His aim was to starve the enemy, who were in extreme want of provisions, from their fleet having been lately defeated.18.But his single opinion was overruled by the army, who now grew every day more confident of their strength, and more arrogant to their general.

At last, therefore, after a respite of twenty days, he was obliged to comply with their solicitations to try the fate of a battle.

Both armies were drawn out, and they remained a long while opposite to each other without offering to engage.

It is said, that he himself had lost much of his ardour by having again seen, or fancied that he saw, the spectre, in the night preceding.

However, he encouraged his men, and gave the signal for battle.