History of the Peloponnesian War

If, then, we should fall upon them suddenly and at night, I believe that, in concert with our supporters inside, if any are left, we should find ourselves masters of the situation.

And let us not shrink from the danger, remembering that the element of surprise in warfare is precisely of this nature.[*](ie. dangerous.) And if a general guards against such surprises in his own case, and, whenever he sees an opportunity to employ them in the case of the enemy, makes the attempt, he will win the greatest success.”