Polybius - "The Histories (Book I)" (Chap. 30) lyrics

1 The Carthaginians, observing that the Romans were preparing for a long occupation, in the first place elected two generals from among themselves, Hasdrubal, the son of Hanno, and Bostar, and next sent to Heraclea to Hamilcar, ordering him to return instantly. 2 Taking with him five hundred horse and five thousand foot, he came to Carthage where, being appointed third general, he held a consultation with Hasdrubal and his staff as to what steps should be taken. 3 They decided on marching to the a**istance of the country and no longer looking on while it was plundered with immunity. 4 A few days later Regulus had begun to advance, taking by a**ault and pillaging the unwalled places and laying siege to those which had walls. 5 On reaching Adys, a town of some importance, he encamped about it and busied himself with raising works to besiege it. 6 The Carthaginians, being anxious to attempt to regain the command of the open country, led out their forces. 7 They took possession of a hill which, while overlooking the enemy, was not a favourable position for their own army; and there they encamped. 8 In this manner, though their best hope lay in their cavalry and elephants, yet by quitting the level country and shutting themselves up in a precipitous place, difficult of access, they were sure to make it plain to their adversaries how best to attack them, and this is exactly what did happen. 9 For the Roman commanders, perceiving from their experience of war that the most efficient and formidable part of the enemy's force was rendered unserviceable by their position, did not wait for the Carthaginians to come down and offer battle on the plain. 10 But, seizing on their own opportunity, advanced at daybreak on the hill from both sides. 11 And so their elephants and cavalry were absolutely useless to the Carthaginians, but their mercenaries sallying out with great gallantry and dash compelled the first legion to give way and take to flight. 12 But on their advancing too far and being surrounded and driven back by the force that was attacking on the other side, the whole Carthaginian army were at once dislodged from their camp. 13 The elephants and cavalry, as soon as they reached level ground, effected their retreat in safety. 14 And the Romans, after pursuing the infantry for a short distance and destroying the camp, henceforth over-ran and plundered the country and its towns unmolested. 15 Having made themselves masters of the town named Tunis, which was a suitable base for these raids, and also well situated for operations against the capital and its immediate environs, they established themselves there.