Your friend Trebon behaved with great intelligence in the matter of your rescue, and I shall at once promote him a step in rank." "I am ready to set out again and try whether I can succeed better with some of the other chiefs if you like," Malchus said.
"No, Malchus, we will leave them alone for the present.

The Romans have been beforehand with us, and as this man was one of their principal chiefs, it is probable that, as he has forsaken his alliance with us, the others have done the same.

Moreover, the news of his death, deserved as it was, at the hands of a party of Carthaginians, will not improve their feelings towards us.

Nothing short of a general movement among the hill tribes would be of any great advantage to us, and it is clear that no general movement can be looked for now.

Besides, now that we see the spirit which animates these savages, I do not care to risk your loss by sending you among them." The news of the disaster of Lake Trasimene was met by Rome in a spirit worthy of her.