All this scene of havoc and carnage was witnessed by the whole
population of Syracuse, who thronged the walls, or stood in arms along
the shore, and followed every incident with breathless interest. But
above all among the Athenians left behind in the camp excitement was
strained to the point of anguish. Here the view was more restricted,
and each group of spectators had its attention fixed on some one of
the many encounters which were raging in different parts of the bay.
Some who saw their friends conquering, shouted with joy and triumph;
some shrieked in terror, as an Athenian ship went down; and others,
when the combat long wavered, rocked their bodies to and fro in an
agony of suspense. Thus at the same moment every shifting turn of
battle, victory and defeat, panic and rally, flight and pursuit, was
mirrored on those pale faces, and echoed in a thousand mingled cries.
But at length these discordant voices were united in one general note
of horror, as the whole Athenian fleet, or all that was left of it,
was seen making in headlong rout for the upper end of the bay, with
the victorious Syracusans pressing hard behind. Then most of those who
were watching from the shore were seized with uncontrollable terror,
and sought to hide themselves in holes and corners of the camp; while
a few, who were more stout-hearted, waded into the water, to save the
ships, or rushed to defend the walls on the land side.
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