[246] Undismayed by their defeat, the Spartans now despatched a more considerable force against the tyrant, under command of their king Cleomenes.

This army proceeded by land--entered Attica--encountered, defeated, the Thessalian horse [247],--and marched towards the gates of Athens, joined, as they proceeded, by all those Athenians who hoped, in the downfall of Hippias, the resurrection of their liberties.

The Spartan troops hastened to besiege the Athenian prince in the citadel, to which he retired with his forces.

But Hippias had provided his refuge with all the necessaries which might maintain him in a stubborn and prolonged resistance.

The Spartans were unprepared for the siege--the blockade of a few days sufficed to dishearten them, and they already meditated a retreat.