He learned the art of war not from written precepts, but by his own practice; not from reverses, but from victories.

He does not count his campaigns, but the triumphs which he has won.

What nature of warfare is there in which the Republic has not used his services?
Think of our Civil war[290]--of our African war[291]--of our war on the other side of the Alps[292]--of our Spanish wars[293]--of our Servile war[294]--which was carried on by the energies of so many mighty people--and this Maritime war.[295] How many enemies had we, how various were our contests! They were all not only carried through by this one man, but brought to an end so gloriously as to show that there is nothing in the practice of warfare which has escaped his knowledge.
* * * * * "Seeing, therefore, that this war cannot be neglected; that its importance demands the utmost care in its administration; that it requires a general in whom should be found sure military science, manifest valor, conspicuous authority, and pre-eminent good fortune--do you doubt, Quirites, but that you should use the great blessing which the gods have given you for the preservation and glory of the Republic ?" * * * * * On reading, however, the piece over again, I almost doubt whether there be any passages in it which should be selected as superior to others.
APPENDIX E.
(_See_ ch.XI., note [235]) _LUCAN, LIBER I._ "O male concordes, nimiaque cupidine caeci, Quid miscere juvat vires orbemque tenere In medio." "Temporis angusti mansit concordia discors, Paxque fuit non sponte ducum.

Nam sola futuri Crassus erat belli medius mora.

Qualiter undas Qui secat, et geminum gracilis mare separat isthmos, Nec patitur conferre fretum; si terra recedat, Ionium AEgaeo frangat mare.