The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 04 : $b Greece to the Roman Conquest
History
The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 04 : $b Greece to the Roman Conquest
World history
In this emergency Teleutias was sent to take the command. His arrival was
hailed with delight by the men, who had already served under him, and
expected an immediate supply of pay. He however called them together, and
informed them that he had brought no money with him, and that they had
no resource to look to for the relief of their necessities, but their
own activity and courage. It was best that they should not depend for
subsistence upon the favour either of Greek or barbarian, but should
provide for themselves at the enemy’s expense. The men expressed entire
confidence in his guidance, and promised to obey all his commands. That
very night, after they had ended their evening meal, he ordered them to
embark with a day’s provision, and with twelve galleys crossed the gulf
towards Piræus. When they were within about half a mile of the harbour,
they rested till daybreak, and then sailed in. He gave orders to strike
none but the ships of war which might be lying in the harbour, to capture
as many merchant vessels as could be conveniently taken in tow, and to
carry away as many prisoners as could be taken from the rest. Not only
were these orders executed with alacrity and success, but some of his
men, landing on the quay, seized some of the merchants and shipowners
who were assembled there, and hurried them on board. While the military
force of Athens marched down to the relief of Piræus, which was supposed
to have been taken, he made his retreat from the harbour, sent three or
four of his galleys with the prizes to Ægina, and with the rest proceeded
along the coast as far as Sunium. He made the more captures on his way,
as his squadron, having been seen to issue from the port of Athens, was
believed to be friendly. At Sunium he found a number of vessels laden
with corn, and other valuable cargoes, with which he sailed away to
Ægina. The produce of this adventure yielded a month’s pay to the men,
raised their spirits, and increased their devotion for their commander,
who continued to employ them in this predatory warfare: the only kind to
which his small force was adequate.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account