He hoped that, by the time this work was finished, Carthage would send another great army to his assistance provided with siege materials, and he would then be able to undertake with confidence the great task of striking a vital blow at Rome herself.
"Malchus," Hannibal said one day, "I wish you to ride north.

The tribes at the foot of the hills promised to aid us, but have so far done nothing.

If they would pour down to the plains now they would occupy the tribes friendly to the Romans, and would prevent them from sending men and stores to them.

They sent me a message a month ago, saying that they were still willing to help us, and I then replied that I had been long waiting to hear that they had risen, and urged them to do so without loss of time.

I have not heard since, and fear that the Roman agents have, by promises of money and privileges, prevailed upon them to keep quiet.