In fact after some time a Carthaginian squadron of 50 sail succeeded in running into the harbour, in throwing a large quantity of provisions and a reinforcement of 10,000 men into the city, and in returning unmolested.

The besieging land army was not much more fortunate.
They began with a regular attack; machines were erected, and in a short time the batteries had demolished six of the towers flanking the walls, so that the breach soon appeared to be practicable.

But the able Carthaginian commander Himilco parried this assault by giving orders for the erection of a second wall behind the breach.

An attempt of the Romans to enter into an understanding with the garrison was likewise frustrated in proper time.

And, after a first sally made for the purpose of burning the Roman set of machines had been repulsed, the Carthaginians succeeded during a stormy night in effecting their object.