The Macedonians on hearing this were stimulated to action and finally took the advice of Moeragenes, first without delay visiting the Macedonian tents and then those of the other soldiers,
which are all close together, and turned towards a single part of the city.
As the people had long been disposed to revolt and required only some man of courage to appeal to them, once the movement began it spread like wildfire.
Four hours had scarcely elapsed when men of all nationalities, both soldiers and civilians, had agreed to attack the government.
Chance too co-operated much at this time to the accomplishment of their aim.
For Agathocles, when a letter reached his hands, and some spies were brought before him, and when the letter proved to be the one addressed by Tlepolemus to the troops announcing that he was on the point of coming, and the spies reported that he had actually arrived,
so entirely lost his head that, neglecting to take any action or to consider the news he had received, he went to carouse at his usual hour and conducted himself at the banquet in his usual manner.
Oenanthe, who was in great distress, betook himself to the Thesmophoreum, that temple being open for an annual sacrifice.
She first of all fell on her knees and with many gestures prayed fervently to the goddesses, and afterwards seated herself by the altar and held her peace.
Most of the women, pleased to see her so dejected and distressed, remained silent, but the relatives of Polycrates and some other noble ladies, who were not yet aware of the danger, came up to her to console her.
"Come not near me, you beasts," she cried aloud to them, "I know well that you bear us ill-will and that you pray to the goddesses that the worst may befall us,
but yet I trust that, if it be the will of heaven, I shall yet make you taste the flesh of your own children."
After sayings she bade her lictors drive them away from her and strike those who refused to leave.
Availing themselves of this pretext all the ladies withdrew, holding up their hands to the goddesses and praying that she might be cursed with the fate that she threatened to bring on others.
Walbank Commentary