did from a close proximity to the sea, and not from a dwarfing
table-land, even the lower hills uplifted themselves with proud
majesty.

These hills were of innumerable tints according to their rocks,
the hue of the neighboring sea, and the hour of the day. In spring
they would be clothed in verdant green, which would vanish before
the summer heats, leaving them rosy brown or gray. But whatever
the fundamental tone, it was always brilliant; for the Athenians
lived in a land where blue sky, blue sea, and the massive rock blent
together into such a galaxy of shifting color, that, in comparison,
the lighting of almost any northern or western landscape would
seem feeble and tame. The Athenians absorbed natural beauty with
their native air.


6. The Sunlight in Athens.--The Athenian loved sunshine, and Helios
the Sun God was gracious to his prayers. In the Athens of to-day
it is reckoned that the year averages 179 days in which the sun is
not concealed by clouds one instant; and 157 days more when the sun
is not hidden more than half an hour[*]. Ancient Athens was surely
not more cloudy. Nevertheless, despite this constant sunshine and
a southern latitude, Athens was stricken relatively seldom with
semitropical heat. The sea was a good friend, bringing tempering
breezes. In the short winter there might be a little frost, a
little snow, and a fair supply of rain. For the rest of the year,
one golden day was wont to succeed another, with the sun and the
sea breeze in ever friendly rivalry.

[*]The reason for these many clear days is probably because when