TALES OF THE ROMANS
“Oh,” he said to his captains, “we can easily drive Hannibal's troops from that hill.”
The Romans hurried to the attack. From many a ditch and hollow the Africans rose up with a shout, and soon the legions of Minucius were flying in disorder.
From his camp Fabius had watched these events. He slapped his hand upon his thigh in token of grief, and said:
“How soon has Minucius done what I feared he would! He acted rashly, and punished himself.”
Fabius then moved his part of the army to the aid of his comrade, and checked the advance of Hannibal.
After the battle Minucius called his men round him, and thus addressed them:
“Friends and fellow-soldiers: Every man makes mistakes; and when a mistake is made, we should do our best to correct it. I have been in the wrong in not following the advice of Fabius. Come with me, and I will tell him there shall be but one army, and he shall be the one leader.”
The ensigns who carried the wooden eagles then advanced, and Minucius came after them with all his troops. He visited Fabius in his tent. They talked together a few minutes, and came out. Then Minucius spoke with a loud voice:
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