THE MAN WHO WAITED
“Father!”
As he said this he bowed to Fabius. Then the soldiers of Minucius shouted:
“Patrons!”
As they cried “patrons” (which means friends and masters) they saluted the soldiers of Fabius.
Then Minucius said:
“Fabius, you have to-day gained two victories—one over the enemy from Africa by your courage, the other over me by your prudence and kindness, for to you we owe our lives. And I call you ‘father,’ since I know no better name.”
So saying, he embraced Fabius, and the two divisions of the army came together in friendship. Thus did Romans know how to keep down jealous feelings for the sake of Rome.
Alas! more sufferings were to be borne by Rome. In the battle of Cannæ about fifty thousand Romans fell. At the close of this awful scene Hannibal's friends gathered round him.
“Go on, general!” they cried. “In five days you will reach Rome, and eat supper on the Capitol.”
Hannibal did not take their advice.
Meanwhile the consul Varro, who had commanded the defeated army, had come to the city. The whole senate and people went to meet him at the gate. Varro looked sad and grave, but he did not tremble as a coward.
35
