Requiem For Athens

by David Alkek

  "You Athenians have become degenerate slackers who have forgotten the military virtues of our forefathers. Yes, war may bring death, injuries, and privation, but times bring cicumstances when war is necessary. This is one of those times. We must regain the excitement of battle, the thrill of heroic deeds, and the glory of victory. Recall the Greek heroism that captured Troy and turned back the Persian hordes from our shores. A new power from the north again threatens our Greek liberty.

  "Athenians, I warn you to arm yourselves and fight the Macedonians. Retain our allies and colonies in the north. Do not listen to the party of peace who accept Philip's gold. They say that his leadership will bring peace and unity to Greece. But at what price? It will not be his leadership, but his overlordship. Would you let those unlettered barbarians overrun our brilliant culture, trample our liberty under the hooves of their cavalry, and extinguish the light of civilization with their bloody hands?

  "I will not. I will lay down my life to defend our glorious Athens, lamp of knowledge, teacher of the world. Citizens of Athens, join me. Arise in this time of crisis and resist the barbarian of the North."

  Most of the citizens in the Assembly rose and cheered wildly. "War," some yelled. "Down with Macedon," said others. "Death to Philip," still others. A sizable minority, who favored a peaceful accommodation with Philip, remained sitting and silent.

  Phidias and Aristotle quickly left the hysteria unleashed by Demosthenes. They not only did not share it, they feared it.

  Chapter 11

  After Aristotle gave a lecture on the four types of causes of things, Phidias approached him as he was answering some questions. When he finished, Phidias pulled him aside. "Take a walk with me around the arbor; I want to talk to you."

  Phidias asked him some philosophic questions about the final cause of a man. "What is that cause for which we are made? Why are we here?"

  Aristotle carefully explained that because it was obvious that our minds were unique and placed us above all living things, then it was our minds which gave us our cause. It was the use of them, then, that was our final purpose. "But you already heard me expound on those ideas. What is the real reason you wanted to talk to me?"

  By this time their paths had wound into a shady grove. Phidias looked around to make sure they were alone. "My friend," he stopped and turned to Aristotle, "the speeches of Demosthenes and his party opposing Philip are disturbing me. I'm afraid that they may goad Athens and much of Greece into war with him. They can't win. His army is too powerful."

  Aristotle nodded his head. "Yes, it saddens me to see Demosthenes dividing Greece. It would be best for all Greeks to unite under Philip, and fight our real foe, Persia."

  Phidias replied, "And Demosthenes' accusation that the peace party accepts Philip's money is hypocritical, for it’s well known that his war party receives gold from Persia."

  "I love Athens," Aristotle said. "Macedon gave me life, she is my home. But Athens taught me how to live. She opened my eyes and my mind. This is where I feel alive, where I work, and teach, and learn. I am for peace and accommodation with Philip. Not because I have received any money, but because I think it is best for Greece."

  "But Aristotle, the leaders of the war party think of you as a Macedonian and supporter of Philip. They don't know you aren't in his pay. You have a large following and many men look up to you. I fear for your safety."

  "I'm aware of my position," he replied. "I'll be careful to express my political opinions only around our friends. I don't want to give Demosthenes a pretext to exile me. However, I am keeping my bags packed."

  "Then, are you thinking of leaving Athens?"

  "I don't have any plans right now, but I'm keeping all my options open. Who knows how the political winds will blow. If it becomes too dangerous for me and I leave, will you come with me?"

  "I don't know. I've never lived outside of Athens."

  "If we go elsewhere, it would be an opportunity for you to study other cultures. You may learn a lot."

  Phidias looked down and shook his head. "I don't think so. How can I leave Thais? I love her so much, as I'm sure she loves me."

  "She is a hetaira, Phidias. She has no ties to you and you should have none to her, save the sexual ties of erotic love. She will find another lover, as you can find another woman."

  "That's not true," Phidias insisted. "Thais and I feel the bonds of life as much as any married couple. Parting would break both of our hearts. I would die without her."

  "I doubt that. But I won't argue with you about your feelings. Perhaps another day, when your mind is not beclouded by your heart, you will reconsider what I told you. For now, let's just clasp hands of friendship and return to our students."

  * * *

  Although Aristotle energetically argued with Plato's thoughts and conclusions, the scientific part of him fought the rest of his life with the philosophical side that he had gained from Plato. Neither side actually won. Aristotle was at the Academy for almost twenty years and became its outstanding teacher before Plato's death.

  Near the end of the war with the Amphictyonic League, Plato died. He was eighty years old. All of Athens came to mourn him. Aristotle built an altar to him and gave his eulogy, giving him almost divine honors.

  "My fellow Athenians, fellow Greeks, and fellow citizens of the world, be prepared to shed your tears with me for the passing of the most brilliant light of Athens, the philosopher Plato. Although not the lawgiver like Solon or the leader like Pericles, his thoughts and words were the guide of leaders and lawgivers. Although not a poet like Aeschylus, Sophocles, or Euripides, his philosophy sang like poetry. His intellect may not have been as high as some other philosophers, but he outshone them all because his intellect was so broad. He taught us of eternal values and morals. He wrote about forms of government we should adopt. He told us how we should educate our children, free our women, and regulate our personal lives. He wrote it down, so that posterity may study and learn and put his teachings into practice.

  "Most importantly, he gave us an enduring record of our beloved philosopher, Socrates. It was Socrates, the self-proclaimed gad-fly, who pricked our consciences and poked holes in our comfortable ideas. He made us question old traditional thought and examine carefully our own lives. What are justice, truth, and virtue, and how do we attain them? He made us look critically at the old myths and the Olympian gods. Unfortunately this led to his prosecution at the hands of political and religious traditionalists. They could not stand that he should question their beliefs, so they condemned him to death.

  "Socrates never wrote anything. All that we have of him is through Plato. Socrates is immortal, because of him. Now, Plato is immortal. He joins the other great men and gods of Athens and Greece, who have brought light to a dark world. His perfect form has risen to join the realm of the perfect forms that he so cherished. We will miss his brilliant mind, his incisive tongue, and his literary wit. We shed tears and beat our breasts that we no longer share dialogue with our teacher, our philosopher, our friend. But we will always have his memory in our bosom, his image in our mind, and his writings on our shelves.

  "I will miss you, my friend. The world will never be the same since you have lived in it." Aristotle began to choke, as tears ran down his face. He excused himself and sat down as Isocrates, Demosthenes, and Phidias also spoke. Many eyes were wet in Athens that day.

  Chapter 12

  Aristotle was reflecting on his old teacher as he walked through the marketplace on his way to the Academy. He already missed the discussions they had. Even though he disagreed with much of Plato's philosophy, he greatly admired and loved him.

  His thoughts turned to the time he first came to Athens. A brash youth from Macedon, he thought he knew a lot of science. Plato took him under his wing, and like a father introduced him to new knowledge. His mind was opened and soon filled with new ideas. For almost 20 years he listened and learned, and did his own research, formulating his own ideas.

  He was suddenly je
rked from his fond memories by men shaking their fists and yelling at him.

  "Macedonian."

  "Philip-lover."

  "You're no Athenian."

  "Traitor."

  Vegetables and fruits soon followed the epithets, and some found a target on Aristotle's tunic, staining it. He ran to the Academy, shocked and frightened. He knew that his support of Philip was unpopular, but now he realized that it was also dangerous. With Plato gone, he felt that there was nothing holding him in Athens.

  That evening, Aristotle told Phidias about his experience in the marketplace.

  "I told you that I was afraid for your safety," Phidias said. "What are you going to do?"

  "I received a letter from someone that I knew as a student at the Academy. His name is Hermeias, and he’s king of a small country in upper Asia not far from the Hellespont. He heard of Plato's death and invited me to stay with him for a while."

  "Will you go?"

  "I'm considering it. With Plato dead, there’s really nothing for me in Athens. Speusippus has succeeded him as master of the Academy. This episode today in the street will influence my decision to accept Hermeias' offer. Will you go with me if I go?"

  "Why would I leave Athens," exclaimed Phidias, "especially for a barbarian country in Asia?”

  Aristotle patiently replied, “Hermeias is not a barbarian; he is Greek and studied with me at the Academy. Come with me and see more of the world beyond Attica"

  "I'm sorry, but I won’t leave Thais. We love each other. I couldn’t bear to leave her.”

  "I understand your feelings for Thais, Phidias. I can’t argue against passion. Continue your teaching at the Academy. I’ll go, but we will see each other again. Greeks are making the world smaller."

  Aristotle decided to go to the court of Hermeias, where he enjoyed the easy life and high dry climate. While there he married the daughter of the King. They were planning to move into a palace that the King built for them, when tragedy struck. The Persians knew of Hermeias' support of Philip of Macedon and assassinated him. Soon afterward, Aristotle's wife died in childbirth.

  Philip’s messengers kept him informed of the events. "Hermeias was a friend and would've helped our forces after we crossed into Asia," he was lamenting to his general, Parmenio.

  "Persians are trying to hamper us, as they interfere in Greek affairs elsewhere. Just give me the order, Sire, and I will cross the Hellespont," replied Parmenio.

  Philip shook his head. "Not yet. We have to unify all the Greeks first. We can't leave enemies at our back. I also must train a successor, if anything happens to me. Alexander is still young."

  "His tutors are training him, Sire."

  Philip looked away and stroked his beard. "I want to take him away from those tutors. They were selected by his mother. He should be removed from her influence. He is my son and heir."

  "Who would you have tutor him?"

  “I have my mind to bring someone from Athens to teach him Greek culture. I hear that Aristotle, the Athenian philosopher, is on Lesbos. He married Hermeias daughter, who died in childbirth."

  "That was tragic," Parmenio agreed.

  "I knew Aristotle as a youth in my father's court. I wonder if he would come to Pella. Perhaps Aristotle can teach him to be an educated Athenian."

  "The young prince is very headstrong, Sire."

  He laughed, “Like his father I hope. But he’s too much under the guidance of his mother, I fear. I’ll write a letter to Aristotle on Lesbos, inviting him here to tutor Alexander."

  After reading the letter inviting him to Macedon, Aristotle thought about the prospect, not an easy decision. Why should he go to Macedon? He considered it logically. On the positive side, he would be paid well and pampered at the court of a rich king. He would have the freedom to study as he wanted. Philip was an intelligent and courageous king whose power would continue to grow. He would have a hand in training the future king of Macedon. Besides, it was the country of his birth.

  On the negative side, he hadn’t been back to Macedon in over 20 years. He knew few people there. It was semi-barbarian and a cultural and intellectual backwater. How would he be treated, perhaps as little more than a slave? Maybe Phillip’s son was a headstrong and spoiled brat, or, worse yet, stupid. Most of all he had come to love Athens as his mother. She had raised him, taught him, civilized him, and made him one of her own. Athens may be at war with Macedon. How can he forsake his adopted mother for her enemy?

  Aristotle considered a way to solve his dilemma. He would go to Athens, see what the political climate was, and discuss the move with some of his trusted friends.

  * * *

  After two years absence, Aristotle found that the political atmosphere in Athens was even tenser. For the most part, he stayed at the Academy. He didn't want to give the impression that he was involved in politics.

  Phidias was glad to see his friend again. "I'm happy to have you back in Athens," he said," but I'm afraid parties on opposite sides of accommodation with Philip are going to spill blood in the streets. Demosthenes is fanning the flames of war."

  Opposed to Demosthenes and his party supporting war against Philip was the party of peace, led by Aeschines and Phocion. Phocion was an elder statesman

  And talented general considered being the most honest man of his time. He had been elected strategos or commander of the army forty-five times, surpassing even the great Pericles. He knew that Athens did not have the wealth or the forces necessary to go to war with Philip. He tried to convince the Athenians of this.

  Aeschines had served with Phocion in several wars and supported his advice of compromising with Philip. He also was a fine orator, and had spoken publicly against Demosthenes.

  "Demosthenes has brought an indictment against me," exclaimed Aeschines to Phocion, "charging that I’ve accepted Macedonian gold. That hypocrite, he accepts Persian gold to oppose Philip."

  "He attacks me indirectly through you," Phocion said. "He knows what respect I have with the citizens of Athens."

  "I can't wait to face Demosthenes in court," said Aeschines. “If he accuses me of accepting bribes, I will throw it back in his face. What if Philip pays us. It is still to the advantage of all the Greek, including Athens, to unite under him to fight the Persians."

  "Old Isocrates will support you at court also,” Phocion assured him. “He’s written a letter to all the Greeks advising unity. He knows that even if Philip sends money to us, we are sincere in our desire for peace and compromise. The Greeks have fought each other for centuries. We need to quit shedding each other's blood and spill Persian blood instead."

  "I know I can rely on you for your support, my old friend. I will see you in court tomorrow."

  Phidias accompanied Aristotle to the trial. Aristotle covered his head with his cloak to disguise himself. All Athens turned out for what was expected to be a spectacle of oratorical display, between the two best orators in Athens. Although Demosthenes, like most orators, wrote their speeches in advance, Aeschines could speak extemporaneously. His background as an actor helped in his skill as orator.

  "Of course, this trial is all about politics," said Phidias.

  Aristotle nodded, “Demosthenes will argue for Athenian liberty against the threat of Philip's tyranny. Aeschines will argue for Greek unity under Philip to fight Persia."

  "And both will accuse the other of accepting bribes," Phidias chuckled.

  "There are strong voices on both sides of the issues. It'll be interesting to see which way it goes," said Aristotle

  After the trial, in which Aeschines successfully defended himself against conviction, Aristotle confided to Phidias. "Even though the jury didn’t convict Aeschines, I don’t think Demosthenes and his party are finished. They will continue to press for war and may again charge Aeschines with accepting Philip’s money.”

  "What are you thinking, my friend?” asked Phidias.

  "I think that Philip will continue to put pressure on all the Greek states to accept hi
s leadership. He makes no pretense about his desire to invade Asia. All the Peloponnesus except Sparta is already behind him.”

  "But Athens is not," said Phidias.

  "No, Athens is not -- yet. The factions are still fighting -- war or compromise. Demosthenes will continue to harangue the populace, appeal to their sense of freedom and independence. He will work up a frenzy of patriotism, defending against the threat from Philip. I'm afraid the anti-Macedonian fervor may make it too warm for a native Macedonian, like me, who is known to favor Philip."

  "What will you do?"

  "Philip has asked me to come to Pella to tutor his son, Alexander. I think I will accept his offer. Why don't you come with me? You should broaden your horizons beyond Athens."

  "I told you I wouldn’t go with you when you went to the court of Hermeias. As it turns out I was right. You have returned a widowed father. Why would I forsake Athens, and most of all Thais, and go to Pella?"

  "I want you just to think about it. The passion for war with Philip will become an unreasoning hysteria. It will not be pleasant for you as a friend of Aristotle. You can always return to Thais after things have calmed down"

  "Right now my mind is not to leave Athens or Thais. However, for your sake I will keep it open.”

  Aristotle felt that his life might be in danger if he stayed in Athens. He would leave, but he wanted to convince his friend and colleague to go with him. He would find a way to pressure him.

  Chapter 13

  It was a warm, fall day in Athens that found Thais sitting on the side of the fountain in her courtyard listening to the playful splashing, and watching pigeons peck at the crumbs she threw on the stones. It had been several years since Phidias moved into her bed and her heart. Even though she realized at that time that their relationship would not last forever, it grew stronger and stronger.

  She gazed past the gurgling pool, picturing Phidias walking with his students in the orchards of the Academy. His reputation as a brilliant teacher made him popular with his students. She had heard that many praised him in the streets of Athens.

  Phidias had told her that Aristotle had extended an invitation to accompany him to Pella. He said that he would never leave without her, that he loved her so much that his heart would break if he left her. Thais knew about love, and separation, and broken hearts. She didn't want to experience them again.