Polybius - "The Histories (Book I)" (Chap. 83) lyrics

1 The Carthaginians, being shut in on all sides, were obliged to resort to an appeal to the states in alliance with them. 2 Hiero during the whole of the present war had been most prompt in meeting their requests. 3 And was now more complaisant than ever, being convinced that it was in his own interest for securing both his Sicilian dominions and his friendship with the Romans, that Carthage should be preserved, and that the stronger power should not be able to attain its ultimate object entirely without effort. In this he reasoned very wisely and sensibly. 4 For such matters should never be neglected, and we should never contribute to the attainment by one state of a power so preponderant, that none dare dispute with it even for their acknowledged rights. 5 But now the Romans as well as Hiero observed loyally the engagements the treaty imposed on them. 6 At first there had been a slight dispute between the two states for the following reason. 7 The Carthaginians when they captured at sea traders coming from Italy to Libya with supplies for the enemy, brought them into Carthage, and there were now in their prisons as many as five hundred such. 8 The Romans were annoyed at this, but when on sending an emba**y, they recovered all the prisoners by diplomatic means, they were so much gratified, that in return they gave back to the Carthaginians all the remaining prisoners from the Sicilian war. 9 And henceforth gave prompt and friendly attention to all their requests. 10 They gave permission to their merchants to export all requirements for Carthage, but not for the enemy. 11 And shortly afterwards, when the mercenaries in Sardinia on revolting from Carthage invited them to occupy the island, they refused. Again on the citizens of Utica offering to surrender to them they did not accept, but held to their treaty engagements. 12 The Carthaginians, then, on thus obtaining a**istance from their friends continued to withstand the siege.