Livy's History of Rome - Table of Contents

pardon for a city which had been twice ruined by the recklessness of its citizens and could only be preserved in safety by
the good-will of its enemy. What Rome sought, they pleaded, was the homage and submission of the vanquished, not their
annihilation. They professed themselves ready to execute any commands which he chose to give. Scipio replied that he
had come to Africa in the hope - a hope which his successes had confirmed - of taking back to Rome a complete victory,
and not merely proposals for peace. Still, though victory was almost within his grasp, he would not refuse to grant terms of
peace, that all nations might know that Rome was actuated by the spirit of justice, whether she was undertaking a war or
putting an end to one.
He stated the terms of peace, which were the surrender of all prisoners, deserters and refugees; the withdrawal of the
armies from Italy and Gaul; the abandonment of all action in Spain; the evacuation of all the islands lying between Italy
and Africa and the surrender of their entire navy with the exception of twenty vessels. They were also to provide 500,000
pecks of wheat and 300,000 of barley, but the actual amount of the money indemnity is doubtful. In some authors I find
5000 talents, in others 5000 pounds of silver mentioned; some only say that double pay for the troops was demanded.
"You will be allowed," he added, "three days to consider whether you will agree to peace on these terms. If you decide to
do so, arrange an armistice with me, and send envoys to the senate in Rome." The Carthaginians were then dismissed. As
their object was to gain time to allow of Hannibal's sailing across to Africa they resolved that no conditions of peace
should be rejected, and accordingly they sent delegates to conclude an armistice with Scipio, and a deputation was also
sent to Rome to sue for peace, the latter taking with them a few prisoners and deserters for the sake of appearance, in order
that peace might more be readily granted.
[30.17]Several days previously Laelius arrived in Rome with Syphax and the Numidian prisoners. He made a report to the
senate of all that had been done in Africa and there were great rejoicings at the present position of affairs and sanguine
hopes for the future. After discussing the matter the senate decided that Syphax should be interned at Alba and that Laelius
should stay in Rome until the Carthaginian delegates arrived. A four days' thanksgiving was ordered. On the adjournment
of the House, P. Aelius, the praetor, forthwith convened a meeting of the Assembly, and mounted the rostrum,
accompanied by C. Laelius. When the people heard that the armies of Carthage had been routed, a far-famed king defeated
and made prisoner, and a victorious progress made throughout Numidia, they could no longer restrain their feelings and
expressed their unbounded joy in shouts and other demonstrations of delight. Seeing the people in this mood the praetor at
once gave orders for the sacristans to throw open the holy places throughout the City in order that the people might have
the whole day for going round the shrines to offer up their adoration and thanksgivings to the gods.
The next day he introduced Masinissa's envoys to the senate. They first of all congratulated the senate upon Scipio's
successes in Africa and then expressed thanks on behalf of Masinissa for Scipio's action in not only conferring upon him
the title of king, but also in giving practical effect to it by restoring to him his ancestral dominion where now that Syphax
was disposed of he would, if the senate so decided, reign free from all fear of opposition. He was grateful for the way in
which Scipio had spoken of him before his officers and for the splendid insignia with which he had been honoured and
which he had done his best to prove himself worthy of and would continue to do so. They petitioned the senate to confirm
by a formal decree the royal title and the other favours and dignities which Scipio had conferred upon him. And as an
additional boon, Masinissa begged, if he was not asking too much, that they would release the Numidian prisoners who
were under guard in Rome; that, he considered, would increase his prestige with his subjects. The reply given to the
envoys was to the effect that the senate congratulated the king as much as themselves upon the successes in Africa; Scipio
had acted rightly and in perfect order in recognising Masinissa as king, and the senators warmly approved of all he had
done to meet Masinissa's wishes. They passed a decree that the presents which the envoys were to take to the king should
comprise two purple cloaks with a golden clasp on each and two tunics embroidered with the laticlave; two richly
caparisoned horses and a set of equestrian armour with cuirasses for each; two tents and military furniture such as the
consuls are usually provided with. The praetor received instructions to see that these things were sent to the king. The
envoys each received presents to the value of 5000 ases, and each member of their suite to the value of 1000 ases. Besides
these, two suits of apparel were given to each of the envoys, and one to each of their suite and also to each of the
Numidian prisoners who were to be restored to the king. During their stay in Rome a house was placed at their disposal
and they were treated as guests of the State.
[30.18]During this summer P. Quintilius Varus the praetor and M. Cornelius the proconsul fought a regular engagement
with Mago. The praetor's legions formed the fighting line; Cornelius kept his in reserve, but rode to the front and took
command of one wing, the praetor leading the other, and both of them exhorted the soldiers to make a furious charge on