Polybius - "The Histories (Book I)" (Chap. 38) lyrics

1 The Carthaginians, on hearing of the destruction of the Roman fleet, conceiving themselves to be now a match for the Romans both on land owing to their recent success and at sea owing to this disaster, were encouraged to make more extensive military and naval preparations. 2 They at once dispatched Hasdrubal to Sicily, giving him the troops they previously had and a force which had joined them from Heraclea, together with a hundred and forty elephants. 3 After dispatching him they began to get ready for sea two hundred ships and to make all other preparations for a naval expedition. 4 Hasdrubal having crossed in safety to Lilybaeum occupied himself in drilling unopposed his elephants and the rest of his force, and plainly intended 5 To dispute the possession of the open country. The Romans, on receiving full information about the disaster from the survivors of the shipwreck, were deeply grieved, but being resolved on no account to give in, they decided to put on the stocks a fresh fleet of two hundred and twenty ships. 6 In three months they were completed — a thing difficult to believe — and the new Consuls, Aulus Atilius and Gnaeus Cornelius. 7 Having fitted out the fleet, put to sea, and pa**ing the straits picked up at Messene the ships that had escaped shipwreck. Descending with their total fleet of three hundred sail on Panormus, the most important city in the Carthaginian province. 8 They undertook its siege. They threw up works in two places and after making the other necessary preparations. 9 Brought up their batteringrams. The tower on the sea shore was easily knocked down, and, the soldiers pressing in through this breach, the so‑called New Town was stormed, and the part known as the Old Town being now in imminent danger. 10 Its inhabitants soon surrendered it. Having taken possession of it the Consuls sailed back to Rome leaving a garrison in the town.