th of that general, the suffrages of both the army and
people concurred in raising Hannibal to the supreme command.(713) I know
not whether it was not even then, or about that time, that the republic,
to heighten his influence and authority, appointed him one of its
Suffetes, the first dignity of the state, which was sometimes conferred
upon generals. It is from Cornelius Nepos(714) that we have borrowed this
circumstance of his life, who, speaking of the praetorship bestowed on
Hannibal, upon his return to Carthage, and the conclusion of the peace,
says, that this was twenty-two years after he had been nominated
king.(715)

The moment he was created general, Hannibal, as if Italy had been allotted
to him, and he had even then been appointed to make war upon the Romans,
turned secretly his whole views on that side; and lost no time, for fear
of being prevented by death, as his father and brother-in-law had been. In
Spain he took several strong towns, and conquered many nations: and
although the Spaniards greatly exceeded him in the number of forces,
(their army amounting to upwards of a hundred thousand men,) yet he chose
his time and posts so judiciously, that he entirely defeated them. After
this victory, every thing submitted to his arms. But he still forbore
laying siege to Saguntum,(716) carefully avoiding every occasion of a
rupture with the Romans, till he should have taken every step which he
judged necessary for so important an enterprise, pursuant to the advice
given him by his father. He applied himself particularly to engage the
affections of the citizens and allies, and to gain their confidence, by
generously allotting them a large share of the plunder taken from the
enemy, and by scrupulously paying them all their arrears:(717) a wise
step, which never fails of producing its advantage at a proper season.

The Saguntines, on their side, sensible of the danger with which they were
threatened, informed the Romans of the progress of Hannibal's
conquests.(718) Upon this, deputies were nominated by the latter, and
ordered to go and acquaint themselves with the state of affairs upon the
spot; they commanded them also to lay their complaints before Hannibal, if
it should be thought proper; and in case he should refuse to do justice,
that then they should go directly to Carthage, and make the same
complaints.

In the mean time Hannibal laid siege to Saguntum, foreseeing that great
advantages would accrue from the