united forces. This design, if the several circumstances of it are
thoroughly examined, should not be hastily charged with imprudence. To
prevent the two brothers from joining their armies, was to save the state.
Very little would be hazarded, even though Hannibal should be informed of
the absence of the consul. From his army, which consisted of forty-two
thousand men, he drew out but seven thousand for his own detachment, which
indeed were the flower of his troops, but, at the same time, a very
inconsiderable part of them. The rest remained in the camp, which was
advantageously situated, and strongly fortified. Now could it be supposed
that Hannibal would attack, and force a strong camp defended by
thirty-five thousand men?

Nero set out without giving his soldiers the least notice of his design.
When he had advanced so far, as that it might be communicated without any
danger, he told them, that he was leading them to certain victory: that,
in war, all things depended upon reputation; that the bare rumour of their
arrival would disconcert all the measures of the Carthaginians; and that
the whole honour of this battle would fall to them.

They marched with extraordinary diligence, and joined the other consul in
the night, but did not pitch separate camps, the better to impose upon the
enemy. The troops which were newly arrived joined those of Livius. The
army of Porcius the praetor was encamped near that of the consul, and in
the morning a council of war was held. Livius was of opinion, that it
would be better to allow the troops some days to refresh themselves; but
Nero besought him not to ruin, by delay, an enterprise to which despatch
only could give success; and to take advantage of the error of the enemy,
as well absent as present. This advice was complied with, and accordingly
the signal for battle was given. Asdrubal, advancing to his foremost
ranks, discovered, by several circumstances, that fresh troops were
arrived; and he did not doubt but that they belonged to the other consul.
This made him conjecture, that his brother had sustained a considerable
loss, and, at the same time, fear, that he was come too late to his
assistance.

After making these reflections, he caused a retreat to be sounded, and his
army began to march in great disorder. Night overtaking him, and his
guides deserting, he was uncertain what way to go. He marched at random,
along the banks of the river Metaurus,(797) and was preparing to c