They put out
from various points of the mainland, and landed under cover of night
on the seaward side of the island, choosing their time when the wind
was blowing strong from the sea, which made it impossible for the
Athenian triremes to keep their exposed anchorage. The Spartan
hoplites stood ready on the rocks to help them; and so long as they
could get ashore with their freight, they cared nothing what happened
to their boats, for if they were wrecked, the Spartans had pledged
themselves for the full value. Others, still bolder, swam, across the
harbour, dragging after them leather bags filled with a mixture of
poppy-seed or linseed and honey, [Footnote: Poppy-seed was valued in
ancient medicine as an antidote against hunger, and linseed against
thirst.] and attached to a cord. These were soon detected; but the
other source of supply remained open, and it seemed likely that the
siege would be protracted till winter, when it would have to be given
up.
The Athenians at home were much concerned when they were informed of
this state of affairs, and they began to regret that they had not
accepted the terms offered by Sparta. They were suspicious and uneasy,
and Cleon, on whose advice they had acted, saw himself in danger of
falling a victim to their resentment.
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