Meetings of the people in ancient Athens were opened with these words: “May the gods doom to perdition that man, and all his race, who, on this occasion, shall speak, act, or contrive anything against the Commonwealth!” With such an imprecation all were summoned to the duties of the citizen.
Sumner cites an ancient Athenian practice to emphasize the importance of civic duty and accountability.
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It is larger than the entire profit of all the commerce and manufactures of the world.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
The devices of party can no longer stave it off.
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
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