192 HISTORICAL TALES.

manner, possessed of a self-possession which no in-
terruption could destroy, and gifted with a luminous
intelligence that gave him a controlling influence over
the thoughtful and critical Athenians of his day.

Pericles was too wise and shrewd to keep himself
constantly before the people, or to haunt the assem-
bly. He sedulously remained in the background
until he had something of importance to say, but he
then delivered his message with a skill, force, and
animation that carried all his hearers irresistibly
away. His logic, wit, and sarcasm, his clear voice,
flashing eyes, and vigorous power of declamation,
used only when the occasion was important, gave
him in time almost absolute control in Athens, and
had he sought to make himself a despot he might
have done so with a word; but happily he was
honest and patriotic enough to content himself with
being the First Citizen of the State.

To make the people happy, and to keep Athens in
a condition of serene content, seem to have been
leading aims with Pericles. He entertained them
with quickly succeeding theatrical and other enter-
tainments, solemn banquets, splendid shows and pro-
cessions, and everything likely to add to their enjoy-
ment. Every year he sent out eighty galleys on a
six months’ cruise, filled with citizens who were to
learn the art of maritime war, and who were paid
for their services. The citizens were likewise paid
for attending the public assembly, and allowances
were made them for the time given to theatrical
representations, so that it has been said that Pericles
converted the sober and thrifty Athenians into an