inquiries as to the state of Sparta, the result of the war, and especially as to the character, habits, and personal appearance of Aristomenes, all of which the Spartan might have answered more honestly than he did without detracting from the honour of his own countrymen, or impeding the arrangements he had to make with the Athenians.

"the

"I must now leave you," said the old man, time of my meeting the senate of the Areopagus has arrived, but I will there mention your business, and should they consent to appoint the man who is I think most suited to restore the lost confidence of the Spartan soldiers, he shall be with you in an hour, and shall conduct you to the most important places in our noble city before your return."

In about the time that had been mentioned, an Athenian introduced himself to Euryleon, as Tyrtæus, the person appointed to direct and continue the war on behalf of Sparta. He was a man so much below the common size, and had altogether such an unwarlike appearance, that the Spartan felt much inclined to dispute the propriety of his accepting an office which would require him to meet the most renowned warrior of the age; but a fear of offending the Athenian rulers, and

especially Solon, by whose advice he had evidently been appointed, restrained him. Tyrtæus having informed himself of the state of the Spartan and Messenian armies, the character of Aristomenes, and other particulars relative to the war in which he was to be so unexpectedly engaged, proposed to his companion a walk through the city, as it would be necessary for them to leave it early on the following morning.

The first place which they visited was the theatre, for a tradegy written by Tyrtæus himself was to be performed; but it has not descended to our own day. The building was a vast amphitheatre, with seats rising one above the other, intersected in various ways to give free communication to all the benches. Before them was the stage, on which was represented many scenes, executed in a bold and accurate style, by the most celebrated Athenian painters. The house seemed to be already full, and yet crowds were entering and finding convenient places within the spacious walls. Tyrtæus and the Spartan had not long seated themselves before Solon and the Areopagus, the senate and judges arrived, and soon after the herald came forward and commanding silence, said, "Let the chorus of Tyrtæus advance." The performance then com

menced, every eye was intently fixed upon the actors, and all were so deeply interested in the scenes, that not a sound from any part of the vast building interrupted the distinct hearing of every sentence that was uttered by the players. Euryleon was not the least interested spectator, for in several scenes he rose from his seat, and would have exclaimed, had he not been reminded by the poet himself, that it was but a representation.

Having remained in the theatre until the close of the performance, they prepared to visit other parts of the city, and the Spartan was surprised as they mingled in the crowd to see his companion recognized by almost all whom they passed, and his praise was on every tongue.

"To-morrow," said Tyrtæus, "will be the commencement of a grand festival, during which the theatre will be every day opened at sun rise, and poets from all parts will be present to recite their compositions. From the honours to be then awarded, I shall be excluded, but there are others to be gained in Sparta."

Having conducted his companion to the citadel and temple of Minerva, they approached the Ilissus, on the banks of which there was a vast concourse of

people, who had, about noon, according to custom, wandered from the city to enjoy the air and beautiful prospects. Here taking horses, they rode to the Pirœus. In this noble harbour were many ships which had returned from, and others which were going to, distant ports for the purposes of commerce. Other public buildings were then visited, but in none of these did Euryleon take so much interest as in the people who were collected under the porticos and round the perfumers' shops imparting and listening to news. Sparta, Euryleon, and Tyrtæus were words he often heard, and he had no doubt that it was his own appearance which had caused so much excitement among the people, until his companion informed him that the scenes he witnessed were of daily occurrence.

In this manner did Euryleon spend the day on which he visited Athens. In the evening he was taken to the residence of a wealthy citizen to supper, where he was more surprised by the luxuries on the table, the elegance of the apartment, and the mirth, wit, and learning of the company, than by all he had seen or heard before.

On the following morning, Euephnus and Tyrtæus commenced their journey to Sparta.

VOL. II.

I

CHAPTER IX.

He who ascends to mountain tops shall find

The loftiest peaks most wrapt in clouds and snow:

He who surpasses or subdues mankind,

Must look down on the hate of those below.
Though high above the sun of glory glow,
And far beneath the earth and ocean spread,
Round him are ice rocks, and loudly blow

Contending tempests on his naked head,

And thus reward the toils which to those summits led."

CHILDE HAROLD.

THE Spartans, who had been mortified by the answer of Apollo, were still more irritated by the manner in which the Athenians had received their request, and by the appearance of the person who had been sent to become their general.