78.
The Corcyraeans, coming up few at a time and in this disorderly fashion, had trouble
enough1 among themselves.
The Athenians, afraid of being surrounded by superior numbers, did not attack the main
body nor the centre of those opposed to them, but fell upon the wings and sank a single
ship; then, the enemy forming in a circle, they sailed round them and endeavoured to
throw them into confusion.
[2]
But those who were opposed to the Corcyraeans, seeing this movement and fearing a
repetition of what happened at Naupactus2, came to the rescue, and the united fleet charged the
Athenians.
[3]
Thereupon they rowed astern, hoping that by retreating very leisurely they might give
the Corcyraeans time to escape, especially as the attack of the enemy was now directed
against themselves.
[4]
The naval engagement ended at sunset.
Thucydides translated into English; with introduction, marginal analysis, notes, and indices. Volume 1. Thucydides. Benjamin Jowett. translator. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1881.
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