A Victor Of Salamis A Tale Of The Days Of Xerxes Leonidas And Themistocles

'A Victor of Salamis' by William Stearns Davis is a thrilling tale that transports the reader back to ancient Greece during the time of the Persian invasion. The hero, Glaucon, a young and accomplished Athenian athlete, has to flee his homeland and finds himself in the company of the Persian general Mardonius. Through a twist of fate, Glaucon saves Mardonius' life and is taken back to the Persian court where he is exposed to the opulence and allure of Persian culture. As he becomes increasingly enamored with Persian society and Mardonius' sister, Glaucon finds himself torn between his loyalty to Athens and his growing ties to the Persian empire.

In this book, Davis tells the story of the Battle of Salamis, one of the most important naval battles in ancient Greek history. He explores the lives and motivations of the key figures involved in the battle, including Xerxes, Leonidas, and Themistocles. With its engaging narrative style and vivid descriptions, this book is an excellent introduction to the history of ancient Greece. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The crier paused for the fifth time. The crowd-knotty Spartans, keen Athenians, perfumed Sicilians-pressed his pulpit closer, elbowing for the place of vantage. Amid a lull in their clamour the crier recommenced. "And now, men of Hellas, another time hearken. The sixth contestant in the pentathlon, most honourable of the games held at the Isthmus, is Glaucon, son of Conon the Athenian; his grandfather-" a jangling shout drowned him. "The most beautiful man in Hellas!" "But an effeminate puppy!" "Of the noble house of Alcmæon!" "The family's accursed!" "A great god helps him-even Eros." "Ay-the fool married for mere love. He needs help. His father disinherited him."

The crier paused for the fifth time. The crowd—knotty Spartans, keen Athenians, perfumed Sicilians—pressed his pulpit closer, elbowing for the place of vantage. Amid a lull in their clamour the crier recommenced. “And now, men of Hellas, another time hearken. The sixth contestant in the pentathlon, most honourable of the games held at the Isthmus, is Glaucon, son of Conon the Athenian; his grandfather—” a jangling shout drowned him. “The most beautiful man in Hellas!” “But an effeminate puppy!” “Of the noble house of Alcmæon!” “The family's accursed!” “A great god helps him—even Eros.” “Ay—the fool married for mere love. He needs help. His father disinherited him.” “Peace, peace,” urged the crier; “I'll tell all about him, as I have of the others. Know then, my masters, that he loved, and won in marriage, Hermione, daughter of Hermippus of Eleusis. Now Hermippus is Conon's mortal enemy; therefore in great wrath Conon disinherited his son,—but now, consenting to forgive him if he wins the parsley crown in the pentathlon—” “A safe promise,” interrupted a Spartan in broadest [pg 4]Doric; “the pretty boy has no chance against Lycon, our Laconian giant.” “Boaster!” retorted an Athenian. “Did not Glaucon bend open a horseshoe yesterday?” “Our Mœrocles did that,” called a Mantinean; whereupon the crier, foregoing his long speech on Glaucon's noble ancestry, began to urge the Athenians to show their confidence by their wagers. “How much is staked that Glaucon can beat Ctesias of Epidaurus?” “We don't match our lion against mice!” roared the noisiest Athenian. “Or Amyntas of Thebes?” “Not Amyntas! Give us Lycon of Sparta.”

Reproduction of the original: A Victor of Salamis by William Stearns Davis