I never learned how to tune a harp, or play upon a lute; but I know how to raise a small and obscure city to glory and greatness...whereto all kindre…

- Themistocles

Strike, if you will, but listen.

- Themistocles

May I never sit on a tribunal where my friends shall not find more favor from me than strangers.

- Themistocles

I choose the likely man in preference to the rich man; I want a man without money rather than money without a man.

- Themistocles

He who commands the sea has command of everything.

- Themistocles

The Athenians govern the Greeks; I govern the Athenians; you, my wife, govern me; your son governs you.

- Themistocles

I have with me two gods, Persuasion and Compulsion.

- Themistocles

I cannot fiddle, but I can make a great state from a little city.

- Themistocles