Demosthenes now discovered that the besieged Spartans were more
numerous than he had supposed, having hitherto believed that their
number had been purposely exaggerated, to give an excuse for sending
more food; and the main obstacle being now removed, he issued the
welcome order to make ready for an immediate assault.
When he received his commission, Cleon had prudently stipulated that
Demosthenes should be associated with him in the command. The two ill-
assorted colleagues--the turbulent demagogue, and the veteran general
--now took counsel together, and after a last fruitless attempt at
negotiation, they set sail at night with a force of eight hundred
hoplites, and disembarking just before dawn on both sides of the
island at once, led their men at a run against the first guard-station
of the Spartans. They found the enemy posted in three divisions: the
first, consisting of thirty hoplites, formed an advanced guard; some
distance behind these, where the ground forms a shallow basin,
containing the only spring in the island, was stationed the main body,
commanded by Epitadas; and at the extreme north, opposite Pylos, there
was a small reserve force, left to guard a sort of natural citadel,
which would serve as a last retreat, if Epitadas and his men were
overpowered.
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