Universal History, Ancient and Modern, from the Earliest Records of Time, to the General Peace of 1801 (Volume 4) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1804. Excerpt: ... '. CHAP. XII. . The Affairs of Greece, from the Commencement of the memorable Retreat of the Ten Thousand Greeks under Xenofihon, to the Peace of Antalcidas. THE terror and alarm, which had hitherto prevailed in the Grecian camp, were now converted into consternation and despair. The afflictions of the Greeks seemed completed, by the dreadful catastrophe that had befallen their unfortunate commanders. They were twelve hundred miles distant from their native land; without friends, and without allies; hemmed in by rivers and mountarns, which now appeared as so many insurmountable barriers; and threatened by famine, and the resentment of a treacherous and perfidious enemy. They reflected, that it was dangerous to depart, but still more dangerous to remain. Provision could only be procured by the point of the sword. Every country would be hostile to them, and when they had conquered one enemy, another would be ready to receive them. They had no cavalry to pursue the barbarians in their flight, or to elude their pursuit: victory itself would be almost fruitless; but defeat would be certain ruin. These considerations, together with the fancied inspiration of a dream, impelled Xenophon to undertake, amidst the general dejection and dismay, the care of his own and of the publick safety. An assembly of the captains being convened, he represented to them faithfully the present situation of their affairs, but exhorted them, at the same time, not to suffer themselves to fall into despair. In every circumstance fortitude will afford relief. The barbarians had deceived but not conquered them. Their treacherous behaviour had made them odious and detestable to Heaven and to men. The gods, he said, were the umpires of the contest, and would not fail, by their assistance an...