Sir Frederic G. Kenyon - The Athenian Constitution (Chap. 11) lyrics

When he had completed his organization of the constitution in the manner that has been described, he found himself beset by people coming to him and hara**ing him concerning his laws, criticizing here and questioning there, till, as he wished neither to alter what he had decided on nor yet to be an object of ill will to every one by remaining in Athens, he set off on a journey to Egypt, with the combined objects of trade and travel, giving out that he should not return for ten years. He considered that there was no call for him to expound the laws personally, but that every one should obey them just as they were written. Moreover, his position at this time was unpleasant. Many members of the upper cla** had been estranged from him on account of his abolition of debts, and both parties were alienated through their disappointment at the condition of things which he had created. The ma** of the people had expected him to make a complete redistribution of all property, and the upper cla** hoped he would restore everything to its former position, or, at any rate, make but a small change. Solon, however, had resisted both cla**es. He might have made himself a despot by attaching himself to whichever party he chose, but he preferred, though at the cost of incurring the enmity of both, to be the saviour of his country and the ideal lawgiver.