d 200 hoplites were left behind with him.

This insult to the Lacedaemonian territory caused great alarm and
indignation at Sparta. The Peloponnesian fleet was ordered to Pylus;
and the Lacedaemonian commander, on arriving with the fleet,
immediately occupied the small uninhabited and densely wooded island of
Sphacteria, which, with the exception of two narrow channels on the
north and south, almost blocked up the entrance of the bay. Between
the island and the mainland was a spacious basin, in which the fleet
took up its station. The Lacedaemonians lost no time in attacking the
fortress; but notwithstanding their repeated attempts they were unable
to effect a landing.

Whilst they were preparing for another assault, they were surprised by
the appearance of the Athenian fleet. They had strangely neglected to
secure the entrances into the bay: and, when the Athenian ships came
sailing through both the undefended channels, many of their triremes
were still moored, and part of their crews ashore. The battle which
ensued was desperate. Both sides fought with extraordinary valour; but
victory at length declared for the Athenians. Five Peloponnesian ships
were captured; the rest were saved only by running them ashore, where
they were protected by the Lacedaemonian army.

The Athenians, thus masters of the sea, were enabled to blockade the
island of Sphacteria, in which the flower of the Lacedaemonian army was
shut up, many of them native Spartans of the highest families. In so
grave an emergency messengers were sent to Sparta for advice. The
Ephors themselves immediately repaired to the spot; and so desponding
was their view of the matter, that they saw no issue from it but a
peace. They therefore proposed and obtained an armistice for the
purpose of opening negotiations at Athens. But the Athenians, at the
instigation of Cleon, insisted upon the most extravagant demands, and
hostilities were accordingly resumed. They were not however attended
with any decisive result. The blockade of Sphacteria began to grow
tedious and harassing. The force upon it continually received supplies
of provisions either from swimmers, who towed skins filled with linseed
and poppy-seed mixed with honey, or from Helots, who, induced by the
promise of large rewards, eluded the blockading squadron during dark
and stormy nights, and landed cargoes on the back of the island. The
summer, moreover, was fast wearing away, and the storms