us
lived with the two brothers. One day, when himself and Scipio were alone,
the latter unbosomed himself freely to him, and complained, but in the
mildest and most gentle terms, that he, in their conversations at table,
always directed himself to his brother Fabius, and never to him. "I am
sensible," says he, "that this indifference arises from your supposing,
with all our citizens, that I am a heedless young man, and wholly averse
to the taste which now prevails in Rome, because I do not devote myself to
the studies of the bar, nor cultivate the graces of elocution. But how
should I do this? I am told perpetually, that the Romans expect a general,
and not an orator, from the house of the Scipios. I will confess to you,
(pardon the sincerity with which I reveal my thoughts,) that your coldness
and indifference grieve me exceedingly." Polybius, surprised at this
unexpected address, made Scipio the kindest answer; and assured the
illustrious youth, that though he generally directed himself to his
brother, yet this was not out of disrespect to him, but only because
Fabius was the elder; not to mention (continued Polybius) that, knowing
you possessed but one soul, I conceived that I addressed both when I spoke
to either of you. He then assured Scipio, that he was entirely at his
command: that with regard to the sciences, for which he discovered the
happiest genius, he would have opportunities sufficient to improve himself
in them, from the great number of learned Grecians who resorted daily to
Rome; but that, as to the art of war, which was properly his profession,
and his favourite study, he (Polybius) might be of some little service to
him. He had no sooner spoke these words, than Scipio, grasping his hand in
a kind of rapture: "Oh! when," says he, "shall I see the happy day, when,
disengaged from all other avocations, and living with me, you will be so
much my friend, as to direct your endeavours to improve my understanding
and regulate my affections? It is then I shall think myself worthy of my
illustrious ancestors." From that time Polybius, overjoyed to see so young
a man breathe such noble sentiments, devoted himself particularly to our
Scipio, who ever after paid him as much reverence as if he had been his
father.

However, Scipio did not esteem Polybius only as an excellent historian,
but valued him much more, and reaped much greater advantages from him, as
an able warrior and a profound politician. Accordingly, he