heir respective dismantled cities, on condition of their paying
a tribute to Carthage; that the Leontines, the Messenians, and all the
Sicilians, should retain their own laws, and preserve their liberty and
independence: lastly, that the Syracusans should still continue subject to
Dionysius. After this treaty was concluded, Imilcon returned to Carthage,
where the plague still made dreadful havoc.

(M102) Dionysius had concluded the late peace with the Carthaginians with
no other view than to get time to establish his new authority, and make
the necessary preparations for the war which he meditated against
them.(619) As he was very sensible how formidable the power of this state
was, he used his utmost endeavours to enable himself to invade them with
success; and his design was wonderfully well seconded by the zeal of his
subjects. The fame of this prince, the strong desire he had to distinguish
himself, the charms of gain, and the prospect of the rewards which he
promised those who should show the greatest industry; invited, from all
quarters, into Sicily, the most able artists and workmen at that time in
the world. All Syracuse now became in a manner an immense workshop, in
every part of which men were seen making swords, helmets, shields, and
military engines; and preparing all things necessary for building ships
and fitting out fleets. The invention of vessels with five benches of oars
(or _Quinqueremes_) was at that time very recent; for, till then, those
with three alone(620) had been used. Dionysius animated the workmen by his
presence, and by the applauses he gave, and the bounty which he bestowed
seasonably; but chiefly by his popular and engaging behaviour, which
excited, more strongly than any other conduct, the industry and ardour of
the workmen;(621) and he frequently allowed those of them who most
excelled in their respective arts the honour to dine with him.

When all things were ready, and a great number of forces had been levied
in different countries, he called the Syracusans together, laid his design
before them, and represented to them that the Carthaginians were the
professed enemies to the Greeks; that they had no less in view than the
invasion of all Sicily; the subjecting all the Grecian cities; and that,
in case their progress was not checked, the Syracusans themselves would
soon be attacked: that the reason why the Carthaginians did not attempt
any enterprise, and continued unactive, was owing en