Its number did not long continue stationary; Pisistratus artfully increased the amount, till it swelled to the force required by his designs.

He then seized the citadel--the antagonist faction of Megacles fled--and Pisistratus was master of Athens.

Amid the confusion and tumult of the city, Solon retained his native courage.

He appeared in public--harangued the citizens--upbraided their blindness--invoked their courage.

In his speeches he bade them remember that if it be the more easy task to prevent tyranny, it is the more glorious achievement to destroy it.
In his verses [228] he poured forth the indignant sentiment which a thousand later bards have borrowed and enlarged; "Blame not Heaven for your tyrants, blame yourselves." The fears of some, the indifference of others, rendered his exhortations fruitless! The brave old man sorrowfully retreated to his house, hung up his weapons without his door, and consoled himself with the melancholy boast that "he had done all to save his country, and its laws." This was his last public effort against the usurper.