Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/373

343 THE RETREAT FROM SYRACUSE 343

that region. So they lighted numerous fires and de- parted in the night. And then, as constantly hap- pens in armies, especially in very great ones, and as might be expected when they were marching by night in an enemy's country, and with the enemy from whom they were flying not far off, there arose a panic among them, and they fell into confusion. The army of Nicias, which led the way, kept together, and was considerably in advance, but that of Demosthenes, which was the larger half, got severed from the other division, and marched in less order. At daybreak they succeeded in reaching the sea, and striking into the Helorine road marched along it, intending as soon as they arrived at the river Cacyparis to follow up the Stream through the interior of the island. They were expecting that the Sicels for whom they had sent would meet them on this road. TVhen they had reached the river they found there also a guard of the Syracusans cutting off the passage by a wall and palisade. They forced their way through, and cross- ing the river, passed on towards another river which is callted the Erineus, this being the direction in which their guides led them.

When daylight broke and the Syracusans and their allies saw that the Athenians had departed, most of them thought that Gylippus had let them go on pur- pose, and were very angry with him. They easily found the line of their retreat, and quickly following, came up with them about the time of the midday meal. The troops of Demosthenes were last ; they were marching slowly and in disorder, not having re- covered from the panic of the previous night, when they were overtaken by the Syracusans, who immedi- ately fell upon them and fought. Separated as they