We need no Pericles who
commissions statues and builds temples to Fame and Glory; Athens has
enough of such gewgaws. But now we must have a man who understands
the art of war, who has a heart in his breast and a head on his
shoulders. Whom do you wish for, men of Athens?"
Alcibiades sprang up like a young lion, and went straight to the
point. "Men of Athens, I propose Cleon the tanner, not because he is
a tanner, for that is something different. At any rate the army may
be compared to an ox-skin, and Cleon to a knife; but Cleon has other
qualities, especially those of a commander. His last campaign
against Pericles and Phidias closed with a triumph for him. He has
displayed a courage which never failed, and an intelligence which
passed all mortal comprehension. His strategy was certainly not that
of a lion, but he conquered, and that is the chief point. I propose
Cleon as leader of the campaign."
Now it so fell out that this patent irony was still too subtle for
the mob, who took it seriously. Alcibiades also had a certain
influence with them because of his relationship to Pericles, and
they listened to him readily. Accordingly the whole assembly called
out for Cleon, and he was elected.
But Cleon had never dreamt of the honour of being commander, and he
was prudent enough not to endeavour to climb beyond his capacity.
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