Philip's Return Opposed
On the receipt of the despatch from Philip commanding
note
the levy, the Messenians were no less forward
than the other allies to undertake it. They
showed indeed great zeal in making the expedition, sending cut the flower of their troops, two thousand
infantry and two hundred cavalry. Owing, however, to their
distance from the seat of war, they arrived at Tegea after Philip
had left, and at first were at a loss what to do; but being
very anxious not to appear lukewarm in the campaign, because
of the suspicions which had attached to them before, they
pressed forward through Argolis into Laconia, with a view of
effecting a junction with Philip; and having reached a fort
called Glympes, which is situated on the frontiers of Argolis and
Laconia, they encamped there in an unskilful and careless
manner: for they neither entrenched themselves with ditch
nor rampart, nor selected an advantageous spot; but trusting
to the friendly disposition of the natives, bivouacked there
unsuspiciously outside the walls of the fortress. But on
news being brought to Lycurgus of the arrival of the
Messenians, he took his mercenaries and some Lacedaemonians with him, and reaching the place before daybreak,
boldly attacked the camp. Ill advised as the proceedings
of the Messenians had been, and especially in advancing
-- 377 --
from Tegea with inadequate numbers and without the direction of experts, in the actual hour of danger, when the enemy
was upon them, they did all that circumstances admitted of
to secure their safety. For as soon as they saw the enemy
appearing they abandoned everything and took refuge within
the fort. Accordingly, though Lycurgus captured most of the
horses and the baggage, he did not take a single prisoner, and
only succeeded in killing eight of the cavalry. noteAfter this
reverse, the Messenians returned home through Argolis: but
elated with success Lycurgus went to Sparta,
and set about preparations for war; and took
secret counsel with his friends to prevent
Philip from getting safe out of the country without an engagement. Meanwhile the king had
started from the district of Helos, and was on his return
march, wasting the country as he came; and on the fourth day,
about noon, arrived once more with his whole army at Amyclae.
