Before long the ships came back with their
report, and the Athenians now learned to their great chagrin that all
the fabled wealth of Egesta had dwindled to the paltry sum of thirty
talents.
The three generals now held a council of war, to decide on a plan of
campaign. It was evident that no help was to be obtained from Egesta,
and the attitude of the Rhegini, who declined to enter their alliance,
boded ill for the success of the expedition. As their prospects were
so discouraging, Nicias proposed to confine their operations within
the narrowest limits, to patch up a peace between Selinus and Egesta,
to aid the Leontines, if it could be done without risk or expense, and
after making a display of the Athenian power, to sail home to Athens.
Alcibiades protested strongly against such a course, as disgraceful to
Athens, and unworthy of the splendid armament entrusted to their
command. Let them try first what could be effected by negotiation with
the Greek cities and native tribes of Sicily, and after gaining as
many allies as possible in the island, let them proceed to the attack
of Selinus and Syracuse. Lamachus, on the other hand, a plain,
downright soldier, was for sailing straight to Syracuse, and striking
immediately at the heart of Sicily.
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