in order to
gain popularity, and to make himself master of Athens. Solon on his
return to Athens detected the ambitious designs of his kinsman, and
attempted to disuade him from them. Finding his remonstrances
fruitless, he next denounced his projects in verses addressed to the
people. Few, however, gave any heed to his warnings: and Pisistratus,
at length finding his schemes ripe for action, had recourse to a
memorable strategem to secure his object. One day he appeared in the
market-place in a chariot, his mules and his own person bleeding with
wounds inflicted with his own hands. These he exhibited to the people,
telling them that he had been nearly murdered in consequence of
defending their rights. The popular indignation was excited; and a
guard of fifty clubmen was granted him for his future security. He
gradually increased the number of his guard and soon found himself
strong enough to throw off the mask and seize the Acropolis (B.C. 560).
Megacles and the Alcmaeonidae left the city. Solon alone had the
courage to oppose the usurpation, and upbraided the people with their
cowardice and their treachery. "You might," said he, "with ease have
crushed the tyrant in the bud; but nothing now remains but to pluck him
up by the roots." But no one responded to his appeal. He refused to
fly; and when his friends asked him on what he relied for protection,
"On my old age," was his reply. It is creditable to Pisistratus that
he left his aged relative unmolested, and even asked his advice in the
administration of the government. Solon did not long survive the
overthrow of the constitution. He died a year or two afterwards at the
advanced age of eighty. His ashes are said to have been scattered by
his own direction round the island of Salamis, which he had won for the
Athenian people.

Pisistratus however did not retain his power long. The leaders of the
factions of the Shore and the Plain combined and drove the usurper into
exile. But the Shore and the Plain having quarrelled, Pisistratus was
recalled and again became master of Athens. Another revolution shortly
afterwards drove him into exile a second time, and he remained abroad
ten years. At length, with the assistance of mercenaries from other
Grecian states and with the aid of his partisans in Athens, he became
master of Athens for the third time, and henceforth continued in
possession of the supreme power till the day of his death. As soon as
he was f