ns to behold an exhibit
of works of art. The display took place in the Agora. Pericles
presided. At his side was Aspasia. Phidias, Socrates, Sophocles, and
other renowned men stood near him.

The works of the great masters were there. But one group, far more
beautiful than the rest,--a group that Apollo himself must have
chiseled,--challenged universal attention, exciting at the same time no
little envy among rival artists.

"Who is the sculptor of this group?" None could tell. Heralds
repeated the question, but there was no answer. "A mystery, then! Can
it be the work of a slave?" Amid great commotion a beautiful maiden
with disarranged dress, disheveled hair, a determined expression in her
eyes, and with closed lips, was dragged into the Agora. "This woman,"
cried the officers, "this woman knows the sculptor; we are sure of it;
but she will not tell his name."

Cleone was questioned, but was silent. She was informed of the penalty
of her conduct, but her lips remained closed. "Then," said Pericles,
"the law is imperative, and I am the minister of the law. Take the
maid to the dungeon."

As he spoke a youth with flowing hair, emaciated, but with black eyes
that beamed with the flashing light of genius, rushed forward, and
flinging himself before him exclaimed: "O Pericles, forgive and save
the maid! She is my sister. I am the culprit. The group is the work
of my hands, the hands of a slave."

The indignant crowd interrupted him and cried, "To the dungeon, to the
dungeon with the slave." "As I live, no!" said Pericles, rising.
"Behold that group! Apollo decides by it that there is something
higher in Greece than an unjust law. The highest purpose of law should
be the development of the beautiful. If Athens lives in the memory and
affections of men, it is her devotion to art that will immortalize her.
Not to the dungeon, but to my side bring the youth."

And there, in the presence of the assembled multitude, Aspasia placed
the crown of olives, which she held in her hands, on the brow of Creon;
and at the same time, amid universal plaudits, she tenderly kissed
Creon's affectionate and devoted sister.

The Athenians erected a statue to Aesop, who was born a slave, that men
might know that the way to honor is open to all. In Greece, wealth and
immortality were the sure reward of the man who could distinguish
himself in art, literature, or war. No other country ever did so much
to encourage an