The attack on Stratus failed altogether, chiefly in consequence of the
impetuosity of the rude mountaineers serving under Cnemus, who
advanced unsupported against the town, and meeting with a severe
repulse embarrassed the movements of their Greek allies. About the
same time the Peloponnesian fleet, consisting of forty-seven ships,
was sailing down the Corinthian Gulf to co-operate with Cnemus. It was
known that Phormio, the Athenian admiral, was stationed at Naupactus
with a squadron of twenty vessels; but the Peloponnesian captains
never dreamed that he would venture to attack them with so small a
force, and they pursued their voyage along the southern shore of the
gulf, without making any preparations for a battle. Phormio, however,
had other intentions: keeping close to the opposite shore, he followed
their movements, and allowed them to pass through the narrow strait
which divides the inner from the outer gulf, wishing to avoid an
engagement until they reached the open water. The Peloponnesians
dropped anchor for the night at Patrae in Achaia, and Phormio took up
his station at Chalcis, a harbour-town of Aetolia, at the mouth of the
Evenus. Being now convinced that Phormio meditated an encounter, for
which they had little inclination, the Peloponnesian admirals made an
attempt [Footnote: I have adopted the reading of Bloomfield, approved
by Classen (4th Edition).] to steal across under cover of darkness.
But this manoeuvre was detected, and they found their way barred by
the Athenian squadron in the middle of the channel. Being thus driven
to bay the Peloponnesians drew up their ships in a circle, with their
prows turned outwards, like a flock of sheep assailed by a dog. Within
the circle were placed the smaller vessels accompanying the fleet, and
five of the swiftest galleys, which were intended to lend assistance
against any attack of the enemy.