CHAPTER III.
Aristides .-- His Character and Position .-- The Rise of Themistocles .-- Aristides is Ostracised .-- The Ostracism examined .-- The Influence of Themistocles increases .-- The Silver-mines of Laurion .-- Their Product applied by Themistocles to the Increase of the Navy .-- New Direction given to the National Character.
I.

While the progress of the drama and the genius of Aeschylus contributed to the rising renown of Athens, there appeared on the surface of her external affairs two rival and principal actors, of talents and designs so opposite, that it soon became evident that the triumph of one could be only in the defeat of the other.

Before the battle of Marathon, Aristides had attained a very considerable influence in Athens.

His birth was noble--his connexions wealthy--his own fortune moderate.

He had been an early follower and admirer of Clisthenes, the establisher of popular institutions in Athens after the expulsion of the Pisistratidae, but he shared the predilection of many popular chieftains, and while opposing the encroachments of a tyranny, supported the power of an aristocracy.