Book 1
2.49
Thereafter the people looked up to him, and would gladly have had him rule them as tyrant; he refused, and, early perceiving the designs of his kinsman Pisistratus (so we are told by Sosicrates), did his best to hinder them. He rushed into the Assembly armed with spear and shield, warned them of the designs of Pisistratus, and not only so, but declared his willingness to render assistance, in these words: Men of Athens, I am wiser than some of you and more courageous than others: wiser than those who fail to understand the plot of Pisistratus, more courageous than those who, though they see through it, keep silence through fear. And the members of the council, who were of Pisistratus’ party, declared that he was mad: which made him say the linesFr. 10 Bergk.: A little while, and the event will show To all the world if I be mad or no.
2.50
That he foresaw the tyranny of Pisistratus is proved by a passage from a poem of hisFr. 9 Bergk.: On splendid lightning thunder follows straight, Clouds the soft snow and flashing hail-stones bring; So from proud men comes ruin, and their state Falls unaware to slavery and a king.
2.50
When Pisistratus was already established, Solon, unable to move the people, piled his arms in front of the generals’ quarters, and exclaimed, My country, I have served thee with my word and sword! Thereupon he sailed to Egypt and to Cyprus, and thence proceeded to the court of Croesus. There Croesus put the question, Whom do you consider happy? and Solon replied, Tellus of Athens, and Cleobis and Biton, and went on in words too familiar to be quoted here.
