272 HISTORICAL TALES.

The whole city was full of admiration of Timoleon
for this act of devotion. Timophanes also was
raised in public estimation through his brother's
deed, and was placed in an important post. Corinth
was governed by an aristocracy, who, just then,
brought in a garrison of four hundred foreign
soldiers and placed them in the citadel. Timophanes
was given command of this garrison and control of
the stronghold.

The governors of the city did not know their man,
Here was an opportunity for the unlimited ambition
of the new commander. Gaining some armed par-
tisans among the poorer citizens, and availing him-
self of the control of fort and garrison, Timophanes
soon made himself master of the city, and seized and
put to death all who opposed him among the chief
citizens. Unwittingly the Corinthian aristocrats had
put over themselves a cruel despot.

But they found also a defender. The crimes of
his brother at first filled Timoleon with shame and
sorrow. He went to the citadel and begged Timoph-
anes, by all he held sacred, to renounce his ambi-
tious projects. The new despot repelled his appeal
with contempt. Timoleon went again, this time with
three friends, but with’no better effect. Timoph-
anes laughed them to scorn, and as they continued
their pleading he grew angry and refused to hear
more. Then the three friends drew their swords
and killed the tyrant on the spot, while Timoleon
stood aside, with his face hidden and his eyes bathed
in tears.

He who had saved his brother’s life at the risk of