The theme supported by the excerpt is "Soldiers must be wary of their enemies." The passage describes a situation where the men, in their revelry and negligence (drinking wine and feasting), become vulnerable to their foes, highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of potential threats from the enemy. The reference to the fleeing Cicones calling for reinforcements further emphasizes the danger posed by the enemy and the consequences of neglecting to prepare for confrontation.
My men were mutinous,
fools, on stores of wine. Sheep after sheep they
butchered by the surf, and shambling cattle,
feasting,—while fugitives went inland, running
to call to arms the main force of Cicones.
This was an army, trained to fight on horseback
or, where the ground required, on foot. They came
with dawn over that terrain like the leaves
and blades of spring.
What theme is supported by the excerpt?
The victors of war earn rewards.
The fugitives of war suffer in isolation.
Soldiers should take proper care of their horses.
Soldiers must be wary of their enemies.
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