of Aristeides his justice was that which
chiefly commended itself to the people, being that which is of most
value in ordinary life. Hence it was that he, although a poor man of
mean birth, yet gained for himself the truly imperial title of the
Just; a title which has never been emulated by kings and despots, who
delight in being called the City-taker, the Thunderbolt, or the
Victorious, while some are known as the Eagle or the Hawk, because
apparently they prefer strength and lawless violence to justice and
goodness. Yet for all this, the gods, to whom they so presumptuously
liken themselves, excel mankind chiefly in three attributes, namely in
immortality, in power, and in goodness, whereof goodness is by far the
most glorious and divine quality. Mere empty space, and all the
elements possess immortality, while earthquakes, thunderbolts, violent
winds and rushing waters have great power, but justice and equity
belong to the gods alone, because of the reason and intelligence which
they possess. Now most men regard the gods with admiration, with fear,
and with reverence; with admiration, because they are eternal and
unchangeable; with fear, because of their power and dominion, with
reverence and love because of their justice. Yet men covet
immortality, which no flesh can attain to; and also power, which
depends mostly upon fortune; while they disregard virtue, the only
godlike attribute which it is in our power to obtain; not reflecting
that when a man is in a position of great power and authority he will
appear like a god if he acts justly, and like a wild beast if he does
not.

VII. The character of Aristeides for justice at first made him beloved
by the people, but afterwards it gained him their ill-will, chiefly
because Themistokles circulated reports that Aristeides had
practically closed the public courts of justice by the fact of all
cases being referred to him as arbitrator, and that he was virtually
king of Athens, although he had not yet surrounded himself with a
body-guard. By this time too the common people, elated with their
victory at Marathon, and thinking themselves capable of the greatest
exploits, were ill pleased at any private citizen being exalted above
the rest by his character and virtues. They flocked into the city from
all parts of the country and ostracised Aristeides, veiling their envy
of his glory under the pretence that they feared he would make himself
king. This custom of ostracism was