The History of Rome, Books 37 to the End: with the Epitomes and Fragments of the Lost BooksLivy
History
The History of Rome, Books 37 to the End: with the Epitomes and Fragments of the Lost Books
Livy
Rome -- History
the crew were overwhelmed with weapons, and, among them, Pausistratus,
fighting gallantly, was slain. Of the rest of the ships, some were taken
outside of the harbour, some within, and others by Nicander, while they
were putting off from the shore. Only five Rhodian and two Coan ships
effected an escape, a passage being made for them through the thick of
the enemy, by the terror of shining flames; for they carried before
them, on two poles projecting from their prows, a great quantity of fire
contained in iron vessels. The galleys of Erythræ, after meeting not far
from Samos the Rhodian ships, then flying, which they were coming to
succour, bore away to the Romans in the direction of the Hellespont.
About the same time, Seleucus got possession of Phocæa by treachery, one
gate being opened by the sentinels. Cyme, with the other cities on that
coast, revolted to him through fear.
12. Whilst these events are taking place in Æolis, after Abydos, which
was defended by a garrison of the king’s troops, had sustained a siege
of several days, all parties then grew weary of the struggle, and the
magistrates, with the permission of Philotas, the commander of the
garrison, began to treat with Livius, concerning the terms on which they
should surrender the city. Because they could not agree whether the
king’s troops should march out with their arms, or without them, this
question protracted the matter. When the intelligence of the destruction
of the Rhodians interrupted them, treating of these things, the matter
was dropped. For Livius, fearing lest Polyxenidas, elated by his recent
success in such an important enterprise, might surprise the fleet which
lay at Canæ, instantly abandoned the siege of Abydos and the guard of
the Hellespont, and drew out the ships that were in dock at Canæ, and
Eumenes came to Elæa. Livius, with the whole fleet, to which he had
joined two triremes of Mitylene, sailed to Phocæa; but, having learned
that this place was held, by a strong garrison of the king’s troops, and
that the camp of Seleucus was not far distant, he ravaged the sea-coast,
hastily conveying on board the booty, which consisted chiefly of men,
and waiting only until Eumenes, with his fleet, came up, he endeavours
to reach Samos. Among the Rhodians, the news of their misfortune
excited, at first, both consternation, and the greatest grief, at the
same time. For, besides the loss of their ships and soldiers, they had
lost the flower and strength of their youth; many young men of
distinction having been induced, among other motives, by the character
of Pausistratus, which was deservedly very high among his countrymen.
Afterwards, because they had been circumvented by treachery, and by a
countryman of their own, above all men, their grief was changed into
anger. They sent out ten ships immediately, and, in a few days, ten
more, Eudamus being commander of all; who, though far inferior to
Pausistratus in warlike qualifications, they supposed would be a more
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.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account