behaviour. He subdued, in a very short time,
the greatest part of the nations of Spain, either by the terror of his
arms or his engaging conduct; and after enjoying the command there nine
years, came to an end worthy his exalted character, dying gloriously in
arms for the cause of his country.

(M117) The Carthaginians appointed Asdrubal, his son-in-law, to succeed
him.(709) This general, to strengthen his footing in the country, built a
city, which, by the advantage of its situation, the commodiousness of its
harbour, its fortifications, and opulence occasioned by its great
commerce, became one of the most considerable cities in the world. It was
called New Carthage, and is at this day known by the name of Carthagena.

From the several steps of these two great generals, it was easy to
perceive that they were meditating some mighty design which they had
always in view, and laid their schemes at a great distance for the putting
it in execution. The Romans were sensible of this, and reproached
themselves for their indolence and torpor, which had thrown them into a
kind of lethargy; at a time that the enemy were rapidly pursuing their
victories in Spain, which might one day be turned against them. They would
have been very well pleased to attack them by open force, and to wrest
their conquests out of their hands; but the fear of another (not less
formidable) enemy, the Gauls, whom they expected shortly to see at their
very gates, kept them from showing their resentment. They therefore had
recourse to negotiations; and concluded a treaty with Asdrubal, in which,
without taking any notice of the rest of Spain, they contented themselves
with introducing an article, by which the Carthaginians were not allowed
to make any conquests beyond the Iberus.

Asdrubal, in the mean time, still pushed on his conquests;(710) still,
however, taking care not to pass beyond the limits stipulated by the
treaty; but by sparing no endeavours to win the chiefs of the several
nations by a courteous and engaging behaviour, he furthered the interests
of Carthage still more by persuasive methods than force of arms. But
unhappily, after having governed Spain eight years, he was treacherously
murdered by a Gaul, who took so barbarous a revenge for a private grudge
he bore him.(711)

(M118) Three years before his death, he had written to Carthage, to desire
that Hannibal, then twenty-two years of age, might be sent to him.(712)
The proposal met wit