hair lay in -soft waves around his temples. His face was fair almost a degree of -effeminacy and his figure of average height indicated graceful outlines -even though concealed by the armour he wore. He addressed the king: - -“O Xerxes, king of the Medes and Persians and would-be conqueror of the -world, I come to you with a message of greatest importance! For two days -your brave soldiers have met defeat at the hands of the Greeks at the -entrance to the pass of Thermopylæ. Now the Greeks are so inferior in -number, owing to the celebration of certain religious festivities which -are soon due to come to an end, that right now is the time to strike, -but not in the method which you have up till the present employed, when -only a handful of men from each side could meet and enter into personal -combat. The Greeks are well trained and if they are to be vanquished, it -must be by the superior forces of the enemy.” - -The king with offended dignity clutched the arms of his throne and -raised himself, crying out in angry tones: “Am I to have a Greek tell me -that my army lacks the military discipline of the Greeks?” Here he rose -with an exaggerated attempt at majesty, “Behold, O Greek, Zeus himself -in the form of an earthly monarch come to lead the whole race of mankind -to the destruction of Greece!” - -To Zopyrus’ amazement as he stood a silent and unobserved figure in the -shadows, as well as to the amazement of Xerxes himself, the Greek did -not tremble at the king’s words. An amused expression not without -disdain passed over his fearless countenance. Xerxes’ face became purple -with rage. - -“Out of my sight grinning fool of a Greek,” he roared, “before I have -your tongue cut out for your insolence!” - -Zopyrus stood rooted to the spot in horror, but the graceful unemotional -figure of the Greek remained unchanged. To Zopyrus it seemed an eternity -before the young man spoke, but in reality it was almost immediately. He -drew nearer the throne by a couple of paces, and Zopyrus feared for his -life in that proximity to the wrathful monarch. - -“Listen, O Xerxes, if you would succeed in overwhelming your foes you -must attack them from behind, but this you can not do since you are -unacquainted with this wild, impassable country. I am a native Malian -and well acquainted with this locality. If you could make it worth my -while, I could show you a mountain pass that would lead you to the rear -of Leonidas’ army unobserved.” - -While the Greek was speaking Xerxes’ expression gradually changed from -malice to pleased attention: “And suppose, friend Greek, I do not permit -you to leave unless you reveal to me this pass!” - -The Greek smiled. “It is impossible simply to tell of this secret way, -for it is beset with many dangers, such as almost impenetrable growths -of underbrush, impermeable morasses and almost inaccessible cliffs. A -native guide is absolutely essential and _I_ am that guide who will -receive my pay before the journey commences.” - -The king nodded in affirmation and sank back quite dazed from the effect -of the interview. The Greek was still unmoved and continued: “I will -lead your army tomorrow night, as it is safest to travel under cover of -darkness. We shall probably reach the other side of the pass at a very -favorable time of day, when the market-place of the town is filling. I -will meet you here tomorrow at sunset in Persian uniform, and except to -your most important commanders, I wish to remain unknown. Till then, O -Zeus, farewell!” - -He passed quickly out of the bewildered kingly presence, and Zopyrus -took advantage of this moment to make a hasty and unseen exit at the -rear of the royal tent. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - “Remember the Athenians.” - - - “Who at Thermopylæ stood side by side, - And fought together and together died, - Under earth-barrows now are laid at rest, - Their chance thrice glorious, and their fate thrice-blest. - No tears for them, but memory’s loving gaze; - For them no pity, but proud hymns of praise.” - Simonides. - -Like a great crawling serpent, the army of Xerxes, augmented by the -cowardly Thessalians, wound its circuitous and perilous way from -Trachis; first ascending the gorge of the river Asopus and the hill -called Anopæa, then crossing the pitch-dark, oak-covered crest of Oeta. -Its venomous head was the treasonable Greek, dressed as a Persian -foot-soldier. Many were the woes of that nocturnal journey! Soldiers -tripping over fallen branches and entangled in the undergrowth were -trampled to death. Some were pressed into the treacherous morass, but -the malignant monster, heedless of this sloughing, crept on toward its -goal which was the town of Alpeni at the east end of the pass. - -But the small army of the Greeks was not destined to suffer such a -complete surprise as Xerxes had hoped, for the revengeful Tyrastiadas, -limping painfully as a result of his forty lashes, had succeeded in -deserting and had apprised Leonidas of the startling fact that the -Persians were coming across the pass. The Spartan king sent a Phocian -guard of one thousand men to prevent the enemy from crossing the summit -of Oeta, but this guard was speedily overwhelmed by the Persians who -were under the leadership of Hydarnes. The next morning shortly after -sunrise, the Persian hordes descended upon the Greeks. The sun was -reflected with dazzling brilliancy from thousands of breast-plates, -spears, shields and helmets, and upon the ears of the heroic sons of -Hellas fell the deafening war-cry from myriads of throats. - -A suffocating sensation seized Zopyrus as he beheld the mere handful of -Greeks bravely awaiting certain death at the hands of a pitiless foe, -but to turn back was now impossible. Strange that he could in fancy so -easily picture himself as one of that brave minority, awaiting -inevitable death! To his own sorrow he had not infrequently lamented the -faculty which he possessed of seeing the praiseworthy aspect of an -enemy’s view-point. It was this attribute of leniency toward the -opinions of his fellow-men that was especially irritating to the -intolerant Xerxes. In the mind of the latter all men were divided into -two great classes; subjects and enemies. To Zopyrus all men seemed -friends unless by their own initiative they proved themselves otherwise. -It was extremely painful to him to see these brave Greeks meet this -great crisis unflinchingly. It was humanly impossible for this mere -handful of men to stem the tide of the onrushing Persians. - -To us at this day and age it is apparent that these men did not -sacrifice their manhood in vain. The result of any noble act is never -lost. In some way and at some time it brings a result as satisfactory as -that desired in the hearts of the original heroes themselves. Such a -result was destined to come to Greece after the bones of Thermopylæ’s -warriors had long mingled with the dust. - -Zopyrus was swept on by the barbarian host. A shower of missiles -diminished the number of Greeks and soon the enemy was upon them and the -battle continued with spear and sword. Zopyrus received a slight wound -on the left shoulder, the Greek inflicting the injury snatching away his -spear. Zopyrus quickly unsheathed his sword, pressing his opponent to -closer combat as a better chance for self defense. The two fought long -over the bodies of Persian and Greek who now lay in inevitable amity -beside their once ruthless foe. At length the Greek who was little more -than a boy, weakened perceptibly and in an unguarded moment Zopyrus’ -sword disappeared up to the hilt. As the lad fell his helmet rolled off -revealing a countenance of incomparable beauty; deep-set eyes, brows -that nearly met above a straight nose, refined mouth and a contour of -cheek and chin that was flawless. All this was revealed to Zopyrus in a -second’s time, but it left an indelible impression on his mind. As he -pressed on he felt that the horrors of war were crazing him, and his -soul cried out against the awful brutality of it. - -With the slaughter of the three hundred the gateway to central Greece -had now been forcibly opened and Xerxes in imitation of his father’s -avenging words, cried out, “Remember the Athenians.” A journey of about -six days lay between the oriental despot and his ultimate goal, the city -of Athens, so with prancing steeds, waving plumes, glittering arms and -triumphant shouts, the Asiatic legions resumed their deleterious course. - -The morning of the third day found the army within sight of Mt. -Parnassus. With rapt gaze Zopyrus beheld the softest sculpture of cliff -and peak against a cerulean sky. Upon yonder lofty summit dwelt the -Muses, those daughters of Zeus who preside over the æsthetic and -intellectual aspirations of man. It seemed to Zopyrus that surely now -but one Muse, Melpomene, occupied that pinnacle, and with mournful gaze -beheld the invasion of this fairest of lands. - -In accordance with the order of Xerxes all faces were turned in the -direction of Delphi, in spite of a report that the oracle of Delphi had -prophesied that Apollo would protect his sanctuary. Through a gorge at -the foot of Mt. Parnassus might Melpomene have seen the multitudes of -Asiatic troops pursue their nefarious journey. Suddenly peal after peal -of thunder reverberated from the apparent calm of a mid-summer sky. Then -great crags from the mountain were loosened and rolled down upon the -army which fled in wild terror, abandoning its attempt to plunder -Delphi. So did Apollo protect his shrine! But fortune did not so favor -the citizens of Thespiæ and Platæa in Bœotia both of which were ravaged -and those citizens who would not join the Persian forces were put to -death. - -At length on the fifth day the army camped at night-fall outside of -Athens. It was a beautiful intense dark blue Athenian night in which -heaven’s vault seemed to blaze with innumerable jewels. Zopyrus sat at -the door of his tent deep in his own thoughts. An army during its -marches and battles must think, talk and act as one being, and that one -subservient to its leader, but who shall say in the stillness of evening -each living entity which comprises that vast unit shall not have his -individual dreams, and those thoughts which render him distinct from -every other living being? And Zopyrus as he sat in the darkness, thought -of Athens and of his mother. What would she think if she knew he was -approaching Attica’s stronghold as a plunderer and devastator! -Conflicting emotions surged within his soul. Once again it seemed to him -that he was in the far off Hermus valley, strolling by the little stream -of Pactolus, and by his side was the austere Artaphernes whose stern -visage was turned toward him with an expression of paternal rebuke. The -vision faded leaving him troubled and sore at heart. - -That night Zopyrus had a dream. It seemed to him that his father -appeared and beckoned silently to him to follow and that he wonderingly -rose and obeyed. When they were out in the open, Artaphernes, who -Zopyrus noticed was fully armed, pointed with his sabre toward Athens -and repeated the memorable words of Darius, “Remember the Athenians.” -Suddenly the shade of his mother appeared to the right. She stood -holding on her arm a scroll of papyrus, and while Zopyrus looked she -pointed with it in the same direction as that indicated by the sabre of -his father and behold, as Zopyrus turned he saw a beautiful city with -numerous buildings of white marble, and in the center a temple-crowned -hill. In the streets were many busy people hurrying to and fro. Some -talked from the temple steps while the populace listened, some vied with -each other in various physical sports and others sold the produce of the -soil in the bustling marketplace, but whatever their occupation, they -represented a happy and contented democracy. - -Marveling at this vision, Zopyrus turned to his father and noticed that -the sabre now pointed to the east. Following the direction of its keen -blade with reluctant eyes, Zopyrus beheld another city more gorgeous, -but totally lacking in the refined beauty which characterized the city -which lay to the west. The buildings of this eastern city possessed a -massiveness and grandeur that inspired in the beholder a profound awe. -Upon the throne in the magnificent palace, and surrounded by a court -retinue, sat a tyrant to whom all bowed in servility. On the streets -the people moved and worked _en masse_. There was no individuality, no -differentiation, for these people were victims of an oriental despotism. - -When Zopyrus opened his eyes the palace and the toiling people had -vanished and so likewise had the vision of the peaceful republic. The -Persian father and Greek mother no longer stood before him. The youth -knew that this dream represented the Persian and the Greek at war within -himself for the supremacy. - -When morning broke, the camp was astir at an early hour for this was to -be the day of days! Zopyrus was awakened by the stamping and neighing of -horses, the rattle of arms and the jocular voices of his comrades. - -“Wake up, Zopyrus!” cried a friendly voice. Zopyrus saw his friend -Masistius leaning over him. - -“Xerxes bids us avenge the burning of Sardis today,” continued -Masistius. “His words to all his officers this morning are, ‘Remember -the Athenians!’” - -“His advice to me is quite unnecessary,” replied Zopyrus, “for I can not -forget them.” - - - - - CHAPTER III. - The Defense on the Acropolis. - - - “Dim is the scene to that which greets thee here, - Prompting to worship, waking rapture’s tear, - Yes, rise, fair mount! the bright blue heavens to kiss, - Stoop not thy pride, august Acropolis!” - Nicholas Michell. - -The city of Athens was seething with excitement, for the news had just -been received that the Greek soldiers had been unable to hold the pass -of Thermopylæ. The streets were filled with groups of agitated old men, -women of all ages, and children, who seemed no longer capable of being -controlled by reason. Weighted down by the burdens of their personal -property they prepared to flee. But whither! - -In the center of a group near the Areopagus, at the foot of the -Acropolis on the north-west, were gathered about fifty men, women and -children intently listening to the counsel of one to whom they turned at -this time. He was a man of venerable countenance, flowing beard, and -wore a white _chiton_ with a handsomely embroidered Greek border. - -“My friends,” he was saying, “let us make haste to the top of the -Acropolis, there to defend our temples and to seek refuge within the -‘wooden wall.’” - -Some of his audience seemed inclined to take his admonition seriously, -others hesitated as if in doubt. Presently a man whose personality was -felt before he was actually visible came hurriedly into the group. He -possessed a commanding bearing, noble face, an eye piercing and full of -fire. There was decision in the swift gestures of his shapely hands. -This man was Themistocles, the most powerful Athenian of his time. It -was he who had persuaded his fellow-citizens to increase their navy at -the time of the war with Aegina, and who sincerely believed that the -future safety of his country lay with the ships which were now anchored -in the bay of Salamis. - -He approached with dignified air the terrified gathering of Greeks, and -there was an imperious ring in his voice as he addressed the spokesman -of the group. - -“Kyrsilus, can you not persuade these people to come to the bay at once -where some of the ships will conduct them safely to Salamis till all -danger from this invasion is past?” - -To his surprise the old man answered haughtily. “I am trying to prevail -upon these frightened people to seek refuge behind the ‘wooden wall’ as -the Delphic oracle warned us.” - -“The ‘wooden wall,’” shouted Themistocles, “is not the Pelasgic wall -which surrounds the top of the Acropolis. It is a wall of ships, and by -this means alone will the people of Athens find refuge. Come!” he cried -turning away, “all who wish to live to see the accursed foreigners -expelled forever from Greece, follow me to the protection of the ‘wooden -wall!’” - -“And all who are brave enough to defend their city,” cried the old man, -still firm in his conviction, “follow me to the protection of the -‘wooden wall!’” - -There was a division of opinion at the last moment, Themistocles winning -nearly half of Kyrsilus’ former followers. - -Clinging tightly to Kyrsilus’ hand as they ascended the steps of the -Acropolis was a young girl possessing exceptional charm of face and of -personality. The usual clearness of her blue eyes was dimmed with tears, -and the customary curve of her smiling lips had vanished. Upon her -luxuriant brown hair the sun revealed gleams of gold. She was clad in a -white garment which hung in graceful folds from her shoulders. Over this -was slipped a _kolpos_ plaited at the waist. Her neck and arms were bare -except for a necklace and bracelets of silver. The white of her dress -and ornaments brought out in favorable contrast the healthful pink of -her youthful face. - -“Dear Kyrsilus,” the girl was saying, “I shall think of you as my father -while my own dear father is preparing to fight the Persians in the bay. -He fought bravely at Marathon and I do not believe the gods will see him -defeated at Salamis. My uncle too is in command of one of the ships!” - -“It is possible that with such brave men as we possess on our side the -victory will be ours,” said the elder, “but remember the words of the -oracle at Delphi! Although there have been some differences of opinion -as to the meaning of the words of the oracle, to me it is quite clear -that our city should be defended from its sacred hill. I am not -criticizing your father, nor Themistocles, nor others like them who seem -sincere in their belief that our land will be saved by a battle upon the -water. However your father left you in my care, and I shall do what I -deem best for your safety.” - -A faint smile flitted across the girl’s face. “Did it ever occur to you, -Kyrsilus, that the words of the Delphic oracle are usually vague and -ambiguous? Come, be frank, do we not all try to interpret its prophecies -to our individual satisfactions? Take for instance Themistocles, whose -one obsession ever since he has risen to a place of prominence, has been -to increase our navy. It is natural that he should desire to bring his -beloved navy into use at the first possible opportunity. Then again let -us consider you, dear Kyrsilus, and I mean no offense whatever. Your -sister served many years as a priestess of Athena, performing her duties -with others in the temple of Athena on this Acropolis. Then too you have -lived in Athens longer than has Themistocles. The city itself and above -all its templed hill, the very nucleus of Athens, are dearer to you than -relatives of whom you now have none surviving.” - -The old man looked sadly at the girl and turned his face away to hide a -tear. He was deeply affected by her words and the sincerity of her -manner, but he did not wish to betray his emotions. - -With an effort at severity he said, “My daughter you do unwisely to -ridicule the divine oracle of Apollo. The words it utters are not as you -say ambiguous, but so fraught with significance that we mortals are -incapable of full comprehension. We do our best to interpret the will of -the god through his agents, and perhaps at best we can only guess what -revelations he makes concerning the future. But it is unseemly in a -maiden of your years to criticize our divine source of revelation.” - -They were now at the top of a long flight of broad steps, and stood one -hundred and fifty feet above the level of the city. In the distance -through an atmosphere of unusual clarity they beheld to the south and -east, isolated peaks which, though apparently devoid of vegetation, -possessed a beauty of color and contour that was enchanting. It was the -time of the year when the Etesian winds came from across the blue Aegean -and the whole fair land of Greece smiled under the magic touch of the -goddess, Demeter. - -The faithful band of Kyrsilus’ followers passed through the gateway of -the Pelasgic wall and stood in front of a large rectangular building, -the temple of Athene Polias[1]. Upon a pediment of this temple was a -grotesque serpent in relief, painted and gilded to a dazzling -brightness. Processions of priests and priestesses with conventional -head-dress and stereotyped smile, formed a frieze which adorned the -entablature. A figure in relief of Theseus carrying across his shoulders -the Marathonian bull aroused in these, his supposed descendents, a -renewed courage to protect their threatened city. They made ready for -use what few weapons of defense they had among them, then retired to the -temple to pray for the safety of Athens. - -“My daughter,” said old Kyrsilus, “pray to Ares that our soldiers may be -possessed of unusual valor and courage in the coming conflict, and pray -to Athena that our generals may wisely direct the approaching battle.” - -“Father Kyrsilus,” replied the maiden, “I always pray to one God! You -may call Him Zeus if you wish, but He is all powerful and in His hands -alone rests the fate of Greece.” - -“Hush my child,” said the aged one, horrified, “you will call down the -wrath of the goddess in whose temple you now stand! Will you not pray to -Athena?” - -Before the girl could reply, a young cripple, who because of his -affliction, had been unable to join his friends in the defense of his -land, hobbled into the temple. - -“They are coming, they are coming!” he cried pointing with trembling -finger to the west. The refugees, looking in the direction indicated, -beheld on the distant horizon a mass of purplish nimbus which as it -gathered momentum gradually took the definite shape of a vast glittering -array of horsemen and foot-soldiers. Petrified with terror they stood -watching the approaching multitude, which swept relentlessly toward -them, a great human deluge! - -“Quick! gather rocks and stones and pile them near the wall. The ascent -is steep and few can attempt to scale it at a time. We can easily hold -them back from the steps with these stones till our soldiers at Salamis -return to our aid.” Kyrsilus forced an air of bravado to encourage his -countrymen, but his heart sank as he beheld the barbarian host! For a -brief space the maid’s doubt as to the wisdom of the oracle also took -possession of him, but only for a moment. He thought, “When all else -fails, Athena will protect her sanctuary and we can find refuge there.” -Soon the oscillating wave of humanity was beneath them. A voice from -below rang out clearly above the clash of weapons: - -“I represent, O Athenians, one of the banished Peisistradi from this -fair city. I beg of you, surrender your city to this world conqueror and -save your holy places from pillage!” - -It was the resolute voice of Kyrsilus that replied; “Behind the ‘wooden -wall’ will we defend our temples, and the gods of Greece will aid us!” - -The answer seemed to amaze the Persians. Their officers drew aside and -discussed the situation, arriving at their decision without unanimity. - -The cripple whose name was Philinus, was appointed sentinel since he was -unable to lift the heavy rocks and stones. From a seat upon several -boulders near the wall he could observe the movements of the Persians -without being seen. - -Many of the girls and women wept and prayed for themselves and for their -fathers, brothers, husbands and sons now on the fleet. A few had lost -loved ones at Thermopylæ. The maiden who had been with Kyrsilus showed -remarkable self-control. To her the others now turned for strength and -encouragement. One girl to whom she seemed especially dear, clung to her -robe tenaciously. - -Kyrsilus approached his charge, and there was on his countenance an -expression of mingled horror and compassion. - -“Persephone,” he said with trembling accents, “if a worse fate than -death threatens you, and you can avail yourself of no weapon, better far -fling yourself to the rocks below!” - -The girl, Ladice, who clung tightly to Persephone’s hand wept bitterly, -calling upon the names of all the gods and goddesses to protect her. - -“Why are you so calm, Persephone?” she cried. “Do you not realize that -this Acropolis may be our huge funeral pyre?” - -“Yes I know that, Ladice, but I pray to one God, and I have a belief in -a future existence beyond this one, so I am not afraid to die.” - -“I too have not had the horror of death that is common to many, but not -because of any thought of an existence continuing beyond this. The -certainty of oblivion after a tumultuous life in this world of ours is -reward enough for me. Surely the peace of nonexistence would be -sufficient compensation.” - -The smile on Persephone’s face was indicative of an inner knowledge out -of which she derived supreme satisfaction and which was incomprehensible -to Ladice. - -An elderly man by the name of Moschion called excitedly from the -gateway: “It will be necessary for all the women and girls who can, to -help throw these stones upon the Persians who are climbing faster than -we can prevent.” - -Persephone and Ladice with others rushed to their task, rendering the -needed assistance, though their fingers bled and their bodies, unused to -such prolonged, strenuous labor, ached to the point of complete -exhaustion. The additional help from the women turned the tide of -fortune temporarily in their favor, and the Persians were forced to -abandon their attack upon the well protected west side, but now they -employed different tactics! They poured upon the wooden ramparts, arrows -with burning tow attached to them and it was not long before the -palisades were consigned to flames. Still the little group held its -ground bravely, but Kyrsilus and Moschion at last sent the women into -the temples where they soon joined them. Once within the sanctuary of -the city’s patron goddess the frightened Greeks looked for a miracle, -and indeed nothing short of a miracle could save them now! In this they -were doomed to disappointment for the temple to Athena was the first to -be reached by the hungry flames, and the frenzied Greeks were forced to -abandon it for other smaller temples. - -It was soon observed that Philinus was not with them. He had last been -seen in prayer before the altar of Athena and doubtless there he had met -his death! In unspoken terror all wondered who would be the next victim -on the altar of oriental voracity. The chapel of Aglaurus was farthest -from the flames and to it the terror-stricken Greeks fled. Here for a -time at least was safety and possible salvation. - -“Watch the north side now!” cried Kyrsilus, “The Persians may——” but the -words froze on his lips, for there at the doorway stood fifteen or more -of the besiegers, who had succeeded in scaling the precipitous northern -side. - -“To the rocks below, my daughter!” screamed Kyrsilus. “Do not forget my -warning!” - -An officer laid rough hands on the aged Moschion: “Old bald head, your -time on earth is about up, anyway. You may as well journey on without -delay. Old Charon is waiting to ferry you across the Styx.” - -“Hold!” cried another voice, “I prefer to die first and not witness the -end of these my followers.” It was Kyrsilus. - -“As you wish,” cried the big Persian, “you are all to go anyway.” - -The brave Kyrsilus knelt before his captor whose spear-head disappeared -in his breast. His face was convulsed in the agony of death, but with -his last faint breath he tried to speak to Persephone. “Perhaps you were -right—about the oracle—to the rocks—below—” - -Immediately following the tragic death of the leader the remaining men -were killed and the rough floor of the little chapel became slippery -with blood. A number of the women, following old Kyrsilus’ advice, flung -themselves to certain death upon the ground below rather than fall into -the hands of Xerxes’ soldiers. - -It was Artabazus, one of the most insolent and rapacious of the king’s -officers, who discovered Persephone and Ladice cowering in a remote -corner. - -“Oho, look what I have found here!” he laughed in a coarse loud voice. -“Surely such a prize was worth that perilous climb.” - -He took a step forward and seized Persephone roughly, but as he did so, -he caught the eye of a young officer who had just arrived upon the scene -together with Xerxes himself. The king took in the situation at a glance -and his narrow eyes gleamed in approbation. - -“A brave soldier deserves a fair prize, Artabazus,” he said. - -“One moment please!” It was the voice of the young officer Zopyrus. “Did -you not, cousin Xerxes, promise me a choice of the fairest maidens of -the kingdom? This land of Greece is now a part of your kingdom, O mighty -conqueror, and out of it I choose the maiden whom Artabazus now holds.” - -“It is all one with me,” cried the impatient monarch, “Artabazus shall -have the other maid.” - -Zopyrus stepped forward and took the half unconscious form of the -beautiful girl in his arms, and amid the coarse jests and ribaldry of -the Persian soldiery, fled with his burden to the city below. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - The Miracle of Salamis. - - - “First from the Greeks a tuneful shout uprose, - Well omened, and with replication loud, - Leaped the blithe echo from the rocky shore. - Fear seized the Persian host, no longer tricked - By vain opinion; not like wavering flight - Billowed the solemn paean of the Greeks, - But like the shout of men to battle urging, - With lusty cheer.” - Aeschylus. - -The Persian forces were now turning from the Acropolis, and drunk with -victory, were scattering over the city. Dwellings were plundered and -burned, and a few wild-eyed Greeks who had remained to guard their -valuable possessions, fled in mad confusion, but were overtaken by the -ruthless enemy and slaughtered. - -Zopyrus’ one desire was to leave behind him the horrors of massacre and -conflagration. With great difficulty he forced his way through jostling -crowds of demoniac soldiers, who upon recognition of his uniform and -insignia, stayed their impulse which was to murder any who did not take -part with them in the destruction of the city. - -The heat of a noon-day sun shone upon a scene unparalleled in the -gruesome aspect which it presented. Zopyrus turned his face to the west, -for in this direction the Persians did not go. Their fiendish work was -in the heart of the once glorious city which lay to the north and east. -Many too were pursuing a south-west course in the direction of the bay -of Phalerum where the Persian navy had its headquarters. - -As Zopyrus trudged onward, the limp form of the Greek girl in his arms, -he noticed that the road which he had chosen, though now deserted, was -of unusual width and well paved. The dazzling heat, reflected from the -white pavement, became oppressive, and it was with a feeling of -ineffable joy that he saw to the right the cool green shadows of an -olive-grove. Looking back between the gnarled trunks of two large trees -whose branches were entwined in serpentine fashion, he beheld the -Acropolis topped with its smoldering ruins. Once within the cool -recesses of the grove he deposited his burden, and as he did so, he -received a shock. Where before had he beheld those identical features in -the relaxation of death? He looked again intently, thinking it an -hallucination, and while his gaze rested upon her face, the maiden -opened her eyes. With a look of unspeakable horror she recoiled, then as -quickly turned her face in his direction, her features expressing -amazement. The refinement of his countenance in combination with his -Persian uniform astonished her greatly. She marveled at his attitude of -reserve. His gaze met hers and held it with an impelling magnetism till -she dropped her eyes in confusion. - -“You—are a Greek in disguise?” she faltered. - -“On the contrary, I am a Persian officer in the army of Xerxes,” he -replied, and perceiving her look of terror, he added, “but I will not -harm you, rather I have rescued you from a horrible fate.” - -“And I am truly grateful, but I am puzzled as to why you should care to -do that for me, a daughter of the enemy.” - -“The motives of a Persian are not always altogether base,” he replied -somewhat coldly. - -“A thousand pardons,” she beseeched, “I am greatly indebted to you for -your kindness, but my people have suffered horribly at the hands of -yours, and surely you can not wonder at my attitude!” - -“No,” he replied more gently, “I do not blame you, but I am glad to -prove to you that Ahura-Mazdâo may be as deserving of worship as Zeus.” - -To his surprise the suspicion of a smile flitted across her face. Was -this bewitching Athenian maiden mocking him? Her features were again -serious as she said: “Ahura-Mazdâo and Zeus are one. There is one -all-powerful God, and compared with Him the others are quite -insignificant.” - -“You believe that?” he asked with fresh interest. “I had supposed -polytheism to be the unshaken belief of the Greeks.” - -“Of the majority that is true,” she replied seriously, “but many of us, -while performing the rites due our gods and goddesses, send our prayers -to a Deity who is above the petty jealousies of the gods of Olympus. It -was a prayer to that Deity which saved me from a tragic fate on the -Acropolis!” - -He looked at her with a new interest. Not only did he consider her very -beautiful, but he was surprised to find her possessing more intellect -than was usual among the Persian girls of his acquaintance. He knew too, -that the Greek women were educated to be principally home-makers, and -that beyond the duties of wives and mothers, their training was somewhat -deficient. Therefore he was not a little amazed that this maid of Athens -could express her views on religion with the assurance of a man. - -“If a prayer to the Deity saved you, can not another such prayer save -your ships there at Salamis?” he asked, but so kindly that she did not -resent his question. - -“Let us go to the shore,” she cried eagerly, “and there I shall pray -that success may come to my poor fellow-countrymen who know that their -beloved city lies in ashes!” - -As they ascended the ravine which intersects the range of Mt. Aegaleos -and gazed beyond toward the low hills which lay like purple velvet, fold -on fold, it seemed to the man and the maid that hatred and warfare must -be altogether odious to a God who had created such beauty. And it seemed -to them that man, the crown of his creation, was not fashioned for the -murder of his fellows, or to perish on the bloody field of battle. They -passed numerous sanctuaries and temples whose white pillars stood like -silent ghosts hiding amid the dark foliage of shady groves, or half -concealed behind some grassy hillock, but always the great vault of the -universal temple impressed upon them their common beliefs. At length -from the top of a woody eminence they beheld the silvery sheet of the -bay of Salamis, dotted with the Greek triremes. - -“Let us take this wooded path to the south,” suggested Zopyrus. “It will -take us to the shore at a point considerably north of the Persian forces -and out of the danger of meeting any chance pedestrians to Eleusis.” - -Persephone had explained that the road which they had traveled up to -this point was indeed the Sacred Way which led from Athens to the city -of Eleusis where there was a temple dedicated to the worship of Demeter -and of Dionysus. - -“Many of my friends are now on yonder island,” said Persephone pointing -in the direction of the mountains of Salamis which girdled the bay. - -“Why were you not with them in this time of peril to your city?” asked -the Persian. - -“Because my father, who is out there with the Greek fleet, left me in -the care of an old friend, Kyrsilus, who believed that Athens could be -saved by defending the Acropolis. My father will be frantic with grief -when he hears of the fate of Athens, for he lost a son, my twin brother, -in the battle of Thermopylæ. My brother Phales, was considered too young -to fight and was refused permission to join the naval forces when he -applied to Eurybiades, the commander of our fleet, so he united with the -Spartans under king Leonidas, and as you know, not one of the -three-hundred soldiers escaped death.” - -Zopyrus was too overcome with emotion to trust himself to speak. Like a -flash the association of her lovely face as she lay passive in his arms, -with that other face, so strangely similar, was made clear. His had been -the hand that had laid low that youth just on the threshold of manhood, -and caused sorrow to the brave father and the devoted sister! In his -mind he lived over again that period of mental anguish preceding the -battle of Thermopylæ. Then once again as in the heat of battle he saw -before him the handsome face of the Greek lad as he lay at his feet in -the peace of death. Oh, it was unbearable! He passed his hand across his -eyes as if to shut out the haunting vision and lo! as he drew his hand -away the same face was before him still, only now it appeared in the -fresh vigor of life! As they followed the course of the little by-path, -she noticed his sudden silence and wondered if it were possible that he -felt any sorrow that a Greek soldier, though her brother, had met death -in the pass of Thermopylæ. - -No more words passed between them until they stood side by side on a -small promontory, the bay, reflecting the glory of an afternoon sun at -their feet. Persephone stood shading her eyes and looking eagerly toward -the Greek triremes as if she hoped even at that distance to be able to -discern a familiar figure on board. It was with new emotions that -Zopyrus watched the slender form of the girl silhouetted against a -horizon of water and sky like a sylph limned on gauze. She was clad in -the flowing white, sleeveless _chiton_ of the women of higher caste, -with a plaited _kolpos_, giving a puff effect at the waist. Her hair, -gold where the sun shone upon it but brown in the shadows, was parted so -that it fell in loose waves around her temples. At the back, low in her -neck, it was gathered in a soft Psyche knot. Her nose was typically -Greek, straight and thin, and the perfect contour of cheek and chin was -the same that Zopyrus had observed in the slain lad at Thermopylæ. - -“Just so have the opposing fleets lain for days,” she cried. “That is -the position in which they were when news was received at Athens that -Aristides had arrived from Aegina whither he had been banished.” - -“Do you think the Greek fleet would do well to strike first? Why not -wait for the Persians to take the initiative?” Zopyrus asked. - -“Do you think I will tell you, a Persian, what I think?” she cried -angrily. - -He thought she was going to leave him, but in that he was mistaken. She -walked a few paces away still gazing with shaded eyes toward the -triremes. Her features now showed the tragic expression of despair. -Themistocles had told the Athenians that the Peloponnesians might -withdraw their ships, and this, Persephone knew would mean victory to -the Persians, and Asiatic rule in Greece. Why, oh why did the Greek -ships hold back! It was in an agony of despair that the girl sank to her -knees and would have fallen had Zopyrus not run to her assistance. - -“The prayer, oh, I had nearly forgotten the prayer for my people! I said -I would pray at the shore and so I shall, for the salvation of Greece -and the expulsion of the enemy!” The tears were coursing down her -rounded cheeks and her frame shook with sobs. Reverently she raised her -eyes to heaven and prayed with greater fervor than she had on the -Acropolis. Then a few lives had been at stake, now the future of a -nation and possibly races of mankind were involved! - -The sun apparently crept a few feet nearer its goal and still the girl -remained in her attitude of supplication. All at once she stood erect -and turned amazed in the direction of Eleusis and the Sacred Way. Borne -on the breeze that was wafted across the picturesque bay of Eleusis came -the sound of myriads of voices raised in a mighty pæan of joy. The chant -rose and fell in awful grandeur striking fear and adoring wonder to the -hearts of Persians and Greeks. - -“It is the Hymn to Dionysus!” cried Persephone. “That is the way it -sounds at festival times, only this is a thousand times grander. There -are none left in Greece to sing that hymn! Do you not see it is a -miracle sent by the Deity in answer to my prayer? Listen!” - -The volume of sound grew louder and more distinct until it seemed to -surround them and they stood dumb with astonishment. Out over the waters -of Salamis drifted the pæan of solemn, dignified joy, and into the heart -of every Greek it sent its message. Never to hear again in reality the -Hymn to Dionysus! Never to walk in joyous procession with the celebrants -from Athens to Eleusis, bearing the statue of Iocchos! Never to -celebrate the national festivals so dear to the heart of every Greek! -Was Greece to be overrun and conquered by Orientals? The pæan died away -gradually and was followed by an ominous, death-like silence. Then a -very different sound pierced the ears of the two listeners. It was the -battle-cry of the Greeks as they sent forth their ships to meet the -enemy. All fear had fled. Only one motive actuated the entire fleet and -that was to save Greece at any cost. - -“Do you see the ship that leads the assault?” cried Persephone -excitedly. “That is commanded by Lycomedes, a brave captain well -deserving of the honors he has won in previous conflicts, but the ship -behind is a close second.” - -The leading Greek ship pursued a Persian vessel which was seemingly but -a few feet in advance of the Greek boat. - -“The Persian vessel is making for that narrow space yonder but I doubt -if it will have room to turn about and face its antagonist. It is like -sailing between Scylla and Charybdis,” said Zopyrus. “Look it is about -to turn, but the space will not permit. There—!” - -As he spoke the boat commanded by Lycomedes struck that of the Persian -broadside, nearly cutting it in twain with the sharp, strong beak. -Instantly the greatest confusion reigned on board the damaged vessel. -Soldiers leapt into the water, preferring drowning to death or captivity -at the hands of the enemy. Persephone turned away with a shudder. -Zopyrus observed her narrowly. - -“It pains you to witness the victory of this Lycomedes?” he asked with a -touch of sarcasm. - -“No, no,” she replied in distressed tones, “I should have been glad to -hear of it, but I can not enjoy being an eye-witness to such a terrible -scene!” - -His feeling of bitterness left and he said more kindly, “Will you not go -and rest under the shade of some tree well out of sight and somewhat out -of sound of this battle?” - -Her reply rather surprised him. “If you can watch so serenely the -annihilation of your countrymen, I can endure witnessing the victory of -mine. Oh,” here she unconsciously clutched Zopyrus’ arm, unaware of the -thrill of contact to the Persian, “the second ship is commanded by my -brave uncle, Ameinias. Look, he is pursuing a Persian ship which has so -far eluded his beak!” - -The battle was now raging in earnest, Persephone and Zopyrus stood with -tense interest while at their feet was enacted one of the world’s great -tragic dramas. The narrow space in which they were engaged hindered the -Persians and rendered their superior number a disadvantage. Becoming -panic-stricken, they collided with each other. Oars were broken, and -unable to steer, they could not direct their blows with the prows, by -which means they sought to sink an enemy ship. The bay was a moving mass -of driving beaks and heaving wreckage. - -“Whose is the vessel that my uncle still pursues?” asked the girl -presently. - -“That is the ship of Artemisia, queen of Halicarnassus,” he replied. - -No sooner had the words fallen from his lips than the Karian queen’s -boat collided with that of one of her countrymen, and Ameinias abandoned -the pursuit. But Artemisia’s boat was not damaged and retreated quickly -to the Persian side. - -“I believe the collision was deliberate,” said Zopyrus more to himself -than to his companion. “By apparently becoming a deserter and sinking -one of her own ships, she escaped with her life.” - -“Who is this Artemisia, that she commands a ship and displays such keen -intelligence in naval warfare?” asked Persephone with growing interest. - -“She is a companion of Xerxes, and had proven a wise counsellor. Her -advice when followed has always been adept, and when unheeded, disaster -has resulted. This naval engagement with the Greeks was undertaken -entirely against her wishes and this is the result!” - -Persephone smiled. “I am glad I do not have to serve in the capacity of -king’s counsellor. My talents evidently lie in a different direction. I -can not cause battles to be fought or not, at will.” - -“No, little maid of Greece, but it seems that by your prayers you can -determine the results of the battles that _are_ fought. Your power is -far greater than that of Artemisia!” - -Her eyes were filled with tears of happiness. “The One God who is -powerful above all others _does_ hear and answer the prayers of earnest -suppliants.” - -It was difficult to say whether the sweet loveliness in the lines of -Persephone’s face, or her majesty of character gave her the greater -fascination, but as the youth gazed upon her features illuminated with -triumph and joy, he became convinced that she was the most attractive -woman he had ever known. - -“When the battle is over, where will you go?” he asked. - -“Wherever my father or uncle wish,—and you?” - -For a moment he hesitated. Should he tell her of his Greek mother and of -the conflicting emotions which had been his ever since the beginning of -the campaign? She observed his indecision and said softly even -seductively: “You have seen much to rouse your sympathy for my people, -have you not? Surely the atrocities wrought by the Persians have not met -with the approval of one who could rescue a maiden in dire distress, -though she were of the enemy!” - -Zopyrus was soldier before he was lover. He had come over with the -Persian host to aid in subduing Greece, and here he was nearly allowing -himself to be swayed by the charms of a Greek maid. For the moment he -forgot that his Greek mother had been the strongest influence, barring -his vows as an officer, that had as yet actuated him in this campaign. -He felt momentarily the sting of the defeat of Salamis. - -“I go to the Persians at Phalerum, after I have seen you safe with your -people,” he replied coldly. - -“There is no danger now,” she answered, and there was a twinkle in her -eye. “With the defeat of the Persians, I am secure in my own country.” - -He looked at her speechlessly as she stood in an attitude of superb -defiance, then moved by a sudden impulse, he strode toward her and -gathered her roughly in his arms, crushing her against him till she -cried out with pain. - -“You see your danger is not over, is it?” he asked fiercely. - -She ceased to struggle, and when he looked at her pale face and into her -eyes, which are ever truer messengers of the soul than the spoken words -of the mouth, he read a truth which bewildered him. Passionately he -kissed her lips, once, twice, thrice, then rudely put her from him and -strode away in the direction of Phalerum. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - The Traitor of Thermopylæ. - - - “Maid of Athens, ere we part, - Give, O, give me back my heart! - Or since it has left my breast, - Keep it now, and take the rest!” - Lord Byron. - -A small barge shot out from the shadows of a cliff through the light -spray which spumed about its prow as it cut the billows. Its occupants, -in addition to the two oarsmen, were a youth and maiden of comely -features. The former was clad in a long, deep bordered _chiton_ covered -with a _chlamys_ or cape of semi-military style. His feet were protected -by leather sandals, bound with straps about the calves of his legs. In -indolent ease he stretched his too graceful form and gazed from beneath -half closed eye-lids at the beautiful young woman who reclined upon a -cushioned dais at the boat’s prow. The woman, if she were conscious of -the other’s gaze, did not make it manifest. Her eyes sought the tranquil -water with a dreamy, faraway expression. For some time the two sat thus. -At length the man’s attitude of indolence changed abruptly. He leaned -forward, drawing his companion’s gaze to his. - -“Why this coolness to me, Persephone? You have been a changed girl ever -since I found you wandering alone on the shore near Eleusis. Have the -horrors of recent events affected your reason, that you do not smile -upon me as was your wont?” - -“It must be the war, Ephialtes, that makes my spirit so downcast. If -only the entire Persian army had retreated across the Hellespont with -Xerxes! Hordes of them still remain in Thessaly, rallying, I presume, to -attack us again.” - -“We are safe here at Salamis for the time being, and if I thought what -you have said was the true cause of your listlessness, I should not -worry, but I have feared lately that you consider seriously the -attentions of Icetes, may Pluto take him!” - -Persephone colored to her temples at these words. “Icetes is a sincere -and lovable friend. He is no more to me than an elder brother and I will -not hear his name so defiled.” - -A sneer curled the handsome lips of the Greek but his expression changed -quickly to one of passionate adoration. “I have loved you ever since I -first saw you, Persephone, and I will not allow another to come between -you, the rare object of my affections and me. Your father has consented -to a betrothal, has he not?” - -The maiden looked away quickly. “Father does not wholly approve of you, -Ephialtes, if the truth must be known. You know father has strict ideas -and I am his only daughter!” - -“Of course you are,” the young man responded irritably, “but he must -expect you to wed sometime, and where will he find a better suitor for -your hand outside of royalty? I have wealth,” here Ephialtes touched the -rich border of his costly garment and the jewel in his dark hair, “good -looks, and prospects of political favor.” - -Persephone hesitated to state that the doubtful source of Ephialtes’ -wealth was one of her father’s objections to him as a prospective -son-in-law. Also the fact that he spent his money lavishly upon personal -comforts and luxuries, but had failed to donate toward the sum being -raised for the rebuilding of Athens, was against him. - -“Do not press me for an answer now, Ephialtes. The Persians have not yet -been expelled from Greece, and you may have to don helmet and cuirass -once again before our beloved country is safe from the oriental -invader.” - -“When the Athenians return to rebuild Athens will you give me your -answer?” persisted Ephialtes. - -“I will consider seriously at that time,” replied the girl smiling -demurely into the handsome face now close to her own. - -Persephone was a true Greek in that she believed that physical beauty -was the index of the rarer qualities of mind and heart. The youth who -sat opposite possessed physical beauty to an unusual degree. The soft -breezes from across the water stirred his dark thick locks, and the -dazzling reflection of the late afternoon sun on the dancing waves was -reflected a second time from his dark eyes whose light fluctuated even -as that upon the oscillating surface of the water. - -“Tell me again of your heroism at Thermopylæ,” whispered the maiden. - -“No, I would not seem to brag of my gift of valor. It is enough, is it -not, that I have told you of my attempt to save the life of Leonidas?” - -Persephone smiled at him in approval, then her features became serious -as she asked: “Has the traitor of Thermopylæ yet been discovered? But -for him, our city would not now be in ashes and thousands of lives would -have been spared including that of my dear brother, Phales.” - -She raised tear-dimmed eyes to her companion: “Ephialtes, seek the -traitor and deliver him to us, that through the agency of man, God may -avenge that foul act of treason. Could you do this, Greece would honor -your name as it did that of Miltiades.” - -The man turned his face away, his mood quickly altered by the girl’s -words. - -“Humanity is fickle,” he replied with a peculiar air of detachment. -“Miltiades did not enjoy public favor for long, you remember. Just -because he went on a little trip to avenge a personal wrong, immediately -the populace forgot his heroism at Marathon and convicted him for that -minor offence.” - -“But,” replied the girl, “Miltiades became arrogant and forgot public -interests for his own. Zeus always punishes insolence by having Justice -recompense in due season.” - -Ephialtes was obstinately silent, unmoved by Persephone’s words. He -dared say no more for fear of betraying himself. Persephone, he loved to -as great an extent as it is possible for one of such selfish instincts -to love. She did not possess great wealth, and conscious of his own -mercenary nature, he wondered that he could so love where money was no -object. He had great respect for her mental superiority, while at the -same time he feared it, but it was her physical loveliness which -appealed to him most. He longed to possess her, body and soul, and the -usual patience with which he could await the attainment of his desires, -was becoming depleted. He had always prided himself on his ability to -bridle his impulses if he felt that they interfered in any way with the -ultimate attainment of a desired goal. Where self-restraint is lacking, -there is no order, and no one knew this any better than Ephialtes. - -It was that magical hour between daylight and dusk that is of such short -duration in the countries of the south. Away to the west stretched the -hills of Salamis, the setting sun shedding a flood of glory upon the -picturesque undulations. Then one by one the stars began to appear and -soon the canopy of the heavens was studded with myriads of twinkling -lights. - -“Let us hasten back to the island,” said Persephone shivering slightly. -“The air is chill and I brought no wrap with me.” - -The young man removed his cape and placed it around the shoulders of his -companion. Persephone seemed despondent. Even the beauty of the evening -on the water beneath the stars did not cheer her. The barge was now, at -the request of the maiden, turning its prow toward the promontories of -her temporary home. - -“Persephone,” pleaded the youth once more, “will you not give me an -answer now, and if in the affirmative, I shall be the happiest man in -all Greece.” - -Persephone smiled a little, but was still troubled. - -“Dear Ephialtes,” she said, “you have it in you to be so brave as you -proved at Thermopylæ, but before I consent to a marriage between us, I -want one more accomplishment that will bring glory to your name. -Discover for our country Thermopylæ’s traitor.” - -Ephialtes’ brow clouded. “That is a very difficult task. Will not proof -of heroic valor in the next conflict with the Persians suffice to bring -you to my arms, a willing bride?” - -The barge now glided into a cove near the city, and Ephialtes rose to -assist his fair companion in alighting from her seat at the prow. As she -yielded her arm to his, she raised to his face a countenance, though -outwardly serene, yet strangely determined. - -“On the day that you deliver to Greece the traitor of Thermopylæ I will -become your wife.” - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - Athena Speaks Through the Olive Branch. - - - “We climb the ancient steep, which chief and sage - Mounted before, through many a changeful age; - Where Cimon blessed the gods that Greece was free, - And Thrasybulus shouted ‘Victory.’” - Nicholas Michell. - -At the top of the long rugged path by which one mounted the Acropolis, -stood a young man of martial bearing. Upon his features contempt and -yearning curiously mingled. At his feet lay a city now silent and -deserted, which had once teemed with active humanity. Whether he looked -to north or south, to east or west, there crowded upon his memory in -rapid succession, incidents that brought to him the convincing reality -that this city was associated with all that was dear to him. - -The fleeting memories that crowded in and out of his mind came from a -diversity of experiences. Now there came to him thoughts as he looked -toward the Agora[2] that brought a wistful smile to his lips. He was -once more a mischievous boy running through the busy market to escape -the wrath of the pursuing vender whom he had angered by the theft of a -tempting bit of fruit. Then—and his brow clouded while a blush of shame -flushed his cheek—he was a wild youth arrogant and proud, and steeped in -sin, how deep, he did not realize till later! Then had followed the -excitement of war—his father as commander of the Greeks had won a great -victory over the Persians at Marathon! His father the great Miltiades, -whose name was on every tongue and whose praise was sung throughout -Greece, returned, the idol of the hour, and Cimon, though too young to -have participated at Marathon, commemorated his parent’s triumph with a -sumptuous feast, the like of which had never before nor since been -celebrated in Athens. And then—here Cimon’s head sank upon his -breast—had followed the disgrace and death of that father whose bravery -had been extoled throughout the land. His courageous father who had -stood firm before the darts of Datis and Artaphernes, yielded to a -desire to avenge a petty, personal wrong, and fell with an arrow in his -heart. But after all, Cimon considered, had not the father’s disgrace -brought the son to his senses? His former friends shunned him in a way -that he knew was due not alone to the paternal disgrace, but to the -former arrogance with which he had flaunted his pride of social standing -in the faces of his associates. - -The blush of shame which mantled his brow gave evidence of the remorse -which the young Cimon had suffered. Suddenly he stood erect and held his -head high, a triumphant gleam in his blue eyes. Yes he had made a real -man of himself after all and had won the respect and confidence of his -fellows, not through his poor father’s achievements, but through virtues -of his own. He would do what he could yet to bring this beloved city -back to her former splendor. The Persians though defeated at Salamis, -would he knew, rally for another attack, for they had not left northern -Greece, and he, Cimon, would exert himself to the utmost to save the -land which his father had so bravely defended ten years before. - -His eyes glowed with enthusiasm while visions of the future held him in -absorption. What Miltiades had been to Greece, he would be, and _more_. -His father had been all soldier, but in him, Cimon, were there not -mingled some of the qualities necessary to the making of a statesman as -well? He turned and viewed with grief the ponderous slabs that had once -composed the temple to Athena. Would not Athens soon need another such -edifice, grander and of more beautiful proportions than the one which -had recently occupied this site? Some leader would arise after this war, -why not he? Of course Themistocles, here his brow puckered to a frown, -was a great man and had been the savior of Greece at Salamis, but -Themistocles would soon be past his prime, whereas _he_ was young. He -drew himself to his full height, unconsciously placed his hand upon the -hilt of his sword and gazed beyond the north horizon in which direction -he knew the Persians rallied for another attack upon the stronghold of -Attica. - -His mind returned again to the statesman, Themistocles. He had been the -last person to see Ladice alive, and it was known for certain that she -was among those who ascended the Acropolis with Kyrsilus. Although it -was first reported that all of that brave little band had been -slaughtered, rumor had been rife that some of the younger women had been -spared—but only to meet a worse fate; that of captivity in the harems of -the Persians. If that had been Ladice’s fate, far better that she had -met death with the others on the Acropolis! But Ladice did not love him. -Oh, the sting of that realization! Ladice knew of the wild life that he -had led and of the drunken orgies in which he had participated. Perhaps -it was presumptuous for him to think with love upon a girl of such -stainless character as Ladice, but had he not vowed by all the gods that -he would live an upright life and had he not kept that vow for nearly -four years? - -Slowly he advanced among the ruins which lay about him, mute evidences -of a destructive power as yet unconquered. - -“She probably offered a last prayer to Athena here,” he surmised as he -sadly surveyed what had once been the sanctuary of that goddess. Vainly -he strove to suppress the violent agitation of his soul. At last with a -despairing cry he sank to his knees, and with uplifted hands prayed to -the goddess: “Oh Athena, thou who knowest what took place at thy -sanctuary, even though thou wert unable to defend it against the hordes -of Xerxes, did Ladice die among the followers of Kyrsilus or was she -taken captive by Persian soldiers? If she is now a prisoner among them, -is there a chance for her rescue? Is there a chance for this city that -is named for thee O Athena? Give me a sign, O Goddess, that is all I -ask, a sign that I may set forth with renewed hope and vigor to aid in -expelling the dreaded foes from our boundaries!” - -Cimon staggered to his feet, his eyes resting wearily on the debris that -was piled about him. Presently among the fragments of a demolished -pillar he saw something that caused him to doubt the truthfulness of his -sight. Here on the top of the Acropolis where destruction through the -agency of fire and sword had been followed by chaos, was a bit of living -green vegetation! Cimon approached in awe and bewilderment, then he -uttered an exclamation of joy, for the sacred olive tree which had been -planted in honor of the patron goddess years before, had sent forth a -new green shoot a cubit in length. The young man knew as he gazed upon -this miracle of life sprung from the ashes of death, that Athena spoke -by the olive-branch the promise that Athens should arise from her -despair and ruin. With a lighter heart than he had felt for many a weary -day, Cimon descended the path, and in his heart not only hope, but a -grim determination to help in the restoration of his beloved city, found -lodgment. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - The Banquet of Attaginus. - - - “How oft when men are at the point of death - Have they been merry!” - Shakespeare. - -After the defeat of the Persians at Salamis, Xerxes retreated across the -Hellespont to Asia, but Mardonius was not so easily disheartened. With -three hundred thousand men he wintered in Thessaly making thorough -preparations for a second attack upon Athens the following summer. What -was his utter amazement upon re-entering the city to find it completely -deserted, its citizens having remained at Salamis, Troezen and Aegina. -Thereupon he retreated to Thebes in Bœotia there to await the Greek -offensive which was to be strengthened by aid from the Spartans. - -On a certain evening in spring, ten months after the destruction of -Athens, Zopyrus and his friend Masistius, sat outside the entrance of -the latter’s tent in the Persian encampment near Thebes. The night was -cool for that time of the year, but the chill was warded off to some -extent by a brightly blazing fire. - -“What think you of this sumptuous feast to be given by the Theban -Attaginus, on the morrow?” asked Zopyrus. - -“I expect I shall enjoy the feast, but I do not admire the Bœotians,” -replied Masistius. “They are unfaithful to their country’s cause, and -above all things I loathe a traitor. Of course our outward appearances -must be those of friendship, for they are of inestimable service to the -Persian cause, but how different from the traitorous Thebans was that -little band of Athenians who tried to defend their Acropolis!” - -Zopyrus’ brow clouded at memory of that tragic scene. “By the way -Masistius, what became of the girl whom Xerxes gave to Artabazus when -the latter was forced to surrender the maiden to whom I laid claim?” - -Masistius gazed silently into the bright flames and tossed a twig into -the fire, watching it a moment before he spoke. - -“Her young life will be consumed just as that twig. She was taken away -by Artabazus and is now a captive in his harem.” - -Masistius paused a moment impressively, then he asked without even -glancing in Zopyrus’ direction: “And the other maiden, what of her? But -that is a rude question,” he added, laying an affectionate hand upon the -other’s shoulder. “I presume by now she is safe with her people.” - -Zopyrus turned quickly and sought his companion’s gaze. “Friend -Masistius,” he said, “I have kept locked within my breast these ten -months, a secret, so precious that I hesitate to share it, and I would -not do so were it not approaching the eve of battle, but to you who -throughout this entire campaign, have been the only friend whose ideas -of life coincide with mine, I will disclose that which I had not thought -to reveal to mortal man. Although my acquaintance with the maiden of -whom you speak was of short duration, it was, nevertheless, long enough -to convince me that I want her for my wife.” - -The Persian cavalryman expressed no little surprise at his friend’s -disclosure. - -“Was the infatuation mutual?” he asked. - -“If I possess any ability in interpreting a maiden’s thoughts through -her eyes, my love is reciprocated,” said Zopyrus, the color mounting to -his temples. - -“If that be the case,” spoke Masistius heartily, “may Ahura-Mazdâo bring -you together after we have conquered Greece!” - -“And if we cannot succeed in subduing the Greeks?” - -“Then Zeus may perform the act of reuniting you,” replied Masistius -somewhat bitterly. - -The fire had by this time died down till only a few glowing embers -remained. Zopyrus rose to take his leave. - -“Farewell, Masistius, till the feast. Forget the confidences of the past -hour. This love of mine can avail nothing.” - -“Of that I am not so sure, Zopyrus. The vision of a certain beautiful -young woman has kept up my courage that might otherwise have failed me.” - -With a friendly hand-clasp, the two parted. - - * * * * * * * * - -The hall appropriated to the feast was part of the private home of the -Theban leader, Attaginus. Through a wide entrance at one side of the -hall, the guests glimpsed a court, the floor of which was of variegated -mosaic tiles forming intricate designs and patterns. In the center a -marble fountain tossed up its silvery cooling spray. Among the potted -palms and ferns, birds of bright-colored plumage flitted about adding -their sweet notes to that of cithera and flute. Rarest flowers of every -hue glowed from sculptured vases among the green foliage of the plants, -and sweet spices burned in guilded tripods. - -Within the hall the cedar-wood tables[3] groaned under the weight of -gold and silver dishes filled with tasty viands. There were thrushes -browned to a turn, fish, lentils, olive-oil, cheese, fruit, cakes baked -in the shape of Persian and Greek soldiers, and many desserts and -dainties to induce thirst for the wine which was to come later. - -The astute Attaginus had arranged his guests in such a manner that a -Bœotian and a Persian occupied the same couch. In this way he hoped to -stimulate the fraternal spirit between Persian and Greek. Thus Artabazus -found himself occupying a couch with a Theban cavalryman by the name of -Timegenidas, Masistius discovered his companion to be a certain Theban, -Asopodorus, while Mardonius and Attaginus were partners. - -Zopyrus being an inferior officer to those mentioned, sat among others -of equal rank with himself at an end of the hall. In spite of the revel -and festivity about him, he labored in vain to throw off a sense of -depression. To one of his nature it was impossible to forget the -probable tragedies of the morrow in the carousal and merry-making of -today. These men about him were trying to veil sorrow with levity; a -thing that men have done for countless ages and probably always will; a -last expiring effort to enjoy life while it is still in their -possession; a desire to crowd out of consciousness the possibility of -oblivion by a present rapturous delight in the reality of existence. - -The Greek who sat with Zopyrus observed his nonchalance and endeavored -to encourage conversation. He plied Zopyrus with questions as to his -native city, the details of the campaign from Sardis to Thessaly, until -the Persian was forced to make similar inquiries in regard to the -Bœotian, who he learned was a citizen of Orchomenus, by the name of -Thersander. - -At the close of the above mentioned courses servants entered and moved -noiselessly about, putting wreaths on the heads and around the necks of -the guests and pouring upon them sweet-scented ointments. At this point -in the feast Attaginus arose and all eyes were turned in his direction. - -“We will appoint a symposiarch[4] by lot,” he explained, “so that Greek -and Persian will be treated fairly.” - -“I believe my companion here would make an excellent symposiarch,” said -Timegenidas, laughingly indicating Artabazus. “I think he would be -sparing in the use of water. Am I right, my friend?” - -“Where wine, revelry and women, though the latter are sadly wanting -here, are concerned,” said Artabazus in a loud voice, “there I am -willing to take a prominent part.” - -“I am sure you would prove an excellent symposiarch,” courteously -replied the host, “but we will tonight follow the usual custom and cast -lots for that service.” - -The lot fell to Masistius before whom the servants placed a large ornate -mixing bowl upon a handsome golden salver. In accordance with his -practice of moderation in all things, Masistius used three parts of -water to two of wine, much to the disgust of Artabazus and a few others -present. - -“Masistius,” called Artabazus, “this may be the last wine we drink here -on earth, so beware of mixing frog’s wine. Make it strong enough for us -to forget in it the threatening dangers of tomorrow. Add some more of -that which our host says comes from Lesbos!” - -The symposiarch ignored the latter’s remarks. His large, well-built -frame, as he performed his task, attracted the attention of all the -banqueters. - -“If he attains such superb physique with three parts of water and two of -wine, we can do no better than to follow his example,” said one. - -“It is said there is none braver among the men of the cavalry,” remarked -another. - -To all this conversation, Zopyrus was a silent listener. His eyes rested -with fond approval upon the manly form of his friend Masistius. He -watched closely the frank, open countenance and was well pleased with -the jovial, but at the same time, dignified demeanor. How would it fare -with Masistius on the morrow? Of himself he did not think. He was -presently aware that Artabazus was addressing the banqueters generally. - -“You Greeks actually do not seem to miss the presence of women at your -banquets! Now to me, for my tastes are so refined, the presence of -feminine beauty adds a charm for which no amount of flowers, birds or -music can substitute.” - -The Greek Asopodorus now spoke, and his voice in contrast to the raucous -accents of the Persian, fell pleasingly upon the ears of the feasters. -“We Greeks believe in a unit of love in which love of beauty, of wealth, -sensual love, intellectual love and many others are but earthly -modifications of the true and the good. Thus a love which satisfies the -æsthetic can take as great delight in the manly strength of a youth’s -body as in the graceful, softer lines of a woman’s form.” - -“Ah,” thought Zopyrus, “Many of these Greeks think and feel as -Asopodorus. Their adoration of loveliness in any form is their -outstanding characteristic. They love the beauty of this earthly -paradise in which they dwell, yet because they love power less, they are -turning over their beautiful land to foreigners. If I had only been born -a Greek!” - -He glanced at Thersander. “I am half Greek, and may the gods smite me if -I do not look more Greek than this fellow near me! If it were not for -Masistius whom I love as a brother, I believe I should not tolerate -seeing this fair land over-run by such as Artabazus and many another -eastern despot.” - -Although the wine was not strong enough to intoxicate if taken in -moderation, the spirits of many of the guests were rising as the evening -wore on, owing to excessive drinking. At length six girls, whose hair -was entwined with daisies, appeared at the entrance to the court. Each -held a lyre and sang as she moved lightly on tip-toe between the tables. -They were modestly attired so as not to offend the taste of the most -fastidious, for Attaginus was a conservative man and much respected in -Thebes. - -“So much for your love of the æsthetic, Attaginus,” laughed Mardonius, -winking at the Theban. “In accordance with your theory why did you not -have some handsome youths dance with the lyre?” - -“Because,” replied Attaginus, “the male figure does not appear as well -in a dance, but I could have put on a wrestling match that I think would -well have pleased my guests.” - -“The girls will prove far better entertainers,” said Artabazus, who had -overheard the conversation, “but why are their charms so hidden? They -might better be a group of priestesses than dancers amid the revelry and -loud clamor of a banquet!” - -The evening wore on in this fashion, the feasters trying to out-rival -one another in attracting the attention of the six damsels. When the -singing and dancing were at an end and the maidens had disappeared, the -conversation turned to the more serious matters of the approaching -battle. Mardonius spoke. - -“The Athenians will regret their refusal to form an alliance with us -against the Peleponnesians. Remember Thermopylæ, my friend and do not -forget that Salamis was a naval battle. Athens’ powerful navy will avail -her naught in the approaching conflict.” - -“Your great leader speaks most encouragingly, my friend,” said -Thersander addressing Zopyrus, “wherefore are you so downcast?” - -Zopyrus paused a moment before replying, then said in a voice low enough -to be audible only to his companion: - -“Since you have now partaken with me at the same table, I desire to -leave with you some memorial of my convictions: the rather in order that -you may be yourself forewarned so as to take the best counsel for your -own safety. Do you see these Persians here feasting, and did you observe -the army which we left yonder encamped near the river? Yet a little -while, and out of all these you will behold but a few surviving!” - -Thersander replied. “Surely you are bound to reveal this to Mardonius -and to his confidential advisers!” - -But the Persian rejoined. “My friend, man can not avert that which God -has decreed to come. No one will believe the revelation, sure though it -be. Many of us Persians know this well, and are here serving only under -the bond of necessity. And truly this is the most hateful of all human -suffering—to be full of knowledge and at the same time to have no power -over any result.” - -Zopyrus was himself amazed at his own frank outburst. Many times had he -longed thus to express himself, and so he had revealed to Thersander -what he dared not to his friend Masistius. The east was kindling into a -glorious day as the banqueters took leave of their host, Attaginus. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - Masistius’ Message to Zopyrus. - - - “But down on his threshold, down! - Sinks the warrior’s failing breath, - The tale of that mighty field - Is left to be told by Death.” - Letitia Elizabeth Landon. - -Platæa lay on the northern slope of beautiful Mt. Cithæron at the foot -of which wound the picturesque river Asopus. On this day in midsummer, -four hundred and seventy-nine B. C., three hundred thousand Persians and -fifty thousand Greek allies were encamped on the north bank of the river -while the confederate Greek army which numbered one hundred and ten -thousand, waited for the Persian attack on the slopes of Cithæron. -Because of unfavorable advice from soothsayers, both sides hesitated to -commence the assault. - -After several days of suspense, Mardonius summoned his soothsayer to his -tent, the same tent occupied by Xerxes before his return to Asia. The -general sat before a table gazing steadfastly at a parchment which was -spread before him. The soothsayer bowed and approached Mardonius. - -“Did you send for me, my lord?” he asked. - -Mardonius lifted a face that was strangely pale and haggard. “Aye, -Hegesistratus, I would know the latest signs.” - -“It grieves me that the signs are all unfavorable, especially in the -case of an initiative on the Persian side,” replied the soothsayer. - -Mardonius frowned. “Can you not tell us what it were best to do? If you -can not I shall find a man who can.” - -“My lord,” replied Hegesistratus, “I have examined closely the entrails -of every sacrificial animal, and the signs are the same. Would you know -the truth? I am here to tell you, no matter what that truth may be.” - -Mardonius leaned forward clutching the table until the knuckles of his -hands were white. “Tell me, Hegesistratus, am I in imminent danger?” - -The seer turned his face slowly away and made no reply. - -“Speak, dog, or your head will be forfeit!” cried the wrathful general. - -“Then if you must needs know,” responded the reluctant prophet, “you are -in grave danger.” - -“Is there no hope?” asked Mardonius turning very pale. - -“All men pass through certain periods of danger and such a one is now -imminent for you, my lord, but the time of no man’s death is absolutely -fated and mayhap this crisis will pass!” - -“Depart and send Masistius to me at once,” said the leader in great -agitation. - -A few moment later the tent folds parted, admitting the gigantic form of -the cavalryman. The sight of the heroic figure seemed to cheer -Mardonius, for in place of his customary tones of peremptory command, he -spoke informally, even affectionately to the brave Persian. - -“Masistius I have decided to delay no longer, for provisions are low. It -is my wish that you lead the Persian cavalry in an offensive. We number -three times the enemy, therefore why delay longer?” - -“All that a true soldier wants to know is that he understands his -orders. Your slightest wish is a command, Mardonius. I shall go at -once.” - -“You are a brave man, Masistius. Ask what you will after this encounter, -and it shall be granted you. I will show Hegesistratus what little faith -I put in his soothsaying!” - -A few hours after this Masistius approached Zopyrus, calling him away -from a group of soldiers with whom he was conversing. - -“Zopyrus, I go shortly to charge the enemy and if the gods will that I -do not return, read this and obey its instructions.” So saying he thrust -into his friend’s hand a bit of parchment. A few seconds fraught with -emotion and Masistius strode off to obey his superior’s orders. - -When the Athenians observed the approach of the Persian cavalry they -descended to the plain below. Zopyrus stood, a tense figure, behind the -barracks. His bosom swelled with pride as he watched the manly form of -Masistius mounted on a black charger, likewise of huge proportions. - -“Now if I but knew the secret power of the maiden’s prayer!” thought he. - -Riding rapidly at the head of the Greek cavalry was the Athenian -Olympiodorus, a white steed bearing him to the scene of conflict. He was -not a man of large frame, but his attitude of calm self-reliance and his -military bearing gave promise to Masistius that here was an opponent -worthy of the utmost exertion of belligerent mettle. On came the two -principal antagonists, the distance between them steadily decreasing. At -last they met with a clash of weapons. - -The Greek was successful in parrying the stroke of the Persian. With -exceptional agility he dodged now this way, now that, bringing to naught -the superior strength of his antagonist. At length Olympiodorus began -losing ground. His muscles were tiring under the continued strain of -warding off his opponent’s thrust. Just when it would seem that -Masistius could make the final stab, another horseman rode up to the -assistance of Olympiodorus. In this unequal conflict Masistius felt -himself a loser. He wondered why his friends did not come to his aid, -but was vaguely conscious that they were busily engaged in battle. Still -he labored on parrying each thrust till he relaxed in complete -exhaustion and a second later fell as the sword of Olympidiorus’ helper -pierced his vitals. So perished Masistius, one of the bravest of -Mardonius’ soldiers. - -From his position behind the bulwarks, Zopyrus witnessed the death of -his dearest friend. He stood for a moment as one in a stupor. His -consciousness seemed gradually to weaken, flicker and die out, then a -new spirit appeared to take hold of him and slowly gain predominance. -After struggling for months with indecision which was gradually -destroying his willpower, the right course for him to take became -unquestionably apparent. He realized that since the defeat at Salamis, -Masistius had been the only bond that held him to the Persian despot -whose many acts of atrocity he had viewed with growing aversion. The -influence of his Greek mother had at last gained undeniable supremacy. -She had taught him while it is manly to love one’s country, it is -God-like to love the world. - -It was a new Zopyrus who turned and with resolute steps sought the -seclusion of his tent. With deferential fingers he touched the note -which his departed friend had given him and perused it with eyes moist -with unshed tears. It ran as follows: - -“To Zopyrus greetings—When you read this, my dear friend, you will know -that I am no longer among the living. My one regret is that I can not -carry out in the body that which I planned. Would it be asking too much -of you, my friend and comrade, to undertake that which death makes -impossible of accomplishment? Do you remember the eve of the Theban’s -banquet when you confessed to me that you loved a Greek maiden, whom you -returned unharmed to her people? I did not then tell you that a somewhat -similar experience has been mine. But to make this clear to you, I must -go back to that moment upon the Acropolis in Athens when Xerxes gave to -you the girl whom Artabazus had seized. If you were not too busy with -your own affairs you will remember that after granting this maid to you, -Xerxes then told Artabazus to take the other girl. I happened to be -standing beside Artabazus at the time, and never shall I forget the -agonized expression upon the Greek maid’s face as she felt herself -seized by the Persian. I understand and speak Greek but poorly, yet I -knew what she said. Observing that I did not enter into the course jests -of the other soldiers, she pled with me to save her from Artabazus, a -thing I would willingly have attempted had it been at all possible. - -“The memory of her naturally fair face distorted in the agony of fear, -haunted me and I resolved to attempt a rescue. I knew she was confined -in a tent to the rear of that of Artabazus where a number of Persian -women were kept under guard of a eunuch. I passed by the tent often that -evening under pretext of official duty beyond. At last I was rewarded by -the sight of a piece of parchment slipped under a fold of the tent. I -placed my foot upon it while I looked about to be assured no one had -witnessed the passing of the note which read: - -“‘I am a prisoner in the harem of Artabazus. Can you save me? Artabazus -has promised not to harm me till after the encounter between Greeks and -Persians. This promise was wrung from him principally through the -efforts of a jealous Persian woman who threatened my life. He and she -made a compromise, the result of which was that I should be forced to -surrender myself to him immediately after the next conflict regardless -of which side came through victorious. If you can rescue me before the -close of another battle, I will owe you a debt of gratitude which I can -never repay—Ladice.’ - -“As you are aware, Zopyrus, this occurred at Phalerum, and since then -Persians and Greeks have not met in conflict until now. I have had other -occasions during the ten months of our sojourn in Thessaly to secretly -communicate with Ladice, and in each of her messages she has assured me -of the strict manner in which his favorite mistress forces Artabazus to -abide by his word. During this time I felt my heart undergoing a change -from pity to love for this Greek girl who was so dependent upon my -mercy, and upon one occasion I grew bold enough to write in words my -adoration and hopes for the future. Her answer the next day contained -the happy news that my love was returned, and I planned on a rescue -during the next conflict, stating that I believed our communications had -better cease in order to decrease the possibility of further danger. She -told me that she believed Pædime, the jealous paramour of Artabazus, had -suspected the exchange of our notes, but realizing it to be to her -advantage to allow Ladice to escape, she had maintained a discreet -silence. - -“This then is the situation that I leave and that I trust my friend -Zopyrus to take up where fate has forced me to leave it. May the -good-will of Ahura-Mazdâo follow you in all your efforts throughout -life—Masistius.” - -The changed Zopyrus sat a moment buried in deepest thought. Without he -heard the noises which accompany preparation for battle. He hurried -forth into the open. - -“What are Mardonius’ orders?” he asked of the first soldier he saw. - -“Look for yourself,” cried the fellow excitedly, “and you will know what -his orders must be.” - -Zopyrus turned his gaze to the slopes of Cithæron and saw that the -Greeks who had held back reservedly were now, emboldened by the death of -a prominent opponent, pouring down the verdant hillside. The well-aimed -arrows of the Persians, however, kept them at bay. - -Zopyrus spied several of the Persian leaders in heated argument. As he -approached, the Theban, Timegenidas, was speaking. - -“You know well, Mardonius, that their water supply from the Asopus river -is completely cut off. Where are they able to get water?” - -“I have just been informed,” replied the leader, “that they are getting -water from a fountain called Gargaphia, yonder,” and he pointed to the -east. “Will you, Zopyrus, investigate this fountain? Take another man -with you this very night and see if it will be possible to fill the -fountain with dirt and stones. If we can do this we may well be sanguine -of success.” - -The commander turned to Artabazus. “Does the plan meet with your -approval, Artabazus?” he asked. - -“Entirely, Mardonius. I am weary of warfare and only too glad to try any -plan that may bring the quickest results.” - -To Zopyrus only did this remark have any special significance. He knew -that Artabazus was thinking of the fair captive whom he was to possess -as soon as the battle was over. - -“There,” cried Zopyrus, “the Greeks are retreating. Our arrows have held -them in check. At this time tomorrow there will be a surprise in store!” - -It was true. The Greeks were fleeing from the open plain to the shady -recesses of the mountain, there to rally for a renewed defense on the -morrow. - - * * * * * * * * - -On the silken covers of a couch in a remote corner of the tent which was -occupied by the women of the harem of Artabazus, lay the grief-stricken -form of the Greek captive, Ladice. She had been informed of the death of -Masistius, and with that realization had come also the awful knowledge -that soon she would be the property of the Persian Artabazus, whose -lewdness was the common talk of the camp. Her brows were delicately -arched and her long lashes swept her cheeks meeting the flush of color -brought to her face as a result of hours of feverish weeping. Her hair, -brown with a gleam of copper, hung over her partially bare shoulders. - -Hovering above her with contemptuous gaze, was the Persian girl, -Phædime, the reigning queen of Artabazus’ harem until the close of the -battle of Platæa. Her full lips were twisted into a sneer, and there was -a venomous light in the almond-shaped eyes of jet. Her blue-black hair -was parted above a low white brow and hung in long, thick, glossy braids -over her shoulders. - -“So your lover is dead!” she said tauntingly. “You can not regret that -fact more than I, for I had hoped to see him take you away from -Artabazus, but Artabazus is mine, do you hear? Do you think I can bear -to see you in his arms? I have promised not to kill you, but I will try -to assist you to escape if you can do so without these others knowing -what I have done.” She indicated the other women in the tent. - -“It is impossible,” sobbed Ladice. “The eyes of that hideous eunuch are -forever upon me and there are armed guards without.” - -Phædime bent over the prostrate form in a more menacing attitude. - -“I believe you do not want to go,” she said between closed teeth, “but I -will make it so unpleasant for you here that you will be glad to go even -if suicide offers the only hope for escape. Mark my words well, for I -make no idle threats!” With which words she left the unhappy Greek -prisoner. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - The Rescue of Ladice. - - - “... Beyond the Theban plain - Stretches to airy distance, till it seems - Lifted in air,—green cornfields, olive groves - Blue as their heaven, and lakes, and winding rivers.” - James Gates Percival. - -Now in the fitful lurid glow of a hundred campfires, now in the gloomy -shadows of tents or trees, Zopyrus crept stealthily toward the tent of -Artabazus. It was approaching midnight, and with the exception of the -occupants of Mardonius’ tent, the Persians slept, many of them for the -last time before their eternal rest. Less than fifteen minutes had -elapsed since Zopyrus had quitted the tent of Mardonius, leaving the -Persian and Theban leaders in a heated discussion pertaining to the -morrow’s battle. He felt assured that affairs of war would detain -Artabazus for at least a half hour and possibly longer. The tent of -Artabazus, though at no great distance from that of Mardonius, was -difficult of access, and Zopyrus realized that his work must be -accomplished not only swiftly, but silently as well. - -A guard walking back and forth before the entrance to the women’s tent -was the only living soul visible; his measured tread the only sound -audible. Zopyrus stood like an inanimate object beside a low bush near -the tent. He watched the guard for some time, studying the opportune -moment to spring. Now the fellow’s march brought him so close to the -hidden figure that the latter had but to reach forth his hand—A muffled -cry of bewilderment, a brief struggle, a suppressed groan of agony, and -Zopyrus leaped over the prostrate form and entered the tent of the -women. - -The eunuch, a creature of repulsive form and malignant countenance, -stood just within the entrance. The noise of the struggle, brief and -silent though it was, had reached his ears. With the stealth and agility -of a panther he approached and leaped upon his prey as the latter -entered. With dagger raised aloft he would have dealt a fatal blow had -not Phædime with the strength of an Amazon, held his arm as it was about -to descend. - -“Wait, Amorges,” she cried, “do not harm this man till we learn his -mission!” Turning to Zopyrus she said, “Speak stranger, what would you -in the harem of Artabazus?” - -Zopyrus glanced quickly about him at the silken hangings richly -broidered; at the heavy woven tapestries which adorned the sides of the -tent; at panels composed of the variegated plumage of birds, and -gloriously flashing jewels; the beautifully gowned women who surveyed -him with unabashed curiosity, their shining black eyes flashing their -appreciation of the unusual over the tops of fans of ostrich feathers. -He turned again to Phædime. - -“I seek one Ladice by name, a Greek girl brought here against her will.” - -“Just a moment, I will bring her.” To the eunuch she whispered aside, “I -will fetch a gag. Do not touch him yet.” - -She returned shortly with Ladice whose appearance of unutterable -wretchedness wrung Zopyrus’ heart. - -“This officer says he has come to take you away, Ladice,” said Phædime -giving a sidelong glance at the girl to observe her reception of the -news. - -The Greek maiden took a step forward, gazing earnestly into Zopyrus’ -face. “It is not he, no it is not he! But tell me he is not dead!” - -Zopyrus spoke gently, “I must confirm the ill news, fair maiden. -Masistius died heroically on the field of battle and I am to succeed him -in an attempt to rescue you.” - -Amorges and Phædime exchanged glances, the former intimating by a nod -that it was time to produce the gag, but Phædime still hesitated, for -the girl, Ladice, flung herself with a sob at Zopyrus’ feet. - -“It can’t be true,” she cried, “I loved him and he promised to return, -oh tell me it isn’t true!” - -Zopyrus gazed with compassion into the tear-stained face as he replied: -“It is indeed true, but tell me, do you really wish to escape from the -clutches of Artabazus?” - -The girl glanced furtively about her in horror as if she expected to see -the odious form conjured before her at the mention of his name. - -“Yes, I will do anything to escape from him and if——” but her words were -cut short by a muffled cry of terror. - -Phædime had seized the eunuch and forced the gag into his mouth. “Come, -help me bind him!” she called loudly to Zopyrus. - -It was the work of a few moments, and when they were finished, poor -Amorges lay in one corner of the tent, prone and helpless. - -“You may depend upon me to help you in this project,” Phædime said to -Zopyrus. “It is necessary to lay bare to you the secrets of a woman’s -heart. I love Artabazus, and in his affections I have held first place -till this Greek girl,” (here she cast a scornful glance at Ladice), “was -brought here, and after this battle was fought she would have been his. -You see it is to my interest to get her away and to that end I will lend -you my assistance. Perhaps we had better kill the eunuch to be assured -of our safety. What say you?” - -Amorges’ eyes fairly started out of their sockets as the two approached. -Seeing that the threat had proved effectual, Phædime spurned the -defenceless body with her foot and asked: “Will you intimate to -Artabazus upon his return that violence was done you by the soldier who -rescued Ladice, and that I tried to help you?” - -The wretched fellow indicated affirmation as well as his bonds permitted -and Phædime turned to Zopyrus and Ladice. - -“Now go and may success crown your efforts.” - -“Before we go,” said Zopyrus to Ladice, “you must don this garb to -facilitate our escape.” - -He held out to her a bundle of dark clothing. The girl withdrew to an -adjoining chamber and soon appeared in the uniform of a Persian -foot-soldier. - -“Your disguise is excellent,” exclaimed Zopyrus delightedly, “now let us -hasten,” and with a brief expression of gratitude to Phædime for her -share in the escape, he and Ladice took a hasty departure. - -Only the glowing embers of camp-fires remained. The flickering deceptive -shadows that had annoyed Zopyrus in his approach to the harem-tent had -disappeared, and in their stead the encampment lay around the fugitives -in the tranquil light of a full moon, the white tents gleaming like -snow-covered hillocks. Already the Persian felt that this omen presaged -success. They threaded the narrow alleys which separated the tents in -silence so as not to betray their presence, and arrived without mishap -at an intersection of alleys, about thirty yards from the tent of -Mardonius. - -“Let us turn to the left here,” whispered Zopyrus, “and thus avoid -passing Mardonius’ tent.” - -Scarcely had the words escaped his lips when the sound of footsteps and -low talking broke the silence. - -“What is your hurry? Why will you not abide the night with Mardonius -till we decide whether or not it is advisable to attempt to cut off the -Greek reinforcements?” questioned the voice of Asopodorus. - -Then to the horror of the fugitives, the voice of Artabazus made answer. - -“Tomorrow will be time enough for that. I am weary of consultations of -war, and who knows if I be living tomorrow at this time! I have a fair -Greek captive who will this night help me to forget the dangers of the -morrow, and to her I now go despite my promises to await the close of -battle.” - -It was now too late to turn without arousing the suspicion of the -approaching Artabazus. Zopyrus could feel the trembling hand of the girl -upon his arm. - -“Have courage,” he whispered, “and say not a word.” - -Artabazus’ features expressed surprise at meeting anyone at this time of -the night. - -“Well if it isn’t Zopyrus! Have you turned somnambulist?” he asked -jocosely, but with a hint of mistrust in his voice. - -“You forget, Artabazus, the task I am this night to perform at the -fountain of Gargaphia. By the time I reach its vicinity the moon will be -low.” - -“To be sure I remember now, but whom have you with you?” questioned the -officer curiously. - -“Mardonius bade me take a man with me, and this youth wished to go,” -replied Zopyrus with an air of indifference. - -Artabazus looked disapprovingly at the slight figure of the -foot-soldier. - -“He doesn’t look very capable,” he remarked. - -“Nevertheless he is courageous, and though young, I decided to try him -out.” - -“What is your name?” asked Artabazus of the silent figure. - -The question took Zopyrus completely by surprise, but with joy he -observed that Ladice maintained discreet silence. - -“His name is Ladisius,” answered Zopyrus, “and now if you will permit, -we must be on our way, for a great deal depends upon this mission.” - -As soon as Artabazus was out of hearing, Zopyrus said to his companion. -“That was indeed a narrow escape and now we must hasten with all -possible speed, for Artabazus will begin pursuit as soon as he learns of -your escape.” - -“Halt! Give the password,” demanded the sentry at the edge of the -encampment. - -Zopyrus easily made known his identity to the sentinel who was apprised -of his mission to Gargaphia. Once beyond the confines of the camp the -two breathed more freely. The soft breeze which fanned their cheeks was -laden with the vernal odors of field and forest. The meadows through -which they sped, were dotted with field lilies and asphodel, myriads of -them, their white blossoms gleaming from the grass like the stars from -the heavens till it seemed to the fugitives that in their flight earth -and sky had changed places and that they trod the milky-way. - -“How far is it to the fountain of Gargaphia?” asked Ladice after they -had gone for some time in silence. - -Zopyrus paused a moment, scanning his companion’s face to ascertain -whether or not she had put her question seriously. Assured that she was -in earnest, he continued his pace, talking the while. - -“You are not with a Persian soldier as you suppose, my little friend. -Zopyrus, the Persian, ceased to exist when he witnessed the death of his -comrade, Masistius. My father was a Persian, satrap of Sardis, my mother -a Greek whose parents were Athenians. My environment forced me to don -uniform and follow the Persian king, but the natural heritage from my -mother, and her early tutelage, caused my soul to cry out continually -against the actions of my body. For months I was a prey of weakness and -indecision. My every act was accomplished after agonizing periods of -vacillation. My will-power was being destroyed and though cognizant of -the fact, I seemed powerless to retrieve the volition I once possessed. -With the death of Masistius all bonds of honor with the Persians seemed -severed, and I pledged myself to save Athens if it were not already too -late. If I seem a traitor in your eyes, judge me not too harshly. Gold -is not my motive, for I shall be poorer for this choice I have made; -safety is no object, for I intend to make atonement by wielding the -sword in the Greek cause. Have I convinced you, fair maid, that my -incentives are pure, and that I do well to allow this determination to -supercede my former hesitancy?” - -He was satisfied with her ready nod of assent. At last they reached the -entrance to Oak Heads pass, by which means they would be enabled to -cross Mt. Cithæron. Their progress was greatly impeded by the dense -tangle of underbrush. The branches of trees met overhead, forming a -canopy of foliage so thick that the moon’s beams could not penetrate. -For hours the crackling of twigs underfoot, and an occasional hoot from -some night-owl were the only sounds that disturbed the tranquility of -the night. - -Suddenly Ladice stopped and asked abruptly: “Did you hear that?” - -“Yes,” replied her companion, “I heard a slight sound, but I think it is -a prowling beast on some nocturnal journey. Stay close and keep your -hand upon your dagger for you may have to use it.” - -Scarcely had he ceased to speak before a command in Greek was given to -halt and give the password. Before Ladice could realize what had -happened, she heard the sounds of struggle. Her eyes, accustomed to the -darkness, could faintly discern the gleam of weapons, but she dared not -strike for she could not distinguish between the antagonists. She soon -realized that they were not fighting near her, and a sudden fear seized -her; they might miss their footing and slip over the edge of the -declivity! She decided to raise her voice in warning, when the -unmistakable sound of breaking twigs and loosened stones rolling down -the precipice, convinced her that her worst fears were an actuality. -Stunned with horror she stood for some time unable to decide what to do. -At last dreading that Artabazus might by now be well on his way in -pursuit of her, she pressed on in an agony of fear. The foliage was now -a little thinner and she could see the first faint glow of dawn in the -sky. Her physical progress was more rapid, but mentally she was -stupified by the horror of her rescuer’s fate, and she did not hear the -sounds of approaching footsteps till they were immediately behind her. - -Her first expression was one of relief that her pursuer was not -Artabazus, but she observed with chagrin that he wore a Greek uniform. -Raising her eyes half fearfully to his face she uttered an exclamation -of joy. It was Zopyrus! - -“I am glad I did not have to kill the fellow to get this uniform, for I -am a Greek. His neck was broken in the fall and as for me—” he pointed -to his right arm which hung useless by his side, “I’m afraid I shall not -be of much service to Greece!” - -Ladice opened her knapsack and tore from her dress a strip with which -she dexterously bandaged the broken member. This done, she discarded the -Persian uniform for the torn dress and together they descended the -southern slope of Mt. Cithæron as the roseate hues of morning gradually -melted away into bright daylight. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - A Venture At the Eve of Battle. - - - “There nature moulds as nobly now, - As e’er of old, the human brow; - And copies still the martial form - That braved Platæa’s battle storm.” - William Cullen Bryant. - -Artabazus’ steps were directed to the tent of the women. With heavy -tread he strode in the panoply of war. At the corner of the tent his -foot came in rough contact with a soft object and to his amazement he -discovered it to be the body of his guard. A hasty examination assured -him that the body was lifeless. Filled with forebodings, he hastily -parted the flaps and gazed within the tent. His eyes first fell upon the -prostrate form of his eunuch, then with a swift glance he surveyed the -women, and he knew what had taken place during his absence. - -White with fury he cried, “Where is the Greek girl?” - -His appearance in his wrathful state was so forbidding that not one of -the women ventured to make reply. Upon receiving no response, Artabazus -turned to Phædime, whereupon his favorite, with an assumption of her -usual self assurance, made bold to answer. - -“A Persian officer killed the guard, bound Amorges here, and bore Ladice -away with him. Is it not so?” Phædime turned to her fair companions to -confirm her words, confident in her position as favorite. - -All readily affirmed the escape as stated by Phædime with the exception -of a small oval-faced beauty with shining black hair and ruddy lips, -that would not refuse to smile at her master even in his state of -demoniac anger. - -“What say you, Parysatis?” questioned the officer, noting her refusal to -corroborate Phædime’s words. - -“If my master would know the truth,” smiled Parysatis, “Phædime herself -allowed the Greek girl to be taken away.” - -An ominous silence of horror pervaded the tent for a moment while all -eyes were turned to Artabazus, who in livid rage seized the hapless -Phædime. - -“You are hurting me,” she cried in abject terror. “Can you not know that -what I did was because of love for you? Oh, my Artabazus, if you but -commanded it, I would crawl from here to the Hellespont, where I long to -cross with you back to the land where we meet no Greeks either in -warfare or in love.” - -The Persian commander laughed wildly, a laugh that froze the blood in -the veins of his hearers. “You will never cross the Hellespont nor even -leave this tent alive!” - -There was a flash of gleaming steel, a hissing sound, and the headless -trunk of the Persian beauty sank before its murderer. - - * * * * * * * * - -During the time that Zopyrus and Ladice made good their escape from the -Persian encampment and were beginning to pursue their precarious way -across Mt. Cithæron, the Greek encampment lay in the stillness of sleep. -Above the tents rose the gentle, picturesque slope of the mountain, -where beyond the space which had been cleared, the forest stretched in -black silence. - -In one of the tents well toward the forest edge of the encampment, three -young men sat around a small table upon which a candle sent forth its -flickering light. Presently one of them arose with an impatient gesture -and strode back and forth with restless energy. - -“What ails you, Cimon?” questioned one of the two who were seated. He -was a thin wiry fellow, whose face showed the tan of continued exposure -to the elements. His nose was aquiline, his lips thin and his eye -penetrating, but withal, kindly. - -“Nothing new, Icetes, but before tomorrow’s battle I should like to know -if Ladice is confined in the harem of one of the Persian leaders as I -have heard.” - -“Wait till the battle is over, and if Zeus grants us the victory, demand -the return of the girl. The harems of the Persians will be ours then, -and to such a brave soldier as you have proved yourself to be, Pausanias -will gladly give first choice of the spoils,” said Icetes, rising from -his chair and placing a friendly hand upon the other’s shoulder. - -Cimon smiled wanly. “Perhaps you are right, my friend,” he acquiesced -“but you can not know how I suffer! Has Eros never found you vulnerable -here?” Cimon placed both hands upon his heart and smiled with a -questioning glance at Icetes. - -“If Eros has ever found him so, it was not for the love of a maiden who -possesses a heart of stone as does this Ladice whom you adore,” remarked -the third youth who up till the present moment had remained a silent -observing listener. - -“Be still, Ephialtes,” said Icetes gruffly. “Cimon suffers enough -without your reproaches.” - -“Let him suffer,” said the youth indifferently. “If he wants her badly -enough let him go to the Persian encampment and get her! He does not -know nor do you, Icetes, what the result of tomorrow’s struggle will be. -What if the enemy comes out victorious and the Persian leader carries -the fair Ladice across the Hellespont? No doubt she has already yielded -to his kisses and is beginning to enjoy the luxurious ease of an -oriental harem. Women are—” - -With an oath Cimon rushed at Ephialtes, but Icetes interposed himself. - -“My friends,” he pled in a hoarse whisper, “your altercation will be -heard by Pausanias himself. Let us sit down quietly again and maybe we -can arrive at a definite conclusion.” - -Icetes and Ephialtes seated themselves, but Cimon began to put on his -armor piece by piece till he stood before them fully armed. They watched -him wonderingly but ventured no inquiry. Then he strode toward the -entrance and turning to face them, said, “I am going to find Ladice and -bring her back.” - -Ephialtes smiled in a contemptuous manner, but Icetes was on his feet in -an instant. - -“By Zeus,” he cried, “you shall not attempt such a rash undertaking. -You, the son of the brave Miltiades, are needed for the morrow’s battle. -Your counsel and advice are indispensable. Next to Pausanias we need -you, just _you_, to show these barbarians that they can no longer abide -within our borders. Think of it, my brave Cimon, Mardonius killed and -the other leaders routed at Platæa! Make it the last battle of the last -war with them! Don’t leave us at this critical period to satisfy a -personal longing. Your father did that, Cimon, but not till he had -fought Marathon!” - -The words of Icetes had an enervating effect upon Cimon. He drooped -perceptibly and then slowly he began to disarm. When the last piece of -armor had been cast aside, he dropped into his chair again, and folding -his arms upon the table, buried his face in them. His broad shoulders -heaved, and in the silence that followed, an occasional groan was heard. -Even Ephialtes’ supercilious air left him in the presence of this real -grief of a fellow-man. - -Cimon’s agony was too much for the kind-hearted Icetes. Rising and -bending above the bowed form of the son of Miltiades, Icetes said in -earnest tones. “Let me go this night and search for Ladice. I am -acquainted with her father, Mamercus, who as you know perished at -Salamis, probably unknown to his daughter who will now be alone if she -returns to Athens.” - -Cimon made a sign of remonstrance before he was able to speak. “No, my -friend,” he said, when he had found voice, “I can not think of -endangering the life of another in the performance of a task which -concerns me so personally. I will give up what you consider a foolish -enterprise, but I fear I have lost the zest for the morrow’s battle.” - -“I will go for you Cimon,” Icetes cried eagerly, as he went for his -armor, “My part in tomorrow’s conflict will be indirect, but it will be -a vital part nevertheless. If by putting heart in you through this -service, I thus enable you to fight bravely tomorrow, I shall indeed -feel that I have helped to expel the Persians from Greece.” - -Cimon saw that opposition was useless. His eyes met for an instant the -ironical gaze of Ephialtes. - -“I imagine that rendering a real service to a fellow-man is quite -foreign to your nature, Ephialtes,” Cimon could not resist saying. - -“On the contrary,” replied the young Greek unruffled, “I recently -rendered a very great service to a very illustrious person.” - -“And no doubt you were handsomely paid for your efforts, the agreement -having been made before hand,” answered Cimon as he rose to bid farewell -to Icetes who stood ready to take his leave. - -The sight of the brave fellow clad in the panoply of war, about to risk -his life for a friend, moved Cimon deeply. Words seemed inadequate to -convey the gratitude he felt. The two parted after a warm embrace. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - A Hero of Platæa. - - - “Here where the Persian clarion rung, - And where the Spartan sword flashed high, - And where the Pæan strains were sung, - From year to year swelled on by liberty!” - Felicia Hemans. - -The market-place of Platæa was the scene of rejoicing over the victory -of the Spartans. Pausanias, the Spartan leader, nephew of the brave -Leonidas, conducted solemn sacrificial services. - -Their victory had seemed almost a miracle, for the Athenians and -Spartans had begun a retreat to an island formed by two forks of the -river Oeroe. The Persians, when they saw that the Greeks were -retreating, pursued them. The Athenians were ahead, and the Spartans -being behind were overtaken by the disorderly Persian horde. The -Athenians learning of the encounter, decided to return to the assistance -of their allies, but were attacked by the Thebans before they could act -upon their decision. From behind the breastwork of shields the Persians -shot their arrows bravely, and for awhile the outcome was doubtful but -Pausanias and his brave Spartans succeeded in killing Mardonius. With -their leader dead, the Persians lost their fervor and fled in disorder. - -In the meanwhile the encounter between the Athenians and Thebans became -more serious. When the battle had reached its crisis, both the Athenians -and the Thebans observed a tall figure in the garb of a Greek soldier -fighting amid the Thebans like a fiend, and what amazed the Greeks most -was that he fought with his left arm only, the other being supported by -a bandage which hung from his shoulder. He seemed to bear a charmed -life. Before his sword the Thebans fell, and the Athenians pressing -around him were able to work havoc in his wake. - -Suddenly a Theban sprang in front of the one-armed fighting warrior and -cried as he crossed swords with him, “I swear you are the Persian with -whom I dined and exchanged confidences at the feast of Attaginus. You -shall pay for your treason with your life.” - -The other smiled grimly but said not a word as he entered into the -encounter, and before long this antagonist like the others, lay with the -point of the Athenian’s sword at his throat. - -“Now Thersander,” cried the victorious one, “do you surrender to Zopyrus -the Athenian, or do you meet death at his sword?” - -The Theban surrendered as had many another of his countrymen on that -day, and history tells us that among the captives was Attaginus, the -only one of the number who succeeded later in making his escape. The -wicked Artabazus instead of coming to the aid of the Persians after -Mardonius fell, fled with his troops through Phocis to Thessaly, -Macedonia and the Hellespont, and the fair Parysatis accompanied him. - -So it was no wonder that Platæa was the scene of much rejoicing upon -this occasion. Pausanias, though enthusiastically lauded by both -Spartans and Athenians, did not accept the great honor bestowed upon him -alone. He said that if he were the hero of the Spartans over the -Persians, so likewise was the stranger who fought with but one arm, the -hero of the Athenians over the Thebans. When asked who he was, Zopyrus -merely stated that he was a loyal Athenian who had been away from Athens -for a number of years, which statement he could make without distorting -the truth. - -Pausanias stood surrounded by the booty acquired in the victory over -Mardonius. The vast cables of papyrus which had composed the bridge of -Xerxes when he first crossed the Hellespont, were here displayed; -likewise the silver-footed throne and the cimeter of Mardonius and the -sword and breastplate of Masistius. - -Many beautiful women who had been in the harems of the Persian leaders -were either sold or given to those who had displayed exceptional -bravery. Of these Zopyrus was offered first choice, but to Pausanias’ -surprise he politely declined. Stepping over to the pile where were -stacked the swords, breastplates, shields, helmets and smaller articles -of pillage, Zopyrus drew forth the sword of Masistius and made the -statement that this would be a most acceptable portion of the spoils to -him. The Greeks wondered at his choice, but no one made so bold as to -question him concerning it. - -As Zopyrus was about to leave the market-place someone placed a -detaining hand upon his shoulder. Turning, the former looked into the -face of a young man of about his own height and physique but a few years -his senior, who smilingly offered his hand. - -“I wish to commend you for your bravery in the recent battle and to -welcome you back to Athens, as I understand you have not been there for -some years past. I am Cimon, and this,” he indicated a slender man by -his side, “is Polygnotus, an artist of no mean reputation. We are both -residing in Athens and shall be glad to have you meet others of our -friends in the city.” - -Zopyrus was greatly pleased. From the handsome countenance of Cimon he -turned to look at the artist, Polygnotus. Although in Greek military -dress, Polygnotus did not appear a soldier. His features were thin, -almost delicate, his nose aquiline and his mouth super-sensitive. His -hair of light brown, very smooth and straight, was dressed on the -prevailing style with the braids crossed at the back of the head and -fastened in front. His eyes were searching and possessed a mild lustre -indicative of a fine degree of intellectuality and a broad sympathetic -understanding of his fellow men. Zopyrus recognized in him at once a -kindred mind. - -“As you no doubt know,” said the artist, “our homes are in ashes but we -are returning to rebuild them, determined to lose no time in mourning -our losses, but rejoicing that the enemy is forever expelled.” - -Cimon had turned away and with another soldier sought the platform where -beautiful women, many of them Greeks, stood exposed to the rude gaze of -the soldiery. Zopyrus’ eyes followed the retreating form of Cimon and a -question arose to his lips which was anticipated by the quiet Polygnotus -who said: “You wonder at Cimon’s interest in the women and I can assure -you his motives are pure. He is searching for the girl he loves who was -taken captive by one of the Persian leaders and confined in his harem.” - -“What was her name?” asked Zopyrus tensely. - -“Ladice,” was the anticipated, but at the same time astounding reply. - -“The maiden has been rescued from the harem of Artabazus,” said Zopyrus -quietly. - -“Are you absolutely certain?” cried the artist incredulously. - -At the other’s nod he cried, “Come with me, I must inform Cimon of -this.” - -Cimon saw the two approaching and hastened forward to join them with the -words: “Ladice is not among the captive women, so it is reasonable to -believe that Icetes effected a rescue.” - -“The stranger can confirm our hopes,” said Polygnotus. “He has told me -that Ladice was rescued from the harem of a certain Artabazus.” - -Cimon turned to Zopyrus, his face white with the effort to conceal the -agony of suspense. - -“Is she now on her way to Athens with her rescuer?” he asked tensely. - -“I do not quite understand you,” replied Zopyrus. “I, myself rescued an -Athenian maiden by the name of Ladice from the tent of Artabazus. I -conducted her in safety across Oak Heads Pass. She then suggested that I -go to the Greek encampment on Mt. Cithæron, insisting she could make her -way alone to friends in safety since she was away from the Persians.” - -“Zeus is merciful!” exclaimed the overwrought Cimon, “but tell me saw -you aught of a soldier while you were crossing Oak Heads Pass? You must -have met him a little this side of the summit. It was he whom I thought -had delivered Ladice from the hands of the Persian.” - -The face of Zopyrus grew deathly pale at Cimon’s words. - -“Alas!” he cried, “I did meet a soldier on Oak Heads Pass who took me -for an enemy without a chance for explanation. We fought together, and -in the dark we missed our footing and rolled down a steep embankment. I -sustained this broken arm,” he pointed to the sling which supported the -broken member, “but my unknown antagonist was killed.” - -“Oh my poor Icetes!” cried Cimon greatly distraught. “To think that you -met your fate thus, and for me!” - -Polygnotus touched his friend’s arm gently; “Icetes would probably have -lost his life in the battle, for he was very daring. His was a noble -though useless sacrifice, but let us rejoice that Ladice has been saved. -You owe much to our new friend.” - -“I am truly grateful, Zopyrus,” said Cimon grasping the hand of the -other, “but how did you come to rescue the girl whom I love?” - -There was a note of distrust in his voice though he strove to conceal -it. - -“That is a long story that I will tell you at some other time,” replied -Zopyrus. - -As the three walked away from the public square, Cimon placed an arm -across the shoulder of Zopyrus, for he was involuntarily drawn toward -this attractive stranger, in spite of his former suspicions. But Zopyrus -was pained by his own duplicity as he thought of how recently he had -been in Persian uniform. When he would tell his new friend “the long -story, some other time,” his conscience would be clear, but for the -present it hurt him to realize that Cimon’s arm had been laid in -brotherly affection upon that same uniform, when not he, but the dead -Icetes, had worn it. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - The Prophet At Delphi. - - - “There is but one such spot; from heaven Apollo - Beheld; and chose it for his earthly shrine!” - Aubrey de Vere. - -Instead of returning immediately to Athens, following the expulsion of -the Persians, Zopyrus and his new-found friend, Cimon, turned their -faces northward. Tempted by the beauty of the starry nights and the -absence of wayfarers, the two usually journeyed after the golden orb of -the sun had disappeared beyond the watery horizon of the Corinthian -Gulf. Along this road that skirted the gulf, the hordes of Xerxes had -marched. - -The contrast between his journey southward and northward filled Zopyrus’ -heart with stirring emotions, and in the dewy silence of the nights that -followed their departure from Platæa, Zopyrus revealed to Cimon his -peculiar identity and laid bare to this sympathetic friend the emotions -that had at first stirred and finally swayed his soul from the time that -he had left his native Sardis up to the present moment. - -Cimon was a sympathetic and wondering listener. This young man’s -experiences were so antipodal to his own that they interested him -exceedingly. A week passed in this pleasant exchange of ideas and -confidences until toward sundown of the eighth day, the purple crown of -Mt. Helicon loomed in the distance and the two knew that in another day -their journey would be completed. - -“I do not believe that Melpomene sits alone on Mt. Parnassus now,” -remarked Zopyrus meditatively, more to himself than to his companion, as -the two caught their first glimpse of the lofty dwelling place of the -Muses. - -“What did you say?” asked Cimon, puzzled. - -“Oh,” replied the other with a short laugh to cover his confusion, “I -was just giving expression to an extremely fanciful idea that occurred -to me when I passed through this gorge on my way to Athens. I imagined -that surely in the face of an invading foe, no Muse but the sorrowful -Melpomene could occupy yonder height.” - -“You were surely mistaken, friend Zopyrus,” said the other with a -seriousness that proved how highly he esteemed this young man’s -opinions. “Would not Clio, for instance, have been there to record -events that will go down in history, and surely you can not imagine that -Callio was in hiding when Aeschylus wrote his inspired verse so soon -after the victory of Salamis! Aye, and Thalia too, had a vision of the -future and knew that ere a year had passed, two friends, one who had -helped in his infinitesimal way to swell the ranks of Xerxes, and one -who, insignificant as compared with the many heroes of Hellas, would -pass together in the bond of a lasting friendship beneath her very -abode! I do not believe that any of the Muses or any of the gods ever -desert mortals, but we finite beings are incapable of comprehending -their plan for us in the process of its unfolding.” - -Zopyrus thought of the monotheistic belief of the Hellenic maiden whose -act of supplication he had witnessed on the promontory overlooking the -Bay of Salamis, but he said nothing, for he had an inner feeling that -the stalwart, aristocratic Greek who walked beside him was as yet -unready for a belief in but one ruling Divinity. That he loved the -deities of Greece was evident from the rapt gaze which he now turned to -the lofty summit of Mt. Parnassus. Was he aware that there were Greeks -of the purest blood who were turning from the ancient gods and exalting -Zeus apparently out of all due proportion? Strange emotions filled -Zopyrus’ heart, for he too marveled at the thought that belief in the -gods might no longer sway the destinies of the Greeks. - -The two young men perceived that the road turned away from the -water-side and zig-zagged across a picturesque ridge. It was now broad -daylight and they met occasional pedestrians who were returning from -consultations with the oracle of Apollo. What sorrows and ambitions, -what joys or what despair were locked in the heart of each one? Very -likely these travelers had sought the oracle upon personal matters since -their national crisis had so recently passed to their great advantage. -Here an old man with slow and feeble steps probably wished to know the -time yet allotted to him upon earth; there a mother with anxious -care-worn countenance whose boy had not yet returned from Platæa, and -beside her a young wife whose husband might have perished on the field -of battle. - -Cimon and Zopyrus did not stop to converse with any of the wayfarers for -they desired to return to Athens as quickly as possible after their -interview with the Pythoness. Presently they found themselves in a -rugged and romantic glen, closed on the north by the wall-like cliffs of -Mt. Parnassus, on the east by a ridge similar to the one they had just -crossed, and on the south by the irregular heights of Mt. Kirphis, and -in this glen stood a simple Ionic temple surrounded by many smaller -buildings; the treasuries of various cities and islands of Greece. Their -outlines were softened by vines and shrubbery in abundance. The tall -trees and towering crags of the mount of the Muses allowed the entrance -of only such sunlight as filtered through the less leafy trees. The air -was cool and laden with the dank odor of growing things. - -The two suppliants at the shrine of Apollo, after passing by the -treasury of Thebes, approached that of Athens which was a beautiful -little Doric temple of Parian marble, containing and partly built from -the spoils of the battle of Marathon. Cimon paused to read an -inscription engraved on a low parapet that supported armor captured from -the Persians in that great battle. His heart swelled with pride at the -consciousness that it was his father who had so successfully routed the -Persians on the plain of Marathon. He ventured a glance at Zopyrus and -was convinced that a loyal Greek stood by his side. - -The long low edifice just beyond the Treasury of the Athenians was the -Bouleuterion above which rose a rough mass of rock, the Rock of the -Sibyl. A priest of Apollo at the entrance of the Bouleuterion gave each -of the young men a wax tablet and stylus with which it was intended that -he write the question that he wished answered by the Sibyl whose duty it -was to make known the will of the god whose organ of inspiration she -was. The question that appeared on the tablet of each was the same; -“Shall I win the maiden I love?” The priest took the tablets and -withdrew to the rock where the priestess, a virgin clad in white, having -chewed the leaves of the sacred laurel and drunk from the prophetic -underground stream, Kassotis, sat upon a tripod above a fissure in the -rock from which a mystic vapor arose by which she soon became inspired. -Her mutterings and ravings were interpreted by the priest who wrote them -below the questions in verse. - -As was customary the men did not remain near during the trance of the -medium, but sought the Castalian Fountain which was east of the sacred -precinct at the head of a wild and picturesque gorge. The fountain was -in front of a smooth face of rock, the water issuing from a rock at the -right and being carried through a channel to an opening at the extreme -left. - -Cimon and Zopyrus seated themselves beneath a plane tree and surveyed -with delight their romantic surroundings. It was no wonder Apollo had -here chosen a location for one of his shrines! The very breeze which -brushed against their cheeks was like the breath of unseen spirits. The -leaves of the plane trees whispered unintelligible secrets and the -mountain stream murmured of mysteries as it moved majestically onward. - -Suddenly the two became aware of a figure seated near the edge of the -fountain nearly within touch of its cooling spray. It proved upon closer -observation to be that of an old man with wrinkled countenance and long -flowing beard. From under his shaggy brows he had surveyed the -new-comers with searching eyes. His hands were folded across the head of -a knotty walking-stick. Cimon, the true Greek, to whom goodness and -purity were synonymous with outward beauty, turned away from the -unlovely figure of the old man with an exclamation of annoyance, -signifying that he disliked having the loveliness of the scene marred by -the presence of the elderly stranger. But Zopyrus was differently -affected by the sight of the aged one. Something vaguely familiar in the -type of features held his gaze. - -The old man continued to survey the two new-comers with a penetrating -gaze till Cimon stood up abruptly and said to Zopyrus: “Our answers must -be ready. Let us return to the rock of the Sibyl.” - -He walked away from the fountain keeping his face averted, for he would -not deign to glance again toward the aged stranger. But Zopyrus’ heart -was filled with pity toward this old man whose eyes like living coals -burned forth their last lustre from the ashy gray of his withered face. - -“You are a stranger in Greece?” Zopyrus asked kindly. - -The old man gave an affirmative nod and said, his tones seeming to issue -from the recesses of a cavern, “You too, my young friend, are a stranger -to Greece, but not so your companion,” with a nod toward Cimon, who now -hesitated to leave the fountain side and lingered uncertainly to hear -the discourse. - -“You are right, father,” replied Zopyrus, bestowing upon him a look of -mingled wonder and approbation, “I came over with King Xerxes, but am -not intending to return to Persia. My companion here knows that though -once half a Greek, I am now entirely won over to the cause of Hellas.” - -“It is easy to turn over to the victorious side! Tell me did you fight -for Greece before taking this step?” - -“That he did,” cried Cimon who could no longer maintain his attitude of -aloofness. “Next to Pausanias himself, there was no braver in the ranks -of the Greeks!” - -The stranger’s eyes glowed with enthusiasm and he bent upon Zopyrus a -look of deep admiration. Suddenly he stood up and though he leaned on -his cane, the young men were surprised at his lofty stature. - -“Do you intend to worship the gods of Greece? I see you have made a -start by journeying here to this shrine of pagan idolatry.” He looked -about him, his sharp features expressive of scorn and disapproval. - -Cimon took an aggressive step toward the two, but Zopyrus stretched -forth his hand deterringly. - -“Tell me what you mean,” Zopyrus asked, a suspicion of the truth -beginning to dawn upon him. - -The ancient pilgrim dropped his staff, and raising his arms toward the -heavens, cried, “And the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in that -day shall there be _one_ Lord, and his name _one_. For the idols have -spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false -dreams; they comfort in vain.” - -He turned and pointed with one outstretched arm in the direction of the -oracle, and with the other extended heavenward he continued: “Thus saith -the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days it shall come to pass that ten men -shall take hold out of all the languages of the nation, even shall take -hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, “We will go with you; -for we have heard that God is with you.”’” - -The last words trembled into a silence that neither of the men dared to -break. The awful solemnity and stern conviction of this prophet of a -foreign race filled them with indescribable fear. They stood in reverent -attitude before this worthy seer whose inspired words caused the -possible utterances of the demented Pythoness to sink into utter -insignificance. When the young men ventured to look up, the aged one was -disappearing around the edge of the fountain in the opposite direction -from which the two had come. - -“Wait a moment,” called Zopyrus. “Who are you, worthy sir, who have only -strengthened convictions which I already possessed?” - -The prophet smiled and his face seemed alight with an inner radiance as -he replied, “They call me Zechariah.” - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - The House of Pasicles. - - - “For now at least the soil is free, - Now that one strong reviving breath - Has chased the eastern tyranny - Which to the Greek was ever death.” - Lord Houghton. - -Most conspicuous among the few houses left in the city after the -departure of the Persians was one that stood at no great distance from -the Acropolis. It was a typical home of the upper-class Athenian -citizen. Its narrow stone front with a massive door and its two closely -barred windows at the second story did not present a very imposing -aspect, but if one desired admittance and felt disposed to make use of -the polished bronze knocker with which the door was equipped, his -impressions of inhospitality were immediately dispelled by the -appearance of a slave who courteously bade him enter. - -Looking down a short hallway one beheld an open court surrounded by a -colonnade and in the center of this court stood an altar to Zeus. It was -here on pleasant days that the family assembled for worship, partook of -its meals, entered into friendly discussions or played games. The -women’s apartments were above, theirs being the barred windows which -looked out on the narrow winding street. The kitchen and servant -quarters occupied the rear, but by far the most interesting room was -that which adjoined the court to the left; the library. As if by a -miracle this room remained intact. Its shelves were filled with hundreds -of rolls of manuscript, some slightly charred but undamaged by fire. At -intervals about the room, upon marble pedestals stood statuettes of the -muses, for this was the library of a poet, and could he not thus readily -summon the muse he desired? - -If one were able to tell the time of day by the shadow-pointer in the -nearby public square, he would know that it was shortly past the noon -hour. Four men were seated in the library, three of them young, the -fourth, slightly past middle-age, was the master of the house, the poet -Pasicles. - -As he sat facing his friends, surrounded by his beloved muses and -scrolls, he appeared the personification of dignity and aristocracy. His -features were clearly and delicately cut, his face thin, his forehead -high and intellectual. The folds of a white linen _chiton_ draped the -long lines of his figure. The three younger men were Cimon, Polygnotus -and Zopyrus. The soft notes of a flute came from the direction of the -court. - -“Your young son plays the flute remarkably well. May I ask who is his -teacher?” asked Polygnotus. - -“The pedagogue, Niceratus, has given Mimnermus instructions in flute -playing. It is an art in which I wish the lad to become proficient. The -Bœotians have ever excelled with the flute and I would not have -Mimnermus less skilled in the art than his grandfather for whom he is -named.” - -“In my opinion,” said Cimon, “a youth can spend his time more profitably -than with music. Think you that with the Persian expelled, all warfare -is past? Remember Athens is an object of envy to Sparta, Thebes and -Corinth, to say nothing of such islands as Aegina, Samos and Naxos, and -who knows what may take place when Mimnermus is in his early manhood!” - -“I believe all sciences and arts should form a part of every man’s -education,” replied the poet quietly, “but to each one should be allowed -the privilege to specialize in that particular phase of culture which is -dearest to his heart.” - -Cimon laughed good-naturedly. “I confess my tastes are one-sided too, -but I truly believe that our new friend, Zopyrus, is equally skilled -with the sword or the pen. I swear by the gods I never saw mortal man -fight more heroically than he at Platæa, and yet he can recite the works -of Homer, Hesiod and Sappho, and is well acquainted with the histories -of Persia, Babylonia, Assyria and Egypt!” - -“Nevertheless,” remarked Zopyrus to whom all eyes were now turned, “I -admire a specialist and will say that I hope to cultivate the arts more -assiduously. I do not enjoy fighting, but God has given me a strong body -and I hope the ability to judge correctly between right and wrong.” - -Pasicles leaned forward in his chair and looked with peculiar interest -at the young stranger. - -“Do you know the tragedian, Aeschylus?” he asked. - -Zopyrus replied in the negative, wondering at his host’s question. - -“Your statement that God has given you a strong body,” continued the -poet, “is a peculiar one. Among the numerous friends of my profession, -Aeschylus alone speaks frequently of ‘God.’ Does it not seem strange -that he exalts Zeus so far above the others, each one of whom has his or -her interest in the affairs of men?” - -“No it does not appear strange to me, for I have often wondered at the -petty jealousies existing between the gods and even between them and -mortals,” answered the Persian. - -“But,” said Pasicles earnestly, “the envy of the gods is just and -divine. Have you never noticed that if a mortal rises to too great -heights here below, some god will surely cause his downfall?” - -“That, my friend,” said Zopyrus, seriously interested, “is not the envy -of the gods, but the natural result of arrogance and pride.” - -“As I can well testify,” said Cimon sadly, “for was not my father -Miltiades, the greatest man in all Greece after Marathon? And did he not -at the very summit of his glory, stoop to avenge some petty wrong and -thus die an ignoble death? It seems that with complete success, passes -that good judgment which is ever present as we strive to attain some -worthy end.” - -“The fate of your hapless parent,” said Pasicles, “should prove a -warning, but alas, man is little content to profit by the sad -experiences of his forefathers. Each one must learn for himself in the -school of life, and many there be who, in the realization of success, do -not lose their power of judgment, and such as these are partially -rewarded by the gods here on earth.” - -“What do you think of our statesman, Themistocles?” asked Polygnotus. -“Is he not of the type likely to lose his head over his popularity, for -truly one must admit his advice about Salamis was a turning point in our -affairs with Persia.” - -“In truth,” replied Pasicles, “I like not this blustering statesman any -too well. My sympathies have always been with his rival, the just -Aristides whose policies are not for the purpose of display, and whose -reserved manner has won the confidence of the refined, thinking people.” - -“Themistocles has the interest of Athens truly at heart, and the people -have just awakened to a realization of this,” said another voice from -the doorway. - -Zopyrus looked up and saw a stranger, to him at least, whose gaze after -it had fallen upon each of his three companions, rested in final -friendly curiosity upon him. His waving hair and short beard of rich -chestnut brown framed a face of surprising manly beauty, the face of a -man about the age of Pasicles. His forehead was smooth and broad, the -brows rather prominent, the eyes meditative, but containing indications -of a hidden fire which might leap forth were their owner challenged to -uphold a conviction. - -“Welcome into our midst, Aeschylus,” exclaimed Pasicles rising and -extending his hands to the newcomer. “We will not continue to argue -about Themistocles and Aristides as we have been wont to do. You are -acquainted with the soldier and the artist, are you not, but here is a -stranger to you I am sure, Zopyrus who fought bravely at Platæa.” - -The tragedian, Aeschylus, crossed the room and seated himself by the -side of Zopyrus, who wondered at his searching gaze but did not resent -it. Above all things the sincerity of Aeschylus greatly impressed him. -The poet seemed to be one who was forever searching after truth. Zopyrus -regretted that he had read none of the plays of this great man. He knew -that his fame was due principally to his powers as an advocate of the -truth, painful though that truth might be, and to the fact that he did -not avoid the difficult problems of life, but faced them with earnest -zeal and saw them through to the finish. Of the mighty and forceful -language which conveyed his ideas, as opposed to the more elaborate and -artificial style of Pasicles, Zopyrus had heard, and he enjoyed the -privilege of conversing with the great poet. - -Two kindred souls had intercourse through the eyes and the medium of -conversation. An attachment which time would strengthen sprang up -between the young Persian and the older poet, such a friendship as was -not uncommon among the Athenians, where a man of maturer years lived -again in a younger man the joys and possibilities that might have been -his, and where a youth looked with reverence to an older companion whom -he worshipped as a hero. - -Presently Pasicles arose, and leading the way through the court, bade -his guests follow. Soon they found themselves in a garden, strolling -along paths bordered with trees, flowers and shrubs, opening here and -there to reveal a statue of some sylvan god reclining under the shade. -An aged gardener was tending the flowers with loving care. - -“Where are the women, Hagnias?” asked Pasicles as the five men -approached. - -“Under the arbor near the fountain,” was the reply. - -It was as Hagnias had said. Upon a stone bench and a large high-backed -stone chair were seated three women. The woman in the chair arose -smilingly when she beheld the men and approached Pasicles who pressed an -affectionate kiss upon her smooth white forehead. - -“Cleodice my wife, and my daughters, Eumetis and Corinna, this is -Zopyrus who is to be a guest in our home for awhile. The others you -know.” - -The matronly Cleodice heartily bade Zopyrus welcome and her sentiments -were echoed by her daughters. Corinna who resembled her mother, -especially in the wealth of auburn hair which both possessed -acknowledged the introduction and then made her way to the other side of -the fountain to where Polygnotus stood gazing into the mirror-like -surface, and Zopyrus as his eyes followed these two, knew that love -existed between them. - -The other daughter, Eumetis, who seemed the feminine counterpart of her -father, was her sister’s senior by at least a year. She did not possess -the physical loveliness of Corinna but her plainer features expressed -sincerity and selfishness almost to a fault. One knew that the plain -exterior harbored a soul that would give and continue to give for the -sake of those she loved. If it is possible to possess selfishness to a -fault it is where one’s greatest joy comes from seeing others happy and -this was true of the elder daughter of the poet. If self is the only -prison that can ever confine the soul, Eumetis was as free as the birds -of the air. - -“Amid such charming surroundings as these, one ought never to be sad,” -said Zopyrus to Eumetis after the introduction. “It seems a miracle that -this lovely home was spared. Do you happen to know why it escaped -pillage?” - -“Some say,” replied the daughter of Pasicles, “that it was spared out of -respect to my dear father, but he modestly refutes this and claims that -because of its size and proximity to the city, it was chosen as quarters -for Persian officers. Even the altar to Zeus remained unprofaned and the -manuscripts, many of them, were just as my father had left them.” - -“Although this is indeed a lovely spot, I shall not test your -hospitality to the limit. I intend to help rebuild Athens, and soon with -the combined efforts of many, there will be homes for all,” said Zopyrus -smiling into the girl’s serious face. - -“Indeed,” she said, “we shall be delighted to have you with us. My -father has spoken very well of you and says you have offered to copy -some of his odes for him.” - -“That is very small payment in return for lodgment in this miniature -paradise,” the youth returned gallantly. - -Eumetis laughed and blushed. “Our paradise on earth is a good deal what -we make it. True joy comes from within, happiness from without. I have -tried to cultivate the spirit of joy, but believe I have failed -miserably. With Corinna it is different. She is always gay. Happiness -comes to her unasked, so I believe she has a well of joy within her.” - -The man and the girl looked in the direction of the fountain to where -Polygnotus and Corinna sat together on the edge of the marble basin. - -“Polygnotus has been a caller here for some time,” continued Eumetis. -“The horrors of recent events have delayed but not altered his purpose.” - -“I could wish your sister no greater happiness,” said Zopyrus, “for I -admire this artist very much.” - -“Yes, Polygnotus is fortunate indeed in possessing the love of the girl -whom he admires, but his most intimate friend, Cimon, has not been so -successful where affairs of the heart are concerned. He has not seen his -sweetheart since he returned from Aegina, and he does not know what fate -may have befallen her. She was not among those who fled to Troezen and -Salamis.” - -“That is truly most sad,” replied Zopyrus with feeling. “It may be that -when the city is back again to its normal condition, she will appear. If -she loves Cimon she will return to him.” - -“Ah, but there lies the difficulty,” said Eumetis, “She does not love -him. I called her his sweetheart wrongly, for it is purely a one-sided -affair, and I fear that she will never return. Cimon idolizes her, and -would have made her his wife ere this, but she refused. Can you think of -anything more tragic than unrequited love?” - -“It is most unfortunate, but I believe unusual, for in my opinion true -love has its origin in a mutual attraction, for we creatures, of dust -though we be, are conceited enough that we love those who love us. There -are exceptions, of course.” - -Eumetis turned away. “The exceptions often prove the rule, and -unfortunate are they whose lives give proof of this.” - -They joined the others as did Polygnotus and Corinna, and all entered -the house to partake of refreshments. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - Beyond the Dipylon Gate. - - - “Athens, the stately-walled, magnificent!” - Pindar. - -The sun sank in an unclouded blaze, but with the approach of evening the -toilers did not cease. The builders of the pyramids of Egypt could boast -no greater zeal than that with which the Athenians fortified their city. -Men, women and children, rich, middle-class and poor worked together for -the attainment of but one end; the erection of a wall about their city -which would protect it from over-ambitious states and cities. Stones -from partly demolished buildings, broken pieces of statuary, the debris -of structures once the pride of every loyal Athenian, added bit by bit -to the work of defense. - -Zopyrus labored near the Diomean Gate lifting the large stones into -places which had been freshly spread with mortar by the women and -children. In vain his eyes searched the throng for a figure, the memory -of which occupied his thoughts almost constantly since Salamis. He had -worked at different sections of the wall in the hope that somewhere he -would see her employed in the common task of all, but though he -anxiously scanned a thousand faces during the course of his labor, hers -was not among them. - -A young man at his side nudged his elbow. “By tomorrow at this time the -wall should be of sufficient height for Aristides and his companion to -leave for Sparta to join Themistocles who awaits them.” - -Zopyrus agreed with the youth’s statement and added, “It was a clever -scheme of Themistocles to go to Sparta apparently to argue about the -feasibility of building a wall around Athens, the while he planned to -have all Athenians erect such a wall. By having Aristides delay in -joining him he made it possible for us to get the wall to a height -sufficient for defense.” - -“Themistocles is very clever, no doubt,” replied his companion, “but the -calm judgment of Aristides is not to be discredited.” - -“Of course not,” said Zopyrus, “but it is the wit of Themistocles which -will frustrate the ambitions of Sparta this time. Aristides is like the -moon which is now rising on the other side of the city, as compared with -the sun, Themistocles.” - -At this moment Abronychus, a youth whom Zopyrus had met after the battle -of Platæa, approached the two with a friendly clap upon the shoulder of -each. - -“Zopyrus and Lysimachus! I am glad to see you two together. In my mind I -have always associated you as men of like temperament.” - -“But,” said Zopyrus jocosely, “an argument has engaged us both up to the -present moment. Your friend puts much confidence in the opinions of -Aristides, while I maintain Themistocles to be the superior of the two.” - -Abronychus’ smile spread into a broad grin. Turning to Lysimachus he -said, “Your father wishes to talk with you at once. I met him at the -shop of Aphobus where he awaits you.” - -As the figure of Lysimachus disappeared in the crowd Zopyrus remarked, -“A likely young fellow. I liked his upright manner, though his opinions -differed from mine.” - -“His father summons him,” said the other, “that he may bid farewell -before leaving in the morning, at least twelve hours before he expected -to make the trip. You see his father is Aristides who is to join -Themistocles at Sparta.” - -“Aristides his father!” exclaimed the crest-fallen Zopyrus. “Well I like -him and hope he will not resent my remarks.” - -“If I know Lysimachus,” said the other, “he will take no offense at what -you said. I hope you will see him again. He has worked near the Diomean -Gate ever since the wall was commenced. Your energies have not been so -concentrated, for if I remember correctly, I have seen you at the gate -of Diocharus and upon another occasion you were unloading stones at the -north of the city beyond the Acharman Gate.” - -“I will tell you the reason for my scattered efforts, though I maintain -I have worked diligently wherever I happened to be. I began at the east -side of the city, working near the different gates, a half day at a time -and traveling northward. I am searching for a girl whom I met at the -time of the battle of Salamis. I have not seen her since, and I know not -where to find her.” - -“Her name?” inquired Abronychus. - -“Alas I did not ask it, but her face I can not forget! Eyes that reflect -the heaven’s blue, straight brows, delicately chiseled nose, a mouth -that——.” - -Abronychus threw up his hands in deprecation. “I have not seen her, or I -have seen hundreds of her! Which shall I say, my friend? I must be going -now and I wish you success in your search for the missing lady.” - -After the departure of Abronychus, Zopyrus toiled lifting rocks and -pieces of masonry. It was with a feeling of ineffable relief that he -heard the orders of the night-guard and saw that others were coming to -take the places of those who had labored since mid-afternoon. Presently -an approaching female figure caught his eye and in an instant he -recognized Ladice whom he had rescued from the coarse Persian officer. -She was conversing with an older woman and Zopyrus tried to attract her -attention, for from her he hoped to learn the identity of her companion -on the Acropolis. The tired workers in their eagerness to get to their -homes for rest, pressed between him and Ladice, and he soon lost sight -of her. He was pleased to know that she had reached Athens in safety, -but his heart was filled with anxiety for the maiden whom he had rescued -on the Acropolis. - -As Zopyrus passed the Sacred Gate he glanced down the broad white road -that he had followed the day he bore in his arms the unconscious Greek -girl. The moon back of him shed its soft ethereal light over a scene -that had recurred to him again and again in memory. Moved by an -unexplainable impulse, he passed through the city-gate and pursued his -course along the road that stretched luringly into the distance, -bordered by the dusky shadows of olive trees. - -Scarcely had he proceeded a furlong when he became aware of a figure -several paces ahead. The man, for so it proved to be, was lost in -thought and walked slowly, his head bent forward in meditation. Zopyrus’ -first impulse was to return to the city, but something familiar in the -man’s dress and figure arrested his notice, so he carried out his -original intention of taking a moonlight stroll along the Sacred Way. -Before the man turned Zopyrus had recognized the poet Aeschylus and -simultaneously with the recognition came a feeling of joy that this much -revered man could be his companion upon such an occasion. Aeschylus -recognized the youth as he approached and placed an arm across his -shoulders as together they proceeded to the northwest. - -For some moments only the sound of their sandals on the stony pavement -broke the stillness, but at length Zopyrus asked: “Did this road -stretching into the distance lure you too as you passed the gate?” - -“It always entices me, for it is the way to my home. I live at Eleusis.” - -Zopyrus expressed no little surprise, for he had always thought of -Aeschylus as a native of Athens. - -“I had planned to move to Athens,” continued the poet, “so my elder son -could attend the Academy, but God saw fit to snatch him forever from me -in the late war with the oriental barbarians.” - -Aeschylus stood a moment, his head bent forward, his attitude that of a -man in complete subjection to a master. Zopyrus imagined that his lips -moved but there was no sound forthcoming. Then there came to the Persian -the memory of the maiden’s prayer, followed by the song from a myriad -unseen throats, the mighty pæan that had saved Greece. Zopyrus as he -watched the poet in silence knew that he too prayed. When the latter -raised his head Zopyrus said tensely: “Your prayer is the second of its -kind that I have seen. It ascends straight to God—“—then after a -moment’s pause, “Tell me how do you explain the miracle of Salamis?” - -Aeschylus gazed long and earnestly into the eyes of the young man before -he answered. - -“It was a word from the invisible, unapproachable Spirit of the -universe.” - -Zopyrus was greatly moved by the poet’s words. - -“You believe that in great crises Zeus will help those whom He believes -to be in the right?” - -“Yes, but I believe that this God must have been approached by a devout -suppliant, and that this was his answer to an earnest prayer.” - -“Aeschylus,” said the young man, and he stood and faced his companion so -that the moon shone full into his face revealing his emotion, “I was -myself a witness, the only one, to the prayer that saved Greece.” - -“You a witness to such a prayer!” exclaimed the incredulous poet. - -Zopyrus nodded, then as the two resumed their nocturnal promenade he -related to the interested philosopher in detail, trying not to reveal -his identity, the facts of his meeting with the girl upon whom he had -not laid eyes for a year. After his narration had been concluded he was -conscious of the fixed gaze of his companion upon him. - -“Zopyrus,” said Aeschylus, “I have decided to begin work on a tragedy -which will present the Persian point of view and especially that of the -royal family in this war, I would be very grateful would you acquaint me -with many details of life at Susa.” - -Zopyrus was startled. Had his words or manner of speech betrayed him to -the friend whom above all others he esteemed most highly? It was -apparent that even if Aeschylus did know him to be a Persian by birth, -he was neither rebuking nor condemning him for that fact, but rather was -he mildly assuring him that his birth need be no detriment to him in his -present surroundings. Zopyrus believed that Aeschylus was convinced of -his sincerity in the present interests of Greece. - -“I shall be pleased to assist you in your great work,” he replied in a -quiet tone. “Having spent a few months out of each year at the Persian -court, I should know something of the Persian view-point.” - -“Were you a servant or a member of the nobility?” questioned the poet -quickly. - -“Must I tell you that?” asked the younger man. - -“I should like to know.” - -“Very well, I am a cousin of king Xerxes. My father was satrap of Sardis -and an own brother of Darius Hystaspis.” - -The older man turned quickly and his brow clouded as he cried:— - -“What do you mean by parading in Greek clothes and looking with love -upon a maiden of Hellas? Think you that a pure lovely girl of our land -would return the affections of a cousin of the profligate Xerxes?” - -Zopyrus’ reply was made with becoming dignity. “I sincerely believe that -the girl returns my affections, and as for my Persian ancestry, what -think you of my features?” - -Aeschylus’ expression of anger softened as he looked upon the young -man’s face. - -“There is the mystery,” he said in a puzzled voice, “I can think of no -other than Theseus when I behold you. Your face is the type that -characterizes our people.” - -“From my departed mother have I inherited the features in which you -behold a likeness to one of your national heroes, but not alone in face -and form do I resemble the Greeks, but in nature too am I truly one of -you. My mother was a Greek whose parents were members of the family of -Ceryces.” - -“Ceryces!” exclaimed Aeschylus in surprise. “Outside of the family of -Eumolpidæ, I know no better in all this fair land. I bid you welcome to -Greece and into our midst. I was not mistaken in my first impressions of -you. Will you overlook the hasty words I spoke a few minutes ago?” - -“I was not offended,” replied Zopyrus, “for I knew that after mature -deliberation you would be convinced of the reality of my sincerity. My -conscience has been my guide. I have always tried to obey it, thus -keeping it ever sensitive.” - -The poet smiled kindly into the earnest young face flushed with emotion. - -“Young man, perfection lies in just that,” he said, “keeping the -conscience sensitive. If you continue thus to strive after perfection in -your youth you will be laying up virtues which will serve you in the -crises of life which come later.” - -“But I have often thought,” said Zopyrus puzzled, “that sometimes it is -very difficult to determine between virtues and vices. That may sound -very strange to you who consider them to be exactly opposite, but -occasionally even a sensitive conscience can not discriminate. It seems -to me that virtues and vices are very closely allied. How easy it is for -one who is the very soul of generosity to over-step the bound and become -a spendthrift! Might not one who possessed the virtue of thrift pass -over the hair-breadth boundary into the vice of miserliness? Might not -one of a loving nature tend toward licentiousness if not watchful, or -one of self-restraint become too cold? Then again if one is neat and -careful about one’s personal appearance might he not become vain if not -watchful, or on the other hand if indifferent to the appearance of his -body because the weightier matters of the soul concerned him more, might -he not have the tendency to grow filthy and untidy in appearance? So it -seems to me, my good Aeschylus, that it takes a very alert and sensitive -conscience indeed to distinguish between the so-called virtues and -vices, and to pass judgment correctly.” - -“You are right, my boy, it does, and remember this; that in letting your -conscience decide matters, you must not forget that no man lives unto -himself, for everything he does affects another, but I see you are -tired,” he said. “You have worked hard at the wall. In that you have -done rightly, for toil is mankind’s greatest boon and life without -industry is sin.” - -Zopyrus glanced toward the sky, “The moon is beginning its descent and I -must return to the house of Pasicles.” - -“One moment before you go,” said the poet, laying a detaining hand upon -the other’s arm, “You as a member of the Ceryces family should be -initiated into the divine mysteries of Eleusis. Had your departed mother -never mentioned them to you?” - -“As a very young child I remember my mother’s having mentioned, upon -several occasions when we were alone, the Eleusinian Mysteries and my -childish mind nourished by an exceptionally vivid imagination, dwelt a -great deal upon the probable nature of these enigmatical rites.” - -“At two months from this time when the moon is again in its fullness, I -will act in the capacity of mystagogue for you. Till then I will see you -occasionally at Athens in the home of our mutual friend. May the God who -is powerful above all others protect you.” - -With these words he was gone leaving Zopyrus puzzled but greatly elated. - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - What Happened at the Theatre of Dionysus. - - - “Forth came, with slow and measured tread, - The ancient chorus, solemn, dread, - And through the theatre’s ample bound - Stately they took their wonted round.” - Schiller. - -After the passage of a few weeks, Zopyrus became convinced of a fact -which caused him great concern. It was the growing love for him which -Eumetis could ill conceal. An alliance with the house of the -aristocratic poet would be an honor. Zopyrus believed and rightly, that -he had found favor with Pasicles and Cleodice. Still he knew that while -he respected and admired Eumetis for the many desirable qualities which -she possessed, he did not love her as a man should love the woman whom -he chooses out of all others to be his mate. The cognizance of this -unreturned affection and his inability to rediscover the maiden who was -the object of his love were the only obstacles which disturbed the -course of an otherwise peaceful existence. - -Sparta’s pernicious ambitions were timely frustrated and Athens -surrounded by seven miles of solid masonry and with Themistocles as its -temporary idol, settled down to its pre-war mode of life. In the Agora -the fishmonger’s bell announced the opening of fish-market, artisans -went to their trade, the wealthy sought the shops and other public -places or gossiped while they rested in the comfortable seats in the -shady arcades. But the ordinary routine was frequently interrupted by -judicial duties or public services pertaining to religious festivals, -Olympiads or theatrical performances, and it was upon the latter -occasion that on this day the crowds were leaving the market-place and -pursuing a westward direction to the theatre of Dionysus which was an -amphitheatre situated on the southern slope of the Acropolis. - -Entrance was procured for the public through great gates on the right -and left which opened into the orchestra or circular pit where the -chorus marched and sang between the acts. The orchestra was situated -between the stage and the auditorium which had a seating capacity of -thirty thousand. The stone seats which rose tier upon tier were very -wide and actually consisted of three distinct parts; the first as a -seat, the second as a gangway for those walking, and the third part was -hollowed out a little for the feet of those sitting above. The whole -semi-circular structure was cut by stairs which like radii divided it -into sections to facilitate the locating of seats. At the top of each -division upon a pedestal stood the bust of some god or goddess, that of -Dionysus occupying the middle section or place of honor. - -Considerably to the right and about half way down in the section of -Aphrodite sat Pasicles, Cleodice, Polygnotus, Corinna, Zopyrus, Eumetis -and the lad Mimnermus. Bright colored kerchiefs adorned the heads of the -women all over the assemblage, giving a gala appearance to the scene. At -intervals over the theatre there were raised seats with high ornate -backs, arm-rests and cushions. These were reserved for judges and -officials or for any who were deemed deserving to occupy them. In one of -these seats near the front of the section of Dionysus sat the tragedian, -Phrynichus, so privileged as the composer of the tragedy, “The Capture -of Miletus,” which was about to be enacted. Next to him was seated -Aeschylus, his younger contemporary and staunch admirer. - -Above the vast assembly stretched the azure sky across which an -occasional fleecy cloud moved with the gentle breeze. Behind and above -rose the Acropolis crowned with its marble ruins, and to the front of -the audience, visible in the distance a little to the left of the stage -was clearly discernible the conical outline of Hymettus, while farther -to the east stretched the purple range of Anchesmus. - -In his play, Phrynchius vividly presented to his spectators, the sad -events of the downfall of the beautiful city of Miletus. He did not -hesitate to blame certain Greek leaders who allowed themselves to be -influenced by secret agents from the enemy, so that many ships -treacherously sailed away at the opening of the battle. As the play -proceeded the poet in gifted language put into the mouths of his actors, -the tragic tale of the plunder of its dwellings, the conflagration of -its peerless temples and the captivity of its citizens. There arose in -Zopyrus’ memory the pale, tear-stained face of his mother when she -learned from the lips of her stern husband, the fate of her native city. -Sixteen years before she had been taken to Sardis as the bride of the -Persian satrap, but she had never forgotten the city of her birth, nor -did she ever recover from the effect of its sad fate and the probable -doom of friends and relatives. Zopyrus recalled how as a lad of fourteen -he stood beside his mother’s death-bed and received from her lips the -request to avenge the destruction of Miletus. Scalding tears filled his -eyes as he sat with bowed head. Hearing a stifled sob he looked up and -saw that Eumetis was likewise in tears. Thus encouraged, to discover -that he was not alone moved to tears by the memory of a past tragedy -that lived again before thousands, he scanned the multitude around him, -to learn that many were weeping. Scarcely was there one who had not lost -a loved one, or who was not in some way painfully reminded of disasters -through conflict with the Persians. In this great common grief Zopyrus -felt himself to be truly one in heart with the people about him. - -While in this mood he felt a light caressing touch upon his arm, and -turning met the eyes of Eumetis looking up to him with sympathetic -understanding, and in their violet depths he read a truth which, because -he was young and life held for him the possibilities which it offers to -all who are ambitious, flattered while yet it sincerely pleased him. -Before he realized what he was doing his hand sought hers and held it, -delighting in the thrill of contact. - -At the close of the drama a resonant voice from the stage addressed the -throng. It was the ex-archon, Conon. - -“Citizens of Athens,” he cried, “will you let go unpunished the offender -who has this day moved to tears, thousands? Is it without complaint that -you listen to words which cause you to live again the miseries of the -past? Has not Greece borne enough without being thus clearly reminded of -past afflictions? I move you we fine the author one thousand drachmas as -a punishment.” - -Aeschylus was upon his feet in an instant. - -“Rather should our friend here,” indicating Phrynichus, “be rewarded the -sum of a thousand drachmas for the skill with which he depicted those -scenes of woe.” - -“Pay no heed to Aeschylus!” cried a voice. “He is a poet who probably -entertains like ambitions. Phrynichus should be fined, not only for his -own misdeed, but as a warning to aspiring poets that we care not to have -presented to us thus our national tragedies.” - -The sympathies of the group who were around Pasicles were with -Phrynichus and Aeschylus, and so likewise were hundreds of others, but -the majority resented the fact that they had been forced to yield to -tears. The motion carried and the tragedian was forced to pay the -penalty inflicted upon him. - -As the crowds were leaving the amphitheatre Zopyrus espied Aeschylus and -said as he approached him: “That was a good word you spoke for your -elder friend. Our sympathies were with him.” - -“Phrynichus I believe,” answered Aeschylus, “would rather lose the -thousand drachmas than have failed to stir the hearts of the Athenians -as he did today. The light of victory was in his eye, and mark you, -Zopyrus, Conon has not frightened me either, for I intend to work on my -‘Persæ’ with the hope that my audience too will melt into tears! But I -have unpleasant news for you, my friend. I am leaving soon for Sicily to -visit Hiero, tyrant of Syracuse. My promise to escort you to the -Mysteries will have to hold over till another year, however you will -find in the most noble Pasicles a worthy mystagogue, and it is my -earnest desire that you become initiated into the Mysteries at once.” - -“Shall I not see you again before you leave?” questioned Zopyrus much -agitated at the thought of his friend’s imminent departure. - -“I fear not, but time does not drag on the hands of youth, and,” he -added with a smile, “you may find the girl of the Acropolis! Farewell.” - -He was gone and there seemed a chaos in life where Aeschylus had once -been. The truth-seeking poet had meant much to him since he had first -met him in the home of Pasicles. He had known personally many poets and -philosophers who in parasitic fashion drew their nourishment from the -court of King Xerxes. They were neither original in their ideas, fearing -to arouse the wrath of the king by any deviation from customs, nor were -they sincere. Aeschylus would cater to no man, nor did he bow to public -opinion. The truth clothed in forceful language, was what he presented -to the Athenians, and they could take it or spurn it as they chose. - -The sight of Eumetis waiting for him filled Zopyrus with a pleasant -consciousness that the chaos might after all be filled with a living, -loving personality, and he hastily joined her. Her slender face, usually -serious, lighted up with joy as she beheld the youth approaching. - -“The rest have gone on,” she said, “We must hasten if we are to overtake -them.” - -“Is it necessary that we overtake them?” asked Zopyrus in a voice that -sounded unnatural. - -Eumetis blushed and shook her head in the negative. “No not if you -prefer to delay.” - -“I do, Eumetis, for I have something to say to you.” He paused a moment -then continued: “Will the daughter of the aristocratic Pasicles deign to -look upon Zopyrus whose origin is to her unknown, as a suitor?” - -“You are mistaken, Zopyrus, if you think your parentage is unknown to my -father. Aeschylus has revealed your identity to him, though I know not -what it is and care not as long as Pasicles approves.” - -For answer Zopyrus drew her arm within his own and together they crossed -the Ceramicus as the shades of evening were beginning to descend. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - The Celebration of the Mysteries. - - - “Thence what the lofty grave tragedians taught - In chorus or iambic, teachers best - Of moral prudence, with delight received - In brief sententious precepts, while they treat - Of fate, and chance, and change in human life.” - John Milton. - -The first rays of sunlight were gilding the pillared temples of the city -as the procession for the Eleusinian Mysteries filed through the Dipylon -Gate. It was the fifth day of celebration, the previous four having been -spent at Athens in listening to formal proclamations, taking vows, -undergoing purification and being crowned with garlands as emblems of -initiation. Light were the hearts of the youths and maidens as with -singing and dancing they wended their way carrying cists containing -offerings to Demeter and Dionysus. At the head of the procession was -carried a statue of the infant Iacchos, a form of Dionysus. - -Many of the female celebrants rode in carriages as the journey was a -long fatiguing one despite the many stops made. Zopyrus walked beside an -open litter in which sat Cleodice and Eumetis. - -“My children,” said Cleodice smiling, “these mystæ are celebrating your -betrothal though they know it not! I regret so much that Pasicles was -unable to be with us, but he has invoked the blessing of Hymen upon you. -The nuptials will be solemnized immediately upon our return from -Eleusis.” - -Eumetis glanced shyly at the young man who strode beside the carriage. -He had not looked well lately. There was something drawn and haggard -about his features. - -“I fear these days of initiation into the Mysteries are proving too -strenuous for you, Zopyrus. You do not look yourself today,” said -Eumetis with concern. - -“It is nothing,” replied Zopyrus, “but I shall be glad when these rites -are over.” - -“For more reasons than one surely,” laughed Cleodice. “I remember how -impatient your father,” turning to her daughter, “was when it was -necessary to wait till the close of the Nemean games to celebrate our -marriage.” - -Zopyrus turned to survey the landscape which lay all green and gold -about him. The familiarity of the scene at this point came to him as a -shock. There to the right lay the olive-grove and there, he could -mistake it not, was the same tree beneath whose gnarled branches he had -laid his precious burden on that day which would live forever in his -memory. Again he seemed to feel the weight of her unconscious body; -again he observed the beauty, winning seriousness and refinement of her -features and yet once again he imagined he heard her ask if he were not -a disguised Greek soldier! It was with an effort that he forced these -memories from him. A year had passed and he would probably never see her -again. She must have perished during the months that followed the battle -of Salamis as many Greeks had. It was folly, he resolved, to waste one’s -life in vain regrets. He was about to take as his wife a chaste girl of -excellent parentage, whose love was wholly his, and he would do his best -to make her happy! As they passed the path to the southward where he and -the maiden had turned to view the battle from the promontory, he turned -his eyes resolutely to the anxious countenance of Eumetis and smiled, -seeking to forget that which would force itself uppermost in his -consciousness. He partially succeeded, for the eyes of the maiden, so -full of loving regard, gave him a promise of undying affection. He -placed his hand over hers as it lay on the side of the carriage, then -suddenly he stopped as if struck by an arrow. - -Upon his ears in solemn cadence fell again the hymn to Dionysus, the -pæan of joy which had miraculously saved Greece. It was now being sung -for the first time since that memorable event. Every voice that helped -to swell the triumphal song, thrilled with irrepressible ecstasy. Only -in the heart of one did sadness mingle with joy. - -“What is the matter, Zopyrus? You are ill! Mother, stop a moment! I can -walk as far as the fountain of Kallichoros while Zopyrus takes my seat -in the carriage.” - -Zopyrus quickly gained control of his emotions. - -“Foolish girl,” he said with mock severity, “do you think I would ride -while you walked? I assure you I am perfectly well. The fountain is just -now in sight where we shall rest and enjoy a little jest and -merry-making.” - -The voices and innumerable instruments which had filled the heavens with -harmony ceased their music. Vast masses of clouds which swept the sky, -alternately unveiled and eclipsed the sun. A crisp breeze sprang from -the sea, so that the mystæ proceeded along their way after a short stop, -desirous of reaching the Fountain of Kallichoros before the storm which -threatened should break. Their hopes were more than realized. The sun -peeped out from behind a cloud just as they reached Eleusis by the sea, -and shone directly above the gleaming temple to Demeter. With its magic -rays it lit up the whole sacred precinct. First were visible the -propolæa and the small temple of Pluto. To the left was the Telesterion, -a large covered building adjoining which was the sacred temple to the -goddess Demeter, where only those were admitted who had received full -initiation. - -“This is the sacred temple,” whispered Cleodice who already assumed the -office of mystagogue, “and beyond, where you see the waving field of -corn, lies the Rharian Plain where Demeter first sowed corn. Still -farther is the field called Orgas, planted with trees consecrated to -Demeter and Persephone.” - -An official cried in a loud voice, “To the sea, ye Mystæ.” - -“You must undergo further purification,” said Eumetis, “before you can -proceed nearer the holy environs of the temple.” - -At this point Cleodice and Eumetis left Zopyrus who was hurried on with -others to the seashore and into the sea where the final purification -took place. Nearly opposite lay Salamis, the view from this point -differing but little from that which he had obtained from the promontory -nearer Athens. - -The sun had set and the stars came out one by one. As he stood upon the -sand and gazed toward the hazy outline of Salamis, an ecstatic mood took -possession of him. Conscious of his own impotence, he sank upon his -knees and lifted his eyes to the God who had saved Greece, and who was -manifest in all the wonders of nature around him. - -Soon he realized that the other mystæ, bearing flaming torches, were -leaving the shore and repairing to the temple. As he hurried hither he -met Cleodice with a torch for him. - -“We are going to the Telesterion to hear the address of the hierophant,” -she explained. - -The flickering, reddish lights from hundreds of torches cast grotesque -shadows and produced a weird effect as they entered the enormous hall -and seated themselves upon the steps which surrounded the square floor -on all sides. Within this square many who had been in the procession -from Athens marched and sang with the lyre, the flute and the barbiton. -Upon their heads and around their shoulders rested garlands of -interwoven flowers. - -The revelry ended at the appearance of four men from one of the six -doors which were arranged in pairs on three sides of the hall. First in -order came the sacred torch-bearer followed by the altar-priest who wore -the insignia and carried the holy emblems for the service. Immediately -behind him came the hierophant whose duty it was to expound the truths -to the newly initiated. This man, chosen in the prime of life, was -selected from the aristocratic family of the Eumolpidæ. His term would -last till his death, for such was the custom regarding the election of -this officer. In his footsteps followed a fourth figure, the sacred -herald, who together with the altar-priest and torch-bearer, was chosen -for life from the sacred family of Ceryces, the family in which Zopyrus -could proudly claim membership. - -A hush fell upon the assembly at the appearance of these venerable men. -The hierophant with outstretched hands invoked the blessing of the -Mother goddess upon the celebrants. Then in a well modulated voice he -addressed his words to the newly initiated. - -Zopyrus sat as one in a trance, for the sentiment was similar to that of -many utterances of his beloved friend Aeschylus. His thoughts wandered -for a moment to his poet friend and he wondered if he were faring well -on his journey to the island of Sicily. He was probably at this moment -on the surface of the dark sea searching the far horizon for a first -glimpse of fiery Ætna, a favorite abode of Demeter and her daughter -Persephone! This brought his thoughts back again to his immediate -surroundings and he listened as the hierophant spoke:— - -“When I look upon yonder green fields, I call upon the faithful to give -thanks to Demeter, that is, that active manifestation of the One through -which the corn attains to its ripe maturity. Whether we view the sun or -the harvest, or contemplate with admiration the unity and harmony of the -visible or invisible world, still it is always with the Only, the -All-embracing One we have to do, to Whom we ourselves belong as those of -His manifestations in which He places His self-consciousness. - -“The wonderful miracle of reviving vegetation, of the grain which dies -in the ground and springs anew to life, illustrates man’s longing for a -revival of his own life, and serves as an assurance of his hope of -immortality. - -“Many of you sit before me fearful for the morrow, for you know not in -the day or in the night what course fate has marked out for you. But -think you that any part of the self-consciousness of this omnipotent God -can sink into utter oblivion? I tell you that death is but a passing out -of this life into a larger, fuller existence like unto the change which -takes place in a kernel of corn when it is planted in the ground. What -change does Demeter work in that corn? What change will the One -accomplish in you? In Demeter you see explained the mysteries pertaining -to the source of life. In Persephone you behold life itself with its -problems. Their relation to each other is emblematic of man’s -resurrection. We are here now to win the friendship of the Mother and -Daughter that we may procure a blessing at their hands in the next -existence.” - -The hierophant withdrew, and the sacred herald announced that a mystery -play would be enacted. - -Aeschylus had hinted to Zopyrus that the celebration consisted of -“things said” and “things done.” The young man’s eyes were fixed in -eager anticipation upon the clear space in the center of the Great Hall, -around the sides of which were seated not less than three thousand -spectators. The actors gained access to the pit by means of trap-doors -which opened from below. - -“The first scene,” whispered Cleodice, “will represent Persephone and -some girl friends picking roses, lilies and hyacinths in the fields of -Enna in Sicily.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - Persephone. - - - “Yonder brook Demeter’s tears received, - That she wept for her Persephone.” - Schiller. - -Scarcely had the words fallen from Cleodice’s lips than there appeared -several maidens running, dancing and pirouetting. They seemed to be so -many sylvan nymphs effusing the spirit of eternal spring among imaginary -wooded hills, beside babbling brooks and amid fragrant meadows in search -of flowers to wind in their long hair which streamed behind them or fell -about their shoulders as they ran. - -“The one with the richly broidered gown of pure white is Persephone,” -explained Eumetis, observing that Zopyrus’ eyes were fastened upon that -figure. - -Seated between Cleodice and Eumetis, Zopyrus had not withdrawn his gaze -from the girl in white, the Persephone. It was the maiden whom he had -rescued on the Acropolis! - -“She is very beautiful, is she not, Zopyrus?” questioned Eumetis with -pique. - -But Zopyrus did not hear. - -Happy Persephone! Life that moves along with nothing to disturb its -tranquility! Presently she sees a flower, a narcissus, fairer and taller -than any around it, but it is far away. She leaves her companions and -runs gayly to pluck it. Her hand is almost upon the fair blossom when -lo! the earth opens at her feet, and a chariot drawn by two black horses -emerges seemingly from the very bowels of the earth. Within the chariot -stands a dark, somber-visaged man upon whose head rests a crown with a -solitary dull red stone in the front. This man is Hades,[5] lord of the -underworld. He seizes the hapless Persephone who struggles vainly for -freedom, and placing her beside him in his magnificent chariot, vanishes -with her to the nether regions. - -While this scene was being enacted, Zopyrus sat as one dazed, for in the -person of Hades he had recognized the traitor of Thermopylæ. - -Again the pit is occupied, this time by two female figures clad in robes -of mourning. They are Ceres and her faithful maid Iambe. Ceres questions -every one they meet in the hope of finding some trace of her lost -daughter, Persephone. Hecate, goddess of night, is approached with an -inquiry regarding the possible whereabouts of the unfortunate girl, but -Night has seen nothing, only heard the cry of anguish. - -During the six months that Persephone dwelt with Pluto, her husband, the -face of nature showed the withering touch of the mourning goddess. It -was for Helios, the sun god, to reveal where Persephone was hidden, and -during the remainder of the year that Persephone’s abode was with her -mother, Ceres’ magic influence was made manifest in the growing and -maturing vegetation. - -So the mother goddess, Earth, who during her sorrow had caused all -nature to be barren, produced fruit, flowers and grain in abundance. As -her faithful heart pined for her daughter, Life, so do we mourn the lost -lives of our loved ones until our souls are assured of their -resurrection. So often from the bitterest experiences of life do the -greatest blessings come. - -A communion service followed the presentation of the suffering and -rejoicing of Demeter, in which all the initiates drank of the same cup -with the representatives of the goddesses. These ceremonies appealed to -the eyes and imaginations of the celebrants through a form of religious -mesmerism. - -The ceremonies over, the crowds moved slowly out of the Telesterion. -From the entrance to the rock-terrace, Persephone and Agne, the woman -who had represented Ceres, watched the departing throng. - -“An appreciative audience, do you not think so, Persephone?” asked the -older woman. - -“I sincerely hope so,” replied the girl. “My greatest happiness can come -only from successfully convincing others that there is a future -existence for all who deserve it.” - -“I saw my cousin, Cleodice and her daughter, Eumetis,” said Agne. “There -was a young man seated between them, and I believe he must be the one to -whom Eumetis is betrothed. He will find Eumetis a worthy mate, for a -more unselfish girl never lived. She loved Polygnotus, but when she -realized that her sister, Corinna loved him, she stepped aside and gave -Polygnotus every opportunity to pay court to her sister. But see who is -coming to pay court here, little Persephone! Behold Pluto is vanished, -and in his stead we see Ephialtes. I was young once, Persephone, and if -I mistake not, your greatest happiness lies with him, not in revealing a -future life to others. Do not misunderstand me, my dear, your part as -Persephone is a noble one and may be for a year or two yet, but then -younger Persephones will come to the front, and you do not want to -become a Demeter!” here Agne laughed bitterly. “I once stood as you now -stand and hesitated between a lover and an ambition,—and now I am just -Demeter, truly a noble calling, but not life as it should be. You are -life, Persephone! You personify it! Then live it, and Ephialtes will -gladly share it with you.” - -Persephone was amazed at Agne’s frank outburst. She had always known her -as a devout, conscientious woman whose interest in her part of Ceres in -the mystery-play was the obsession of her life. It was now vividly -impressed upon her that Agne had once been young as she was, that Agne -had once loved and been loved, and now Agne’s advice was to make the -most of that love which comes in life’s spring-time. - -“But I always thought you wanted me to succeed you some day as Demeter!” -the girl exclaimed wonderingly. - -“Maybe some day you can, but live first. Demeter was a mother, and I -believe a real mother will present the truths of our belief more vividly -than can one who has never known the joys and pangs of motherhood.” With -these words Agne left the maiden just as Ephialtes approached. - -“Come with me to the Grotto of Pluto, Persephone,” said Ephialtes. “I -wish to have a word with you alone.” - -The Grotto of Pluto was a half furlong distant from the Great Hall which -the two now left by way of the rock-terrace. The night breeze from -across the Rharian plain was warm and laden with the odors of grain -fields. - -“The usual cool sea breeze has deserted us tonight,” remarked -Persephone, “but I love equally well that which blows from the land. It -seems to bear a message from others who live in our own fair land and to -unite us by its common touch.” - -“I love that wind,” said Ephialtes, “which blows across the water from -strange, unknown lands, bringing with it a feeling of mystery. It is -characteristic, I suppose, that the woman love her native land and the -familiar haunts of her childhood, but the man longs to explore the -unknown.” - -“Yes I love Greece, Ephialtes, and who would not? It has the richest -pale-blue air, the loveliest mountain forms and silvery estuaries, -sinking far into the heart of the land!” - -They arrived, meeting no one, at the entrance of the Grotto of Pluto. - -“Let us go in,” said Ephialtes softly. “There is a new statue of Iacchos -I would show you.” - -“Some other time, Ephialtes. There is no one here. Tell me what you said -you wished to tell me when we were in the Telesterion.” - -Ephialtes was keenly disappointed that the girl would not enter the -grotto with him. His impulse was to carry her bodily there, but he knew -her utterances of remonstrance would attract attention, so he silently -obeyed her wish, feeling impotent rage. - -“On the second night of the next full moon, there is to be a festival of -Dionysus on the island of Naxos. Will you go with me, Persephone?” - -He was standing before her; he clasped her hand and gazed pleadingly -into her eyes. She hesitated and turned thoughtfully away. - -“I will go with you if I may take Agne as chaperone,” she replied. - -Ephialtes answered with well concealed irritation: “Very well, if you -insist, but surely you do not mistrust a friend of such long standing as -myself, and oh my dear Persephone, will you not change your answer to my -question which was put to you last when we drifted together in the barge -off of Salamis?” - -“My answer is the same, and by the way, have you found any clue to the -identity of the traitor of Thermopylæ?” - -The young man glanced furtively about him and made answer: “Not yet, but -you may rest assured I will find him since my future happiness depends -upon it. Goodbye now, sweet Persephone, till the second night of the -full moon. I shall count the hours as lost till I see you.” - -He strode toward her as though to embrace her, but warned by her -attitude of aloofness, merely imprinted a kiss upon her hand. He could -well afford to bridle his passions so as not to offend her before the -excursion to Naxos. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - Agne’s Advice. - - - “Could love part thus? was it not well to speak, - To have spoken once? It could not but be well.” - Tennyson. - -Alone in the darkness outside the cave of Pluto, the words of Agne kept -ringing in Persephone’s ears:—“Live first! A mother will present the -truths more vividly than one who has never known the joys and pangs of -motherhood.” Was this longing which filled her being, love for the man -who had just left her, or was it merely an indefinable desire to fulfill -the requirements of nature in regard to her sex? - -A short distance away the massive temple stood in dim relief against a -starry sky. An occasional group of celebrants passing between it and the -silent figure of the girl, revealed the sacred edifice and its precincts -in the fluctuating lights of their torches. Life to Persephone had not -been unlike that solid masonry, which had stood since it was built, -unaffected by storms without, but now the flickering lights revealed it -in a new aspect; showed it by the wavering illumination to contain -secret nooks and crannies which had before been invisible. So had this -new emotion lighted Persephone’s soul till it brought into evidence -secret chambers of her being of which she had been heretofore -unconscious. - -Once before this yearning had taken possession of her being—she blushed -with shame to think of it, but it was when the Persian officer had -kissed her, after they had witnessed together the great battle. Of -course it was wicked, she thought to herself, to think of that brute who -had dared contemptuously to push aside the first civilities of their -acquaintance, and behave in such a rude manner, for Ephialtes who was a -Greek had never dared—— - -“Anyway,” she said half aloud, “he was probably killed at Platæa and it -serves him right—only—of course—death is a pretty severe penalty just -for kissing a girl, even if one has no right to do it—no, I hope he -isn’t dead. He wasn’t as handsome as Ephialtes, but there was something -more courageous and masterful about him, and his eyes didn’t shrink from -looking right into mine—” - -With her hand upon her breast, her eyes wide and bright, she said -aloud:—“Live first! A mother will present the truths more vividly than -one who has never known the joys and pangs of motherhood.” - -The sudden consciousness of someone standing near, caused her to start -violently and stammer in confusion, as she realized her last thoughts -had been audible. A young man had appeared out of the shadows. - -He came a few steps nearer and said humbly: “I beg your pardon for this -intrusion. I came from the temple to explore the Grotto, then I saw you -standing here, truly a vision to satisfactorily complete this impressive -scene. I stood and watched you. I had no idea you would think aloud!” - -Even in the faint light Persephone had recognized her rescuer of the -Acropolis, and though her heart quickened its beat and her cheeks -flushed, she resented his having heard her words, and said somewhat -haughtily: “I thought all the Persians had left Greece by this time.” - -“All the Persians have,” he replied. “I am a Greek.” - -A contemptuous smile curled her lips. “It must be convenient to be able -to change one’s nationality at will!” - -Her words stung him, but he did not swerve from his purpose. He took a -step closer to her and said evenly: “I have been searching for you ever -since the Persians were defeated at Platæa and now I have found you. Who -are you Persephone?” - -She did not shrink from him at his approach, but with lips slightly -parted and eyes wide with wonder, gazed steadfastly into his face. As -their eyes met, his features relaxed from their severity, and once again -he felt the same impulse to hold and kiss her as he had after the -miracle of Salamis. All disdain had vanished from her attitude, and the -words he had heard her speak and the vague yearning which they -expressed, might not he—? His arms were stretched forth to take her, his -lips eager to meet hers, when the vision of another face came between; -the face of one to whom he had made a sacred promise of love! Was he -weak, that he could change his nationality and his sweethearts to -accommodate his moods? He backed away, covering his face with an -uplifted arm, and uttered a sob, “It is too late, little girl! Forget -that I sought you after the Mysteries, forget that I love you.” - -Persephone’s lips quivered as she asked faintly: “Why is it too late?” - -He did not answer, so deep was his emotion. Suddenly a new thought -occurred to him and he asked roughly, “That fellow who played Pluto with -you, does he—love you?” - -She lowered her eyes in embarrassment as she answered, “He has said -so—but—” - -“That is enough,” Zopyrus interrupted rudely, “had you any—thought of -accepting his attentions? This may seem rude to you,” he added -apologetically, “but believe me, my motives are pure in asking you -this.” - -Persephone looked shyly into the eyes of the man whom she now knew she -loved more dearly than any other, and desiring to entice him into an -avowed declaration of his adoration of her, she said demurely: -“Circumstances might favor my acceptance of the young man who played -with me as Pluto.” - -Zopyrus ground his teeth in secret dismay. He knew she was innocent of -the fact that her would-be-lover was a traitor, but how could he, -Zopyrus, who was in honor bound to renounce her, reveal her lover’s -identity, and bring disappointment to the maiden’s heart whose longings -he had heard in her own words but a short time ago. He could not, he -felt, be like the dog in the manger of which Aesop had written. If he -could not have her, he could not deny her happiness with another—but a -traitor! Perhaps it was best that she should know before it was too -late. He looked again into her eyes and opened his mouth to speak, then -with a shrug of despair he turned and left her. - -He was gone, and so were all the celebrants bearing torches. The temple -was now an indistinct black blot against the sky. No cracks and crannies -were revealed by wavering lights! Someone touched her arm. It was Agne! - -“Did you take my advice, dear Persephone?” whispered the woman. “Did you -decide to live? Did you accept him?” - -“Did I accept whom?” asked Persephone dazedly. “Oh, yes—no—, I—that is -he is going to take me to celebrate the festivities at Naxos on the -second night of the full moon. Will you, dear Agne, go with us as -chaperone?” - -Agne consented and said, “I know he loves you. He seemed loath to leave -you just now. Do not allow his role as Hades to prejudice you against -him.” - -Persephone felt relieved, for by Agne’s last remark, she knew that in -the dark Agne had mistaken the stranger for Ephialtes. - -“You are right, Agne, I will live while I am young. When Ephialtes asks -me for an answer at Naxos, I will accept him.” Persephone’s voice -faltered, and Agne misunderstood the cause of the quavering tones. - -“I wish you, dear girl, all the happiness that might have been mine, had -I chosen differently when I stood at the forks.” - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - Ephialtes’ Plot. - - - “So drives self-love through just, and through unjust, - To one man’s power, ambition, lucre, lust.” - Pope. - -It was eventide in the Agora. Booths were being closed for the night -while merchants and customers were preparing to seek the comfort of -their homes. Gradually the streets became quite deserted except for a -few dogs whose opportunity to feast came at the close of day when some -of the refuse from the meat and vegetable markets lay about the stalls. - -Cimon on his way to dine at the home of Pasicles nearly collided with a -figure as he turned the corner directly in front of the shop of Aphobus, -a dealer in jewelry and vases. After the first moment of surprise at -meeting anyone at this hour he recognized Ephialtes. With a friendly nod -and word of greeting he would have passed on his way, but Ephialtes -called him by name and indicated that he wished to speak with him. - -“My dear friend Cimon,” he began, “excuse me if I seem to intrude where -your affairs are concerned, but after having been myself a witness to -the evidence of your great passion for the girl Ladice, I can not but -desire to assist you and I believe I can be of some use to you in -attaining your heart’s desire if you will but listen to me.” - -Cimon detected the reek of wine upon the breath of Ephialtes and fought -against a desire to give some plausible excuse and hasten on his way, -but the words of the latter undeniably aroused his curiosity. - -“Are you aware,” continued Ephialtes, glancing about to make certain -they were not heard, “that Ladice is now a ward of the great -Themistocles.” Ephialtes laid special emphasis upon the word “great” and -looked keenly to note the affect of his words upon his listener. - -Cimon made an impatient gesture. “Do you think to make me jealous of a -man twice my age who has a family of ten children, and has probably -taken Ladice under his protection because he was a personal friend of -her brave father who was killed at Salamis?” - -“Indeed you misjudge me, my friend,” replied Ephialtes assuming an -aggrieved air. “I had not thought of him in the role of lover. But while -she is under the protection of Themistocles her mind must constantly be -impressed by his opinions, and you know, yourself, that the statesman -does not love you nor did he your father before you. And why, pray tell -me, does Themistocles hate you? Ah, you hesitate because of personal -modesty, but I will tell you why. It is because you are likely to become -his bitter rival. He sees in you not only qualities which he himself -possesses as a leader, but likewise some that you have inherited from -your brave father. He fears to lose public favor, and you, would you -hesitate to take for yourself that which he might lose?” - -Ephialtes could see that his words had touched a vulnerable spot. - -“It is true,” replied Cimon, “that Themistocles would never consent to -my suit, but you forget that Ladice does not return my affection.” - -“With Themistocles out of the way your chances with his ward are far -greater,” persisted the other. “Now I have a friend by the name of -Leobotes who for personal reasons, dislikes the statesman so much that -he would gladly cause his downfall. Leobotes is endeavoring to stir up -public opinion against Themistocles and thus bring about the latter’s -banishment. With Themistocles out of Greece forever what is to prevent -you from stepping up into his place? And once there you can see realized -your ambitions of uniting Sparta and the islands with us in an alliance, -and at the head of hosts of faithful followers you can put down the -revolts of our colonies. Do you think that with you as tyrant of Athens, -Ladice would continue to treat you with disdain? My dear fellow,” -laughed Ephialtes clapping him upon the shoulder, “she would gladly -forget the disgrace in which your father died and would be proud to be -the chosen bride of the idol of Athens!” - -Cimon’s vanity could no longer resist the subtle power of Ephialtes’ -flattery. In his mind’s eye he pictured himself the envy of all men. He -would first win the favor of the populace by his magnanimity, then he -would rebuild the temples of Athens that had been destroyed; the -Acropolis must have a splendid shrine to her goddess, and as Ephialtes -had said, the city must be on friendly terms with Sparta. As he realized -that all this which he visioned was possible of achievement he could -scarcely hold himself in restraint. Though it was already past the -dinner hour at the home of the poet, Cimon continued talking and -planning with Ephialtes, all else forgotten. - -“Come with me now and I will introduce you to Leobotes,” suggested -Ephialtes, and he was amazed at the readiness with which the other -complied. - -They threaded their way through the winding streets which without walks -were lined on either side by the rough masonry of the houses. Since it -was past the hour of the evening meal they met parties of youths singing -and laughing and exchanging coarse jests, all of which was a painful -reminder to Cimon of a period of his youth, not so long ago, that he -would just as soon forget. - -Cimon did not trust Ephialtes, but the well contrived scheme which the -latter laid before him was irresistible. As they brushed by open -doorways, obtaining brief glimpses of life within or heard occasional -snatches of conversation, an ecstatic mood possessed Cimon. Might not he -some day possess the power to change the lives of these people and to -put his name upon their lips, his name spoken in praise and reverence! - -As they approached one entrance, a pretty child, a girl of about ten -years, sat upon the doorstep holding in her arms a very young infant. -Cimon paused, for he was always irresistibly drawn toward children, and -drew aside the shawl which covered the baby’s face. - -“Oho,” he laughed bending over the tiny figure, “behold, Ephialtes, a -future citizen of Athens, and who knows,” he added meditatively, “the -possibilities that lie in that small bundle of life. What is his name, -child?” pinching the girl’s cheek. “A good name means a good start in -life.” - -The girl’s brown eyes flashed proudly. “We have given him a wonderful -name. There is no better in Athens. We call him Themistocles.” - -Ephialtes laughed outright and pulled at Cimon’s tunic. “Come,” he said, -“we must hurry on—to the business of naming the unborn citizens of -Attica.” - -The house of Leobotes was the last one before the widening of the -street, where four other lanes like the fingers of a hand united at the -palm, and the so-called “palm” was a small square beautified by an -ornate drinking place. The two men refreshed themselves at the well -before seeking to gain entrance at the home of Leobotes. The owner -himself answered their knock. - -It is a peculiar thing that we are sensitive at times to the proximity -of extremely agreeable or antagonistic natures, though they be out of -range of sight or hearing. Such a feeling of repellence Cimon possessed -as he stood at the doorway of Leobotes. True he had never loved -Ephialtes any too well, but there was a subtle charm of manner in the -handsome young Greek that drew his victims toward him, an attraction -that Leobotes with perhaps no baser traits of character, lacked. - -Leobotes was a thin man with a pointed beard of sandy color and shifty -eyes of a nondescript pale blue variety. His appearance was anything but -inspiring, and Cimon felt his previous aspirations shrivel within him -whenever he tried to meet the evasive glance of this friend of -Ephialtes. Leobotes, as soon as he had been informed of the reason for -the visit, set some wine before his guests and after taking a draught -himself, rubbed his hands and smacked his lips as he turned to Cimon, -whom he had known by sight as the son of the hero of Marathon. - -“I am a patriotic and loyal citizen,” he began, “and I believe in -promoting that which is for the good of our beloved city, and I believe -equally,” he paused impressively, “in doing away with that which is a -menace to Athens. Themistocles is only waiting his chance to sell our -city and the freedom of its inhabitants to the highest bidder. How do I -know? I was near him at Salamis and I heard the messages he sent by his -slave to the Persian king, to block the Greek ships up in the bay.” - -“Is it possible,” asked Cimon deeply impressed, “that he sent such word -to Xerxes?” - -“Not only possible,” exclaimed Leobotes, “it is a fact. As you know that -was done too,” he concluded with an air of satisfaction. - -“Yes it was done,” Cimon acknowledged, “but we won, did we not? Terror -fell upon the Persians when they heard the loud chant of battle and the -martial sound of trumpet from the Greek ranks and soon ships, Persian -ships, were colliding, their oars—” - -“Yes, I know all that,” Leobotes interrupted with impatience, “but that -was all contrary to the way Themistocles had planned, and I believe the -purpose of the deed and not the result should be the cause of punishment -to the perpetrator.” - -“If the truth were sufficient to convict him,” said Cimon, “I should -agree with you that the motive of an act is of primal importance, but do -you not think banishment a very severe punishment unless the accusers -can obtain the most convincing evidence against the accused?” - -Leobotes smiled as he said, “You are aware of the accusations of Medism -against Pausanias. The lure of wealth and an eastern satrapy following -his victory at Platæa proved too attractive. Just recently a slave sent -by him with a message to the Persian king was overcome by curiosity and -upon reading the contents of the missive learned that he was to be put -to death as soon as his message was delivered. So had all previous -messengers between Pausanias and Xerxes met their fate in order that -absolute secrecy might be maintained. This slave returned to Greece and -made known to the Ephors the treachery of his master.” - -“What did Pausanias do?” asked Ephialtes for whom the fate of a traitor -possessed a peculiar fascination. - -Leobotes turned his pale eyes in the questioner’s direction, and to the -latter his voice sounded like the utterance of judgment as he replied: -“Pausanias fled just yesterday to a shrine of Poseidon in which place he -feels secure for the present against any violence.” - -All three were silent for a few moments. At length Cimon asked, “Do you -believe Themistocles to be implicated in this plot of Pausanias?” - -Leobotes hesitated before answering. He did not like the reluctance -which Cimon showed in accepting what he, Leobotes, liked to think of as -proof of Themistocles’ guilt. - -“It seems to me,” he answered evasively, “that all men who have tasted -success in battle and have won public favor, sooner or later succumb to -an insatiable yearning for worldly riches and glory no matter at what -price.” - -“Now Cimon is very different,” said Ephialtes quickly, fearing that the -trend of conversation was beginning to defeat the purpose for which he -had sought Leobotes’ help. “If Cimon were to succeed Themistocles as the -leading Athenian, he would accept no bribery.” - -“No of course not,” agreed the older man, quick to comprehend the -significance of the other’s remark. “There are some men whom one knows -instinctively are above such deeds.” - -Feeling that this was a suitable remark for Cimon to ponder, he arose -and refilled the empty wine goblets. - -“Well what do you propose that I should do?” asked Cimon after he had -drained his cup. - -“Nothing for the present but talk,” answered Leobotes. “You are popular -and influential. A word from you will go twice as far as a lengthy -speech from either Ephialtes or myself.” - -“Do you really think my influence could be felt?” asked Cimon as he -arose to leave. - -“My dear young man,” Leobotes made answer, and his tone was -ingratiating, while at the same time he turned and gave a knowing nod to -Ephialtes, “Much is expected of you as the son of a brave soldier. Your -name is on the tongues of many, and there is only one man who stands -between you and the highest of mortal attainments. Need I say more?” - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - The Ward of Themistocles. - - - “Talk of thy doom without a sigh; - For thou art freedom’s now, and fame’s,— - One of the few, the immortal names - That were not born to die.” - Fitz-Greene Halleck. - -In compliance with a request from the hero of Salamis, no less a person -than Themistocles himself, Zopyrus betook himself to the home of that -personage. The two had met frequently at public gatherings, and Zopyrus, -influenced by the first words he had heard fall from the lips of -Aeschylus which were tributes of praise to Themistocles, had since that -time looked upon the actions and utterances of that statesman with -approval. - -A servant admitted him and led him through the reception room to a -doorway which opened into a bright and cheerful solarium. The statist -stood with arms folded and head bent in reverie. Upon hearing a footfall -he turned quickly and greeted Zopyrus with outstretched hands. - -“Welcome, my young friend,” he cried delightedly. “You come at a time -when cheerful companionship is much needed. As if the cares of a nation -are not enough, the gods are giving me more than my share of personal -woe.” - -Zopyrus seated himself in the sun-lit room and surveyed the luxuriant -growth of potted tropical plants. - -“One ought never to feel sad here,” he remarked, “but tell me what -troubles you Themistocles.” - -“I will first tell you of my political worries, though perhaps you share -the opinion of many of my former friends, and can anticipate what I am -about to say.” - -“I can not know exactly what you wish to say, but I presume it has to do -with the turning of popular favor against you.” - -“Yes, that is at the bottom of my sorrow. Once—” here Themistocles’ -voice broke and he could not continue for a moment, “once I was greatly -honored and deservedly, Zopyrus. Do not think me a braggart to say -so—but you will remember the favors that all Athens showed me after -Salamis. I was and am still sincere in my hope for the welfare of this -most glorious of cities, but personal enemies have sown the seeds of -mistrust, and now former friends pass me with averted faces, and many -cast glances of distrust. Did I not thwart the over-ambitious Sparta? -Now the populace begins to clamor for a younger man, which is good and -natural of course, but this young man favors an alliance with Sparta, -and even argues that such a compact will be to our advantage. This young -man, do you know him?” asked Themistocles with fervor. - -“I believe you mean Cimon, the son of Miltiades, do you not?” - -“The same,” cried Themistocles, “the son of a veritable rascal, so what -can one expect!” - -“Personally I admire Cimon,” said Zopyrus quietly. “He is a warrior, -every inch of him, and I favor the plan of appointing him successor to -Aristides as commander of the fleet.” - -“Then you too are against me!” cried the older man hotly. “I had counted -on your friendship as an unswerving reality, but I realize there is no -such thing as human constancy.” - -Zopyrus was deeply moved. “I do not for one moment doubt your sincerity -in serving Athens, and at the time of Salamis your policy was a wise one -and saved Greece from a sad fate, but conditions have changed since -Platæa.” - -“Do you know,” asked the statesman leaning toward his young companion -and lowering his tones, “that there were those who doubted me at Salamis -and were ready to believe that my scheme for compelling the Greeks to -fight was an act intended to favor the enemy? Had the Persians been -victorious at the time my doom would have been sealed.” - -“Athens is too severe, too critical,” continued Themistocles, his voice -rising in excitement. “Because such men as Miltiades and Pausanias -become arrogant and selfish after Marathon and Platæa, they assume that -I must do likewise after Salamis. This Delean League which is proposed -by Cimon would exclude the Thessalians and Argives, both as you know -friendly to us, and would substitute allies of Sparta. The national -spirit which made the Greeks omnipotent against the millions of Darius -and Xerxes must live again! Oh, Athens is temporarily blind, blind, and -I am powerless to save her now! You are young, Zopyrus, will you not -fight this confederacy and clear my name of suspicions of intrigue with -Persia? Seek one Leobotes, an old enemy of my family, and prevent him -from pressing against me the charge of Medism. Do this, my friend, and -anything that is within my power I will do for you.” - -“I will do what I can,” replied Zopyrus earnestly. Changing the subject -he said, “You have heard no doubt, of the fate of Pausanias?” - -“I can imagine what it is, but I had not heard.” - -“I was informed before coming here,” said Zopyrus, “that starvation in -the temple of Poseidon ended his miserable existence. As you know a wall -had been built around the temple and armed guards stationed without who -watched night and day. Just before the end came he was brought forth -into the open to die that he might not pollute the temple.” - -“Alas poor Pausanias!” cried Themistocles, “how relentless are those who -think ill of us! You were guilty of the charge against you, but by the -gods I am not!” - -Zopyrus was deeply impressed by the grief of Themistocles. He put his -hand into his tunic and tore from his throat a talisman that had hung on -a slender chain. Thrusting it into the hand of the amazed Themistocles -he whispered hurriedly, “I hope you may never need it, but should it -prove necessary, this will make you welcome at the court of Xerxes or -his successor either at Persepolis or Susa.” - -As Zopyrus finished speaking a light step was heard in the adjoining -room, and a moment later Ladice entered. Upon observing another person, -she turned and would have withdrawn had not Zopyrus stepped forward with -the words: “Ladice have you so soon forgotten your rescuer?” - -The girl hesitated a moment, then her features lit up with a pleasant -smile of recognition. “I had forgotten your name but I have told -Themistocles many times of your bravery.” - -Both men gazed with masculine approval into the smiling gray eyes of the -girl that looked out from beneath a halo of sunshine and copper colored -hair. - -“So Zopyrus is your deliverer!” ejaculated Themistocles, “and he is a -Persian!” - -“You should use the past tense there, my friend,” said Zopyrus with -emotion, “for I have been an Athenian loyal and staunch ever since the -death of my friend Masistius.” - -At the mention of the Persian’s name, Ladice turned her head away to -hide the tears which filled her eyes. She sat silently while Zopyrus -related the story of his transformation. When he had finished -Themistocles placed his hands upon the youth’s shoulders. - -“You are worthy of your Athenian ancestry. If you can rescue me from a -fate as bad in its way as Ladice’s threatened to be, you will be in my -opinion, second only to Zeus himself.” - -“I will do all that I can,” said the young man heartily, “and will begin -with my friend Cimon who has proved too talkative of late.” - -After Zopyrus’ departure Themistocles turned to his young ward and -placing a hand upon her bright hair said, “It would greatly please me -did you find favor in the eyes of this young Zopyrus.” - -Ladice blushed in painful confusion as she replied, “For some time I -feel that no one can fill the place that my brave Persian, Masistius -held, besides I have heard it rumored that Zopyrus is to wed the -daughter of Pasicles.” - -For some moments there was silence between them. Suddenly Themistocles -said fiercely, “As long as Cimon stays away from you, I care not to whom -your heart may turn, even were it the son of my hated rival Aristides!” - -“Father, for such you have been to me since Platæa,” said Ladice, her -lips trembling with emotion, “I have wondered if Cimon’s animosity -toward you is not aggravated by my coldness to him. Has it not occurred -to you that he may consider that you alone are responsible for the -failure of his suit? If I were to accept his attentions, is it not -likely that he would discontinue his efforts to turn the Athenians -against you?” - -“It is possible, Ladice,” said the statesman sadly, “but I would under -no consideration allow you to sacrifice your happiness for me. You are -young, while I—perhaps it is better so!” - -The girl touched the hand of her foster-father with loving tenderness as -she said: “But what if I have found that I do love him, but have -hesitated to speak before, knowing as I do your justified hatred of -him!” - -The hero of Salamis placed his hand under the maiden’s chin and lifted -her face till he could search the eyes that sought to veil themselves -beneath the sweeping lashes. His look seemed to penetrate the innermost -recesses of her soul. She struggled to free herself from the gaze that -held her, as she cried beseechingly: “Only believe me, Themistocles. Do -you not see that I can marry the man I love and free you from the -terrible disgrace which threatens you?” - -The man’s arms dropped to his sides and his mighty head sank to his -breast. Ladice stepped away smiling for she knew his attitude was -significant of resignation. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - In the Shadow of the Acropolis. - - - “Oh, yet we trust that somehow good - Will be the final goal of ill, - To pangs of nature, sins of will, - Defects of doubt, and taints of blood.” - Tennyson. - -Zopyrus bade Themistocles and Ladice farewell and turned his footsteps -absent-mindedly to the house of Pasicles. As it was still early in the -afternoon he decided to walk to the Acropolis and view again the spoils -of the late war that were there on exhibition. Thinking to avoid the -busy street that passes to the front of the Theatre of Dionysus, Zopyrus -sought the shady but unfrequented side of the Acropolis. He was arrested -by the sound of conversation punctuated with light laughter. Something -familiar in one of the voices caused him to proceed cautiously. - -Seated upon a moss-grown ledge, the lofty wall of the Acropolis covered -with creepers forming an artistic background, sat Corinna, daughter of -Pasicles. Zopyrus gazed in mute astonishment, for this coquettish maiden -seemed a new Corinna and not the sister of the serious Eumetis, or the -betrothed of the artist, Polygnotus. Leaning against the ledge and -gazing up at the girl with steadfast attention was a florid-faced young -man, a stranger to Zopyrus. The boldness of his demeanor displeased -Zopyrus greatly, and he decided to remain where he was and investigate -the stranger’s intentions to Corinna. - -Covering Corinna’s head was a handsome brocaded scarf. When the girl -tossed back her head in laughter, the scarf slipped off and fell to the -ground. The youth picked it up, shook off the dust and restored it to -its owner. Corinna joyfully received it and warmly thanked the young man -who assured her he would delight in rendering her a real service some -day. - -Zopyrus watched the two for some time and was about to conclude that it -was perhaps a harmless flirtation when the man’s face suddenly lost its -expression of gayety and took on a serious aspect, while his eyes -gleamed with a lustful light. - -“My invitation of a few minutes ago was no joke, Corinna. Will you go -with me to Naxos on the second night of the next full moon? You will be -the queen of all there, you beautiful girl, with your crown of auburn -hair.” - -Corinna drew away from the too ardent gestures. - -“No, I can not do that. My parents, my sister, yes and Polygnotus,” she -added with a blush, “would be horrified.” - -“Do not let them know,” persisted the man. “Have you not a sick friend -who might be visited that night?” - -The maid hesitated. “Give me time to think it over. You say there will -be other girls and that the ceremonies are beautiful?” - -“Yes indeed,” he cried eagerly, laying a hand on hers, “there will be -others, but none so lovely as you! As for the artist, he is too serious -to enjoy life. With him, Corinna, you would soon become an old woman, -but I am different. I enjoy life and I can make you so happy that the -festival of Dionysus will be an event in your life that you will never -forget.” - -“Well I will try to arrange it so I can go. Where shall I meet you?” - -“At the harbor of Piræus, an hour after sunrise.” - -Zopyrus needed to hear no more. He hesitated between informing the -girl’s parents of what he had heard, and on the other hand, saying -nothing about it, but going to Naxos himself, unknown to her, as her -guardian. After debating the problem all the way home, he decided upon -the latter plan as the better, in that it might spare Pasicles and -Cleodice disappointment and mortification. - - * * * * * * * * - -On the day following the events of the preceding chapter, Cimon was the -recipient of a message the purport of which caused him to doubt the -accuracy of his sight. The note was from Ladice, the ward of -Themistocles, requesting him to meet her in the latter part of the -afternoon at the mossy ledge on the east side of the Acropolis. -Believing that it was all part of a dream from which he would awaken to -miserable reality, Cimon hurried to his trysting-place with fast beating -heart. His eyesight might still be tricking him, but there standing by -the ledge, her figure draped in a gown of palest blue that revealed -while yet it concealed the graceful lines of her form, stood Ladice, the -one being who could raise him to the heights of Olympus or plunge him to -the depths of Hades. The desire to take her in his arms was controlled -so that he presented a calm and dignified exterior as he approached with -the words: “I am here in answer to your summons, Ladice, and I am at -your service.” - -She raised to his, eyes that betrayed no emotion either of love or -hatred, as she made reply: “I am here simply to say that if you will -cease in your attempt to bring about the ostracism of Themistocles and -will try to undo the evil you have already committed, I will become your -wife, otherwise my former decision concerning a marriage between us -remains unchanged.” - -Cimon could no longer doubt the truth of his senses. This lovely maiden -whom he adored was offering herself to him, body and soul, but in return -for what? Ah yes, if he would discontinue his efforts to banish the one -man who stood between him and the pinnacle of fame and fortune which had -but recently appeared above him as possible of access. He looked about -him wildly, while for a moment his mind seemed a chaos. Athens or -Ladice, a city or a maid, fame or marital bliss! He could feel the blood -throbbing at his temples while it seemed an eternity before he could -speak. - -Around him lay the city that he loved, the city for which his father had -fought and died, the home of his youth and the shelter of his maturing -ambitions. Before him stood a maiden in an attempt to rescue whom, a -friend had forfeited his life. Revenge toward her because he had failed -to awaken in her heart the love for which he yearned, had caused him to -first listen to the words of Ephialtes. Later had come the other -ambition. With a cry that expressed a realization of freedom after long -confinement, Cimon stepped forward and took the impassive form of Ladice -in his arms. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - A Letter From Sicily. - - - “... How beautiful, - Sublimely beautiful, thou hoverest - High in the vacant air! Thou seemest uplifted - From all of earth, and like an island floating - Away in heaven. How pure are the eternal snows - That crown thee!” - James Gates Percival. - -Ever since Zopyrus had seen again the girl whom he had rescued from the -Persian soldiery, he could think of little else. She filled his -conscious thoughts and at night he dreamed of her, but he had made up -his mind with stern resolution that he would be true to his promise to -Eumetis who seemed to love him devotedly. The wedding had been postponed -from the end of the Mystery celebrations to the third night of the full -moon. - -An idea came to Zopyrus while he was in the library copying manuscripts -for Pasicles the afternoon following his eavesdropping near the -Acropolis. If the marriage ceremonies were celebrated one night before, -that is on the second night of the full moon, Corinna could not go to -Naxos with the stranger, for she would be obliged to attend the nuptials -of her sister. The idea had just impressed him as the best way to save -Corinna, when Pasicles entered the library and placed in Zopyrus’ hands -a missive, bearing upon its exterior the stamp of Hiero, tyrant of -Syracuse. - -“Do you know,” cried the young man with delight, “this letter is from -Aeschylus! Will you not seat yourself and hear it?” - -“Not now,” replied Pasicles, “I came only to deliver the letter into -your hands and to tell you that the writing of an ode for the recent -victor of the Nemean games, takes me immediately to Argolis and I can -not possibly be back until the day of yours and Eumetis’ marriage.” - -“Oh,” cried Zopyrus with unconcealed dismay, “can you not come the day -before, as I wish to put the date one day ahead.” - -Pasicles attributed Zopyrus’ disappointment to impatience for the -approaching marriage to take place, and laying a fatherly hand on his -shoulder smiled as he said: “One day is short compared to eternity, my -boy, and I shall have to hasten back to get here on the third night of -the full moon. Farewell and give my regards to my brother poet when you -write.” - -“One day!” thought Zopyrus, “yes, it is short compared to eternity, but -sometimes one day will determine how we spend eternity!” - -He fingered absent-mindedly the parchment which Pasicles had brought -him, then broke the seal and read: - -“To Zopyrus at the house of the poet Pasicles in Athens, greetings from -Aeschylus at the court of Hiero at Syracuse: - -“You have been in my thoughts much of the time since I left our fair -land. I have wondered how you fared at the Mysteries and if in the joys -and sorrows of Ceres and Persephone, you recognized life’s pleasures and -tragedies. Happy is he who has seen these things and then goes beneath -the earth, for he knows the end of life and its God-given beginning. -Remember, my son, that death is no ill for mortals, but rather a good. -Ceres, Persephone, Ares, Athena, Aphrodite, Hera, Hermes and all the -others are merely personifications of the various aspects of divine -truth and goodness which are in reality embodied in one supreme Being of -whom every star of heaven, every wave of ocean, every leaf of the -forest, every blade in the meadow, every rock on the shore, every grain -of sand in the desert, is a manifestation. But I will not bore you with -a rehearsal of my beliefs, for we shall have glorious opportunities when -I return to Greece to discuss these things at length. - -“In company with the most noble Pindar whose lofty and dignified odes -have won him considerable fame, and the venerable poet, Phrynichus and -Simonides, whose poem exalting the battle of Marathon took first place -over mine, and the nephew of Simonides, Bacchylides and others, I -crossed the Isthmus of Corinth where a merchant vessel awaited us in the -gulf. There was little to break the monotony of our trip through the -gulf of Corinth. We skirted the northern coast of Achaia, stopping at -Patræ[6] for more food. At noon of the third day we passed between the -islands of Cephallenia and Zacynthus, and from then on for many days -only the vault of the heavens and the blue expanse of the Ionian Sea met -our gaze. Imagine then with what delight we first beheld the misty -contours of land! It was not Sicily which lay before us, but the -Southern end of the Italian peninsula. We got no nearer than to behold -it as a long line of purple clouds, but bore on to the southward until -in the glow of a magnificent sunset, Mt. Ætna like a giant clad in -crimson and gold seemed to guard the glorious panorama before us. Never, -my friend, have I been so impressed with the grandeur of nature, and so -it was with my friends! We stood in awe together and watched the volcano -grow gradually larger and more distinct till we could discern the little -homes clustered about its sloping base, each with its patchwork of -vegetable gardens about it. Above these, groves of olive trees, their -grotesque trunks entwined with grape-vines, flourished to add their -supply of olives, oil and wine to the rich exports of this island. -Lifting our eyes still higher we beheld another zone of vegetation, as -beautiful in its way as the lower ones. This wooded belt was densely -covered with evergreen pines, birchwoods, oaks, red beeches and -chestnuts, and was a veritable forest primeval. As the forest ascended -the hillside it grew thinner and more stunted in appearance till only -low shrubs marked its upper boundary, beyond which was barren rock, and -then as if Ætna hoped to leave a favorable lasting impression, its -snow-crowned summit stood out in dazzling relief against the roseate sky -which marked a dying day. - -“This was truly a wonderful first impression of Sicily, but it was with -no less degree of delight that we passed around the little island of -Ortygia the next day, and saw for the first time the gleaming white -buildings and green parkways of Syracuse. Pindar called it the fairest -of mortal cities. - -“We were warmly welcomed by Hiero, whose chief avocation is the -patronizing of the arts of which music, sculpture and painting are as -highly favored as poetry. He spares no effort to make us feel that we -are at liberty to discuss pro and con any subject that may arise. So we -often sit warm evenings in the garden of the palace about the -silvery-sprayed fountain and listen or give voice to various opinions. - -“It has been our pleasure to visit the temple of Arethusa on the island -of Ortygia, where it is said the nymph for whose worship the fane was -erected, was changed to a spring to escape the unwelcome attentions of -the river-god Alpheus who had pursued her as she fled underground from -Sicily. - -“The city of Himera demanded some of our interest and attention since it -was the recent scene of conflict and bloodshed. Hiero tells me that the -Carthaginians under the leadership of Hamilcar were routed by the -stratagem of Gelon, brother of Hiero and tyrant of Syracuse before him, -on the same day that the battle of Salamis was fought. You were no doubt -so interested in the affairs of Greece that the fate of her colonies was -of minor importance. This was true in my case, but I have since learned -that Terillus, governor of Himera, had been expelled by Theron, despot -of Agrigentum, a flourishing city on the west coast. In a spirit of -revenge, Terillus summoned the Phoenicians to attack Himera, but Gelon, -hearing that the Carthaginians had been assured of aid by a certain -traitorous Greek, sent a body of his own men to the Carthaginians as if -they were the promised help. This band of Greeks turned on the -Phoenicians and held them at bay till others rushed in and the city was -saved. In this conflict Hamilcar was killed. - -“To the south lies a city that I love; Gela, named for the brave Gelon. -The fields of grain and the groves by which it is surrounded were -presumably the original haunts of Ceres and Persephone. It is here that -I wish my earthly body to be laid at rest when the spirit has fled. - -“What of affairs at Athens? We hear that the shrine of Apollo at Delos -is the center of the new confederacy. I predict that Cimon will come to -be a great representative of Hellenic unity and he will accomplish much -through this Delian League. All this will be in opposition to -Themistocles’ opinions, but Themistocles has had his day and must step -aside for those who are younger in years and newer in ideas. I sincerely -hope there is no truth in the rumor that Themistocles may be ostracized. -Say a good word for him, Zopyrus, even if your views differ from his. - -“Of one thing more I wish to speak before I conclude this letter, and -that is of my son, Euphorion, at Eleusis. You remember I told you I lost -a son at Thermopylæ, but I did not tell you of my other son two years -his brother’s junior. It would please me greatly to have you call and -see him. I have told him of you. You will have much in common, for the -lad shows the same love of poetry and philosophy that I do, and has -vowed from babyhood that he will follow his father’s profession. I know -you would enjoy such a visit to Eleusis especially since your initiation -into the Mysteries. - -“Remember me to the noble Pasicles and his family. The length of our -sojourn in Sicily has not been decided, and I shall probably write you -again before I leave. If you find time I shall be interested in hearing -from you in regard to yourself and also affairs of state. May the -blessing of the One rest upon you.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - The Festivities At Naxos. - - - “Now measuring forth with Attic grace - (Like figures round a sculptured vase) - The accent of some mythic song, - Now hurled, a Baccic group along.” - Aubrey de Vere. - -The sun was scarcely an hour above the horizon when seven skiffs in -festive regalia left the harbor of Piræus southward bound. Six of them -were filled with youths and maidens bedecked with flowers. Across the -serene blue where scarcely a ripple was perceptible, the voices of the -merry-makers floated, returning in echoes from the temples of marble, -gleaming white on the naked promontories. The seventh boat was laden -with goats intended as sacrificial offerings to the god Dionysus at his -temple on the island of Naxos. - -Ephialtes and Persephone, accompanied by Agne, whom Persephone has -insisted upon taking as chaperone, were seated in the foremost vessel. -Persephone sat at the prow gazing out across the waters. Her tunic and -skirt were of pale blue trimmed with golden brocade of an intricate -pattern. Her brown-gold hair lay in waves over her temples which were -encircled by a plain gold band from which hung a chaplet of sapphires, -lying on her forehead. - -To Ephialtes she had never appeared more beautiful. He thought of the -evening that they had glided in this manner off Salamis. He intended to -ask her the same question, hoping she had long since forgotten the -request she had made of him. He turned frequently with ill-concealed -annoyance toward Agne who sat at Persephone’s left. Ephialtes felt that -now as in the Mystery drama they were Hades, Ceres and Persephone; that -Ceres strove to keep her daughter under her protection, and like Hades -he desired to snatch her from the maternal arms and keep her for his -own. He did not know that Agne’s advice had been favorable to his suit. -Had he been acquainted with this fact he might have been more tolerant -of the older woman. - -As the afternoon wore on, a light breeze stirred the waters into -wavelets which gently lapped the shores of various islands of the -Cyclades which they passed; islands filled with sanctuaries and fanes of -white marble which gleamed ghost-like in the gathering dusk. At length -the moon loomed colossal beyond the island of Paros, throwing up -contours into misty and spectral relief, and softening all things with -its touch of silver. - -The festive boats passed Paros, with its temple to Poseidon, the -occupants gazing ahead in eager anticipation till the rocky promontories -of Naxos arose darkly from the pathway of phosphorescence, then with one -impulse from every throat burst the hymn to Dionysus. Nearer and nearer -came the celebrants, loftier grew the cliffs of the island and louder -echoed the pæan until at last the boats drew up one by one in a -sheltered cove. - -Dense foliage grew close to the steep pathway, the ascent of which was -facilitated by steps cut in the soil or formed naturally by the exposed -roots of trees. Through the branches the newcomers could see the lights, -twinkling as people passed to and fro—then the white columns and the -pleasing proportions of the temple came into view. - -Persephone, Ephialtes and Agne were the first arrivals of the first -boat, and made their way unhindered to the temple which they entered, -mingling with the delirious throng whose acclamations rang through the -great hall. It seemed to the arrivals from Athens that every inhabitant -of Naxos was here celebrating. - -A great gong silenced the sound of talking and laughter after all the -Athenians had arrived. A curtain at the end of the _cella_ dropped -revealing the image of the god of wine and revelry and immediately a -hymn of praise was sung following which the sacrifice of a goat was -consummated at the feet of the idol. - -Night was turned into day, wine flowed freely and many a youth’s spirits -rose in proportion to the amount of wine he imbibed. To all this revelry -Persephone and Agne were horrified witnesses. They had heard that -Dionysus was worshipped with much rejoicing, especially at his temple at -Naxos, but they had not had occasion to realize to what depths his -worshippers sometimes fell. The two women looked furtively about seeking -some way in which they might escape unobserved to the boats where for a -few drachmas a couple of rowers would take them back to the mainland. -They crouched near a pillar watching with increasing terror, wine-filled -creatures who caroused around them. Many a youth lounged upon a couch or -the flower-strewn floor, his head in some fair one’s lap. - -Ephialtes made his way with unsteady step to where the two women -cowered. The Greek blood which ran in his veins preserved his grace even -in drunkenness. Laughingly he held toward each a goblet of sparkling -wine which they declined. In provocation he accidentally spilled the -contents of the cup proffered to Persephone. For an instant he stood -dismayed watching the blood-like liquid as it flowed over the marble -floor, then with frenzied determination, he forced between the lips of -Agne the wine contained in the other goblet, after which he stood -swaying unsteadily with folded arms, a sinister smile curling his -handsome lips. Persephone determined to flee but she did not want to -leave Agne at the mercies of the drunken brutes around them. - -“Come, come, Agne,” she whispered wildly, “You and I never dreamed what -would be the nature of this celebration—oh, Agne!” - -The older woman made an attempt to answer and even to rise to her feet, -but in vain! In another instant she sank in a pitiful heap, apparently -lifeless. Persephone’s temples throbbed with angry passion as she turned -toward Ephialtes. - -“There was a narcotic in that wine! I am glad mine was spilled.” - -“There was no drug in yours, Persephone. I did not bring you here to put -you to sleep. It is a living maiden I want!” cried the young Greek -passionately. - -He lurched toward her to take her in his arms, but she eluded his grasp -and he found himself embracing the fluted pillar near which she had sat. -A chance observer roared with laughter, and calling to his companions -cried, “A king of revelers here, my friends. What say you to crowning -him as Bacchus? Down with the god of stone and up with one of flesh and -blood!” - -So saying he and his male companions ran to the throne where the stone -Dionysus sat. With unnatural strength due to the freeness of their -imbibing, they tore the god from his throne and forced the half -reluctant Ephialtes upon it. The wreath of grape leaves which had -adorned the head of Dionysus, was rudely snatched from it and placed -upon the young man’s curls. - -After Ephialtes was ceremoniously enthroned, someone cried out, “where -is Ariadne? Bacchus must have his Ariadne! Where did she go? Bring her -back!” - -This appeal was answered by a rapturous shout, and several youths -started in pursuit, returning shortly, dragging Persephone with them. - -“Bacchus shows good taste,” cried one. “She is surely a rival of the -maiden whom Theseus deserted on these very shores!” - -“Up with her,” cried another, “she must occupy the throne with him. She -shall be his queen.” - -“That she shall!” cried Ephialtes, his courage returning as he beheld -the beautiful frightened face of the girl whom he loved. - -He stooped from the throne and lifted in his arms the form of the now -unconscious girl. Across her marble-white forehead strands of loosened -hair streamed. The soft blue light from the circlet of sapphires which -lay on her cold brow, contrasted strangely with the ruddy brilliance of -a ruby clasp which adorned the hair of Ephialtes above his -passion-flushed countenance. He received a goblet of wine which had been -proffered to him and put it to the lips of the fainting maiden. The -draught brought her back to consciousness, and she gazed dazedly about, -then suddenly the horror of her situation came upon her. With an -agonized cry she rose to flee but was seized roughly by Ephialtes who, -impassioned, leaned over her, covering her face and throat with burning -kisses. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - Dionysus and Ariadne. - - - “... Far in the east - The Aegean twinkles, and its thousand isles - Hover in mist, and round the dun horizon - Are many floating visions, clouds, or peaks, - Tinted with rose!” - James Gates Percival. - -The second day of the full moon arrived. All necessary preparations had -been made for the marriage ceremony of Eumetis and Zopyrus which would -take place on the following day. - -Corinna approached her mother as the latter stood near the altar of -Zeus, in conversation with the prospective bride and bridegroom. - -“Mother,” said the girl. “I have just learned that my dear friend Gorgo -is ill and wishes me to go immediately and spend the night with her. I -will be back for the wedding tomorrow.” - -Cleodice’s eyes shone with maternal approval as she surveyed the eager, -youthful face so like her own. - -“What will Polygnotus say?” asked Eumetis. - -“Oh he will recover from the effects of one evening spent outside of my -presence,” replied her sister indifferently. - -Zopyrus stood silently by. He had been grievously disappointed and -shocked at Corinna’s duplicity, and had hoped that before the fateful -day arrived she would repent of her former decision and abandon the -proposed trip to Naxos with the stranger. However her present -conversation with Cleodice assured him that she hung tenaciously to her -original purpose. - -“By all means spend the night with your sick friend, Corinna,” said a -voice from the entryway, and turning the four beheld the young artist -who had heard the conversation unobserved by the others. - -Zopyrus greeted Polygnotus heartily. He thought at first to apprise him -secretly of Corinna’s proposed trip to Naxos, but upon second thought he -decided that there might be a better way of preventing the girl from -committing such a folly without grieving her lover. The deep sincere -eyes of the artist rested a moment in loving regard upon the face of -Corinna who flushed deeply, turning demurely away. Her mother and sister -each placed an arm lovingly about her, and the three women left the -atrium. - -When they were gone Polygnotus turned enthusiastically to Zopyrus and -said: “I have good news! Cimon has just been made commander of the -fleet, and is contemplating visiting Sparta with Alcmæon in behalf of -the alleged confederacy.” - -“Your news is pleasing to my ear, and I rejoice with you and Cimon—but,” -Zopyrus glanced about and lowered his voice to a whisper. “Will you not -speak well to Cimon of Themistocles and ask him to do his utmost to put -down this charge of Medism against the statesman?” - -“I will do what I can,” replied Polygnotus. “Cimon is more a warrior -than a statesman. His methods are direct and bold, often sadly lacking -in diplomacy. He believes that when a man has served his purpose in life -and is no longer useful to the community in which he dwells and may even -become a detriment to those whom he once served, he should be cast aside -as one would shed a worn garment when its season of beauty and service -is past. Cimon and others like him also believe that when maturity of -age is passed and the power of decision begins to wane, the very burden -of long experience perplexes the mind and engenders doubt and fear -instead of confidence. Will you come with me this evening to the home of -Cimon to congratulate him upon his success and to speak a good word for -Themistocles? But I had forgotten—tomorrow you will wed, and possibly -you have arrangements to make in regard to the ceremonies. Corinna and I -are to follow your example before long, but Cleodice does not wish to -lose two daughters at once, and Eumetis is the older.” - -“I am delighted to hear that your marriage will take place soon. I must -be going now as I have a duty to fulfill,” said Zopyrus as he turned to -go. - - * * * * * * * * - -Not long after this conversation a chance observer might have seen a -young man of aristocratic bearing, crisp blond curls and noble face, -walking with elastic strides toward Piræus. He was clad in the short -dress of a laborer, called an _exomis_, and upon his head was a -narrow-brimmed, close-fitting cap. As he neared the harbor he proceeded -cautiously, desirous of observing all that was taking place without -being seen. To his consternation he saw that three boats with their -occupants had already been launched upon the sea. Vexed with himself for -having arrived so late he scanned the people who remained upon the shore -waiting to be assigned to other boats. It was almost unbelievable but it -was true! The sun unmistakably revealed a head of auburn hair and close -to it the bullet-head and thick florid neck of a young man. Zopyrus, for -it was he who clad in the woolen _exomis_ instead of his customary linen -_chiton_, watched the two closely, pulled the brim of his cap well over -his eyes and approached the waiting youths and maidens. Several he -recognized as the sons and daughters of prominent Athenians. Another -filled boat was leaving, the rowers diligently plying the oars. It was -apparent that Corinna and the heavy-set youth would be of the number to -fill the next boat. Disguising his walk, Zopyrus made his way quickly to -the waiting skiff and approached one of the oarsmen. - -“Ten drachmas for you if you will let me take your place at the oars,” -he said in a low tone. - -The fellow looked amazed, prepared to turn his back upon Zopyrus, then -suddenly thought better of the offer. He put forth his hand and when to -his surprise the coins fell into his upturned palm, he sprang free of -his seat and ran to the shore leaving his place at the oars free to the -generous stranger. - -Zopyrus took the vacant place and had not long to wait before the young -people filled the waiting boat. In unison with his fellow oarsmen, -Zopyrus assailed the task briskly, and soon the graceful little skiff -was well out into the harbor. The first boat was a mere speck near the -horizon to the south as the one in which Corinna was a passenger, -emerged from the entrance of the harbor. Zopyrus was grateful for the -opportunity for strenuous physical exercise. It took his mind off of his -own sorrow. He realized presently that he was listening unconsciously to -the conversation of two men. - -“What did you say were the names of the seven boats that left for -Naxos?” asked one. - -“They are named for seven goddesses or nymphs,” replied the other, -“Doris, Leucothea, Metis, Aegle, Amphitrite, Doto and Persephone. This -one is the ‘Persephone.’” - -Zopyrus let his oars drift when he heard the last statement. Was the -vision or name of Persephone to haunt him throughout life? When he was -on land the leaves on the trees seemed to whisper “Persephone,” and now -on the water, the boat in which he sat bore her name, and the ripples -that washed its sides murmured the beloved accents. - -The afternoon wore on, the sun’s rays became more slanting and the boats -glided across the water like silent spirits. At length night descended -upon the water—but no, it was growing brighter. Where but a few moments -before the hills of distant Paros had slept on the edge of the darkness, -now curve on curve was silhouetted against the silvery light of the -moon, and the ripple of the oars on the water made a sheet of -phosphorescence in its shadowy depths. - -When Paros was passed, from across the water there floated on the gentle -breeze the Dionysian hymn, sung by the occupants of the four preceding -boats. Those in the “Persephone” joined in the chant, and Zopyrus heard -Corinna’s pure, soft tones mingling strangely with the harsh notes of -her companion. - -As the prow touched the bank Zopyrus sprang from his seat eager to set -foot on land, but he was checked by the glances of indignant -remonstrance cast upon him not only by his fellow oarsmen, but by the -others as well. He turned his face quickly into the shadow fearing to be -recognized by some of the youths and maidens of Athens, but his fears -proved groundless. After the boat had been emptied of the Bacchanalians, -Zopyrus quietly stepped ashore, sauntering leisurely till beyond the -range of vision of the oarsmen, who if they intended observing the rites -of Bacchus, preferred to bide their time. Once out of their sight and -hearing, Zopyrus quickened his pace, keeping well protected by the -bushes and tree-trunks that lined the path, till he paused in awe as -there appeared in a clearing to the left before him, the white Ionic -columns and chaste lines of the Temple to Dionysus. Alas that its -spotless purity was defiled by the wild orgies within! Its portals were -thronged with gay devotees, and the sound of laughter and singing -blended with the tones of flute and barbiton. - -By now, indifferent to his plebeian dress, Zopyrus traversed the -moon-lit sward to the temple and mingled with the light-hearted -revelers. Groups of celebrants raised their voices in jubilant song, but -here and there detached couples, their faces stamped with passion and -lust, made horrible the scene. Now and then a _hetera_ with appealing -glance passed close to where Zopyrus stood like a statue, too horrified -too move. The muscles of his mouth were drawn and his face was haggard. -He suffered complete inertia till the sight of a girl who reminded him -of Corinna aroused him from his lethargic state and he set out to find -her before it was too late, for he knew that she had been ignorant of -the nature of the revelries. - -He pressed on down the length of the _cella_, scrutinizing the face of -every maiden, but he did not see Corinna. As he neared the throne of -Dionysus, the sound of triumphant acclamations, poured from the throats -of a hundred devotees and Bacchantes who stood about the throne, fell -upon his ears. He pushed his way nearer to the front, receiving many -rebuffs and scornful glances because of his mean attire. - -“What is the excitement?” he asked of a young man. - -“You can see for yourself,” was the surly reply. “Dionysus has turned to -flesh and blood and shares the throne with Ariadne!” - -Zopyrus forced his way onward till he could see the throne. He stood a -moment as if petrified, then with a few swift strides he was alone -before the royal seat, gazing with death-white countenance at Dionysus -and Ariadne. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - A Revelation. - - - “Bacchus, Bacchus! on the panther - He swoons,—bound with his own vines! - And his Mænads slowly saunter, - Head aside, among the pines, - While they murmur dreamingly,— - ‘Evohe—ah—evohe—! - Ah, Pan is dead.” - Elizabeth Barrett Browning. - -Zopyrus stood with arms folded, his noble head, perfect stature and -dignified bearing appearing most incongruous with the _exomis_ he wore. -From across his folded arms he looked straight at the mortal Dionysus, -till the latter, feeling his impelling gaze, looked up and flushed -guiltily, though the man who surveyed him so coldly was to him a total -stranger. Zopyrus walked to the throne, thrust the false Dionysus rudely -aside, seized the amazed Persephone in his arms and tried to force his -way through the crowd with her, but the indignant remonstrances of the -crowd made futile his efforts. - -“Down with him for violating the privileges of the god!” cried one. - -This outburst was followed with vociferous cries of, “Take Ariadne from -him!” “Throw him out!” “Beat him!” - -By this time Ephialtes had recovered his composure. The appearance of -the stranger had inexplicably discomposed him and the attack had roused -his ire, but now conscious of his costly garb in contrast to his -assailant’s attire, he stood before the throne and in imperious tones -demanded the return of Ariadne, as he called her. - -Zopyrus released the girl from his embrace and asked: “Do you wish to -return to Pluto?” - -For answer she stepped closely to Zopyrus’ side and clung tenaciously to -his arm. He gazed long into the depths of eyes that matched the blue of -her gown and the sapphires upon her brow. The color mounted to her -temples, and as she bowed her head he noticed that the rosy flush -likewise suffused her neck and shoulders which were partially visible -through the golden strands of loosened hair. - -Ephialtes was infuriated by Persephone’s refusal to return to him, and -was nonplussed as to what method he had best employ to obtain the -maiden, when there flashed through his mind the words of a sentence: “On -the day that you deliver to Greece the traitor of Thermopylæ, I will -become your wife.” - -Straightening himself to his full height Ephialtes commanded the -attention of the audience. - -“I am about to make a revelation that will return Ariadne to me, I -believe,” he said smiling with arrogant confidence. “The man to whom -Ariadne clings and is no doubt one of our oarsmen, is no other than he -who betrayed your country to the Persians before the battle of -Thermopylæ. Greece has long sought him fellow countrymen, and yonder he -stands, defiling with his touch the maiden who plays the part of -Persephone at the Mysteries of Eleusis. What will you do with him?” - -“Kill him!” came the cry from hundreds of throats, and with one accord -the angry mob rushed toward Zopyrus. - -“Just one moment please,” said Ephialtes. “I will wait for Ariadne, or -Persephone of Eleusis, to join me on the throne.” - -He paused impressively, but Persephone did not move. - -“What,” he cried in indignation, “Did you not promise to become my bride -when Thermopylæ’s traitor would be revealed by me?” - -Persephone walked slowly toward Ephialtes who stretched forth eager arms -to receive her, but she stopped a few paces before him and on her face -was an inscrutable smile. - -“Not so fast, Ephialtes. I want the proof. You dare not make such a -statement without sufficient evidence against him.” - -Ephialtes was confused. He had not had enough time to make up false -testimony, but he knew that his future happiness depended now upon how -successfully he placed the blame of his guilt upon the innocent man -before him. - -“Hear me,” he said, “and I will tell you the circumstances.” - -“Your testimony can avail naught, for my protector here is a native -Persian who knows nothing of the mountain passes of Greece,” said -Persephone in a voice that rang clearly as a bell through the great -hall. A death-like stillness pervaded the _cella_; nought was heard but -the sharp intake of Ephialtes’ breath, then from his lips there burst in -stentorian tones: “If this be true, a Persian in our midst is as -deserving of death as a traitor! Friends will you allow him even so much -as to touch the Persephone of the Mysteries?” - -At this Persephone became alarmed and feared lest in her ardent desire -to defend her protector, she had only made matters worse. Zopyrus, -seeing her agitated countenance, smiled reassuringly and raised his arm -to command general attention. A few rabid revelers rushed forward to do -violence to his person but were checked by a voice in the throng: “Hear -him! No man should be condemned without being permitted to say a word in -his own behalf.” - -The furious denunciations of the intolerant ones subsided, and Zopyrus -turned and walked slowly toward Ephialtes who gradually retreated before -the compelling gaze of his antagonist, till he reached the throne upon -which he sat, quite unconscious of what he did. Zopyrus’ demeanor -changed instantly. He bowed low before the amazed man upon the throne -and said with impressive solemnity: - -“O Xerxes, King of the Medes and Persians and would-be conqueror of the -world, I come to you with an important message. For two days your -soldiers have been defeated by the Greeks at the entrance of the pass of -Thermopylæ. The Greeks are so inferior in number that right now is the -time to strike, but not in the method heretofore employed. The Greeks -are well trained, and if they are to be conquered, it must be by the -greater forces of the enemy. Listen, O Xerxes! If you would succeed in -overwhelming the enemy, you must attack from behind, but this you can -not do since you are not acquainted with this wild, impassable country. -I am a native Malian and well acquainted with this locality. If you will -make it worth my while, I will show you a mountain pass that will lead -you to the rear of Leonidas’ army unobserved.” - -During the Persian’s recital, Ephialtes’ behavior had undergone many -mutations. From startled curiosity to fearful apprehension, thence to -genuine fright and finally to abject terror, his demeanor had rapidly -changed. By the time the Persian had ceased speaking, the Greek’s face -was as livid as a corpse. - -Zopyrus sprang to the side of the doomed man and clutching him by either -shoulder cried, “Speak, traitor of Thermopylæ. What have you to say for -yourself?” - -For answer Ephialtes drew from the folds of his robe a ruby handled -dagger which he raised for a death-dealing thrust at Zopyrus, but the -latter, free from the influence of wine, was the quicker, and caught his -enemy’s arm in its lightning-like descent, thus warding off the blow -that might have been fatal. - -A muttering that grew to a rumble and then to a mighty roar that shook -the very pillars of the temple was heard, and with one impulse an angry -mob rushed toward the dais. Above the din and confusion a voice -screamed: “Death to the traitor who opened the gateway to Greece! Upon -his head and no other rests the loss of our homes and the deaths of our -fathers and brothers.” - -Zopyrus drew the half fainting form of Persephone to his side and with -one strong arm gave her bodily support and with the other forced a -passage through the enraged crowd down the length of the _cella_. At the -door they turned and looked back toward the throne which was completely -hidden from their sight by the oscillating wave of humanity which -hovered about it and its ill-fated occupant. - -Shuddering with horror they rushed out into the darkness. The cool -breeze from across the water revived their benumbed senses. As they sped -along the pathway which led to the shore, the drunken figure of a man -emerged from a clump of bushes to their left. Zopyrus would have -ordinarily paid no heed, as the man was in type a duplicate of hundreds -of others within the temple, but something familiar in the drunkard’s -appearance caused him to pause and take a second look, and in doing so -he recognized beyond the question of a doubt the coarse companion of -Corinna. His conscience smote him as he remembered that although he had -come to Naxos for the very purpose of serving as Corinna’s protector, he -had abandoned her to whatever fate might befall when he had seen -Persephone in distress. - -He seized Persephone’s hand and said hastily: “Come with me. We must -find Corinna.” - -“Do you mean Corinna the daughter of the poet Pasicles?” asked -Persephone. - -“The same,” he replied, “Do you know her?” - -The girl nodded. The young man continued talking as they hurried on in -the direction whence the rough man had appeared. “She came to Naxos in -the company of that brutish-looking man we met and I intended to protect -her, but you know the result! When I saw you, you were in dire need of -help and I could no more have left you to suffer at the hands of that -traitor than I did that day on the Acropolis when the Persian, Artabazus -would have harmed you.” - -He turned half timidly to her, ashamed of his adoration for her whom he -now had no right to desire; for the image of a pure and noble maiden -stood between them. - -“Tell me how you knew Ephialtes to be the man who betrayed Greece at -Thermopylæ,” she asked. - -Zopyrus related in detail the episode of his eavesdropping in the tent -of Xerxes, and Persephone was about to tell why Ephialtes had been so -eager to accuse someone of being the traitor at Thermopylæ, when a white -form, partially concealed by undergrowth a few paces before them, -attracted their attention simultaneously. - -Zopyrus sprang ahead and dropped to his knees beside the prone figure of -a girl which he discovered lay in the stillness of death. Something cold -seemed to grip his heart and everything about him seemed to melt into a -whirling cloud! With a faint cry of anguish he lost consciousness just -as Persephone ran up to him. She bent over him and looked into the -lifeless face of the girl. - -It was Corinna, the daughter of Pasicles! - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - The Home of Aeschylus. - - - “Gone, and the light gone with her, - And left me in shadow here!” - Tennyson. - -The god Hymen did not have charge of the ceremonies at the home of -Pasicles: the goddess Mors officiated in his stead! Corinna was laid -away in her eternal rest, and the house and garden that had often echoed -the sound of her gay laughter were silent! Even the boy Mimnermus, -tip-toed about in awful solitude, gravely impressed by this, his first -experience with death. - -Polygnotus was a daily visitor, whose calm dignity combined with his -kindly sympathy, made him an ever welcome one. For Zopyrus he felt a -genuine love which had but recently developed from his former fellowship -and friendly regard. One an artist, the other a poet by natural -inclination, they understood each other upon the ground of their common -adoration for all that was beautiful and true and good whether -represented by picture or by word. - -One day, several weeks after the tragic occurrences at Naxos, Zopyrus -happened to come upon the letter which his beloved friend, Aeschylus, -had written him from Sicily, and it reminded him of the poet’s request -that he visit his young son at Eleusis, so without further delay he set -out mounted upon a richly caparisoned steed, lent him for the occasion -by Cimon. As he passed through the Dipylon Gate he became aware for the -first time that heavy storm clouds were rapidly gathering ahead of him, -but having arrived thus far on his journey, he did not wish to return. -The broad road that always stretched peacefully into the distance a -winding silver band, was now hazy with whirling eddies of dust; and the -usually tranquil branches of the olive trees on either side were bending -and swaying under the force which Boreas exerted upon them. - -The storm with all it fury did not burst upon him till he had passed the -fountain of Kallichoros at which place he might have secured shelter. -With his eyes on distant Eleusis he pressed on toward his goal gradually -becoming unmindful of his soaking garments, and of the fact that a -numbness was taking possession of his faculties. - -Aeschylus had once described his home to Zopyrus as being the first -abode west of the great temple, and Zopyrus gasped with delight as the -classical outlines of a home typical of the upper-class citizen of -Attica burst upon his sight. A high wall enclosing a garden space lay -between the temple precinct and the home of the poet. As he entered the -gate, a life-sized statue of the goddess Demeter, bearing in her arm a -sheaf of corn stood at the edge of the garden to his right, and near by -in marble stood the cheerful fun-loving figure of the faithful Iambe, -who sought to alleviate her mistress’ sorrow. But that which caught his -eye and held it was a fountain in the center of which was a most -artistic composition representing the rape of Persephone. The faces -chiselled in the cold marble were so like the faces of Ephialtes and -Persephone that Zopyrus stood spellbound, unmindful of the fact that a -slave was approaching him and bidding him enter, saying that his horse -would be placed at once in the stable. - -Zopyrus approached the door and found himself gazing into the half -curious, half laughing face of a lad of sixteen, who said while he -gripped Zopyrus’ arm heartily: “I know who you are, for father told me -you were coming. But pray why did you choose such a day as this in which -to pay a call?” - -“I take it that you are Euphorion, the son of my most esteemed friend. I -did not expect the storm to break so soon, or I should not have -undertaken the trip.” - -Euphorion surveyed his guest’s wet garments with disfavor. - -“You must get into dry clothes,” he said. “You are shuddering now with -the cold. Lycambes,” he called to a servant, “take this man to my -father’s room and give him dry clothing.” - -Zopyrus emerged from the upper chamber dry but not comfortable, for his -head felt as though a fire burned in his brain, while his hands and feet -were numb. Euphorion had disappeared and in his stead a young girl in -white sat on the edge of the marble basin of a fountain, industriously -engaged in a work of embroidery. She looked up as Zopyrus entered and -the latter as his eyes rested on her, thought he must be suffering -delirium, for it seemed he beheld Persephone! - -Zopyrus moistened his lips and he cleared his throat so that his voice -would be audible. - -“Who are you and what are you doing here?” he asked scarcely above a -whisper. - -The girl laughed coyly and toyed for a moment with her piece of -fancy-work while Zopyrus advanced toward her a step. Then she raised her -blue eyes in whose depths Zopyrus read the same love-message that he had -at Salamis and at the Mysteries. - -“I am exactly who I appear to be,” she said. “I am Persephone of -Eleusis. This is my home and—” - -Zopyrus, eyes bright with the unnatural luster of a fever, echoed her -words as she finished: “Aeschylus is my father.” - -She threw back her head and tossed her curls and before she realized -what was about to happen, Zopyrus held her in his arms, kissing her -again and again the while he murmured: “I love you Persephone, but I am -a Persian and must return to the encampment at Phalerum. Salamis is -saved—listen to the Hymn to Dionysus! Can you find your way in safety to -your people?—Hear the chant—” - -Persephone felt his hold upon her relax, and though she tried to keep -him from falling, he slipped from her grasp and sank unconscious to the -floor. - -“Euphorion! Euphorion!” screamed the terrified girl. “He is ill! Call -Lycambes and together you must carry him to father’s chamber and there -make him comfortable till I can summon a physician.” - -His exposure to the storm, and the shock of finding Persephone and -learning her identity, had proved too much for Zopyrus in his state of -mental depression and low ebb of vitality due to the Naxian tragedy. For -days he lay upon the couch of Aeschylus alternating between chills and -raging fever. In his delirium he raved, and his listeners wondered at -the names of Persephone and Eumetis heard interchangeably to fall from -his lips. Pasicles, Cleodice and Eumetis were frequent visitors till the -crisis was past and Zopyrus was a convalescent. - -Upon one occasion a few days before Zopyrus expected to be able to -undertake the journey back to Athens, he and Persephone were seated in -the garden. The statues of Ceres and Iambe stood in their accustomed -places, but the Hades and Persephone had disappeared. Zopyrus asked no -question for he felt that Persephone was fully justified in her dislike -for that particular work of art, beautiful though it was. - -“Tell me,” he said as they gazed across the ivy-covered wall to where -the sun’s rays illumined the top of the temple, “is your name really -Persephone, or are you so called because of your part in the Mysteries?” - -“My parents named me Persephone, hoping even at my birth that some day I -would play the part of Persephone in the temple. I have fulfilled their -hopes in that respect.” - -“You are adorable in the part, little Persephone, and some time a real -Pluto will come and carry you off to his realm. If I—that -is—sometime—Oh, Persephone, I have no right to say it, but I adore you, -and if you will consent to marry me, I will arrange other matters that -might interfere.” - -“I believe I know the ‘other matters,’ Zopyrus,” said the girl, not -daring to meet his gaze. “Eumetis loves you, and there has been some -understanding between you. Go to her—but, oh my dear, my dear, how can I -stand it—yet I have said it. Go and keep your vows to her. She will make -you a good wife.” - -“‘A good wife,’” groaned Zopyrus in mental agony. “I don’t want ‘a good -wife.’ I want the woman whom I love heart and soul!” - -He rose and though weak and unsteady of step he advanced toward her with -outstretched arms, but she evaded his touch. - -“Think Zopyrus,” she entreated. “Can you not recall your advances of -love to Eumetis? They were promises, and must not be broken!” - -He stood with head bent upon his breast and hands clenched till the -nails pierced his palms. When he looked up his passion-distorted -features were calm and his voice was steady. - -“You are right. My first duty is the happiness of the pure girl who lost -her sister through my neglect. And you Persephone,” his voice and -features again showed deep agitation, “do not know that you lost a -brother, not through my neglect, but by my intention. Your brother fell -at Thermopylæ pierced by my sword! The first time I ever saw you I knew -that you were his sister.” - -“Phales!” cried the poor girl, raising tear-dimmed eyes to heaven, “my -twin brother! Why did your spirit not warn me that this man who dared -think of me in love was your murderer!” - -“Not murderer,” cried Zopyrus in deep anguish. “Do not say that! I did -it in the heat of battle and in self-defense. I am no murderer and my -conscience does not reproach me for what happened at Thermopylæ. -Listen—Persephone!” But he stood in the garden alone. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - The Allied Fleet Sails. - - - “And still from morn till eve I’ve scanned - That weary sea from strand to strand, - To mark his sail against the spray. - In vain! In vain! The morning ray - Shows not his bark ’mid all the seas.” - Thomas Davidson. - -The opportunity for meetings between Cimon and Ladice had been very rare -since the former wished as far as possible to avoid meeting -Themistocles. The young man had conscientiously endeavored to rectify -the harm that he had done against the older man, but the populace -preferred to believe the evil charge which was still vigorously promoted -by Leobotes and other newly-won conspirators. - -One afternoon Cimon walked briskly into the curio shop of Aphobus. The -little merchant was dusting with loving care, delicate vases in ivory -and bronze of intricate designs. - -“This vase,” he said, picking up a small urn in terra-cotta with figures -and designs painted in black, “has depicted upon it in minutest detail -the story of the siege of Troy. Here we see Paris presenting Aphrodite -with the apple. There he is carrying away the beautiful Helen. And -here,” he added delightedly, “is the wooden horse of Ulysses. How very—” - -“I did not come here to discuss the Trojan war,” said Cimon abruptly. “I -came to find out if there is any truth to the rumor that Themistocles -has disappeared.” - -Before Aphobus could reply, the entrance to the shop was darkened by -another figure. Both men upon looking up perceived it to be Lysimachus, -son of Aristides. - -“Have you heard the news?” he cried, and upon receiving negative -responses, continued. “Themistocles has left Greece and it is believed -that he has gone to Persia!” - -Cimon could venture no response but he listened dully to the details as -related by the son of Themistocles’ former rival. But one question kept -throbbing in his brain: “Will she marry me now that Themistocles has -gone?” - -He realized presently that Lysimachus was addressing him personally. “I -hear that the allied fleet leaves tomorrow on its first expedition since -the formation of the Delian Confederacy, with you as its commander in -which capacity you succeed my father.” - -“Yes we set sail on the morrow for Thrace to free from Persian rule the -town of Eion on the river Strymon.” - -Aphobus gazed with approbation at the manly form of Cimon. - -“I have known you since you were a little boy,” he said, “and I am proud -to see you the first man in Athens. This expedition is a noble -enterprise, but take care that while you are gone others right here in -the city do not arise to seek your position. I have in mind a certain -youth named Pericles. To be sure he is not the soldier that you are, but -he is a patron of the arts and is interested in beautifying Athens, as -very little of that has been done since the war.” - -“I do not fear Pericles,” answered Cimon. “Athens is more interested at -present in the results of the recent formation of the Delian League -which pertain more directly to our colonies. After these troubles are -settled there will be time for the future rebuilding of the city.” - -Cimon took his leave of Aphobus and Lysimachus and had gone but a few -steps when he met Leobotes. He wished to hurry on after a short nod of -greeting, but Leobotes stopped him with the words: “Congratulations, -Cimon, Themistocles has fled and now there is none before you in -Athens.” - -“In my opinion Themistocles is fortunate to be away from the immediate -influence of the intrigues of certain so-called ‘loyal citizens.’ The -fate of Ephialtes should prove a warning to such,” with which words he -walked away from Leobotes who was too much astonished to reply. - -At last he had opportunity to think! So the fiery statesman, -Themistocles, was gone, and he, Cimon, had been instrumental in bringing -this about! Well he knew that he had done his utmost to prevent this -toward the last. He had humbled himself that Themistocles might not be -thought guilty of treason, and all this was for the purpose of obtaining -the girl he loved. He realized that whether by force of will or -unconsciously he was drawing nearer and nearer to the home of -Themistocles. He paused before the entrance, ascended the steps and -lifted the bronze knocker. There was no response, so he gently pushed -open the door and entered. All was still. He proceeded cautiously to the -solarium and found it empty, but from this room the faint sound of -voices came to his listening ear. They proceeded from the garden, so -thither he betook himself. From the top of a short flight of stone steps -which led to the garden, he surveyed the abundance of plants and -shrubbery which he thought surpassed even those in the garden of -Pasicles. He caught sight of two female figures seated upon a bench at -the farther end of the garden. They were Ladice and Asia, the youngest -daughter of Themistocles. The girls seemed to be indulging in mutual -consolation. - -A vague uneasiness that foreboded no good hovered about Cimon as he -approached with the words: “Do I intrude?” - -Ladice shook her head while Asia arose, hastily excused herself and -entered the house. - -Cimon took the place that Asia had occupied and said gently: “Ladice, -you can not believe how I regret what has happened. Believe that I did -all within my power to prevent this ever since our meeting in the shadow -of the Acropolis. I have come to take you with me, Ladice. I sail in the -morning for Thrace.” - -“And you will go alone,” she replied drawing away from him. “Do you -think for one moment that I will be the wife of the man who helped to -cause the ruin of one whose home has sheltered me for many months? You -failed in accomplishing your part of the agreement; I do not have to -abide by mine!” - -Cimon’s face grew pale and his jaw acquired the peculiar set appearance -of indomitability. - -“The trouble with me,” he cried, “is that I have been too gentle, too -lenient with you. My patience is exhausted and I am going to take you by -force.” - -He caught her and held her close, though she struggled to free herself -from his almost brutal kisses. - -“I am going to take you as the men of the mountain countries take their -wives,” he whispered fiercely, and she felt his hot breath upon her -cheek. - -Frantically she struggled to gain her freedom, succeeding at times in -striking sharp blows upon his face, but still he held her in a vise-like -grip. Her desperate struggles merely strengthened his determination to -conquer her, but when she realized the impotence of her resistance, she -resorted to the use of the most effective weapon a woman can employ. In -scathing tones she reminded him of the dissipations of his youth, of the -disgrace of his father and ended with a direct accusation of the -ostracism of Themistocles, thus denying any belief in the assurances -with which he had opened conversation with her upon entering the garden. -Suddenly his hold relaxed. He pushed her from him and arose from the -bench and there was a cold glint in the eyes that a moment before had -burned with the light of desire. - -“Very well,” he said, and his tones were clearly cut and even, “the fair -Agariste to whom my attentions are not unwelcome will accompany me to -Thrace.” - -He turned and left her, a pitiful drooping figure. Her posture remained -the same for some moments after he had gone, and so preoccupied was she -that she did not hear Asia re-enter the garden and seat herself beside -her. - -“My poor dear girl, that man is a brute,” remarked Asia indignantly. “At -any rate you can rejoice that he will molest you no more. I could not -help hearing some of the things he said, and I hope he and his Agariste -will meet no delays in getting away from Athens. Why do you not laugh at -your good fortune, foolish girl? One would think from your crestfallen -appearance that you loved the man!” - -Ladice looked up and smiled faintly through her tears as she said, -“Asia, I believe I do!” - -“You do love him! that beast that makes three-headed Cerberus look like -a lamb!” cried Asia. “Ladice, you must be crazy! Grief over my poor -father and the excitement of the past hour have unbalanced your mind. -Come let me get you to bed, though there is yet another hour before set -of sun.” - -“No Asia, I could not rest,” said the grief-stricken girl. “Please leave -me. The garden is so beautiful and I wish to be alone with my thoughts.” - -Asia left her reluctantly making her promise to retire early. - -Once more alone Ladice marvelled at the change that had come over her. -From a cold, indifferent girl she had changed into a passionate, loving -woman. The love must have come when she lay helpless in his arms, she -reasoned, but it was not a vital thing till he spoke the words that -stung her pride. How different was this love from that which she had -felt for the Persian, Masistius! That had been like a clear and steady -light; this was a fire that leaped wildly while it consumed. At times -she smiled at the memory of his kisses, then clenched her hands as she -thought of the unknown Agariste. - -Darkness fell but she took no food, and worn out with weeping she -dropped into a dreamless sleep. She awoke with a sense of depression. It -was dawn and birds were twittering in their nests about her. It was -apparent from the silence that the household was still wrapped in -slumber. Gathering her shawl more closely about her she made her way -cautiously through the house to the street. Along narrow lanes she -threaded her way with unnatural rapidity. She ran between mud-colored -walls that rose on either side, punctuated with doors out of which -stared disheveled women. Piles of rotting garbage lay in her path and -she was forced to dodge now this way, now that, to avoid the slinking -forms of dogs that were seeking food among the piles of refuse. As she -neared the vicinity of the harbor she met men and women who looked at -her curiously. Then she realized what an aspect she presented; wild-eyed -and with unkempt hair, but she cared naught for her appearance. She was -obsessed with one idea; to present herself a willing companion to Cimon -on his journey. - -On the quay she approached a woman, apparently of the upper class, who -with many others was gazing steadfastly out at sea, with the words, -“When does the fleet said for Thrace?” - -For answer the woman pointed to the distant horizon where a few -indistinct blots were barely discernible. - -“It sailed before sunrise,” said the woman. “I came to see it off -because the great commander Cimon honored our family by taking my -daughter Agariste with him as his bride.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - The Hand of Fate. - - - “Before he mounts the hill, I know - He cometh quickly; from below - Sweet gales, as from deep gardens, blow - Before him, striking on my brow.” - Tennyson. - -Days lengthened into weeks, and weeks into months. The fate of Corinna -had lost none of its horror, but time had mollified the poignancy of the -tragedy. Zopyrus still served as secretary to Pasicles and in his spare -moments he wrote a series of essays entitled, “Memoirs of the Persian -Court,” which he intended to present to the great Aeschylus as an aid to -that poet in his poem the “Persæ” upon which he was working. - -Considering himself to be unworthy because of his secret passion for the -daughter of Aeschylus, he had for some weeks delayed speaking to Eumetis -upon the subject of marriage, but one bright afternoon in March when the -bird-winds blew across Attica from the Mediterranean, he asked her to -join him in a stroll to the Acropolis. She gladly consented, and -together they sauntered along the winding street westward toward the -hill which rose in majesty before them, the pride of every loyal -Athenian. - -“Let us rest on yonder moss-covered ledge,” suggested Eumetis as they -neared the eastern end of the Acropolis. “Later we can ascend.” - -“No, no,” exclaimed Zopyrus hastily, recognizing the very place where he -had seen Corinna and the base creature who had accompanied her. “Let us -to the Theatre of Dionysus where we sat together and witnessed ‘The -Capture of Miletus.’ It was there you first—” but he could not conclude -the sentence and walked along by Eumetis’ side, his eyes downcast with -shame that his tongue had faltered just at the moment when he desired to -bring up the subject of their betrothal. - -They entered the eastern gate of the theatre and before them rose the -stone seats, tier upon tier, dazzling white in the heat of the sun. They -were impressed by the awful silence which here reigned supreme. What a -vast difference between the theatre now and as it was on that day when -thousands of spectators had thronged its gates and had sat in gala -attire upon its benches! Then it had surged with human life; now the -only living things visible were occasional lizards darting in and out of -crevices. - -Zopyrus and Eumetis without a word, but with a mutual impulse, sought -the section of seats at the head of which stood the statue of Aphrodite. -For some moments they sat in silence with eyes fixed upon the stage as -if before them they saw again enacted the great play of Phrynichus. But -her hand did not touch his arm as upon that former occasion. There -existed an inexplicable estrangement, and Zopyrus as he noticed her -pensive mood revealed in her pale features, was smitten with remorse -that he had neglected and undoubtedly wounded her. - -“Eumetis,” he said softly, “do not think that I have been willfully -neglectful of you. Much has occurred to turn our minds from -our—our—happiness. Will you now once again set the date for our -wedding?” - -There was no response from Eumetis. He seized her hands which lay -passively folded in her lap. They were cold. Her attitude was listless. - -“Speak, Eumetis,” the youth implored with growing alarm. “Have I -offended you?” - -At his words of entreaty the girl turned her face toward him and -smiled—but not as a maiden would smile at her lover, but as a mother -would gaze upon a beloved but willful son. - -“You have not offended me, Zopyrus, and I sincerely hope that what I am -about to say will not hurt you. Do you believe, my friend, that I honor -you most highly?” - -He nodded affirmatively and she continued, her thoughtful, sincere eyes -resting upon him contemplatively: “Then I will tell you why I have -seemed strange. I love Polygnotus who returns my affection, and but for -the fear of wounding you, a friend whom he holds most dear, would wed me -now at any time.” - -The stage, the theatre, the Acropolis, and even the fleecy clouds -floating dreamily above, seemed to whirl about in a colorless eddy. Only -the eyes of Eumetis remained stationary. At one moment they seemed to be -accusing eyes, at another, reproachful, then pitying, but his last -impression of them was that they portrayed peace and happiness. His -conscience would not permit him to play the heroically sacrificing -lover, nor did he really experience any elation because of his freedom. -He simply clasped her hand and murmured: “I understand.” She looked at -him quickly with a questioning glance as they rose and turned their -faces homeward. - -Before they reached the western limit of the Agora, the familiar figure -of Polygnotus suddenly turned from a side street and came toward them. -Zopyrus imagined that a fleeting expression of pain passed over the -artist’s kindly face at sight of them. - -“Eumetis has something important to say to you,” said Zopyrus laying a -hand on his friend’s shoulder as the three met. “It is only good news,” -he added at the startled look of inquiry upon Polygnotus’ face. - -“Then I shall be glad to hear it, but will you not join us on our -homeward way, Zopyrus?” asked the artist as Zopyrus turned to leave. - -“Not for the present,” Zopyrus replied evasively. Then moved by a sudden -impulse he seized a hand of Polygnotus and of Eumetis in each of his. He -desired to invoke the blessing of the gods upon this couple whom he -loved so dearly, but so deeply was he affected that he was unable to -speak, and turned his back in the direction of the theatre, scarcely -realizing what he was doing. - -Before reaching the Acropolis he turned northward, pursuing as direct a -course as possible along the winding, closely built streets, till at -last the dwellings became more interspersed with garden-plots, and -finally between two spreading acacias he spied the massive masonry of -the Dipylon Gate. He turned back for one last look at the Acropolis. -There it stood in its solitary grandeur, its ruined temples resembling a -circlet of irregular pearls. Although this was the fifth time that he -had passed through the great gate and along the Sacred Way, never until -now had he known that this road led to the girl he loved. Unmindful of -the scorching rays of the sun which beat down upon him, he pressed on -thinking only of the goal. When, however, he was overtaken by a farmer -in a cart who was returning to his farm near Eleusis after leaving his -produce at the Athenian market, he gladly accepted an offer to ride. - -The sun was approaching the horizon a little to the left of the -travelers, and stretching into the distance were the fertile fields -which the driver designated as his own. - -“Here is where I live, my friend, but I can drive you on to Eleusis if -you wish,” said the farmer. - -“I would prefer to walk from here on,” replied Zopyrus hastily, “but I -am truly grateful to you for driving me this far on my journey.” - -He bade the man a friendly farewell and with eyes alight with -anticipation, set forth to cover the remaining two miles which lay -between him and the abode of the girl he loved. - - * * * * * * * * - -In the garden that was divided from the Temple of Mysteries only by an -ivy-covered wall, reclined Persephone upon a cushion covered seat by the -fountain. She did not sleep, but lay fully conscious, with her hands -upon her bosom as it rose and fell regularly with her breathing. Her -whole frame was wrapped in languor. But her face was not as expressive -of peace as her body, for an occasional frown puckered her smooth brow -and she opened her eyes with a wistful expression only to close them -again as if to shut out the reality of her loneliness. Between two -cypress trees the white roof of the temple showed the first rosy tinge -that followed the passing of Phœbus Apollo—Persephone rose to a sitting -posture; a figure in white had passed the gate and was coming toward her -along the flower-bordered path. With a cry she sprang from her bench and -ran into the outstretched arms of her lover. - -“What of Eumetis?” she asked, attempting to draw away from the arms that -encircled her. - -“Eumetis has found happiness in the love of Polygnotus. It was -inevitable that the artist could be such a frequent visitor at the home -of Pasicles and not grow to love the sincere, unselfish, pure daughter -who lives there. Oh—Persephone, have I your forgiveness for the death of -your brother?” asked the young man with growing agitation. - -The maiden’s face lit up with a divine radiance as she said: “My brother -Phales clad as I last saw him with helmet, cuirass and greaves, and -carrying his sword, quiver and shield, appeared to me in a dream and -told me not to hold you guilty of his death. He praised you highly, -Zopyrus—and then he said one more thing.” - -“And what was that?” questioned her lover eagerly. - -“He said, ‘There is but one God who controls and directs the universe.’ -That is all he said. I would have asked him more, but he vanished.” - -“Then the prayer to God saved Greece at Salamis, and incessant prayers -to the one God have given me you, Persephone!” - -She raised her lips to his as they stood together before the statue of -Ceres, whose maternal countenance seemed to smile down benignly upon -them despite their words concerning the Deity. - -There was one other witness to that kiss; a man of middle-age with thick -waving hair and beard of chestnut brown, who came forth from the house -and, unobserved, stood with arms outstretched toward the two as if -pronouncing a benediction. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - After Twenty Years. - - - “How terrible is time! his solemn years, - The tombs of all our hopes and all our fears, - In silent horror roll! the gorgeous throne, - The pillared arch, the monumental stone, - Melt in swift ruin; and of mighty climes, - Where Fame told tales of virtues and of crimes, - Where Wisdom taught, and Valor woke to strife, - And Art’s creations breathed their mimic life, - And the young poet when the stars shone high - Drank the deep rapture of the quiet sky, - Naught now remains but Nature’s placid scene, - Heaven’s deathless blue and earth’s eternal green.” - Winthrop Mackworth Præd. - -To Themistocles in Magnesia, greetings from Zopyrus at Gela in Sicily:— - -After a silence of many years I write you again of affairs of state and -even of many personal things which I know will be of interest to you. I -want to assure you, my friend that I have never doubted your true -loyalty to Athens, and I write you freely knowing that Greece is dearer -to you than Persia. Your memory is and always will be in the hearts of -the majority, for who can forget the glories of Salamis and the hero to -whom we owe that victory! - -Would that you could once more behold Athens—our Athens—and yet not as -she was in the years that you, my dear friend, walked her streets, stood -in her buzzing mart, or ascended her divine hill. The crystalline air, -the song of the nightingale in the olive groves, the shaggy peak of -Hymettus, the blue of the bay, and the familiar rose-tinted rock of the -Acropolis—these the Persian has been unable to destroy. - -Your once hated rival Aristides is dead. I know that though bitter -enmity once filled your heart, you will regret to hear that he died so -poor that he was buried at the public expense. After his death Cimon -became undisputed leader, and greatly has Athens been benefitted by the -rule of this brilliant man whom we knew well as a youth. But alas, for -the brevity of popular favor! But a few years ago he was ostracized by -the most talked of man in all Athens today, Pericles, son of Xanthippus. -On the eve of the battle of Tanagra, Cimon left his place of banishment -and fought bravely with the Athenians against the Spartans. This so -pleased Pericles that he proposed a measure recalling Cimon from exile -and it was passed by the assembly. Cimon has succeeded in putting down -many revolts, and you know of his great victory over the Persians in -Asia. From the proceeds from the spoils of this battle he had planned to -build a temple to Athena, but this work is being carried on by Pericles. -It is plain that Cimon, however sincerely he had the welfare of his city -at heart, was too fond of personal praise and worship. He failed in his -attempt to unite Athens and Sparta. Pericles stands for the independence -of Athens and for pure democracy. - -During the Thasian Revolt about ten years ago, Mimnermus distinguished -himself by bravery, but he confided to us that he did not relish the -task of overseeing the Thacians tear down their walls at the command of -the Athenians, for his brother-in-law, Polygnotus, was a native of -Thasos. Mimnermus is now at Aegina helping to suppress a similar revolt. - -And now I will tell you of Polygnotus. He and other artists adorned the -interior of the Painted Porch with mural pictures of great beauty -representing scenes from the myths and from recent history. Polygnotus -married Eumetis, the daughter of Pasicles, and to this union were born -three daughters, Corinna, Cleodice and Neobule. Pasicles resides with -his daughter and her husband, but his wife, Cleodice, whose health -failed rapidly after the death of her daughter, Corinna, died within a -few years after that tragic event. - -I know it will interest you to hear of Ladice and Lysimachus, both of -whom spoke of you affectionately whenever we met while in Athens. Their -son, Aristides, in whom they feel the usual pride common to parents of -an only child, gives promise of exceptional ability along the lines of -his grandfather, and if I may say so, his foster-grandparent. - -Yesterday I stood at a newly made grave on the banks of a river which -pours its waters into the African Sea. In the distance to the north -stretched the wheat-bearing land of Gela. Before I could give my -thoughts wholly to the honored dead, I gazed with pride and happiness -upon the family with which I have been blessed. My eldest son Phales, -stood by my side, stalwart of body and thoughtful of mind, not unlike -his grandfather, Aeschylus. Persephone, our eldest daughter is very like -her mother was at her age, so it is needless to mention here the pride I -feel in her. My second son Masistius, at times reminds me of my father, -Artaphernes, but the loving guidance of his mother has softened the -severity that was his grandfather’s. The youngest child, a daughter, -Protomache, stood upon this occasion with tears in her usually laughing -eyes. She clung tightly to the hand of her mother whose eyes rested -lovingly upon each member of the little group in turn. - -Then in low tones and with head bent in a reverent attitude, Persephone -my dear wife, read this epitaph which was engraved upon the tomb: - - “This tomb the dust of Aeschylus doth hide— - Euphorion’s son and fruitful Gela’s pride; - How famed his valor Marathon may tell, - And long-haired Medes, who knew it all too well.” - -As the last word trembled into a silence that seemed to permeate Nature -all about us, a few lines that had been composed by Aeschylus on the -subject of death, came to my mind, and I could not but repeat them upon -this occasion: - - “Smitten by Him, from towering hopes degraded, - Mortals lie low and still; - Tireless and effortless works forth its will - The arm divine! - God from His holy seat, in calm of unarmed power, - Brings forth the deed at its appointed hour!” - - - The End. - - - - - FOOTNOTES - - -[1]This was an older Parthenon which existed before the one erected at - the time of Pericles. - -[2]Market-place. - -[3]Each two guests were furnished with a small three-legged table on - which the food was served already cut up. - -[4]One who mixes the wine and presides at the symposium. - -[5]Better known by his Roman name, Pluto. - -[6]The modern city of Patras. - - - - - * * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber’s note: - ---Silently corrected obvious typographical errors. - ---Left idiosyncratic use of commas and non-standard spellings and - dialect unchanged. - ---I don’t think “selfishness” means what the author thinks it does. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PERSEPHONE OF ELEUSIS*** - - -******* This file should be named 61449-0.txt or 61449-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/1/4/4/61449 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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