So completely were the Spartans out-manoeuvred and worsted in tactics,
through the blunders of their general, and the cowardice of his
subordinates. But in this terrible crisis they showed what native
valour, aided by life-long discipline, can do. Leaving a victorious
enemy in their rear, they advanced without flinching against the
opposing centre, where the main body of the Argives were posted, with
the troops of Orneae and Cleonaea supporting them on the left. Then it
was seen that neither the courage of the Spartans, nor the terror of
their name, had diminished with the lapse of time; for when the
confederate troops found themselves face to face with the renowned
warrior of the Eurotas, they turned and fled, almost without striking
a blow, and trampling their comrades under foot, in their haste to
avoid the thrust of the Spartan lances. The Athenians on the left wing
were now in great danger; for the charge of the troops of Agis had cut
them off from the centre, and they were attacked on the other flank by
the Tegeans and Spartans. They were saved from immediate destruction
by the exertions of their own cavalry, and presently found themselves
at liberty to retire from the field; for Agis, having completed the
rout of the main body, called off his men, and went to the relief of
his own left.
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