THE ENVOVS OF LIFE AND
DEATH:

Near the coast of Asia Minor lies the beautiful
island of Lesbos, the birthplace of the poets Sappho,
Alceus, and Terpander, and of other famous writers
and sages of the past. Here were green valleys and
verdure-clad mountains, here charming rural scenes
and richly-yielding fields, here all that seems neces-
sary to make life serene and happy. But here also
dwelt uneasy man, and hither came devastating war,
bringing with it the shadow of a frightful tragedy
from which the people of Lesbos barely escaped.

Lesbos was one of the islands that entered into
alliance with Athens, and formed part of the empire
that arose from the league of Delos. In 428 Buc.
this island, and its capital, Mitylene, revolted from
Athens, and struck for the freedom they had formerly
enjoyed. Mitylene had never become tributary to
- Athens. It was simply an ally; and it retained its
ficet, its walls, and its government; its only obliga-
tions being those common to all members of the
league.

Yet even these seemed to have been galling to the
proud Mitylenians. Athens was then at war with
Sparta. It seemed a good time to throw off all
bonds, and the political leaders of the Lesbians de-

200