the neighbourhood of
Cape Colias, and thence march stealthily to a hill about a mile south of
Athens, which they hoped to seize and secure under cover of the
darkness. During the next evening, a force about twice as large was to
join them by the same route, and all were to do their best to drive the
Turks from their encampments round the Acropolis. This was Lord
Cochrane's plan; and there can be no doubt that it would have been
successful had the Greeks acted upon it and done their duty.

Unfortunately they did neither. Having promised overnight, they found
reasons in the morning for breaking their promises. Nothing was done on
the 1st of May, and Lord Cochrane, tired of their excuses for
procrastination, paid a brief visit to the authorities at Poros. The
result was, that he thought of going without the Greek leaders. "I have
seen the Government," he wrote to Sir Richard Church on the 2nd, "and
prepared them for the worst, should things go on as they have hitherto
done. They are incapable of applying any remedy. Therefore, the more
credit will be due to you if you shall be enabled to save the garrison
of the Acropolis; in which endeavour count on my utmost exertions and
most unlimited co-operation. I hope now you will be able to act without
Karaiskakes. In addition to your own people, I can provide two thousand
marines, seamen, and volunteers. With these, if you land at night to the
eastward, you may be in the neighbourhood of Athens in two hours; and
then there is the garrison of fifteen hundred in addition to co-operate,
making in the whole a force of nearly five thousand, without taking a
soldier from Karaiskakes's tambourias. If, however, you judge well to
have volunteers from Karaiskakes's camp, I shall offer 200,000 piastres
amongst all who will accompany you or meet you at Athens; by which means
I have little doubt you will find Karaiskakes deserted, and the whole
mob at the gates of Athens. All the vessels are at your service."

Sir Richard Church feared to undertake the exploit without the
co-operation of Karaiskakes, and, on again consulting him, he was
informed that a fresh supply of entrenching tools was necessary. Lord
Cochrane immediately sent messengers to procure them, but was none the
less annoyed at what seemed to him an unnecessary excuse, and again
threatened to take his ships where they could do good work for Greece.
"You have done everything in your power," wrote Sir Richard to him on
the 3rd of