Chapter I: Preface

I have told again in this volume some familiar stories, using mostly the original authorities, but availing myself, where it was possible, of the help of Plutarch, whose biographies are always rich in picturesque details. These narratives never lose their interest, and they have this special significance, that they illustrate what we all at least desire to believe, that results of abiding good come out of the losses and sorrows of war. I have sought to draw out this thought with some detail in my Epilogue.

A.J.C.

Ightham, Sevenoaks.
_September 8, 1900._

CONTENTS

_BOOK I_

GREECE AND PERSIA. THE DEFENCE

PAGE

I. THE MEN OF MARATHON 2

II. THE LION KING 11

III. IN THE STRAITS 21

IV. THE WOODEN WALLS 29

V. THE BATTLES ON THE PLAIN AND ON THE SHORE 44

_BOOK II_

GREECE AND CARTHAGE

I. THE LORD OF SYRACUSE 65

II. THE STORM FROM AFRICA 75

III. DIONYSIUS THE TYRANT 99

IV. THE DELIVERER FROM CORINTH 110

_BOOK III_

GREECE AND PERSIA. THE ATTACK

I. THE FIGHT ON THE RIVER 123

II. THE IRRESISTIBLE PHALANX 135

III. THE ARMY OF THE HUNDRED PROVINCES 143

_BOOK IV_

ROME AND CARTHAGE

I. THE SERVANTS OF MARS 154

II. FOR THE RULE OF THE SEA 159

III. THE MARTYR PATRIOT 166

IV. THE SONS OF LIGHTNING 174

V. THE AVALANCHE FROM THE ALPS 183

VI. THE DISASTER AT THE LAKE 194

VII. THE OVERTHROW AT CANNÆ 202

VIII. THE SECRET MARCH 213

IX. HANNIBAL'S LAST BATTLE 224