It is clear that Rome and Carthage cannot both exist--one or the other must be destroyed.

It is useless to strike at extremities, the blow must be dealt at the heart.

Unfortunately our fleet is no longer superior to that of Rome, and victories at sea, however important, only temporarily cripple an enemy.
"It is by land the blow must be struck.

Were the sea ours, I should say, land troops in southern Italy, and continue to pour over reinforcements until all the fighting men of North Africa are at the gates of Rome.

But without the absolute command of the sea this cannot be done.