ing will send the enemy flying,
as happened at Pellene. If you do not like the sound of these proposals,
sacrifice and take counsel of the gods. Our belief is that the gods
will bid you yet more emphatically than we to take this step. Only this,
Chares, you must well consider, that if you do take it you will have
established an outpost on the enemy's frontier; you will have saved
from perdition a friendly city; you will win eternal glory in your own
fatherland; and among friends and foes alike no name will be heralded
with louder praise than that of Chares."

Chares was persuaded, and proceeded to offer sacrifice. Meanwhile the
Phliasian cavalry were donning their breastplates and bridling their
horses, and the heavy infantry made every preparation for the march.
Then they took their arms, fell into line, and tramped off to the place
of sacrifice. Chares with the soothsayer stepped forward to meet them,
announcing that the victims were favourable. "Only wait for us," they
exclaimed; "we will sally forth with you at once." The heralds' cry
"To arms!" was sounded, and with a zeal which was almost miraculous the
mercenaries themselves rushed out. As soon as Chares began the march,
the Phliasian cavalry and infantry got in front of him. At first they
led off at a smart pace; presently they began to bowl (15) along more
quickly, and finally the cavalry were tearing over the ground might and
main, whilst the infantry, at the greatest pace compatible with keeping
their ranks, tore after them; and behind them, again, came Chares
zealously following up in their rear. There only remained a brief
interval of daylight before the sun went down, and they came upon the
enemy in the fortress, some washing, some cooking a savoury meal, others
kneading their bread, others making their beds. These, when they saw
the vehemence of the attack, at once, in utter panic, took to flight,
leaving behind all their provisions for the brave fellows who took their
place. They, as their reward, made a fine supper off these stores and
others which had come from home, pouring out libations for their good
fortune and chanting the battle-hymn; after which they posted pickets
for the night and slumbered well. The messenger with the news of their
success at Thyamia arrived at Corinth in the night. The citizens of that
state with hearty friendship at once ordered out by herald all the
oxen and beasts of burthen, which they loaded with food and brought to
Phl