Historians, even the most admired and popular, only relate the
actions of other men, 399. Athens was the nurse of History, of
Painting, and of Poetry; and has derived great reputation thereby,
400, 401. But what are historians, painters, and poets, compared
with the generals, admirals, and statesmen, whom they commemorate?
402, 403. Athens not renowned for epic or lyric verse, 404. Tragedy
flourished there, but what benefit did tragedy procure for the
Athenians? 405. They lavished money on scenes and shows, to the
neglect of more important interests, 406. True renown belongs to
those commanders who have upheld the honor of their country, and
they merit a lasting remembrance, 407, 408. But not so poets,
rhetoricians, and orators, 408-411. Miltiades and other commanders,
compared with Demosthenes and other orators, to the disadvantage of
the latter 408-411.