286 HISTORICAL TALES.

the island at once. They did so, crossed the Strait
of Messina, and took possession of a site in southern
Italy, where they were attacked by the people and
every man of them slain. As regards the concluding
events of our story, it will suffice to say that Timo-
leon had other fighting to do, with Carthaginians and
despots; but his wonderful fortune continued through-
out, and before long Sicily held not an enemy in arms.

And now came the greatest triumph of the Corin-
thian victor. One master alone remained in Sicily,—
himself. Despotic power was his had he said the
word. The people warmly requested him to retain
his control. But no; he had come to free them from
tyranny, and free they should be. He laid down at
once all his power, gave up the command of the
army, and went to live as a private citizen of Syra-
cuse, without office or power.

A single dominion yet remained to him,—that of
affection. The people worshipped him. His voice
was law. As he grew older his sight failed, until
he became totally blind. Yet still, when any diffi-
cult question arose, the people trusted to their
sightless benefactor to tell them what to do. On
such occasions Timoleon would be brought in his
car, drawn by mules across the market-place, and
then by attendants into the hall of assembly. Here,
still seated in his car, he would listen to the debate,
and in the end give his own opinion, which was
usually accepted by nearly the whole assembly. This
done, the car would be drawn out again amid shouts
and cheers, and the blind “father of his country”
return to his modest home.