History of the Peloponnesian War

For so they thought that both the island would be unfavourable to the Athenians, and the mainland also, as it did not afford any landing-place; for the shores of Pylus itself outside the inlet, looking towards the open sea, would present no ground from which they might proceed to the aid of their countrymen; and so they should storm the place, in all probability, without the risk of a sea-fight, as there were no provisions in it, and it had been occupied after short preparation.

Having adopted these resolutions, accordingly they conveyed over the heavy-armed into the island, drafting them by lot from all the [*]( On these divisions of the Lacedaemonian army see Arnold's note, V. 68. 3.) lochi There had also been some others sent over before in turns; but these last who went, and who were left there, were four hundred and twenty in number, with their attendant Helots; their commander being Epitadas son of Molobrus.