Zopyrus agreed with the youth’s statement and added, “It was a clever scheme of Themistocles to go to Sparta apparently to argue about the feasibility of building a wall around Athens, the while he planned to have all Athenians erect such a wall. By having Aristides delay in joining him he made it possible for us to get the wall to a height sufficient for defense.”
“Themistocles is very clever, no doubt,” replied his companion, “but the calm judgment of Aristides is not to be discredited.”
“Of course not,” said Zopyrus, “but it is the wit of Themistocles which will frustrate the ambitions of Sparta this time. Aristides is like the moon which is now rising on the other side of the city, as compared with the sun, Themistocles.”
At this moment Abronychus, a youth whom Zopyrus had met after the battle of Platæa, approached the two with a friendly clap upon the shoulder of each.
“Zopyrus and Lysimachus! I am glad to see you two together. In my mind I have always associated you as men of like temperament.”
“But,” said Zopyrus jocosely, “an argument has engaged us both up to the present moment. Your friend puts much confidence in the opinions of Aristides, while I maintain Themistocles to be the superior of the two.”
Abronychus’ smile spread into a broad grin. Turning to Lysimachus he said, “Your father wishes to talk with you at once. I met him at the shop of Aphobus where he awaits you.”
As the figure of Lysimachus disappeared in the crowd Zopyrus remarked, “A likely young fellow. I liked his upright manner, though his opinions differed from mine.”
“His father summons him,” said the other, “that he may bid farewell before leaving in the morning, at least twelve hours before he expected to make the trip. You see his father is Aristides who is to join Themistocles at Sparta.”
“Aristides his father!” exclaimed the crest-fallen Zopyrus. “Well I like him and hope he will not resent my remarks.”