The Library of History

Out of the 23d BOOK.

1. I Look upon it the Duty of an Historian diligently to observe the Stratagems and Management of Affairs by Generals on both sides: For by laying open and taxing of other Mens Faults the like Miscarriage may be prevented in them that come after, and on the other side, by commending of things that are done well, others are stirr'd up to Virtuous actions. For who can but utterly condemn the Pride, Folly, Madness and Insolency of Attilius? Who not able to bear the weight of his prosperous Fortune, both lost his own Reputation, and brought many great Mischiefs and Calamities upon his Country. For when he might have struck up a Peace with the Carthaginians, Honourable and Advantageous to the Romans, but Base and Dishonourable to the other, and his Name might have been for ever renown'd amongst all Men for his Clemency and Humanity, he had no regard to any of these things: But proudly insulting over the Distresses of the Afflicted, stood upon such Terms as both provok'd the Gods to Anger, and forc'd the Conquered by reason of those unreasonable Conditions, to stand it out resolutely to the utmost Extremity; so that the face of Affairs was chang'd on a sudden, insomuch as the Carthaginians who but a little before were in great Terror and Amazement, by reason of their late Rout, and despair'd of all Relief, gather'd Courage, and routed and cut off their Enemies Army; and upon this Misfortune, such was the Distress and Amazement of the City of Rome, that they who were before look'd upon to be the best Soldiers at Land in the World, durst not engage the Enemy in that kind any more; and therefore this was the longest War of any we read of in former times, and the matter was now to be decided by Sea Fights, in which a vast Number of Ships both of the Romans and their Confederates were destroy'd, and 100000 Men perish'd with those that were kill'd in Fights at Sea: And it's easie to believe how vast a Treasure must be expended, sufficient to maintain so great a Fleet for the continuance of a War for Fifteen Years. But he that was the Author and Occasion of so many Miseries, had himself no small share in the Calamity, since his present Dishonour and Disgrace did far over-ballance his former Glory and Reputation; and by his Misfortune others are taught not to be proud in Prosperity. And that which was most cutting and grievous was, that he was now forced to endure the Scoffs and Scorns of those over whom he had before insulted in the time of their Calamity; having justly debarred himself from that Pity and Commiseration which is wont to be shew'd towards them that are in affliction. But as for Xanthippus he not only delivered the Carthaginians from the present Evils that hung over them, but altogether chang'd the Scene of Affairs; for he utterly routed the Romans who were but even now Conquerors, and after a sad slaughter lifted up the Carthaginians to such a height of Prosperity, (who were expecting their last doom) that for the future they slighted and contemn'd their Enemy.

The noise of this famous Action being spread almost all the World over, every one admir'd the Valour of this General. For it look'd like a Wonder to every body, that there should be such a sudden change of Affairs, by one Man only joining with the Carthaginians, and that they who were but lately closely besieg'd, should on a sudden besiege the Enemy: And that they who by their Valour were a little before Lords both of Sea and Land, should be now coop'd up in a small Town, expecting every day to be a Prey to their Enemies; but it's not to be wonder'd at, since the Prudence and Wisdom of the General overcame all difficulties.

2. Hamilear the Carthaginian, call'd Barca, and Hannibal his Son the great Carthaginian Generals, are reputed the greatest Captains of any that ever were either before or after them, and by their Victories greatly enlarg'd the Dominion of the Carthaginians.