§21.9.1cum diu anceps fuisset certamen, et Saguntinis, quia praeter spem resisterent, crevissent animi, Poenus, quia non vicisset, §21.9.2pro victo esset, clamorem repente oppidani tollunt hostemque in ruinas muri expellunt, inde inpeditum trepidantemque exturbant, postremo fusum fugatumque in castra redigunt.
When the contest had been doubtful for a long time, and the spirits of the Saguntines had increased because they were resisting beyond expectation, while the Carthaginian, because he had not conquered, was as if defeated, the townsmen suddenly raised a shout and drove the enemy out into the ruins of the wall, and from there expelled them, hindered and panicking, and finally drove them back, routed and put to flight, into their camp.
interim ab Roma legatos venisse nuntiatum est; §21.9.3quibus obviam ad mare missi ab Hannibale, qui dicerent nec tuto eos adituros inter tot tam effrenatarum gentium arma, nec Hannibali in tanto discrimine rerum operae esse legationes audire.
Meanwhile, it was announced that ambassadors had arrived from Rome; to meet them at the sea, messengers were sent by Hannibal to say that they would not approach safely among the weapons of so many and so wild nations, and that Hannibal, in such a critical state of affairs, had no leisure to listen to embassies.
§21.9.4apparebat non admissos protinus Carthaginem ituros.
It was apparent that, if not admitted, they would proceed straight to Carthage.
litteras igitur nuntiosque ad principes factionis Barcinae praemittit, ut praepararent suorum animos, ne quid pars altera gratificari populo Romano posset.
Therefore, he sent letters and messengers ahead to the leaders of the Barcine faction, so that they might prepare the minds of their supporters, lest the opposing party should be able to grant any favor to the Roman people.