Author Description

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. 1857 edition. Excerpt:...he said, " did not at once make an example of such rebels, there would be no end to the dangers and contests which they would bring upon themselves, since their other allies would think that they too might revolt whenever they pleased. He therefore proposed that all the men in Mitylene should be put to death, and all the women and children made slaves. Cleon's eagerness gained his point. The decree was passed, and the very next day the order was despatched to Paches at Mitylene. But the Athenians, though they were harsh when excited, soon began to repent. They felt that they had acted hastily, and some Mitylenaean envoys then in Athens easily persuaded the magistrates to call another Assembly, and consider the question again. Cleon repeated his arguments, and the friends of the Mitylenaeans said all they could against him; and this time the Athenians decided for mercy. A vessel was instantly made ready which was to bear orders to Paches contrary to those that had been determined on the day before. The Mitylenaean envoys put wine and bread on board, and promised to reward the crew largely if they should arrive in time to save their countrymen; and the vessel set sail. The men rowed night and day, sleeping in turn, and eating bread dipped in wine and oil, whilst they worked at the oars. They met with no contrary winds, and as the crew of the first vessel had not been in any haste to perform their disagreeable errand, they arrived very soon after them. Paches had just read the cruel decree, and was about to execute it. But the counter orders stopped him, and the unfortunate Mitylenaeans were saved. The next intelligence, however, which reached them from Athens must have saddened all their hearts. Cleon had persuaded the Athenians to put to...