But in the
heat of victory the Athenians had pushed their advantage somewhat too
far, and they paid for their audacity by the loss of a considerable
number of their men. For the Lacedaemonians, in wild dismay at the
defeat of their ships, by which their comrades on the island would be
cut off from all help, made desperate exertions to save their fleet,
wading into the water in their heavy armour, and hauling back the
vessels as they were being towed off. In the confined space
manoeuvring was impossible, and the sea-fight had now become a furious
hand to hand encounter, as between two armies on land. After a
prolonged struggle, in which both sides suffered severely, the
Spartans succeeded in saving their ships, except those which had been
taken at first, and the Athenians then retired to their station.
The result of this battle was to give the Athenians complete command
of the sea, for the Peloponnesian fleet was in no condition to renew
the engagement. From their camp on the mainland the Spartans could see
the Athenian triremes rowing round and round the island, and keeping
vigilant watch, to prevent those who were confined there from
escaping. News of the disaster was sent without delay to Sparta, and
the magistrates, recognising the gravity of the crisis, proceeded at
once to Pylos, wishing to inform themselves on the spot, and then
decide what was best to be done.
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