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However, after a little time, the partisans of Megacles and those of
Lycurgus agreed to forget their differences, and united to drive him
out. So Pisistratus, having by the means described first made
himself master of Athens, lost his power again before it had time to
take root. No sooner, however, was he departed than the factions
which had driven him out quarrelled anew, and at last Megacles,
wearied with the struggle, sent a herald to Pisistratus, with an
offer to re-establish him on the throne if he would marry his
daughter. Pisistratus consented, and on these terms an agreement was
concluded between the two, after which they proceeded to devise the
mode of his restoration. And here the device on which they hit was the
silliest that I find on record, more especially considering that the
Greeks have been from very ancient times distinguished from the
barbarians by superior sagacity and freedom from foolish simpleness,
and remembering that the persons on whom this trick was played were not
only Greeks but Athenians, who have the credit of surpassing all
other Greeks in cleverness. There was in the Paeanian district a
woman named Phya, whose height only fell short of four cubits by three
fingers' breadth, and who was altogether comely to look upon. This
woman they clothed in complete armour, and, instructing her as to the
carriage which she was to maintain in order to beseem her part, they
placed her in a chariot and drove to the city. Heralds had been sent
forward to precede her, and to make proclamation to this effect:
"Citizens of Athens, receive again Pisistratus with friendly
minds. Minerva, who of all men honours him the most, herself
conducts him back to her own citadel." This they proclaimed in all
directions, and immediately the rumour spread throughout the country
districts that Minerva was bringing back her favourite. They of the
city also, fully persuaded that the woman was the veritable goddess,
prostrated themselves before her, and received Pisistratus back.
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