Next day the assault was repeated, but again without success. The
Spartans sent for a supply of timber, to construct siege engines,
intending to try and batter down the Athenian wall where it overlooked
the harbour, as at this point there was a better landing-place for the
ships. In this task, however, they were interrupted by the sudden
appearance of the Athenian fleet, now numbering fifty vessels, having
been reinforced by four Chian ships, and six from Naupactus. Finding
the harbour occupied by the Peloponnesians, and the whole coast lined
with troops, they retired for the night to the little island of Prote.
Next day they weighed anchor early, and dividing their fleet, sailed
into the harbour of Navarino by both entrances at once. Though taken
by surprise, the Peloponnesians manned their ships, and as fast as
they were ready put out to meet them; but before their array was
complete they were attacked by the Athenians, who disabled many of
their vessels, captured five, and drove the rest ashore. So complete
was the rout that the Athenians pursued the flying ships into the very
interior of the harbour, and rammed some of them after they had been
brought to land. Others they charged while the crews were still
getting on board, and began to tow off the disabled hulls.
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