through the marshes, poured in an incessant volley of arrows
and darts on the long and unprotected flank of the invaders. Unable
to withstand this double attack, the Gauls were forced to retreat.
This they did in the utmost confusion; large numbers perished,
trodden to death by their companions--still more were drowned in
the morasses. Seven days after this severe check, a small party
having attempted to cross Mount Oeta, they were attacked when
involved in a narrow and difficult pass, and cut to pieces. To
raise the drooping spirits of his men, and to separate the forces
of his adversaries, the Brenn detached a corps of 40,000 men, under
the command of Comlutis, with orders to force their way into
AEtolia. This diversion proved eminently successful. Comlutis,
finding the passes of Mount Pindus unguarded, traversed that range,
and entered AEtolia, the whole of which he laid waste with fire and
sword without opposition, as the whole military force of that
country had marched to the defence of Thermopylae. On hearing of
this invasion, the AEtolians immediately separated from the allied
army, and hastened to the defence of their country. On their
approach Comlutis retreated; but whilst involved in the mountain
passes, his rear was overtaken by the regulars, and his flanks were
assailed by the enraged peasantry; so severe was his loss, that
hardly one-half of his force rallied at the camp of Heraclea. The
day after the departure of the AEtolians, the Brenn led on the main
body of his troops to attack the pass of Thermopylae; whilst a
strong detachment received orders to force one of the mountain
paths, the knowledge of which had been betrayed to him by the
inhabitants; being guided by one of whom, and their movements being
concealed from view by a thick mist, which enveloped them, this
detachment succeeded in surprising the troops who were entrusted
with its defence, and, moving rapidly on, they fell on the rear of
the main body of the allies, who were engaged at Thermopylae.
Assaulted both in front and rear, the Greeks would have been
totally destroyed, had it not been for the presence of the Athenian
fleet, who afforded a safe refuge to their shattered ranks. Freed
from the presence of his opponents, the Brenn immediately pushed on
to Elatia at the hea