The thirty Spartans in the outpost were taken by surprise, and cut
down to a man; for though they had seen the Athenian ships putting
out, they had no suspicion of what was intended, supposing that they
were merely proceeding to their anchorage for the night. At daybreak
the rest of the fleet put in at the island, bringing the whole of the
forces which Demosthenes had at his disposal, except a few, who were
left to garrison the fort at Pylos. They were a motley host, armed for
the most part with slings, javelins, and bows, but admirably suited
for the work which was to be done. Swarming over the island by
hundreds and by thousands they took up their stations on every piece
of rising ground, threatening the enemy in front, in the rear, on the
right flank, and on the left. The Spartans, in their heavy armour,
were helpless against these agile foes, who eluded every attempt to
come to close quarters, and kept up a continual shower of arrows,
javelins, and stones. Such had been the orders of Demosthenes, which
were now carried into effect.
When the Spartans under Epitadas saw their advanced guard cut up, and
the Athenians marching against them, they drew up in order, and tried
to come within spear-thrust of the enemy; but they were unable to
effect their purpose, for the Athenian hoplites kept their ground, and
at the same moment they themselves were assailed on both flanks and in
the rear by a cloud of light infantry.
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