A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

196 The Age of Pericles
Hierocles, a
soothsayer
who had
been with the
army in
Eubcea.
Jurisdiction.
Amendment
by Archestratus.
Aristophanes,
Acharnians
(opening).
This play was
presented in
42s B.C.
Justown, an
upright
citizen
from the
country,
comes early
to the place
of assembly,
on Pnyx Hill,
but finds
no one there.
He is vexed
that the
citizens are
so neglectful
of duty. He
is anxious
to deliberate
on peace
with Sparta.
The Presidents
are the
prytenes;
Ancient
World, 140.
The "painted
twine" is to
mark those
who neglected
the
call to the
assembly.
temple of the Olympian Zeus in Chalcis. These things
they shall vote concerning the Chalcidians.
With respect however to the sacrifices required by
the oracles concerning Eubcea, let the council elect three
of their own number, who shall join with Hierocles in
offering them as speedily as possible.
Archestratus moved: other matters shall stand as
Anticles has proposed; but the Chalcidians shall have
jurisdiction over their own citizens at Chalcis, just as the
Athenians have over theirs at Athens, except in
cases of
exile, death, and disfranchisement. In these cases let
there be an appeal to Athens, to the Helisea of the Thesmothetae
in accordance with the decree of the assembly.
Touching the garrison in Eubcea, let the generals take
care to the best of their ability that it be of the greatest
possible advantage to the Athenians.
VI.
Some Diplomatic Business before the Assembly
'
Justown. But never in my lifetime, man nor boy,
Was I so vexed as at this present moment;
To see the Pnyx, at this time of the morning.
Quite empty, when the Assembly should be full.
There are our citizens in the market-place,
Lounging and talking, shifting up and down
To escape the painted twine that ought to sweep
The shoal of them this way; not even the Presidents
Arrived—they're always last, crowding and jostling
To get the foremost seat; but as for peace
They never think about it—Oh, poor country!
As for myself, I'm always the first man.
Alone in the morning, here I take my place.
Here I contemplate, here I stretch my legs;
I think and think—I don't know what to think.
I draw conclusions and comparisons. . . .
I fidget about and yawn and scratch myself;
Looking in vain to the prospect of the fields,