Requiem For Athens

by David Alkek

After lunch each day, Thais, made him lie down and rest in his room for an hour. Then they would resume work, take a break for dinner, and then work some more for a few hours before going to bed.

  "I am tired," said Phidias one day.

  "I know. You just walked up that hill from the Lyceum."

  "I don't mean I am tired of walking, or just today. I mean, I am getting tired in general. I feel my years, almost 75 now. It is hard for me to get myself moving and to keep up the energy to finish each day. I am getting old, Thais. I feel I don't have much longer in this world."

  "Don't talk like that. You are almost through with your book. After we finish, we can take a trip to Alexandria. You said that you wanted to show me the city and the library you started. You can even take a copy of your book and place it there."

  "You're right. That would be something to look forward to after I finish. I have learned that life is a gift, and that a person must take it as it comes and make each day count. Let's get back to work," he said, as he picked up his stylus.

  A few days later, Demetrius Phalerum, the regent in Athens, came to visit Phidias. "I came to see how you are feeling. You haven't been to the Lyceum for some time, and I missed seeing you there."

  "I am feeling well," Phidias replied, "perhaps a little tired. I have been working hard in finishing my book about my experiences."

  "You must let me read it when you are finished."

  "I will do better than that. I will have a copy made for you. I also will send a copy to Ptolemy in Alexandria. He encouraged me to start the library there."

  "I would like to visit Alexandria someday, for I hear that Ptolemy has built a beautiful city."

  "It is not only beautiful, but it will be a center for scientific and academic study. But the library and museum are only beginning their growth. I told Ptolemy that he needs to expand it and hire more scholars. Why don't you go and help him, Demetrius?"

  "Cassander needs me in Athens to keep the peace. However, I will keep in mind what you have told me."

  "Demetrius, you are no politician. You must use your talents as a philosopher, when Cassander releases you."

  "Thank you for your compliment, Phidias. However, you are the true philosopher. I am sure that your book, when you are finished with it, will bring honor to you."

  "I hope it will bring honor to Athens and to the people whose lives I have documented in it. I seek no honor for myself."

  "That is the virtuous statement of a true scholar. You will always be remembered through your devotion to documenting the lives and actions of the people you have known.”

  Demetrius said goodbye and warmly embraced the old man.

  * * *

  It was a few months after Phidias' meeting with Demetrius that news came to Athens that Antigonus was at war with Lysimachus and Cassander. While his army occupied the Macedonians in the north, his son Demetrius Poliocretes marched down into Greece proper.

  Athens was in turmoil. The leaders of the Athenian resistance to Macedonian rule secretly met. "Demetrius Poliocretes will probably win his way to Athens," one of them said. "Some Greek cities support him, although many more will support Athens in throwing out the Macedonians."

  "What should we do?" asked another. "Cassander's garrison rules the city under Demetrius Phalerum."

  "We can gather what arms we can in secret, and prepare to besiege the garrison if we must."

  "There are still Athenians who support Macedon. They believe Demetrius Phalerum has brought peace and prosperity to our city."

  "At what price?" another spat out. "We have no say in Athens' politics; the aristocrats have gotten wealthier; the poor have been forced to immigrate to Asia."

  "We must support Demetrius Poliocretes in any way we can, and hopefully he will restore our freedom."

  Macedonian soldiers from the garrison nervously patrolled the streets, looking for signs of revolt. Demetrius Phalerum paced in his villa. "I can't fight Demetrius Poliocretes. Cassander didn't leave me enough men, besides I'm no general. Will Poliocretes kill me? He was shaking.

  "Probably not," his adviser said, "since you pose no military or political threat to him. But, you should be prepared to leave Athens.

  "I hope you're right. Start packing up my things, especially my books."

  It was not long afterward, that a messenger arrived from Poliocretes. It called on the city to surrender peacefully. The Macedonian garrison would be spared, and there would be no reprisals against those who supported Cassander.

  "He said that I must leave," Phalerum said. "I and all the governing council that Cassander appointed are expelled. Where will I go?"

  "Perhaps to Egypt," said his adviser. "Ptolemy is an ally of Cassander, and you can sail with an Athenian merchant ship."

  Demetrius remembered his conversation with Phidias and went to visit him the next day. He found the old man writing in his courtyard. Someone had brought a table and chair and placed them in the warm spring sunshine.

  Phidias greeted his fellow philosopher and asked his servant to bring up a chair. Lydia brought out fruit and wine.

  After pleasant greetings, Demetrius came to the point. "This is no social visit, my friend. As you know, Greece is being invaded, and Demetrius Poliocretes will be in Athens soon. The city is in political chaos. The democratic party is raising arms."

  "What will you do?" Phidias showed concern. This reminded him of the time when his friend Aristotle's safety had been threatened by the same people.

  "I must leave Athens. I was thinking of Alexandria."

  "Excellent idea. I told you before that you should see the library and museum I started. You will love it. Many scholars are there, doing wonderful work."

  "You think Ptolemy would welcome me?" Demetrius was hesitant, yet hopeful.

  "Of course you would. He welcomes all philosophers. He loved Aristotle, and was a generous supporter of my labors. Besides, he is still an ally of Cassander, is he not? I can't keep track of all their shifting alliances and wars.

  "I tell you what," Phidias reached for a fresh papyrus and dipped his stylus. "I will write a letter for you now that you can take to Ptolemy. Have some fruit and wine while I compose it.

  He blew on the ink to dry it before rolling up the scroll. "You can continue to build the museum and library, for you have good skills in organization."

  "Thank you, Phidias." Demetrius took the scroll handed to him. "I promise to give all my creative energy to the library and museum in Alexandria. Perhaps we can make it the best in the world."

  "I trust that you may." Phidias rose and embraced Demetrius. "Have a safe trip and may the gods protect you."

  Demetrius left, knowing that he would never see Phidias nor probably Athens again.

  * * *

  Demetrius Poliocretes entered Athens. The oligarchy supported by Cassander was thrown out and democracy was restored. He allowed the Assembly and courts to resume their authority. There was general rejoicing in the city.

  "Athens has its freedom again," Thais said to Phidias. "There are celebrations all over."

  Phidias smiled, "And they should. But Athens has no power of her own. She will be at the mercy of whatever faction of the warring Macedonian successors is most powerful. The party of democracy is in power now, but will lose it again. That is the way with politics, and those who would wield its power."

  "You sound so cynical," Thais replied.

  "I have lived a long time and have watched the changing fortunes of Greek politics. The times may change, but people will not they will continue to make the same mistakes. It is the nature of man." He slowly shook his head and turned back to his writing.

  X The Elixir

  Chapter 40

  A few days afterward, Phidias looked up from his work and said to Thais, "We are almost done. I will probably finish this last part tomorrow, and then I can rest."

  "You deserve a rest. You have worked very hard these past few months. Perhaps we can sail to Crete or Cyprus, where it’s warmer, and r
elax in the sun."

  "No, my love, I don’t want to leave Athens, for I believe my time on earth is short. By rest, I mean an eternal sleep."

  "Phidias, don't say those things. We have only found one another again, and I don't want you to leave me. You must not give up your spirit. You still have so much you can do. You can teach the students."

  "I feel the years pulling at my weakened and tired old body. I’m just being realistic. It greatly hurts my aching heart when I realize the sorrow it will bring to you. However, death is the inevitable end of life, for all living things must eventually die. Only the gods, if they truly exist, are immortal. When it’s my time, you must let me go. I am not afraid of dying. It’s only the pain before death that people fear, and that is only fleeting. Death itself is like a dreamless sleep with no feeling at all.

  "We had no control over the time and place of our birth, but we can decide what to do with the time and life that is given to us. It is our duty to make it count for something, to give meaning to our life. A person must discover his destiny or purpose is in life, then in fulfilling it, he will further the progress of humanity.

  “I’ve lived a full life. Tomorrow is my birthday and I’ll be seventy-five. I’ve experienced much more than most men, and I have found my only true love, that I thought was lost. Most importantly, I have discovered my destiny, to write the book that I can pass on to the world. You helped me do that, and for that I love you more than I can say."

  The next day, late in the afternoon, Phidias laid down his stylus and said, "It is finished, the book is done." He read the last words that he had written.

  I know nothing of a life after this one. Plato spoke of the eternal realm, where perfect forms dwell. Perhaps the perfect part of me, a soul, if there is one, will go to reside there. I favor Aristotle's opinion that the soul or consciousness, cannot live without a living body. I believe that only the creations of my mind, my writings, will live after me.

  For my beloved Athens, even though her philosophers and scientists and writers may perish, and her houses and temples crumble into dust, her bonfire of genius will serve as a beacon down the centuries. Her outpouring of literature, art, and science will never die and will benefit human civilization forever.

  Thais rose from her seat and came over to kiss him. "That’s wonderful, let's celebrate your book and your birthday. I will have Lydia fix your favorite meal and serve our best wine. Why don't we dress in festival attire to commemorate the occasion?" Phidias agreed and a feeling of fulfillment went through him with a sense that he had accomplished his goal.

  Lydia had covered the table with a fine Egyptian cotton cloth dyed a deep blue. She had also placed a runner of scarlet silk down the center with decorative oil lamps placed along it. Their finest dishes and silverware graced the table. Thais poured some wine and water into two large silver goblets that she had saved. The flickering light played across their faces and sparkled in moistened eyes as she raised her goblet. "Here's to you, my lover and my teacher. I love you so much. You have given us something that not many men have accomplished, something that will live forever."

  "Thank you," he said as they raised their cups and drank. "You called me your teacher, but you have taught me. By finding you and your love, I have grown; I have learned what life really means; I have become the person that I was destined to be; and I have fulfilled my promise. I thank you."

  They raised their cups again. Thais served him some of the roasted lamb cooked in olive oil with oregano and basil, that lay on a bed of scented rice. They ate heartily of the delicious fare, celebrating Phidias’ great accomplishment. He told her to have copies made of the book and to send them to Ptolemy and Demetrius.

  After dinner they went to bed, caressed one another, and fell asleep in each other's arms. Phidias’ last thoughts before falling into an exhaustive sleep were how fortunate he was to have Thais. His destiny was fulfilled.

  The next day Thais arose early and, letting Phidias sleep, she went into the kitchen to help prepare some breakfast. Phidias arose late, and stumbling into the kitchen, he said, "I don't feel well. It is hard for me to breathe."

  Thais told Lydia to fetch Pilocrates and to bring a cold wet cloth. They helped Phidias to his bed, propped him up on several pillows so he could breathe better, and placed the wet cloth on his head. Lydia brought him some broth, but he shook his head refusing it. His breathing was labored and a cold sweat beaded his forehead.

  Tears were in Thais’ eyes as she leaned over and kissed his forehead. "I love you. I have always loved you."

  "I always knew that deep in my heart," he sighed, short of breath. "I always kept your memory with me. Go into the room with my books and looked behind the bronze bust of Plato that I have in there on the top shelf."

  A few moments later she brought back a little terra-cotta figure of a woman. "Who is this, Phidias, a goddess you prayed to?" She ran her fingers lightly over the figure, noticing it was a little worn around the feet.

  "It is a goddess. I kept it with me and talked to it daily. She comforted me. Turn it over and read her name on the bottom."

  She turned over the little figure and whispered the name engraved there, Thais. She choked and burst into tears, hugging the statuette to her breast. "Oh, Phidias, you always loved me." She handed it to him.

  He nodded, "Yes, always." He took the precious figure, kissed it, and placed it gently beside him on the pillow.

  "I love you so much," she said, as she hugged him, and covered his face with kisses, her tears mingling with his.

  "Let me sleep now," he said. "But stay with me." He slowly closed his eyes, a smile barely visible on his lips. His breathing became shallower with longer and longer pauses between breaths. Shortly, he stopped breathing altogether. Thais rose and hugged him again, her tears, bathing his face. She lightly caressed his face for the last time.

  Another of the great men of Athens has died, she thought. Many people will mourn his passing, and will sing his requiem. He also mourned the passing of Athens’ glory.

  She found on his desk a poem that he had written after finishing his manuscript. As she read it, drops of tears fell onto the page.

  Paean to Athens

  Sing to me, oh Muse, of Athens’ golden story,

  Mistress of the seas and victor over Persia’s hordes.

  Midwife of democracy,

  Mother of philosophy and science,

  World teacher.

  Down from Olympus heights did come

  Athena to Attica’s shore

  And plant her foot on Acropolis mount

  To found the city that bears her name

  And became the ancient empire.

  For a time, blessed by the gods,

  Did you become rich

  And extended your sway

  With sword and spear, shield and ship,

  Til all Hellas admired you.

  Yet hubris of power and wealth

  Spoiled your morals and modest ways,

  So the gods and allies forsook you,

  And humbled by Sparta’s arms,

  All Greece conspired in mutual suicide.

  Neither wealth nor conquest your immortality made,

  But art and literature and philosophy

  You have passed to the ages.

  Taught us how to govern our cities,

  How to live just and virtuous lives.

  Your universities made you the school of Hellas

  Philosophers from Plato and Aristotle,

  Lawgivers from Pericles,

  Historians from Thucydides,

  Many have enlightened our minds.

  Your art became an eternal name

  For civilizations far and near.

  While your poems and plays

  Lift our spirits with mirth

  Or catharsis’ choking tears.

  As one decreed by fate,

  Oedipus did say in his advanced years,

  “Only to gods in heaven

  Comes no old age, no
r death of anything;

  All else is turmoiled by our master Time.”

  So it is with Athens, that

  Her glory days are gone.

  All will pass into the dust of history.

  Only the legacy that is created

  For good lives on.

  Epilogue

  Our fictional hero, Phidias, died in 307BCE, at seventy-five years of age. Athens was at peace for a while, even though the successors of Alexander continued to war until 301BCE. Antigonus was defeated and killed and the Empire was divided among Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy.

  The same year, after Phidias’ death, the new Assembly passed the famous law requiring the Assembly’s approval in the selection of the leaders of all the philosophical schools. An indictment was brought against Theophrastus on the old charge of impiety, the same as that against Socrates and Aristotle. Theophrastus left Athens, but so many students followed him, that businesses complained of the decrease in trade. Within the year, the law was abolished, the indictment was dropped, and Theophrastus returned to preside over the Lyceum until his death at eighty-five.

  Demetrius Phalerum went to Alexandria and approached Ptolemy about expanding the museum and library. He suggested that Ptolemy would increase the illustriousness of his name and that of his capital by creating as part of the Museum and Library a university to rival those of Athens. He recommended plans for the erection of a group of buildings, not only to provide for a great collection of books, but for scholars who would do all types of research.

  Ptolemy I, Soter and his son, Ptolemy II, Philadelphus, created the new university buildings near the royal palaces. They consisted of a mess hall, a lecture hall, rooms for study and research, a garden and cloister, and the great Library, which was to become the largest library of antiquity. It was said to contain over one million scrolls when it burned during the occupation of Julius Caesar. Untold numbers of manuscripts, works of science, philosophy, and literature were lost in one of the most tragic events of history.

  Four groups of scholars, all Greeks, lived at the Museum, astronomers, mathematicians, physicians, and literary writers. All received salaries from the royal treasury, and their function was to do research and to conduct studies and experiments. In later decades as students became numerous, its faculty began to give lectures, but the main function of the Museum was always to be a sort of institute for advanced studies, rather than a teaching university like those in Athens. It was the first establishment for literature and science set up by a state, and this was the contribution of the Ptolemies and Alexandria to the progress of civilization.