the Athenian fort of Labdalum.—He begins the construction of a third counter-wall, on the north side of the Athenian circle.—Nikias fortifies Cape Plemmyrium.—Inconveniences of Plemmyrium as a maritime station—mischief which ensues to the Athenian naval strength.—Operations of Gylippus in the field—his defeat.—His decisive victory—the Athenians are shut up within their lines. The Syracusan counter-wall is carried on so far as to cut the Athenian line of blockade.—Farther defences provided by Gylippus, joining the higher part of Epipolæ with the city wall.—Confidence of Gylippus and the Syracusans—aggressive plans against the Athenians, even on the sea.—Discouragement of Nikias and the Athenians.—Nikias sends home a despatch to Athens, soliciting reinforcements.—Despatch of Nikias to the Athenian people.—Resolution of the Athenians to send Demosthenês with a second armament.—Remarks upon the despatch of Nikias.—Former despatches of Nikias.—Effect of his despatch upon the Athenians.—Treatment of Nikias by the Athenians.—Capital mistake committed by the Athenians.—Hostilities from Sparta certain and impending.—Resolution of Sparta to invade Attica forthwith, and to send farther reinforcements to Sicily. 243-286 CHAPTER LX. FROM THE RESUMPTION OF DIRECT HOSTILITIES BETWEEN ATHENS AND SPARTA, DOWN TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ATHENIAN ARMAMENT IN SICILY. Active warlike preparations throughout Greece during the winter of 414-413 B.C.—Invasion of Attica by Agis and the Peloponnesian force—fortification of Dekeleia.—Second expedition from Athens against Syracuse, under Demosthenês.—Operations of Gylippus at Syracuse. He determines to attack the Athenians at sea.—Naval combat in the harbor of Syracuse—the Athenians victorious.—Gylippus surprises and takes Plemmyrium.—Important consequences of the capture.—Increased spirits and confidence of the Syracusans, even for sea-fight.—Efforts of the Syracusans to procure farther reinforcements from the Sicilian towns.—Conflicts between the Athenians and Syracusans in the Great Harbor.—Defeat of a Sicilian reinforcement marching to aid Syracuse—Renewed attack by Gylippus on the Athenians.—Disadvantages of the Athenian fleet in the harbor. Their naval tactics impossible in the narrow space.—Improvements in Syracusan ships suited to the narrow space.—The Syracusans threaten attack upon the Athenian naval station.—Additional preparations of Nikias—battle renewed.—Complete defeat of the Athenians.—Danger of the Athenian armament—arrival of Demosthenês with the second armament.—Voyage of Demosthenês from Korkyra.—Imposing effect of his entry into the Great Harbor.—Revived courage of the Athenians. Judicious and decisive resolutions of Demosthenês.—Position and plans of Demosthenês.—Nocturnal march of Demosthenês to surprise Epipolæ, and turn the Syracusan line of