slaves. About two thousand, who were enfranchised by a public decree, for having bravely defended the country during the Peloponessian war, soon after disappeared suddenly, and were supposed to have been secretly murdered.


"Whip them, merely to remind them of bondage." p. 117.

The Helots were originally a brave people; but after they were conquered by the Spartans, no pains were spared to render them servile and degraded. Once a year they publicly received a severe flagellation, merely to remind them that they were slaves. They were never allowed to learn any liberal art, or to sing manly songs. In order to expose them to greater contempt, they were often obliged to perform indecent dances, and to get brutally drunk, that their master's children might learn to despise such uncomely things.


"Things as trifling as the turning of a shell." p. 120.

This was an Athenian proverb, applied to things that were done quickly, or changed easily.


"You must indeed wrestle at Cynosarges." p. 120.

This was a name of Hercules; and because he was illegitimate, it was applied to a place near the Lyceum, where those of half Athenian blood, were wont to exercise in gymnastic sports. Themistocles, being partly of foreign extraction, induced the young Athenian nobles to go there and wrestle with him, that the distinction might be done away.


"Festival Anthesteria." 120.

In honour of Dionysus. The best drinker was rewarded with a golden crown and a cask of wine; and none but Athenians were allowed to enter the theatre.


"Which he inscribed Demos." p. 131.

A phrase signifying the People, or the Democracy.


"Sing their welcome to Ornithæ." p. 134,

This name was applied to a wind that blew in the spring, at the time when the birds began to return. It was a Grecian custom for children to go about with garlands from door to door, singing a welcome to the swallows, and receiving trifling presents in return.


"The marble sent by Darius." p. 136.

The Persians were so confident of victory that they brought with them marble to erect a trophy on the plains of Marathon. From this marble Phidias sculptured a statue of Vengeance, which was called Rhamnusia.


"Filled my pillow with fresh laurel leaves." p. 143.

Phœbus was supposed to inspire dreams and prophecy; and the laurel which was sacred to him, was supposed to be endowed with similar properties.


"Like one returned from the cave of Trophonius." p. 147