(sententious) remark, but the word has somewhat altered in
meaning.



IV

So Theramenes met his death; and, now that this obstacle was removed,
the Thirty, feeling that they had it in their power to play the tyrant
without fear, issued an order forbidding all, whose names were not on
the list, to set foot within the city. Retirement in the country
districts was no protection, thither the prosecutor followed them, and
thence dragged them, that their farms and properties might fall to the
possession of the Thirty and their friends. Even Piraeus was not safe;
of those who sought refuge there, many were driven forth in similar
fashion, until Megara and Thebes overflowed with the crowd of
refugees.

Presently Thrasybulus, with about seventy followers, sallied out from
Thebes, and made himself master of the fortress of Phyle.[1] The
weather was brilliant, and the Thirty marched out of the city to repel
the invader; with them were the Three Thousand and the Knights. When
they reached the place, some of the young men, in the foolhardiness of
youth, made a dash at the fortress, but without effect; all they got
was wounds, and so retired. The intention of the Thirty now was to
blockade the place; by shutting off all the avenues of supplies, they
thought to force the garrison to capitulate. But this project was
interrupted by a steady downfall of snow that night and the following
day. Baffled by this all-pervading enemy they beat a retreat to the
city, but not without the sacrifice of many of their camp-followers,