own
character, dismissed the deputies, without offering them the least injury.
So astonishing an instance of moderation, and at such a juncture,
terrified the Carthaginians, and even put them to the blush; and made
Hannibal himself entertain a still higher idea of a general, who, to the
dishonourable practices of his enemies, opposed only a rectitude and
greatness of soul, that was still more worthy of admiration than all his
military virtues.

In the mean time, Hannibal, being strongly importuned by his
fellow-citizens, advanced forward into the country; and arriving at Zama,
which is five days' march from Carthage, he there pitched his camp. He
thence sent out spies to observe the position of the Romans. Scipio having
seized these, so far from punishing them, only commanded them to be led
about the Roman camp, in order that they might take an exact survey of it,
and then sent them back to Hannibal. The latter knew very well whence so
noble an assurance flowed. After the strange reverses he had met with, he
no longer expected that fortune would again be propitious. Whilst every
one was exciting him to give battle, himself only meditated a peace. He
flattered himself that the conditions of it would be more honourable, as
he was at the head of an army, and as the fate of arms might still appear
uncertain. He, therefore, sent to desire an interview with Scipio, which
accordingly was agreed to, and the time and place fixed.

(M132) _The Interview between Hannibal and Scipio in Africa, followed by a
Battle._(_804_)--These two generals, who were not only the most illustrious
of their own age, but worthy of being ranked with the most renowned
princes and warriors that had ever lived, having met at the place
appointed, continued for some time in a deep silence, as though they were
astonished, and struck with a mutual admiration at the sight of each
other. At last Hannibal spoke, and after having praised Scipio in the most
artful and delicate manner, he gave a very lively description of the
ravages of the war, and the calamities in which it had involved both the
victors and the vanquished. He conjured him not to suffer himself to be
dazzled by the splendour of his victories. He represented to him, that how
successful soever he might have hitherto been, he ought, however, to be
aware of the inconstancy of fortune: that without going far back for
examples, he himself, who was then speaking to him, was a glaring proof of
this: t