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chuse whether we be conquer'd by the Carthaginians, or being Conquerors become Slaves at home to Dionysius: For whilst Conquerors or Conquer'd, we are sure either to serve the Carthaginians on the one hand, or a more severe and tyrannical Master on the other. If the Carthaginians prevail, by paying of Tribute we shall enjoy our Laws, but this Tyrant robs our Temples, seizes our Estates, takes away our Lives, and deprives Masters of their Servants to fill up the number of his Mercenaries. And he that has acted as great cruelties in a time of Peace, as any that have been executed upon the storm¦ing of Cities in a time of War, now promises to put an end to the Carthaginian War. But it as highly concerns us (Oh fellow Citizens) to be rid of the Tyrant within our Walls, as to put an end to the War without. For the Castle which is now Garison'd by our own Slaves, is built as a Fort against the City it self, and the Mercenary Soldiers are kept in Pay to keep the Syracusians in Slavery, and he himself Lords it over the City, not as a good Magistrate for the execution of Justice; but as sole and absolute Lord, to Rule according to the Dictates of his own insatiable Desires. The Enemy now enjoys but a small part of the Country, but Dionysius has bestow'd all that he has conquer'd upon them that have given assistance to the advancement of his Tyranny: Why are we content so long tamely to suffer these base Abuses? such, as a generous Spirit would rather chuse to Die, than to be brought into a hazard and danger to suffer and undergo. We (to say the Truth) courageously endure the extreamest hardships in fighting against the Carthaginians; but we are so poor-spirited, that we dare not speak a word for the Laws and Liberties of our Country against a most cruel Tyrant. We that dare bravely Charge so many thousands of our Enemies, are dastardly afraid of one Tyrant, that has not the Courage of a generous. Slave: No Man ever presum'd to compare or equal Dionysius with Gelo, for he (through the innate goodness of his Disposition) with the assistance of the Syracusians and other Sicilians restor'd all Sicily to their Liberty: But this vile Man when he found the Cities free, either exposed them to the Will of the Enemy, or he himself made them perfect Slaves. The other, after he had fought many Battels in the Cause of Sicily, was so successful that an Enemy was not to be seen: But this Tyrant running away from Motya through the whole Island, at length penn'd himself up, not daring to look his Enemy in the Face, yet fierce and cruel enough towards the Citizens. The other for his Valour and remarkable Services done for his Country, had the Sovereignty freely and willingly bestow'd on him, not only by the Syracusians, but by all the Sicilians. But this Man who has usurp'd the Sovereign Power, to the ruine of the Confederates, and slavery of the Citizens; Why should he not be hated by all, who is not only unworthy of the Supream Power, but deserves a thousand Deaths besides? Through him Gela and Camerina are spoil'd, Messina raz'd and laid in rubbish, and Twenty thousand of our Confederates destroy'd. And things are now brought to that pass, that all the Greek Cities throughout Sicily are ruin'd, and we are all coop'd up into one. Among other Mischiefs and Miseries Naxus and Catana are by him sold for nought; many of the best situated and Confederate Cities raz'd to the ground. He fought twice with the Carthaginians, and was beaten in both. As soon as ever the Sovereign Power was given into his hand, he forthwith depriv'd the Citizens of their Liberties, putting to death all those that stood up for the Laws of their Country, and banishing those that were Rich to gain their Estates; giving their Wives in Marriage to their Servants, and to the lowest of the People, and putting Arms into the hands of Strangers and Barbarians. All these wickednesses, Oh, Jupiter, and all the Gods! has this hangman and base mean fellow committed. Where is now the love of the Laws and Liberties among the Syracusians? Where are the noble Actions of our Ancestors? by whom were destroy'd at Himera Three hundred thousand Carthaginians; not to say any thing of the Tyrants depos'd by Gelo. But that which is to be most admir'd is, that tho' your Fathers, even but yesterday, did rout so great an Army of the Athenians that came against Syracuse, and that in such a manner, as that they left not one to be a Messenger of their destruction; though (I say) you have so fresh an Example of your Fathers Valour, yet that you should bow your Necks to the Yoke of Dionysius, and at this instant time when you have Arms in your hands, is most strange. Certainly some good providence of the Gods has brought you now hither together in Arms, that you may have an opportunity to regain your Liberty. Now is the day come wherein you may shew your selves Men of Courage, and unanimously rescue your selves from so base and shameful a Slavery. It was an easie matter when we had no assistance, and the City was full of Mercenary Soldiers to keep us under, but now that we are Arm'd, now that we have Confederates to assist us, and stand by us as Spectators of our Valour, let us not yield an Inch, but make it manifest to all, that it
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The Histories of Herodotus written in 440 BC is considered to be the founding work of history in Western literature. His history included stories and fables but he claimed to have traveled extensively and learned about many countries through direct observation.
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The Library of History by Diodorus the Sicilian is one of the most highly regarded universal histories in antiquities. His work includes the history of Egypt, Asia, Africa, Greece and Europe. His book is a must read for research of ancient history.
Bible Study The King James Bible (kjv), World English Bible (web) and Bible in Basic English (bbe) are all examples of public domain books. The King James Bible (kjv) online uses the content from these books and open source software to enhance Bible study capabilities. The site includes the verse of the day, search tools, christian literature and links to related content. It demonstrates the use of open source to create a valuable service.