But before all else he was in the
highest sense a practical man, finding in strenuous action his chief
glory and pride. And such a man was the last to melt into ecstasies
over the high notes of a singer, or dream away his life in the
fairyland of poetry.
We have dwelt at some length on the work and character of Pericles, as
his death marks a turning point in Athenian history. From that day
onward the policy of Athens takes a downward direction, denoting a
corresponding decline in Athenian character and aspiration. Pericles
had been able, by his commanding talents and proved integrity, to
exercise a salutary check on the restless energies and soaring
ambition of his countrymen. He had been a true father and ruler of his
people, in evil times and in good, curbing them in the insolence of
prosperity, comforting and exalting them in the dark hour of disaster.
But the government now passed into the hands of weaker men, who, since
they were incapable of leading the people, were compelled to follow
it, and to maintain their position by pandering to the worst vices of
the Athenian character. Rash where they should have been cautious,
yielding where they should have been resolute, they squandered the
immense resources of Athens, and led her on, step by step, to
humiliation and defeat.
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