By this
time the Syracusan counterwork had almost passed the end of the
Athenian wall, and if it were carried a few yards further, the siege
of Syracuse would be brought to a standstill. Roused by the imminence
of the crisis, Nicias determined to make one more effort to regain his
mastery in the field, and led his troops to the attack. The main body
of the hoplites were soon hotly engaged on both sides, and in the
midst of the action Gylippus directed his cavalry and light-armed
infantry to make a sudden charge on the Athenian left. This movement
was executed with so much skill and resolution that the Athenians in
that part of the line gave way, and drew after them the rest of their
comrades, who broke their ranks, and fled for shelter behind the siege
works.
The Syracusans lost no time in turning their victory to account. On
the very same night their wall was extended some distance beyond the
blockading line, and until this new barrier was overthrown, the
investment of Syracuse had now become impossible.
Whichever way he looked, Nicias saw himself menaced with failure and
defeat. He had sent twenty ships to intercept the Corinthian squadron
on its voyage from Leucas; but the little fleet of rescue succeeded in
avoiding the snare, and made its way into the port of Syracuse, thus
adding twelve fresh vessels to the defending force.
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