The constitution of Athens, then, was one of political equality imposed upon social inequality. To illustrate the point we may quote a passage from Aristophanes which shows at once the influence exercised by the trading class and the disgust with which that influence was regarded by the aristocracy whom the poet represents. The passage is taken from the "Knights," a comedy written to discredit Cleon, and turning upon the expulsion of the notorious tanner from the good graces of Demos, by the superior impudence and address of a sausage-seller. Demosthenes, a general of the aristocratic party, is communicating to the latter the destiny that awaits him.
DEMOSTHENES (to the SAUSAGE-SELLER gravely).
Set these poor wares aside; and now—bow down
To the ground; and adore the powers of earth and heaven.
S.-S. Heigh-day! Why, what do you mean?
DEM. O happy man!
Unconscious of your glorious destiny,
Now mean and unregarded; but to-morrow,
The mightiest of the mighty, Lord of Athens.
S.-S. Come, master, what's the use of making game?
Why can't ye let me wash my guts and tripe,
And sell my sausages in peace and quiet?
DEM. O simple mortal, cast those thoughts aside!
Bid guts and tripe farewell! Look here! Behold!
(pointing to the audience)
The mighty assembled multitude before ye!
S.-S. (with a grumble of indifference).
I see 'em.
DEM. You shall be their lord and master,
The sovereign and the ruler of them all,
Of the assemblies and tribunals, fleets and armies;
You shall trample down the Senate under foot,
Confound and crush the generals and commanders,
Arrest, imprison, and confine in irons,
And feast and fornicate in the Council House.
S.-S. Are there any means of making a great man
Of a sausage-selling fellow such as I?
DEM. The very means you have, must make ye so,
Low breeding, vulgar birth, and impudence,
These, these must make ye, what you're meant to be.