[55.9] For the two datives, see [p. 25, n. 6].
[55.10] future infinitive of sum.
[56.1] Son of Gisco (so also in [l. 148]); to be carefully distinguished from the Hasdrubal of [l. 61].
[56.2] Sc. nāvem; ‘was sailing.’
[56.3] = ut peteret. Cf. [p. xviii], E 5.
[56.4] Cēnātum . . . est (ab iīs): impers. pass.; ‘they dined.’
[56.5] lectō . . . accubuērunt (accumbō): the writer has in mind the Roman custom, according to which men reclined at meals, supporting themselves on the left elbow. Three persons or more occupied the same couch.
[56.6] iam dūdum cupiēbat: ‘had long desired.’ Iam diū, iam dūdum, and iam prīdem give to the present the force of the English perfect, to the imperfect the force of the English pluperfect.
[56.7] Sc. ēius: ‘of him present’ = ‘now that he met him face to face.’
[56.8] cultus (colō) munditiīs: ‘(too) elegantly adorned.’ How literally?