History of the Peloponnesian War

Towards the end of the same winter, and when it was now approaching to spring, Brasidas also made an attempt on Potidaea. For he went thither by night, and planted a ladder against the wall, and so far escaped observation; the ladder having been planted just in the interval when [*]( Respecting this expedient for securing the vigilance of troops on guard see Arnold's note.) the bell had been passed round, before the man who passed it returned to that side. Afterwards, however, on their immediately perceiving it, before his troops came up to the place, he led them back again as quickly as possible, and did not wait for the day to break.

And so the winter ended, and the ninth year of this war, of which Thucydides wrote the history.

END OF THE FOURTH BOOK.