Original artwork, not a still
Themistocles said that he certainly could not make use of any stringed instrument; could only, were a small and obscure city put into his hands, make it great and glorious.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Themistocles is reported as declining to play any stringed instrument, admitting he lacks that refinement. His real talent, he says, is different: give him a small, unknown city and he could make it great and famous. The remark sets practical statecraft against polite accomplishment.
Context reviewed
