Across the sea.
To wake upon our shores the wail
Of misery.
Yet though such ships and stars appear
As portents vile,
Our faces will devoid of fear
With courage smile,
For Greek and Englishman will here
Defend the isle.
Two weeks passed since the departure of Caliphronas to stir up war against Melnos. Yet Alcibiades made no sign of attacking the island, so doubtless his plans had not yet matured sufficiently to permit of the assault, or else he was trying to lull the Melnosians into a false security, so as to storm them unawares. Justinian himself thought this latter supposition the more likely, but was too old a campaigner to be thus caught napping, and day and night had sentinels posted on the highest peaks of the island to give notice of the approach of the enemy by lighting watch-fires which were all ready prepared.