History of the Peloponnesian War

Now the Corcyraeans, since they were attacking in disorder and with few ships at a time, were having trouble in their part of the battle; and the Athenians, fearing the enemy's superior numbers and seeing the danger of being surrounded, did not attack the whole body together nor the centre of the ships that were arrayed against them, but charged upon one of the wings and sank a single ship.

And then, when the Peloponnesians after this move formed their ships in a circle, they kept sailing round the Peloponnesian fleet, trying to throw it into confusion. But those who were facing the Corcyraeans, perceiving this manoeuvre and fearing a repetition of what happened at Naupactus,[*](cf. 2.84.) came to the rescue, and the whole fleet, now united, advanced simultaneously upon the Athenians.

Thereupon the Athenians began to retire, backing water,[*](ie. keeping their faces to the enemy.) hoping at the same time that the Corcyraean ships might as far as possible escape into harbour,[*](ie. with as many ships as possible; as it was they lost thirteen ships.) as they themselves retired slowly and the enemy's attacks were directed only against them.

Such then was the course of the battle, which lasted till sunset.