3 Hannibale duce. Polybius called the war of which Hannibal was the life and soul the ‘Hannibalian War.’
6 his ipsis, sc. Romanis Poenisque, with validiores.
6-7 virium aut roboris = offensive or defensive strength.—R.
8 expertas = tested, in a passive sense.
9 ut propius . . . vicerunt, e.g. after Cannae, 216 B.C.
12 ultro inferrent arma = should presume to attack.—Dimsdale.
13 Poenis, sc. indignantibus.
superbe avareque. ‘When the war of the mercenaries broke out in Africa (241-238 B.C.) Rome availed herself of the distress of Carthage to extort the cession of Sardinia, and raised the war indemnity by 1200 talents.’—Ihne.
[B.] The Oath of the Boy Hannibal.
Fama est etiam, Hannibalem annorum ferme 15 novem, pueriliter blandientem patri Hamilcari, ut duceretur in Hispaniam, cum, perfecto Africo bello, exercitum eo traiecturus sacrificaret, altaribus admotum, tactis sacris, iure iurando adactum, se, cum primum posset, hostem fore populo Romano. 20