Again, in Euripides’ _Alcestis_ (vs. 452) the chorus of Pheraean elders drags in an allusion to “wealthy, splendid Athens,” using the adjective λιπαραί. Aristophanes said (_Acharnians_, vs. 640) that the Athenians could refuse nothing to anyone who applied this epithet to their city. In Euripides’ _Trojan Women_ the choreutae are represented as wondering to what part of Greece the allotment of the spoils will send them, and express the wish that they “might come to the renowned, heaven-blest land of Theseus” (vss. 208 f.). There was absolutely no reason why Trojans should entertain such a partiality toward Athens, and this undramatic sentiment is frankly directed to the _amor patriae_ of the playwright’s compatriots. In the same poet’s _Andromache_ the title-character is made to burst out into the following invective against Sparta (vss. 445 ff.): O ye in all folk’s eyes most loathed of men, Dwellers in Sparta, senates of treachery, Princes of lies, weavers of webs of guile, Thoughts crooked, wholesome never, devious all,— A crime is your supremacy in Greece! etc.[306] [Way’s translation] Thus, in effect the mythological heroes were dragged upon the stage before the Athenian populace and forced to affirm: “Your friends shall be my friends, and your enemies my enemies.” It would be easy greatly to extend this list, but I shall close with two instances in which it is particularly obvious that dramatic illusion has been sacrificed. In Euripides’ _Suppliants_ the Theban herald inquires, “Who is despot of this land?” which gives Theseus an opportunity to say (vss. 403 ff.): First, stranger, with false note thy speech began, Seeking a despot here. Our state is ruled Not of one only man: Athens is free. Her people in the order of their course Rule year by year, bestowing on the rich Advantage none; the poor hath equal right. [Way’s translation] Equally effective with any jingoes in the audience would be the scene in the _Persians_. Here Aeschylus “pays a pleasant compliment to Athenian vanity” by means of the following dialogue (vss. 231 ff.): ATOSSA. Where, O friends, is famous Athens on the broad face of the earth? CHORUS. Far in the west: beside the setting of the lord of light the sun. ATOSSA. This same Athens, my son Xerxes longed with much desire to take. CHORUS. Wisely: for all Greece submissive, when this city falls, will fall. ATOSSA. Are they many? do they number men enough to meet my son? CHORUS. What they number was sufficient once to work the Medes much harm. ATOSSA. Other strength than numbers have they? wealth enough within themselves? CHORUS. They can boast a fount of silver, native treasure to the land. ATOSSA. Are they bowmen good? sure-feathered do their pointed arrows fly?