|
In the midst of their contention, Aristides, the son of
Lysimachus, who had crossed from Egina, arrived in Salamis. He
was an Athenian, and had been ostracised by the commonalty; yet I
believe, from what I have heard concerning his character, that there
was not in all Athens a man so worthy or so just as he. He now came
to the council, and, standing outside, called for Themistocles.
Now Themistocles was not his friend, but his most determined enemy.
However, under the pressure of the great dangers impending,
Aristides forgot their feud, and called Themistocles out of the
council, since he wished to confer with him. He had heard before his
arrival of the impatience of the Peloponnesians to withdraw the fleet
to the Isthmus. As soon therefore as Themistocles came forth,
Aristides addressed him in these words:
"Our rivalry at all times, and especially at the present season,
ought to be a struggle, which of us shall most advantage our country.
Let me then say to thee, that so far as regards the departure of the
Peloponnesians from this place, much talk and little will be found
precisely alike. I have seen with my own eyes that which I now
report: that, however much the Corinthians or Eurybiades himself may
wish it, they cannot now retreat; for we are enclosed on every side by
the enemy. Go in to them, and make this known."
|
|