hebes itself would be besieged; while, if the commonalty of
Thebes failed to get supplies, there was every prospect that the city
itself would turn against them; and, seeing that many of them had
already tasted the bitterness of exile, they came to the conclusion that
it was better for them to die on the field of battle than to renew that
experience. Besides this they were somewhat encouraged by the recital of
an oracle which predicted that the Lacedaemonians would be defeated
on the spot where the monument of the maidens stood, who, as the story
goes, being violated by certain Lacedaemonians, had slain themselves.
(5) This sepulchral monument the Thebans decked with ornaments before
the battle. Furthermore, tidings were brought them from the city that
all the temples had opened of their own accord; and the priestesses
asserted that the gods revealed victory. Again, from the Heracleion
men said that the arms had disappeared, as though Heracles himself had
sallied forth to battle. It is true that another interpretation (6)
of these marvels made them out to be one and all the artifices of the
leaders of Thebes. However this may be, everything in the battle turned
out adverse to the Lacedaemonians; while fortune herself lent aid to
the Thebans and crowned their efforts with success. Cleombrotus held his
last council "whether to fight or not," after the morning meal. In the
heat of noon a little goes a long way; and the people said that it took
a somewhat provocative effect on their spirits. (7)

(3) Or, "was provoked."

(4) Lit. "perioecid." See Thuc. iv. 76, Arnold's note, and "Hell." V.
iv. 46, 63.

(5) See Diod. xv. 54; Paus. IX. xiii. 3; Plut. "Pelop." xx.

(6) Or, "it is true that some people made out these marvels."

(7) Or, "they were somewhat excited by it."

Both sides were now arming, and there was the unmistakeable signs of
approaching battle, when, as the first incident, there issued from the
Boeotian lines a long train bent on departure--these were the furnishers
of the market, a detachment of baggage bearers, and in general such
people as had no inclination to join in the fight. These were met on
their retreat and attacked by the mercenary troops under Hiero, who got
round them by a circular movement. (8) The mercenaries were supported by
the Phocian light infantry and some squadrons of Heracleot and Phliasian
cavalry, who fell upon the retiring train and turned them back, pursuing
them and dri