He lived in extremes, and alternated between the loosest pleasures [32] and the most daring ambition.

Entering prematurely into public life, either his restless disposition or his political principles embroiled him with men of the highest rank.

Fearless and sanguine, he cared not whom he attacked, or what he adventured; and, whatever his conduct before the battle of Marathon, the popular opinions he embraced could not but bring him, after that event, in constant opposition to Aristides, the champion of the Areopagus.
That splendid victory which gave an opening to his career sharpened his ambition.

The loud fame of Miltiades, yet unconscious of reverse, inspired him with a lofty envy.

He seems from that period to have forsaken his more youthful excesses.