19. in Āfricam missus: the senate, led by Fabius, opposed the sending of Scipio, but the people forced that body to accede to their demands. Owing to the opposition Scipio was not as well equipped for the expedition as he should have been.
dīvīnum quiddam: ‘something divine.’ The ancients believed that great men were inspired by the gods. Scipio pretended to hold communication with Jupiter Capitolinus. Probably he merely took advantage of a popular superstition.
24. Syphācem: Syphax had driven Masinissa, a Libyan king, from his throne. Masinissa joined Scipio on his arrival in Africa and gave him valuable aid. When the war was ended Masinissa was restored to his throne as his reward.
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Ch. 21.
5. lēgātī … petīvērunt: their purpose was to enable Hannibal to reach Africa and prepare for war against Scipio.
7. quoūsque ＝ dōnec: a late usage.
8. mīlia: sc. lībrārum.
pondō: ‘by weight.’
11. nē … redderent: Indirect Discourse depending on an idea of commanding implied in hīs … dedit.