ns, even though not so in
reality, and as such were honoured throughout Hellas, and had your full
share of the advantages of our empire, and more than your share in
the respect of our subjects and in protection from ill treatment. You,
therefore, with whom alone we freely share our empire, we now justly
require not to betray that empire in its extremity, and in scorn of
Corinthians, whom you have often conquered, and of Siceliots, none of
whom so much as presumed to stand against us when our navy was in its
prime, we ask you to repel them, and to show that even in sickness and
disaster your skill is more than a match for the fortune and vigour of
any other.

"For the Athenians among you I add once more this reflection: You left
behind you no more such ships in your docks as these, no more heavy
infantry in their flower; if you do aught but conquer, our enemies here
will immediately sail thither, and those that are left of us at Athens
will become unable to repel their home assailants, reinforced by
these new allies. Here you will fall at once into the hands of the
Syracusans--I need not remind you of the intentions with which you
attacked them--and your countrymen at home will fall into those of
the Lacedaemonians. Since the fate of both thus hangs upon this single
battle, now, if ever, stand firm, and remember, each and all, that you
who are now going on board are the army and navy of the Athenians, and
all that is left of the state and the great name of Athens, in whose
defence if any man has any advantage in skill or courage, now is the
time for him to show it, and thus serve himself and save all."

After this address Nicias at once gave orders to man the ships.
Meanwhile Gylippus and the Syracusans could perceive by the preparations
which they saw going on that the Athenians meant to fight at sea. They
had also notice of the grappling-irons, against which they specially
provided by stretching hides over the prows and much of the upper part
of their vessels, in order that the irons when thrown might slip off
without taking hold. All being now ready, the generals and Gylippus
addressed them in the following terms:

"Syracusans and allies, the glorious character of our past achievements
and the no less glorious results at issue in the coming battle are,
we think, understood by most of you, or you would never have thrown
yourselves with such ardour into the struggle; and if there be any one
not as fully aware of the