These streets were lined with the thronging populace as the troops marched by. Multitudes followed them upon the way. All who had brothers, sons, beloved ones, among them followed. When they reached the port, there lay the big warships decked out magnificently. The impatient Lamachos had already been on board his vessel for some time, chafing at the delay, caring little for the doings at the Ekklesia. All he cared for was to be at Syrakuse, fighting the Syrakusans. As for Nikias, he had stolen down the night before, not sure of the reception the populace might give him after the conduct of Pythonikos. Flowers decked the great triremes from prow to stern, silver goblets glittered on the higher decks. All was jollity as the hoplites, the archers, and the other light-armed soldiers, and a small force of cavalry, marched on board the transport ships. They were not long in embarkation. Then the trumpets sounded, and the whole army stood upon the decks, Alkibiades upon the stern-deck of his _Eros_, the finest trireme of them all, built and furnished at his own expense. The heralds prayed the gods, and especially Poseidôn and the god of war, and Pallas, to be propitious to them, favouring their arms. Then every one of the soldiers, even the humblest marine, poured forth libations. This was a scene never to be forgotten by the vast crowd who saw it, as every soldier poured out libations from silver cups, the higher officers from golden vessels, to the gods. The multitudes upon the quays joined in the prayers, and echoed back the sacred hymns and pæans boasting of success, when the rowers took their places, and when to the time chanted by their leader, with rhythmic oar they struck the old Aigaian waters. And the great ships one by one filed out of the Peiræus. The August sun shone on the brazen shields and breast-plates, and was reflected on the spears and swords of that strong host, which thus left Athens splendidly. How many of them, ships or men, were ever again to see the much-loved city? Loud cries of confidence and farewell, echoing along the shore, followed them upon their way, and then the sailors, warriors, and Alkibiades saw last of all the great Akropolis and the statue of Athene.