History of the Peloponnesian War

On the next day the Argives and their allies drew up in the order in which they intended to fight if they fell in with the enemy; and the Lacedaemonians, going away from the stream and back to their old camp at the sanctuary of Heracles, suddenly saw the enemy close at hand, all by that time in order of battle and occupying an advanced position away from the hill.

Never had the Lacedaemonians, as far back as they remembered, been in such consternation as on this occasion. Their preparation had to be made on short notice; and at once in haste they fell into their own array, king Agis directing each movement as the law prescribed.

For when a king leads all orders are given by him: he himself gives the necessary order to the polemarchs,[*](Commanders of the six morae, according to Xen. Const. Lac. 11.4) they to the commanders of battalions, these to the captains of companies, these again to the commanders of platoons, and these to the platoons.

So the special orders, if they wish to give any, proceed in the same way, and reach their destination quickly; for almost the whole army of the Lacedaemonians consists of officers over officers, and the responsibility for the execution of orders devolves upon many.