This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1872 Excerpt: …He was extremely indignant and demanded an inquiry. It was granted, but ordered to be delayed till after his return from the Syracusan expedition. On Midsummer day, when the sun was shining gloriously down upon the sparkling waters, the fleet set sail. All the vessels were decorated with pennons which floated in the breeze. People lined the shores; and while the fleet was sailing out of the harbour they chanted a hymn of victory. Some poured wine into gold and silver goblets, and, holding them up high, drank to the success of their undertaking. The fleet sailed away to Corfu, where, after a short stay, it again departed for the scene of warfare, Syracuse. When the inhabitants saw this fine array of vessels sailing into their waters they were seriously alarmed, and made preparations for the coming fight. They raised troops in all parts of the island, they stored the forts and castles with provisions, and fortified every available place. The Athenians here met with a disappointment which somewhat annoyed them. They discovered that the Egestans had not sufficient wealth to pay the expenses of the equipment as they had undertaken to do. Nicias thought it best that the fleet should return; but Alcibiades overruled him, and sailed away for Catana, which town they took by surprise. The enemies of Alcibiades in Athens were anxious that he should be recalled to answer the charge against him; and so vigorously did they press their desire, that an order was despatched to the fleet for his immediate return. He obediently set out on his homeward journey, but when he reached the first land he disappeared from his attendants and fled to Sparta. The senate at Athens accordingly judged him guilty, and condemned him to death, seizing on his estates, and applying his wealth t…
