XXIX.  During Solon’s absence the strife of the factions at Athens was renewed; Lykurgus was the chief of the party of the Pediaei, Megakles, the son of Alkmaeon, led the Parali, and Peisistratus, the Diakrii, who were joined by the mass of the poorer classes who hated the rich.  Thus the city still obeyed Solon’s laws, but was longing for change, and all men hoped for a new revolution, in which they trusted to get not only their rights, but something more, and to triumph over the opposite faction.  In this state of affairs Solon landed at Athens, and was received with respect by all the citizens.  Although, on account of his age, he was no longer able to engage in politics as keenly as before, still he met the leaders of the various factions privately and endeavoured to arrange their differences and reconcile them to one another.  Peisistratus appeared to pay more attention to him than the others, for he was crafty and pleasant of speech, a protector of the poor, and a man of moderation even in his quarrels.  The qualities which he had not, he affected to possess, giving himself out to be a cautious and law-abiding man, who loved even-handed justice and was enraged at any revolutionary proceedings.  Thus he deceived the people; but Solon soon saw through him, and detected his plans before any one else.  He was not shocked, but endeavoured to turn him from his purpose by advice, saying to him and to others that if his desire to be first and his wish to make himself master could be removed, there would be no more excellent and virtuous citizen than Peisistratus.

At this time Thespis was beginning to introduce the drama, and the novelty of his exhibition attracted many people, although the regular contests were not yet introduced.  Solon, who was fond of seeing sights and gaining knowledge, and whose old age was spent in leisure and amusements and good fellowship, went to see Thespis, who acted in his own play, as the ancient custom was.  After the play was over, he asked him if he was not ashamed to tell so many lies before so many people.  When Thespis answered that there was no harm in saying and doing these things in jest, Solon violently struck the ground with his stick, saying, “If we praise and approve of such jests as these, we shall soon find people jesting with our business.”

XXX.  When Peisistratus wounded himself and was driven into the market-place in a cart to excite the people, whom he told that he had been so treated by his enemies because he defended the constitution, and while he was surrounded by a noisy crowd of sympathisers, Solon came near him and said, “Son of Hippokrates, you are dishonourably imitating Homer’s Ulysses.  You are doing this to deceive your fellow citizens, while he mutilated himself to deceive the enemy.”  Upon this, as the people were willing to take up arms on behalf of Peisistratus, they assembled at the Pnyx, where Ariston proposed that a body-guard of fifty club-bearers should be assigned to Peisistratus.  Solon opposed this, urging many arguments, like what we read in his poems: