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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt:...Cimon's Laconian policy was, therefore, proba-462 B.c. bly a mistake. Nevertheless he prevailed, and led a force of Athenians against Ithome. Cimon left his party without a leader at a very critical Council of time. Since the war with Persia democratic ideas had the Areopagus, been gaining ground at Athens. Influenced by Aristeides, the government had begun to pay for public service, in order that the poor might stand on an equality with the rich in their relations with the state. Thus Aristeides introduced a radical democratic principle into the constitution. The only important conservative element remaining in it was the Council of the Areopagus. As the Areopagites held office for life, they were usually a generation behind time in the questions of the day. In Cimon's absence Ephialtes directed an attack upon this body, and carried a measure which deprived it of all political authority. It remained little more than a court with jurisdiction in cases of murder. Ephialtes was supported in this measure by Pericles, son of Xanthippus. Though a young man, Pericles was already recognized as a prominent leader of the democrats against the conservative Cimon. The antagonism of these two men was all the keener from the fact that they were hereditary opponents. Cimon, who had acquired enormous wealth through his victories, spent it liberally on the state and the citizens. He was a noble of the old stamp in an age when men of his class were rare. His attitude towards the people of his township was that of a great lord towards his retainers; he had the fences pulled down from about his orchards that his neighbors might freely enjoy the fruit; his table was plain, but all his townsmen were welcome to eat with him. Those who were thus maintained at...