This
crafty manoeuvre was due to a suggestion of Ariston, the most skilful
of the Corinthian seamen, by whose advice provisions had been brought
down to the beach, so that the Syracusan crews were kept together, and
ready to renew the action, after a brief interval for repose and
refreshment.
For a little while the two fleets faced each other, without venturing
to attack; then the Athenians, who were feverish with hunger and
fatigue, could restrain themselves no longer, but with one consent
they dashed their oars into the water, and with shouts of mutual
encouragement charged down upon the enemy. The Syracusans kept a firm
front, and opposing their massive prows to the rash assault, inflicted
great damage on the Athenian triremes, many of which were completely
wrecked by the shock of the collision. On every side the Athenians
were hard beset; the light-armed troops posted on the decks of the
Syracusan vessels, plied them with a shower of javelins, while the
waters swarmed with a multitude of boats, manned by daring
adventurers, who rowed boldly up to the sides of the Athenian
triremes, broke the oars, and hurled darts through the port-holes at
the rowers. After fighting for some time at a great disadvantage, with
exhausted crews, and in a narrow space, where they had no room to
manoeuvre, the Athenians were compelled to fall back, and sought
refuge behind their palisade.
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