MARCUS PORCIUS CATO, the chief of the embassy, was especially alarmed at the prosperity of the city, and from that time never ceased to urge its destruction.

The embassy did not reach any decision, but allowed matters to go on as they might.

Finally, when some sympathizers with Masinissa were banished from the city, he attacked and defeated the Carthaginians, compelled their army to pass under the yoke, and afterwards treacherously destroyed it (150).
Carthage was compelled to give up some of her territory, and pay $5,000,000 indemnity.
After this victory, matters came to a crisis.

The city must be disciplined for warring with an ally of Rome.

Cato never failed to close any speech he might make in the Senate with the same cruel words, _Delenda est Carthago_, "Carthage must be destroyed." The people of Carthage were called to account.