Page:Frontinus - The stratagems, and, the aqueducts of Rome (Bennet et al 1925).djvu/289

 STRATAGEMS, III. xi. 1-5

XI. On Puetkndeo Retirements

When the Athenian general Phuraiio had ravaged the lands of the Chalcidians, and their envoys com- plained of this action, he answered them graciously, and at evening, wlien he was about to dismiss them, pretended that a letter had come from his fellow- citizens requiring his return. Accordingly he retired a short distance and dismissed the envoys. When these reported that all was safe and that Phormio had withdrawn, the Chalcidians in view of the promised consideration and of the withdrawal of the troops, relaxed the guard of their town. Then Phormio suddenly returned and the Chalcidians were unable to withstand his unexpected attack.^

When the Spartan commander, Agesilaus, was blockading the Phocaeans and had learned that those who were then lending them support were weary with the burdens of war, he retired a short distance as though for other objects, thus leaving the allies free opportunity to withdraw. Not long after, bringing back his troops, he defeated the Phocaeans thus left without assistance.^

When fighting against the Byzantines, who kept within their walls, Alcibiades laid an ambush and, feigning a retirement, took them off their guard and crushed them.^

N'iriathus, after retreating for three days, suddenly turned round and traversed the same distance in one day. He thus crushed the Segobrigenses, taking them off their guard at a moment when they were earnestly engaged in sacrifice.*

In the operations around Mantinea, Epaminondas, having noticed that the Spartans had come to help

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