ps
in the harbour, that he might exhibit to the enemy the appearance of a
blockade by sea also; he then went round the fleet, and having warned
the commanders of the ships to be particularly careful in keeping the
night-watches, because an enemy, when besieged, usually tried every
effort and in every quarter at first, he returned into his camp; and
in order to explain to his soldiers the reason why he had adopted the
plan of commencing the war with the siege of a city, in preference to
any other, and also by exhortations to inspire them with hopes of
making themselves masters of it, he summoned them to an assembly, and
thus addressed them: "Soldiers, if any one among you suppose that you
have been brought here to attack a single city, that man takes a more
exact account of your present labour than of its profitable result
from it. For you will in truth attack the walls of a single city, but
in that single city you will have made yourselves masters of all
Spain. Here are the hostages of all her most distinguished kings and
states; and as soon as you shall have gained possession of these, they
will immediately deliver into your hands every thing which is now
subject to the Carthaginians. Here is the whole of the enemy's
treasure, without which they cannot carry on the war, as they are
keeping mercenary troops, and which will be most serviceable to us in
conciliating the affections of the barbarians. Here are their engines,
their arms, their tackle, and every requisite in war; which will at
once supply you, and leave the enemy destitute. Besides, we shall gain
possession of a city, not only of the greatest beauty and wealth, but
also most convenient as having an excellent harbour, by means of which
we may be supplied with every requisite for carrying on the war both
by sea and land. Great as are the advantages we shall thus gain, we
shall deprive our enemies of much greater. This is their citadel,
their granary, their treasury, their magazine, their receptacle for
every thing. Hence there is a direct passage into Africa; this is the
only station for a fleet between the Pyrenees and Gades; this gives to
Africa the command of all Spain. But as I perceive you are arrayed and
marshalled, let us pass on to the assault of New Carthage, with our
whole strength, and with undaunted courage." Upon this, they all with,
one accord cried out that it should be done; and he led them to
Carthage, and ordered that the assault should be made