extolled the actions of Scipio； even then； Fabius contended that a
successor should be sent in his place； alleging for it only the old
reason of the mutability of fortune； as if she would be weary of
long favouring the same person。 With this language many did begin to
feel offended； it seemed to be morosity and ill…will； the
pusillanimity of old age； or a fear； that had now become
exaggerated； of the skill of Hannibal。 Nay； when Hannibal had put
his army on shipboard； and taken his leave of Italy； Fabius still
could not forbear to oppose and disturb the universal joy of Rome；
expressing his fears and apprehensions； telling them that the
commonwealth was never in more danger than now； and that Hannibal
was a more formidable enemy under the walls of Carthage than ever he
had been in Italy； that it would be fatal to Rome whenever Scipio
should encounter his victorious army； still warm with the blood of
so many Roman generals； dictators； and consuls slain。 And the people
were； in some degree； startled with these declamations； and were
brought to believe that the further off Hannibal was； the nearer was
their danger。 Scipio； however； shortly afterwards fought Hannibal； and
utterly defeated him； humbled the pride of Carthage beneath his feet；
gave his countrymen joy and exultation beyond all their hopes； and…
〃Long shaken on the seas restored the state。〃
Fabius Maximus； however； did not live to see the prosperous end of
this war； and the final overthrow of Hannibal； nor to rejoice in the
re…established happiness and security of the commonwealth； for about
the time that Hannibal left Italy； he fell sick and died。 At Thebes；
Epaminondas died so poor that he was buried at the public charge；
one small iron coin was all； it is said； that was found in his
house。 Fabius did not need this； but the people； as a mark of their
affection； defrayed the expenses of his funeral by a private
contribution from each citizen of the smallest piece of coin； thus
owning him their common father； and making his end no less
honourable than his life。
THE END