SOURCE: “Soul of Archilochus,” in A Historian's Creed, Kennikat Press, 1939, pp. 87-115.

In the following essay, Taylor offers an imaginary autobiography of Archilochus, with emphasis on his philosophy.

I

On Paros, island of the gleaming rock, my eyes first caught the light of Helios. Fathered by an impetuous man, my mother a slave, childhood with me was passionate and my youth a storm. Our city's walls held more hate than love. Breaking away from some fierce dispute, an angry clique might take ship and look for a new home. I, long called a maligner, would speak truth. Our men were united against foes. In peace common prejudices and like pursuits fostered a working fellowship. There was comradeship among those of us who had shared danger together. Strong impulse as well as ingenious thought marked our Ionian towns. Life was eager with each man and with the people when...