FOUR FAMOUS MEN OF ATHENS. 181

Themistocles displayed his nature strongly while
still a boy. Idleness and play were not to his taste,
and no occasion was lost by him to improve his mind
and develop his powers in oratory. He cared nothing
for accomplishments, but gave ardent attention to
the philosophy and learning of his day. “It is true
I cannot play on a flute,or bring music from the
lute,” he afterwards said; “all I can do is, if a small
and obscure ‘city were put into my hands, to make it
great and glorious.” :

Of commanding figure, handsome face, keen eyes,
proud and erect posture, sprightly and intellectual
aspect, he was one to attract attention in any com-
munity, while his developed powers of oratory gave
him the greatest influence over the speech-loving
Athenians. In his eagerness to win distinction and
gain a high place in the state, he cared not what
enemies he might make so that he won a strong
party to his support. So great was his thirst for
distinction that the victory of Miltiades at Marathon
threw him into a state of great depression, in which
he said, “ The glory of Miltiades will not let me sleep.”

Themistocles was not alone ambitious and de-
clamatory. He was far-sighted as well; and through
his power of foreseeing the future he was enabled to
serve Athens even more signally than Miltiades had
done. Many there were who said that there was no
need to dread the Persians further, that the victory
at Marathon would end the war. “It is only the
beginning of the war,” said Themistocles; “new and
greater conflicts will come; if Athens is to be saved,
it must prepare.”

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