im (as he declares) to make this remark, in opposition to a
maxim which was grown very common in his time among persons in the
administration of the government, who imagined, that sincerity is
inconsistent with good policy; and that it is impossible to succeed in the
administration of state affairs, either in war or peace, without using
fraud and deceit on some occasions.

I now return to my subject.(882) The consuls made no great haste to march
against Carthage, not suspecting they had any thing to fear from that
city, as it was now disarmed. The inhabitants took the opportunity of this
delay to put themselves in a posture of defence, being all unanimously
resolved not to quit the city. They appointed as general, without the
walls, Asdrubal, who was at the head of twenty thousand men; and to whom
deputies were sent accordingly, to entreat him to forget, for his
country's sake, the injustice which had been done him, from the dread they
were under of the Romans. The command of the troops, within the walls, was
given to another Asdrubal, grandson of Masinissa. They then applied
themselves to the making arms with incredible expedition. The temples, the
palaces, the open markets and squares, were all changed into so many
arsenals, where men and women worked day and night. Every day were made a
hundred and and forty shields, three hundred swords, five hundred pikes or
javelins, a thousand arrows, and a great number of engines to discharge
them; and because they wanted materials to make ropes, the women cut off
their hair, and abundantly supplied their wants on this occasion.

Masinissa was very much disgusted at the Romans, because, after he had
extremely weakened the Carthaginians, they came and reaped the fruits of
his victory, without acquainting him in any manner with their design,
which circumstance caused some coldness between them.(883)

During this interval, the consuls were advancing towards the city, in
order to besiege it.(884) As they expected nothing less than a vigorous
resistance, the incredible resolution and courage of the besieged filled
them with the utmost astonishment.

The Carthaginians were for ever making the boldest sallies, in order to
repulse the besiegers, to burn their engines, and harass their foragers.
Censorinus attacked the city on one side, and Manilius on the other.
Scipio, afterwards surnamed Africanus, served then as tribune in the army;
and distinguished himself above the rest of the o