The main
body of the fleet remained in the offing, but ten triremes were sent
forward to reconnoitre the Great Harbour, and get a nearer view of the
fortifications. When the little squadron came within hearing of the
walls, a herald proclaimed in a loud voice that any of the Leontines
now present in Syracuse should leave the city without fear, and come
over to their faithful kinsmen and allies, the Athenians. After this
futile demonstration, better calculated; to excite laughter than
terror, the reconnoitring triremes withdrew, and the whole fleet
sailed back in the direction of Rhegium. On their return voyage the
Athenians succeeded, by a lucky accident, in gaining the adherence of
Catana, which henceforth became the head-quarters of the whole
armament. Soon after they had effected this important change of
station the Salaminian state trireme arrived with momentous news from
Athens. We have seen what a panic of superstitious fear had been
caused among the Athenians by the mutilation of the Hermae. Arrested
for the moment by the all-absorbing interest of the Sicilian
expedition, the excitement broke out with renewed violence after the
departure of the fleet. The enemies of Alcibiades saw that the time
was now ripe for bringing up against him the charge of violating the
mysteries, and pressing for a judgment.
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