"Son of Hippocrates," said Solon, advancing to the spot, and with bitter wit, "you are but a bad imitator of Ulysses.

He wounded himself to delude his enemies--you to deceive your countrymen." [227] The sagacity of the reproach was unheeded by the crowd.

A special assembly of the people was convened, and a partisan of the demagogue moved that a body-guard of fifty men, armed but with clubs, should be assigned to his protection.

Despite the infirmities of his age, and the decrease of his popular authority, Solon had the energy to oppose the motion, and predict its results.

The credulous love of the people swept away all precaution--the guard was granted.