“And Alcibiades is of the race of heroes, the Alcmaeonidae, like his uncle Pericles; a noble company.” “But Phidias is of the race of the gods; that is more.” “I am probably descended from the Titans,” broke in Protagoras. “I say ‘probably,’ for one knows nothing at all, and hardly that. Don’t you think so, Socrates?” “_You_ know nothing at all, and least of all what you talk about.” The company passed through the Sacred Street, and went together to the theatre of Dionysus, near which Alcibiades lived. * * * * * The demagogue Cleon had really been lurking out of sight, and listening to the conversation. And so had another man with a yellow complexion and a full black beard, who seemed to belong to the artisan class. When the brilliant company had departed, Cleon stepped forward, laid his hand on the stranger’s shoulder, and said: “You have heard their conversation?” “Certainly I have,” he answered. “Then you can give evidence.” “I cannot give evidence, because I am a foreigner.” “Still you have heard how they spoke against the gods of the State.” “I am a Syrian, and only know one true God. Your gods are not mine.” “You are a Hebrew, then! What is your name?” “I am an Israelite, of the family of Levi, and call myself now Cartophilus.” “A Phoenician, then?” “No, a Hebrew. My forefathers came out of Ur of the Chaldees, then fell into bondage in Egypt, but were brought by Moses and Joshua to the land of Canaan, where we became powerful under our own kings, David and Solomon.” “I don’t know them.” “Two hundred years ago our city Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, and our people were carried captive to Babylon. But when Babylon was overthrown by the King of Persia, we fell under the power of the Persians, and have groaned under the successors of your Xerxes of Salamis, whom we called Ahasuerus.” “Your enemies, our enemies! Very well, friend; how did you come here.” “When the Assyrian was about to carry us for the first time into captivity, those who could flee, fled to Rhodes, Crete, and the islands of Greece. But of those who were carried away some were sent northwards to Media. My ancestors came hither from Media, and I am a new-comer.” “Your speech is dark to me, but I have heard your nation praised because they are faithful to the gods of the State.” “God! There is only One, the Single and True, who has created heaven and earth, and given the promise to our people.” “What promise?” “That our nation shall possess the earth.” “By Heracles! But the commencement is not very promising.” “That is our belief, and it has supported us during our wanderings in the wilderness, and during the Captivity.” “Will you give evidence against these blasphemers of the gods?”