"
There was some laughter among the Athenians at Cleon's vain-glorious
promise; but the more sober-minded were not displeased at his
appointment, expecting that, if he failed, they would be rid of a
nuisance; while, if he succeeded, they would gain an immense advantage
over their enemies. Such, at least, is the comment of the historian;
but he makes no remark on the incredible levity of the Athenians, to
whom the gravest interests of state were matter for mirth and pastime;
and he has not a word of censure for Nicias and his "sober-minded"
partisans, who, in their eagerness to ruin a political opponent,
showed a criminal disregard for the welfare of Athens.
II
When Cleon arrived at Pylos with his forces, he found Demosthenes
engaged in active preparations for an attack on the island. For his
troops were growing impatient, and clamouring to be led into action,
and a happy accident had recently occurred, which greatly increased
the prospect of success. Till quite lately Sphacteria had been covered
with a dense growth of underwood, and Demosthenes knew by his
experience in Aetolia that an attacking force would be at a great
disadvantage in marching against an enemy who fought under cover, and
knew every inch of the ground. But a party of Athenian soldiers, who
had landed on the island to cook their breakfast, accidentally set
fire to the brushwood, and a wind springing up, the flames were
carried over the greater part of the island, leaving it a blackened
waste.
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