" Similar addresses, combining
encouragement with threats, were heard in the other parts of the
fleet.
Among the Athenian sailors there had been much jesting about the land-
lubbers of Peloponnesus, and in the first flush of their victory they
had been ready to face any odds on the sea. But now, seeing themselves
confronted by such overwhelming numbers, they had lost heart for the
moment, and were seen standing about in little groups, shaking their
heads and whispering fearfully together. It was an anxious moment for
Phormio; he knew the immense importance of maintaining, at any cost,
the naval reputation of Athens, and if his men went into battle in
their present temper, they were certain to suffer a crushing defeat.
Determining, therefore, if possible, to allay the panic which was fast
spreading throughout the fleet, he summoned the crews into his
presence, and harangued them as follows:--
"Comrades, I have called you hither to assure you that you have no
cause for alarm. The numbers of the enemy, which seem to you so
formidable, should, if properly considered, be a ground of confidence;
for this unwieldy armament is a sign that they are thoroughly
terrified, and seek safety in a huge crowd of ships. The firmness and
discipline which they have acquired by long experience of land warfare
will avail them little on the sea For courage is largely a matter of
habit, and the bravest landsman is a mere coward when he is taken away
from his own element, and set down on the heaving deck of a war-galley
where he can hardly keep his feet.
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