21.2
Timocreon, the lyric poet of Rhodes, assailed Themistocles very bitterly in a song, to the effect that for bribes he had secured the restoration of other exiles, but had abandoned him, though a host and a friend, and all for money. The song runs thus:— No attempt is made in the translations of Timocreon to imitate the meter of the original. Come, if thou praisest Pausanias, or if Xanthippus, Or if Leotychidas, then I shall praise Aristides, The one best man of all Who came from sacred Athens; since Leto loathes Themistocles,
21.3
The liar, cheat, and traitor, who, though Timocreon was his host, By knavish moneys was induced not to bring him back Into his native Ialysus, But took three talents of silver and went cruising off,—to perdition, Restoring some exiles unjustly, chasing some away, and slaying some, Gorged with moneys; yet at the Isthmus he played ridiculous host with the stale meats set before his guests; Who ate thereof and prayed Heaven no happy return of the day for Themistocles!
21.4
Much more wanton and extravagant was the raillery which Timocreon indulged in against Themistocles after the latter’s own exile and condemnation. Then he composed the song beginning:— O Muse grant that this song Be famed throughout all Hellas, As it is meet and just. It is said that Timocreon was sent into exile on a charge of Medizing, and that Themistocles concurred in the vote of condemnation.
