[+]In which case, of course, the regular courts and the Council
would hardly meet.

The Market Place attracts the great masses, but by no means all;
hither and thither bevies of sturdy slave girls, carrying graceful
pitchers on their heads, are hurrying towards the fountains which
gush cool water at most of the street corners. Theirs is a highly
necessary task, for few or no houses have their own water supply;
and around each fountain one can see half a dozen by no means
slatternly maidens, splashing and flirting the water one at another,
while they wait their turn with the pitchers, and laugh and exchange
banter with the passing farmers' lads. Many in the street crowds
are rosy-cheeked schoolboys, walking decorously, if they are lads
of good breeding, and blushing modestly when they are greeted
by their fathers' acquaintances. They do not loiter on the way.
Close behind, carrying their writing tablets, follow the faithful
'pedagogues,' the body-servants appointed to conduct them to
school, give them informal instruction, and, if need be, correct
their faults in no painless manner. Besides the water maids
and the schoolboys, from the innumerable house doors now opening
the respective masters are stepping forth--followed by one, two,
or several serving varlets, as many as their wealth affords. All
these join in the crowd entering from the country. "Athenian
democracy" always implies a goodly amount of hustling and pushing.
No wonder the ways are a busy sight!


11. The Streets and House Fronts of Athens.--Progress is slower near
the Market Place because of the extreme narrowness of the streets.