JASON AT THEBES. 189
- pair than by hope. They were doubtless absorbed in the intoxi-
cating triumph and exultation of the moment, with the embraces and felicitations of their families in Thebes, rescued from impend ing destruction by their valor. Like the Syracusans after their last great victory 1 over the Athenian fleet in the Great Harbor, they probably required an interval to give loose to their feelings of ec- stasy, before they would resume action. Epaminondas and the other leaders, aware how much the value of Theban alliance was now enhanced, endeavored to obtain reinforcement from without, before they proceeded to follow up the blow. To Athens they sent a herald, crowned with wreaths of triumph, proclaiming their re- cent victory. They invited the Athenians to employ the present opportunity for taking full revenge on Sparta, by joining their hands with those of Thebes. But the sympathies of the Athenians were now rather hostile than friendly to Thebes, besides that they had sworn peace with Sparta, not a month before. The Senate, who were assembled in the acropolis when the herald arrived, heard his news with evident chagrin, and dismissed him without even a word of courtesy ; while the unfortunate Plataeans, who were doubtless waiting in the city in expectation of the victory of Kleombrotus, and of their own speedy reestablishment, found them- selves again struck down and doomed to indefinite exile. To Jason of Pheras in Thessaly, another Theban herald was sent for the same purpose, and very differently received. The despot sent back word that he would come forthwith by sea, and ordered triremes to be equipped for the purpose. But this was a mere deception ; for at the same time, he collected the mercena- ries and cavalry immediately near to him, and began his march by land. So rapid were his movements, that he forestalled all oppo- sition, though he had to traverse the territory of the Herakleots and Phokians, who were his bitter enemies, and joined the Thebans safely in Bceotia. 2 But when the Theban leaders pro- posed that he should attack the Lacedaemonian camp in flank, from the high ground, while they would march straight up the hill and 1 See Thucyd. vii, 73. s Xcn. Helien. vi, 4, 20, 21. However, since the Phokians formed part of the beaten army at Lenktra. it must be confessed that Jason had less to fear from them at this moment, than at any other.
