Here, where we
stand, are the army, the fleet, the city, and the great name of
Athens; go, then, and fight as you never fought before, for never yet
had soldier such a prize to win, and such a cause to defend."
When Nicias had concluded his stirring appeal, the embarkation of the
troops began. As the fatal moment drew nearer and nearer, the anxiety
and distress of the Athenian general became unbearable. Feeling that
he had not said enough, he hurried to and fro, addressing each captain
with an agony of supplication, and imploring him by every sacred
name,--his wife, his children, his country, and his country's gods,--
to play a man's part, forgetting all thoughts of self. Having
exhausted every topic of entreaty, and seen the last man on board, he
turned away, still unsatisfied, and addressed himself to the task of
drawing up the troops left under his command for the defence of the
camp. These were disposed along the shore in as long a line as
possible, that they might encourage those fighting on the sea by their
presence, and lend prompt help in case of need. Behind them, every
point of outlook was held by a throng of anxious spectators,--the
sick, the maimed, and the wounded,--every man who had strength to
crawl from his bed, and watch that last desperate struggle for liberty
and home.
Pages:
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267