They must know that we are receiving no reinforcements to fill the gaps made in battle, and may well fear to provoke the anger of Rome by taking part with us before our success is, as they consider, absolutely secure." "On the same grounds then, Trebon, they will be equally unwilling to offend us by any hostility until the scale is decidedly weighed down against us.

Hannibal's anger might be as terrible as that of the Romans." "There is something in that, Malchus, but not so much as you think.

If Rome wins, Rome will have ample time and ample power, with the aid of all her native allies, to punish any who may have declared against her.

On the other hand, should Carthage triumph, they may consider it probable that we should sack and burn Rome and then retire, or that if we remain there will be so much to arrange, so many tribes in the plains to subjugate and pacify, that we shall be little likely to undertake expeditions in the mountains.

Therefore, you see, prudent men would decide for Rome.