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Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

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SURPRISE OF THE ALLIES. 123near his right upon a hill, in such a position that <strong>the</strong>y couldtake <strong>the</strong> A<strong>the</strong>nians in rear if <strong>the</strong>y attempted such a manoeuvre.His heavy column he proposed to drive through <strong>the</strong>enemy's right as at Leuctra. The rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> army wasordered, when <strong>the</strong> signal was given, to advance more slowly,<strong>the</strong> right last <strong>of</strong> all ; in o<strong>the</strong>r words, in a sort <strong>of</strong> echelon.Having thus quietly completed his preparations, issuedinstructions <strong>and</strong> no doubt encouraged his men by <strong>the</strong> promise<strong>of</strong> speedy victory, Epaminondas gave <strong>the</strong> order quickly to.^.^' SJ*.»-^^Mantinsea, b. c. 862.take arms. The sight <strong>of</strong> this unexpected intention to giveimmediate battle took <strong>the</strong> allies absolutely by surprise. Thebattle signals were sounded, <strong>the</strong> men armed <strong>and</strong> rushed into<strong>the</strong>ir ranks <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> line was speedily formed. But it couldnot have had <strong>the</strong> firm consistency <strong>of</strong> that <strong>of</strong> Epaminondas,so carefully <strong>and</strong> steadily marshaled by its wonderful leader.It must have lacked <strong>the</strong> confidence engendered <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> captain'scheering words to prepare <strong>the</strong> men for combat; <strong>the</strong>strong tension <strong>of</strong> expected battle.

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