The Good Book_ A Secular Bible - A. C. Grayling [276]
Chapter 32
1. And so Pericles, having secured his power with the populace, directed the exertions of his party against this council with such success,
2. That most of the causes and matters which used to be tried there were, by the agency of Ephialtes, removed from its authority.
3. Cimon, also, was banished by ostracism as a favourer of the Lacedaemonians and a hater of the people,
4. Though in wealth and noble birth he was among the first of Athenians, and had won several glorious victories over the barbarians, filling the city with money and spoils of war; as is recorded in the history of his life.
5. But his banishment proves the great influence that Pericles obtained among the people.
6. The ostracism was limited by law to ten years; but the Lacedaemonians, in the meantime, entering with a great army into the territory of Tanagra, and the Athenians going out to fight against them,
7. Cimon, coming from his banishment before his time was out, put himself in arms and array with those of his fellow-citizens that were of his own tribe,
8. And desired by his deeds to wipe off the suspicion of his favouring the Lacedaemonians, by venturing his own person along with his countrymen.
9. But Pericles’ friends, gathering in a body, forced him to retire as a banished man.
10. For which cause also Pericles seems to have exerted himself more in that than in any other battle, and to have been conspicuous for his exposure of himself to danger.
11. All Cimon’s friends, also, to a man, fell together side by side, whom Pericles had accused with him of taking part with the Lacedaemonians.
12. Defeated in this battle on their own frontiers, and expecting a new and perilous attack with the return of spring,
13. The Athenians now felt regret and sorrow for the loss of Cimon, and repentance for their expulsion of him.
14. Pericles, being sensible of their feelings, did not hesitate or delay to gratify it, and himself made the motion for recalling him home.
15. He, upon his return, concluded a peace betwixt the two cities;
16. For the Lacedaemonians entertained as kindly feelings towards him as they did the reverse towards Pericles and the other popular leaders.
17. Yet some say that Pericles did not propose the order for Cimon’s return till some private articles of agreement had been made between them, and this by means of Elpinice, Cimon’s sister:
18. That Cimon should go out to sea with a fleet of two hundred ships, and be commander-in-chief abroad,
19. With a design to reduce the King of Persia’s territories, and that Pericles should have the power at home.
20. This Elpinice, it was thought, had before this time procured some favour for her brother Cimon at Pericles’ hands,
21. And induced him to be more remiss and gentle in urging the charge when Cimon was tried for his life;
22. For Pericles was one of the committee appointed by the commons to plead against him.
23. And when Elpinice came and spoke with him on her brother’s behalf, he answered, with a smile,
24. ‘O Elpinice, you are too old a woman to undertake such business as this.’
25. But, when he appeared to impeach him, he stood up only once to speak, merely to acquit himself of his commission, and went out of court,
26. Having done Cimon the least prejudice of any of his accusers.
27. How, then, can one believe Idomeneus, who charges Pericles as if he had by treachery procured the murder of Ephialtes, the popular statesman,
28. One who was his friend, and of his own party in all his political course, out of jealousy, and envy of his great reputation?
29. This historian, having raked up these stories, I know not where, has libelled with them a man who, although not altogether free from fault or blame,
30. Yet had a noble heart, and a mind bent on honour; and where such qualities are, there can be no cruel and brutal passions.
31. The truth of what happened to Ephialtes, as Aristotle has told us, is this:
32. That having made