[[4] Cum legatis quos mitteret ad Syphacem calonum loco primos ordines spectatae uirtutis atque prudentiae seruili habitu mittebat, qui dum in conloquio legati essent uagi per castra alius alia aditus exitusque omnes, situm formamque et uniuersorum castrorum et partium, qua Poeni qua Numidae haberent, quantum interualli inter Hasdrubalis ac regia castra esset, specularentur moremque simul noscerent stationum uigiliarumque, nocte an interdiu opportuniores insidianti essent; et inter crebra conloquia alii atque alii de industria quo pluribus omnia nota essent mittebantur. cum saepius agitata res certiorem spem pacis in dies et Syphaci et Carthaginiensibus per eum faceret, legati Romani uetitos se reuerti ad imperatorem aiunt nisi certum responsum detur: proinde, seu ipsi staret iam sententia, |
[4]With the envoys whom he sent to Syphax [he sent] in place of camp-servants some first-rank centurions, men of tried courage and sagacity, who were disguised as slaves. Whilst the envoys were in conference these men were to stroll about the camp noting all the adits and exits, the position and the general arrangement of the camp, the positions of the Carthaginians and Numidians, and the distance between Hasdrubal's camp and that of Syphax. They were also to watch and learn at the same time the methods of posting the watches and guards, to see whether a surprise attack ) would be better made by night or by day. ) The conferences were pretty frequent, and different men were purposely [sent] each time in order that these details might ) become known to a larger number. ) As discussions went on with more frequency, hope of peace daily increased in both Syphax and, through him, in the Carthaginians. Suddenly the Roman envoys [announced] that they were forbidden to return to Scipio unless a definite reply were given. Moreover [Syphax] must either say what he had made up his mind to do or, if he had to consult Hasdrubal and the Carthaginians, he should do so; it was time for either a peace settlement or an energetic resumption of hostilities. Whilst Syphax was consulting Hasdrubal and Hasdrubal the Carthaginians, the spies [had time] to visit everything and Scipio [had time] to arrange everything necessary. Because of the prospect of peace lack of preparedness, as usually happens, among the Carthaginians and Numidia arose to guard against suffering anything hostile in the meantime. At last a reply came, but as the Romans were supposed ) to be exceedingly anxious for peace, ) the opportunity was taken of adding [some] unacceptable conditions. These very opportunely provided Scipio the excuse to justify ) him in breaking off the armistice. ) [He told] the king's messenger that he would refer it to his council, and the next day he gave his reply that he alone had spoken in vain for peace but no other was in favour of peace. The messenger was to take word therefore that there was no other hope of peace than that, abandoning the cause of the Carthaginians, Syphax should join the Romans. Thus Scipio put an end to the truce in order that without any breach of faith he might be free to carry out his plans . He launched his ships - it was now the beginning of spring - and [placed] engines and artillery [on ship] as though to attack Utica from the sea. He also [sent] 2000 men to hold (take) the hill which he had previously occupied, commanding the city of Utica, partly with a view of diverting the enemy's attention ) from his real design ) to worry about another matter, ) and partly to prevent (after he had set out against ) Syphax and Hasdrubal) ) [any] breakout from the city or attack on his camp, as it would be left with only a weak guard. |
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