History of the Peloponnesian War

Alcidas, and the rest of my Peloponnesian colleagues in the command of the forces, my opinion is that we should sail [*]( Literally, just as we are. ) straightway to Mytilene, before we have been heard of.

For in all probability we shall find great want of watchfulness, as is usual on the part of men who have but recently taken possession of a city. By sea, indeed, where they have no thought of any enemy attacking them, and where our strength mainly lies, this will be altogether the case; and even their land-forces are likely to be dispersed through the houses too carelessly.

If then we were to fall upon them suddenly and in the night, I hope that with the aid of those in the city, (if, indeed, there be any one left who wishes us well,) [*]( Or more literally, our measures might be achieved. ) possession of the place might be gained.

And let us not shrink from the danger, but consider that the proverbial

surprises of war

are nothing else than chances such as this; which if any one should guard against in his own case, and avail himself of them, when he saw them in the case of his enemy, he would be a most successful general.