AFTER the restoration of the walls of Athens and the
speedy resettlement of domestic life and civil order, the
ancient local influences led to a resumption of ancient habits;
but along with much that reappeared unaltered from of
old, there came up much that was surprisingly novel, and
not more in the material, than in the moral and intellec-
tual, equipments of strenuous civilisation in the capacities and
aspirations of various competing classes. It was soon recog-
nised by some, who were by no means forward to invite
innovation, that changes must be admitted in the distribu-
tion of political power, conformably to new manifestations
of political energy. The exceptional powers of the crisis
involved in their lapse something more than mere return
to previous arrangements. In the difficulties of the conflict,
necessity had reconciled the citizens to entrusting unusual
discretion to it restricted body, and the vigorous tone which
was in consequence communicated to the action of the state
had for a time confirmed the authority, porhaps enhanced the
pretensions, of a Council which is referred to constantly in
general terms; we learn by it casual notice of Aristotle ¹
that this was not the Council of 500 to which Miltiades had

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