Marcellus closely pursued him, pitched his camp close to his, and when he had completed his works, led out his troops into the field.

Hannibal engaged in slight skirmishes, and sent out single troops of horse and the spearmen from his infantry, not considering it necessary to hazard a general battle.

He was, however, drawn on to a contest of that kind which he was avoiding.

Hannibal had decamped by night, but was overtaken by Marcellus in a plain and open country.

Then, while encamping, Marcellus, by attacking the workmen on all hands, prevented the completion of his works.