and nine thousand horse. How could it
be possible for him, with so inconsiderable an army, to seize, in an
enemy's country, on all the advantageous posts; to awe his new allies; to
preserve his old conquests and form new ones; and to keep the field, with
advantage, against two armies of the Romans which were recruited every
year? This was the true cause of the declension of Hannibal's affairs, and
of the ruin of those of Carthage. Was the part where Polybius treated this
subject extant, we doubtless should find, that he lays a greater stress on
this cause, than on the luxurious delights of Capua.

(M123) _Transactions relating to Spain and Sardinia._(_784_)--The two
Scipios still continued in the command of Spain, and their arms were
making a considerable progress there, when Asdrubal, who alone seemed able
to cope with them, received orders from Carthage to march into Italy to
the relief of his brother. Before he left Spain, he writ to the senate, to
convince them of the absolute necessity of their sending a general in his
stead, who was capable of making head against the Romans. Imilcon was
therefore sent thither with an army; and Asdrubal set out upon his march
with his, in order to go and join his brother. The news of his departure
was no sooner known, than the greatest part of Spain was subjected by the
Scipios. These two generals, animated by such signal success, resolved to
prevent him, if possible, from leaving Spain. They considered the danger
to which the Romans would be exposed, if, being scarce able to resist
Hannibal alone, they should be attacked by the two brothers, at the head
of two powerful armies. They therefore pursued Asdrubal, and, coming up
with that general, forced him to fight against his inclination. Asdrubal
was overcome; and, so far from being able to continue his march for Italy,
he found that it would be impossible for him to continue with any safety
in Spain.

The Carthaginians had no better success in Sardinia. Designing to take
advantage of some rebellions which they had fomented in that country, they
lost twelve thousand men in a battle fought against the Romans, who took a
still greater number of prisoners, among whom were Asdrubal, surnamed
Calvus, Hanno, and Mago,(785) who were distinguished by their birth as
well as military exploits.

(M124) _The ill Success of Hannibal. The Sieges of Capua and
Rome._(_786_)--From the time of Hannibal's abode in Capua, the Carthaginian
affairs in