lves,
when thus attacked from both the summit and foot of the mountain; and
unable to get provisions, but from a little port, which was the only one
open to them. By such enterprises as these, the abilities and prudent
courage of a general, are as well, or perhaps better discovered, than by
the winning of a battle.

For five years, nothing memorable was performed on either side.(694) The
Romans had imagined that their land forces would alone be capable of
finishing the siege of Lilybaeum: but as they saw it protracted beyond
their expectation, they returned to their first plan, and made
extraordinary efforts to fit out a new fleet. The public treasury was at a
low ebb; but this want was supplied by the zeal of individuals; so ardent
was the love which the Romans bore their country. Every man, according to
his circumstances, contributed to the common expense; and, upon public
security, advanced money, without the least scruple, for an expedition on
which the glory and safety of Rome depended. One man fitted out a ship at
his own charge; another was equipped by the contributions of two or three;
so that, in a very little time, two hundred were ready for sailing. (M114)
The command was given to Lutatius the consul, who immediately put to sea.
The enemy's fleet had retired into Africa: the consul therefore easily
seized upon all the advantageous posts in the neighbourhood of Lilybaeum;
and foreseeing that he should soon be forced to fight, he omitted no
precautions to ensure success; and employed the interval in exercising his
soldiers and seamen at sea.

He was soon informed that the Carthaginian fleet drew near, under the
command of Hanno, who landed in a small island called Hiera, opposite to
Drepanum. His design was to reach Eryx undiscovered by the Romans, in
order to supply the army there; to reinforce his troops, and take Barca on
board to assist him in the expected engagement. But the consul, suspecting
his intention, was beforehand with him; and having assembled all his best
forces, sailed for the small island AEgusa,(695) which lay near the other.
He acquainted his officers with the design he had of attacking the enemy
on the morrow. Accordingly, at daybreak, he prepared to engage:
unfortunately the wind was favourable for the enemy, which made him
hesitate whether he should give him battle. But considering that the
Carthaginian fleet, when unloaded of its provisions, would become lighter
and more fit for action;