the world would have been changed;
and oriental despotism might still have brooded over the fairest
countries of Europe.

The one hundred and ninety-two Athenians who had perished in the battle
were buried on the field, and over their remains a tumulus or mound was
erected, which may still be seen about half a mile from the sea.

Shortly after the battle Miltiades requested of the Athenians a fleet
of seventy ships, without telling them the object of his expedition,
but only promising to enrich the state. Such unbounded confidence did
the Athenians repose in the hero of Marathon, that they at once
complied with his demand. This confidence Miltiades abused. In order
to gratify a private animosity against one of the leading citizens of
Paros, he sailed to this island and laid siege to the town. The
citizens repelled all his attacks; and having received a dangerous
injury on his thigh, he was compelled to raise the siege and return to
Athens. Loud was the indignation against Miltiades on his return. He
was accused by Xanthippus, the father of Pericles, of having deceived
the people, and was brought to trial. His wound had already begun to
show symptoms of gangrene. He was carried into court on a couch, and
there lay before the assembled judges, while his friends pleaded on his
behalf. They could offer no excuse for his recent conduct, but they
reminded the Athenians of the services he had rendered, and, begged
them to spare the victor of Marathon. The judges were not insensible
to this appeal; and instead of condemning him to death as the accuser
had demanded, they commuted the penalty to a fine of fifty talents.
Miltiades was unable immediately to raise this sum and died soon
afterwards of his wound. The fine was subsequently paid by his son
Cimon. The melancholy end of Miltiades must not blind us to his
offence. He had grossly abused the public confidence, and deserved his
punishment. The Athenians did not forget his services at Marathon, and
it was their gratitude towards him which alone saved him from death.

Soon after the battle of Marathon a war broke out between Athens and
AEgina. This war is of great importance in Grecian history, since to
it the Athenians were indebted for their navy, which enabled them to
save Greece at Salamis as they had already done at Marathon. AEgina
was one of the chief maritime powers in Greece; and accordingly
Themistocles urged the Athenians to build and equip a large and