This important success raised the spirits of the Syracusans higher
than ever. They had gained a decisive victory over the greatest naval
power in Greece, sunk seven triremes, disabled many more, and slain or
taken prisoners a large number of men. Flushed with pride and hope,
they immediately began to prepare for a final attack, which was to end
in the complete destruction of their enemies both by sea and land. But
these high expectations received a sudden check; for on the day after
the battle, [Footnote: Or possibly two days.] the watchers on the
walls of Syracuse descried a great fleet on the northern horizon.
Presently the regular beat of ten thousand oars could be distinctly
heard; it grew louder and louder, and as the vanguard came into full
view, the alarmed Syracusans recognized the truth. There was no
mistaking the peculiar build and familiar ensigns of the renowned
Athenian galleys. This could be no other than the fleet of
Demosthenes, arrived just in time to save the shattered armament of
Nicias, and once more turn the tide of war against Syracuse. A great
multitude rushed to the battlements, and gazed with keen pangs of
anxiety as the long line of triremes, seventy-three in number, swept
past the walls of Ortygia, rounded the southern point, and crossing
the Great Harbour, dropped anchor at the naval station of Nicias.
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