he uninterrupted successes of
that prince, whose ambition and good fortune were boundless; all this
justly alarmed the Carthaginians. To sound his inclinations, Hamilcar,
surnamed Rhodanus, pretending to have been driven from his country by the
cabals of his enemies, went over to the camp of Alexander, to whom he was
introduced by Parmenio, and offered him his services. The king received
him graciously, and had several conferences with him. Hamilcar did not
fail to transmit to his country whatever discoveries he made from time to
time of Alexander's designs. Nevertheless, on his return to Carthage,
after Alexander's death, he was considered as a betrayer of his country to
that prince; and accordingly was put to death, by a sentence which
displayed equally the ingratitude and cruelty of his countrymen.

(M105) I am now to speak of the wars of the Carthaginians in Sicily, in
the time of Pyrrhus, king of Epirus.(655) The Romans, to whom the designs
of that ambitious prince were not unknown, in order to strengthen
themselves against any attempts he might make upon Italy, had renewed
their treaties with the Carthaginians, who, on their side, were no less
afraid of his crossing into Sicily. To the articles of the preceding
treaties, there was added an engagement of mutual assistance, in case
either of the contracting powers should be attacked by Pyrrhus.

The foresight of the Romans was well founded: Pyrrhus turned his arms
against Italy, and gained many victories.(656) The Carthaginians, in
consequence of the last treaty, thought themselves obliged to assist the
Romans; and accordingly sent them a fleet of six-score sail, under the
command of Mago. This general, in an audience before the senate, signified
to them the interest which his superiors took in the war which they heard
was carrying on against the Romans, and offered them their assistance. The
senate returned thanks for the obliging offer of the Carthaginians, but at
present thought fit to decline it.

Mago,(657) some days after, repaired to Pyrrhus, upon pretence of offering
the mediation of Carthage for terminating his quarrel with the Romans; but
in reality to sound him, and discover, if possible, his designs with
regard to Sicily, which common fame reported he was going to invade. The
Carthaginians were afraid that either Pyrrhus or the Romans would
interfere in the affairs of that island, and transport forces thither for
the conquest of it. And, indeed, the Syr