midday
The Athenian naval station was protected by a row of piles , rammed into the bottom of the sea , forming a semi-circular breastwork , with an opening about two hundred feet wide , where the ships passed in and out . On either side of this entrance Nicias caused a merchant vessel to be moored , and each vessel was provided with an engine called a dolphin , a heavy mass of lead , suspended from the yard-arm , which could be dropped on the deck of any hostile trireme attempting to pass . Early on the following morning the Syracusans resumed hostilities both by sea and land , and after several hours of desultory fighting , they drew off their fleet , and sailed back to their station under the walls of the city . The Athenians were well pleased by this sudden relief , and concluding that their work was done for the day , they disembarked at leisure , and began to prepare their midday meal . But before they had time to snatch a mouthful , the whole Syracusan fleet was seen advancing again from the opposite shore , and the hungry and weary Athenian crews were summoned on board to repel a second attack . This crafty manoeuvre was due to a suggestion of Ariston , the most skilful of the Corinthian seamen , by whose advice provisions had been brought down to the beach , so that the Syracusan crews were kept together , and ready to renew the action , after a brief interval for repose and refreshment . For a little while the two fleets faced each other , without venturing to attack ; then the Athenians , who were feverish with hunger and fatigue , could restrain themselves no longer , but with one consent they dashed their oars into the water , and with shouts of mutual encouragement charged down upon the enemy .