31.42
.His
men were already coming up to the enemy's rampart when Philip ordered the
retreat to be sounded, for horses and men alike were tired, not so much by
fighting as by the length and extraordinary celerity of their march. Orders
were given to the cavalry to get water and take their dinner a troop at a time,
and the light infantry to do the same, a maniple at a time; the others he kept
in position under arms waiting for the main body of infantry, who owing to
the weight of their armour had marched more slowly. When these arrived
they were ordered to plant their standards and put their arms down in front
of them and then take a hasty meal, while two or three at the most were sent
from each company to fetch water. The cavalry and light infantry were in the
meantime standing ready for instant action in case of any movement on the
part of the enemy. By this time the crowds of Aetolians who had been
dispersed in the fields had regained their camp, and troops were posted
about the gates and rampart as though they were prepared to defend their
lines. As long as they saw that the enemy were quiet and they felt safe, they
were quite courageous, but as soon as the Macedonians got into motion and
began to advance towards their camp fully prepared for battle, they all
promptly deserted their posts and made their escape through the gate in the
rear of the camp to the eminence on which the Athamanian camp stood.
Philip felt quite certain that he could have deprived the Athamanians also of
their camp, had sufficient light remained, but the day had been consumed,
first in the battle and then in plundering the Aetolian camp. So he took up his
position on the level ground near the hill, prepared to attack at dawn. But
the Aetolians, who had not recovered from the panic in which they had
abandoned their camp, fled in various directions during the night.
Amynander proved of the greatest assistance to them; under his leading the
Athamanians who were familiar with the paths over the mountain summits
conducted them into Aetolia by ways unknown to the enemy who was
following in pursuit. A few who had lost their way in the scattered flight fell
into the hands of the cavalry whom Philip on finding that the camp was
abandoned had sent to harass their retreat.
