The Lacedaemonians also carry out with perfect
						ease manoeuvres that instructors in tactics think very difficult. Thus, when
						they march in column, every section of course follows in the rear of the
						section in front of it. Suppose that at such a time an enemy in order of
						battle suddenly makes his appearance in front: the word is passed to the
						second lieutenant to deploy into line to the left, and so throughout the
						column until the battle-line stands facing the enemy. Or again, if the enemy
						appears in the rear while they are in this formation, each file
						counter-marches, in order that the best men may always be face to face with
						the enemy. True, the leader is then on the left, but instead of thinking this a
						disadvantage, they regard it as a positive advantage at times. For should
						the enemy attempt a flanking movement he would try to encircle them, not on
						the exposed but on the protected side. i.e., this was the regular plan, because each of two battle lines
							advancing to meet one another always tended to converge to the right.
							See Thucydides, 5.71. If, however, it seems better for any reason
						that the leader should be on the right wing, the left wing wheels, and the
						army counter-marches by ranks until the leader is on the right, and the rear
						of the column on the left.