Page:History of Greece Vol X.djvu/461

 DIONYSIUS AT GELA. 433 a condemnatory vote under which they were put to death and their properties confiscated. With the funds so acquired, he paid the arrears due to the soldiers of Dexippus, and doubled the pay of his own Syracusan division. These measures procured for him im- mense popularity, not merely with all the soldiers, but also with the Geloan Demos, whom he had relieved from the dominion of their wealthy oligarchy. Accordingly, after passing a public vote testifying their gratitude, and bestowing upon him large rewards, they despatched envoys to carry the formal expression of their sentiments to Syracuse. Dionysius resolved to go back thither at the same time, with his Syracusan soldiers ; and tried to pre- vail on Dexippus to accompany him with his own division. This being refused, he went thither with his Syracusans alone. To the G<sloans, who earnestly entreated that they might not be forsaken when the enemy was daily expected, he contented himself with replying that he would presently return with a larger force. 1 A tMxd step was thus obtained. Dionysius was going back to Syracuse with a testimonial of admiration and gratitude from Gela, with increased attachment on the part of his own soldiers, on account of the double pay, and with the means of coining and circulating a new delusion. It was on the day of a solemn festival that he reached the town, just as the citizens were coming in crowds out of the theatre. Amidst the bustle of such a scene as well as of the return of the soldiers, many citizens flocked around him to inquire, What news about the Carthaginians ? " Do not ask about your foreign enemies (was the reply of Dionysius) ; you have much worse enemies within among you. Your magistrates, these very men upon whose watch you rely during the indulgence of the festival, they are the traitors who are pillaging the public money, leaving the soldiers unpaid, and neglecting all necessary preparation, at a moment when the enemy with an immense host is on the point of assailing you. I knew their treachery long ago, but I have now positive proof of it. For [milkon sent to me an envoy, under pretence of treating about the prisoners, but in real' ity to purchase my silence and connivance ; he tendered to me a larger bribe than he had given to them, if I would consent to re- frain from hindering them, since I could not be induced to take Oiodor. xiii. 93.