In strange contrast with the disgraceful exhibition of cowardice and
incompetence which we have just witnessed, we have now to record a
daring attempt, undertaken shortly afterwards, to strike at the very
heart of the Athenian power. While the beaten crews of the
Peloponnesian fleet were waiting to be paid off at Lechaeum, they
suddenly received orders to take their oars and rowing-cushions, and
proceed to Nisaea, the port of Megara. The plan was to embark them on
forty vessels, which were lying in the dockyards, and make a
night-attack on Peiraeus. The suggestion came from the Megarians, but
in carrying it out the Peloponnesians were probably influenced by the
bold and enterprising spirit of Brasidas. And in fact, the meditated
descent on Peiraeus was neither so wild nor so rash as it may at first
sight appear. For the Athenians, never dreaming that they might be
taken by surprise, had not taken the precaution to close the entrance
of their harbour, or to station guard-ships for its defence.
Without delay, the officers in charge of the expedition mustered their
crews at Nisaea, and embarking by night, got their ships under way. But
at the last moment their hearts failed them, and instead of sailing to
Peiraeus, they landed on the island of Salamis, and after attacking a
sea-side fort, and capturing three triremes which were riding at anchor
near it, they spread themselves out, and began ravaging and plundering
the country.
Meanwhile fire-signals had been raised, conveying the alarm to Peiraeus
and Athens. A wild panic ensued, and a rumour ran through the upper
city that the enemy had sailed into Peiraeus, while in the harbour-town
it was generally supposed that Salamis was lost, and Peiraeus on the
point of being invaded. The Peloponnesians employed in this adventure
afterwards pretended that they had been hindered by contrary winds from
carrying out their original design. But this was a mere excuse, and if
they had chosen they might have sailed unopposed to Peiraeus, and
inflicted terrible injury on Athens. But it was now too late, for the
Athenians, as soon as the news was brought, had marched down with their
whole military force to Peiraeus, and occupied every assailable point
in the harbour, while at the same time every ship in the docks was
launched and manned, and sent off in headlong haste to Salamis.
By this time it was broad daylight, and the Peloponnesians, being
warned that a rescue was on the way from Peiraeus, made off with their
booty, and getting, on board their ships, sailed back to Nisaea. They
had the more reason for hastening their departure, as the Megarian
ships which had carried them to Salamis, having lain a long while in
dry-dock, were leaky and unseaworthy; for the harbour of Megara had for
some time past been kept in close blockade by the Athenians.
This memorable incident, following close on the brilliant victories of
Phormio, taught the Athenians to take better precautions for the
future. Hitherto they would have scoffed at the suggestion that their
own arsenals and dockyards were exposed to attack. But now they
provided for the safety of Peiraeus by closing the harbours and keeping
a vigilant watch. And that terrible night left an impression on their
minds which was not soon forgotten.