vening descended he
encamped unobserved within the fold of the hills behind the Mantinean
territory, with mountains in close proximity all round. (18)

(18) Lit. "within the hindmost bosom of the Mantinice." In reference
to the position, Leake ("Morea," iii. 75) says: "The northern bay
(of the Mantinic plain between Mantinea and the Argon) corresponds
better by its proximity to Mantinea; by Mount Alesium it was
equally hidden from the city, while its small dimensions, and the
nearness of the incumbent mountains, rendered it a more hazardous
position to an army under the circumstances of that of Agesilaus"
(than had he encamped in the Argon itself). For the Argon (or
Inert Plain), see Leake, ib. 54 foll.

On the next morning, as day broke, he sacrificed in front of the army;
and observing a mustering of men from the city of Mantinea on the hills
which overhung the rear of his army, he decided that he must lead his
troops out of the hollow by the quickest route. But he feared lest, if
he himself led off, the enemy might fall upon his rear. In this dilemma
he kept quiet; presenting a hostile front to the enemy, he sent orders
to his rear to face about to the right, (19) and so getting into line
behind his main body, to move forward upon him; and in this way he
at once extricated his troops from their cramped position and kept
continually adding to the weight and solidity of his line. As soon as
the phalanx was doubled in depth he emerged upon the level ground, with
his heavy infantry battalions in this order, and then again extended his
line until his troops were once more nine or ten shields deep. But the
Mantineans were no longer so ready to come out. The arguments of the
Eleians who had lent them their co-operation had prevailed: that it was
better not to engage until the arrival of the Thebans. The Thebans,
it was certain, would soon be with them; for had they not borrowed ten
talents (20) from Elis in order to be able to send aid? The Arcadians
with this information before them kept quiet inside Mantinea. On
his side Agesilaus was anxious to lead off his troops, seeing it was
midwinter; but, to avoid seeming to hurry his departure out of fear,
he preferred to remain three days longer and no great distance from
Mantinea. On the fourth day, after an early morning meal, the retreat
commenced. His intention was to encamp on the same ground which he had
made his starting-point on leaving