TIMOLEON, THE FAVORITE OF FORTUNE. 281

has rarely been seen in the world’s history. The news
flew through Sicily, Italy, and Greece, and awakened
wonder and admiration everywhere. Only a few
months had passed since Timoleon left Corinth, and
already, with very little loss, he was master of
Syracuse and of much of Sicily, and had sent the
dreaded Sicilian tyrant to dwell as a common citizen
in Corinth. His ability seemed remarkable, his for-
tune superhuman, and men believed that the gods
themselves had taken him under their especial
care.

And now came the temptation of power, to which
so many great men have fallen victims. Timoleon
had but to say the word and he would be despot of
Syracuse. Everybody looked for this as the next
move. In Ortygia rose the massive citadel within
which Dionysius had defied revolt or disaffection.
Timoleon had but to establish himself there and his
word would be the law throughout Syracuse, if not
throughout Sicily. What would he do?

What he proposed to do was quickly shown. He
proclaimed that this stronghold of tyranny should be
destroyed, and invited every Syracusan that loved
liberty to come with crowbar and hammer and join
in the work of levelling to the ground the home and
citadel of Dionysius. The astounded citizens could
scarcely believe their ears. What! destroy the
tyrant’s stronghold! Set Syracuse free! What
manner of man was this? With joyous acclaim
they gathered, and heaved and tugged until the
massive walls were torn stone from stone, and the
vast edifice levelled with the ground, while the time

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