d a hundred
and fourteen of their ships were taken by the Romans. The latter sailed
into Africa to take in the few soldiers who had escaped the pursuit of the
enemy, after the defeat of Regulus; and had defended themselves vigorously
in Clupea,(686) where they had been unsuccessfully besieged.

Here again we are astonished that the Romans, after so considerable a
victory, and with so large a fleet, should sail into Africa, only to bring
from thence a small garrison; whereas they might have attempted the
conquest of it, since Regulus, with much fewer forces, had almost
completed it.

The Romans, on their return, were overtaken by a storm, which almost
destroyed their whole fleet.(687) The like misfortune befell them also the
following year.(688) However, they consoled themselves for this double
loss, by a victory which they gained over Asdrubal, from whom they took
near a hundred and forty elephants. This news being brought to Rome,
filled the whole city with joy; not only because the strength of the
enemy's army was considerably diminished by the loss of their elephants,
but chiefly because this victory had inspired the land forces with fresh
courage; who, since the defeat of Regulus, had not dared to venture upon
an engagement; so great was the terror with which those formidable animals
had filled the minds of all the soldiers. It was therefore judged proper
to make a greater effort than ever, in order to finish, if possible, a war
which had continued fourteen years. The two consuls set sail with a fleet
of two hundred ships, and arriving in Sicily, formed the bold design of
besieging Lilybaeum. This was the strongest town which the Carthaginians
possessed, and the loss of it would be attended with that of every part of
the island and open to the Romans a free passage into Africa.

The reader will suppose, that the utmost ardour was shown, both in the
assault and defence of the place.(689) Imilcon was governor there, with
ten thousand regular forces, exclusive of the inhabitants; and Hannibal,
the son of Hamilcar, soon brought him as many more from Carthage; he
having, with the most intrepid courage, forced his way through the enemy's
fleet, and arrived happily in the port.

The Romans had not lost any time. Having brought forward their engines,
they beat down several towers with their battering rams; and gaining
ground daily, they made such progress, as gave the besieged, who now were
closely pressed, some fears. T