Polyaenus
Stratagems of War
Translated by E. Shepherd. F.R.S.
Unchanged reprint of the Edition: London 1793.
Ares Publishers, Inc.
4.12 Lysimachus
[1] Lysimachus apprehensive lest the Autariatae, who had been plundered of their baggage in an engagement with Demetrius, barbarians as they were*, and stripped of their property, should mediate a mutiny or revolt, summoned them without the trenches, on pretence of receiving a donation of corn: and on a signal given, ordered every man to be cut to pieces. Their number amounted to six hundred.
* A man, civilized to a every great and good purpose of humanity, feels with indignation the distinction of barbarism applied to every nation but his own by such a monster of cruelty and treachery, as Lysimachus.
[2] After Lysimachus had taken Amphipolis by the treachery of Andragathus, he loaded him with presents, and promised him still greater, if he would attend him into Asia. But as soon as they arrived at the straits of Thrace, he not only stripped him of all he possessed; but, after exposing him to the torture, put him to death.
[3] Lysimachus, conducted Ariston, son of Autoleon to his father’s kingdom in Paeonia: under pretence that the royal youth might be acknowledged by his subjects, and treated with due respect. But as soon as he had bathed in the royal baths in the river Arisbus, and they had set before him an elegant repast, according to the custom of his country; Lysimachus ordered his guards to arm: upon which, Ariston, instantly mounting his horse, escaped to Sardis; and left Lysimachus in possession of Paeonia.
4.13 Craterus
The Tyrians having with advantage attacked the Macedonians, while employed on their works, Craterus ordered a retreat. But after the Tyrians, who had continued eagerly to pursue them, had considerably fatigued themselves; he gave the signal to face about, and charge. The colour of the action was immediately changed: they who had pursued, now began to fly; and the fugitives became the pursuers.
4.14 Polysperchon
Polysperchon, to spirit up his men against the Peloponnesians, who were in possession of a pass between the mountains, put on an Arcadian cap, and double vest; and taking a staff in his hand, “Such,” says he, “are the men, against whom we are now engaged.” Then, throwing his Arcadian dress aside, and taking up his own arms, “and such,” added he, “my fellow soldiers, are the men, who engage them; men, who in great and various battles have won glorious victories.” This short harangue so animated his troops, that they unanimously requested him to lead them instantly to the charge.
4.19 Ptolemy
When Perdiccas had marched down to the river Memphis, with intention to cross it; Ptolemy tied his baggage to a number of goats, swine, and oxen, and left the herdsmen with some of his horse to drive them. The baggage thus dragged along the ground by those animals raised a prodigious dust; and exhibited in appearance the march of a numerous army. With the rest of his cavalry Ptolemy pursued the enemy, and came up with them as they were crossing the river, part having already passed it: who, from the dust, suspecting a numerous army in their rear, some fled, others perished in the river, and a great number were taken prisoners.
4.20 Attalus
[My Note: Compare this to Frontinus 1.11.14 which tells the same tale about Alexander]
Attalus, previous to an engagement with the Gauls, to whom he was very inferior in force, to animate his men against the superiority of the enemy, offered a sacrifice; Sudinus a Chaldaen priest performing the ceremony. Upon his hand, in the black juice of the oak apple, the king inscribed, “The king’s victory,” in inverted letters, not from the left to the right, but from the right to the left. And when he emboweled the victim, he placed his hand under a warm and spongy part; which took from it the impression. The priest then turning over the rest of the parts, the gall, the lungs, and the stomach, and observing the omens to be drawn from them, turned to the part which contained the inscription of the king’s victory: which exulting with joy he showed to all the soldiers. This they eagerly read; and assuming confidence, as if Heaven had assured them of victory, unanimously requested to be immediately led against the barbarians: whom they charged with such extraordinary vigour; and obtained the victory they had been taught to expect.