e of the Italian tribes in
the power of Rome; to subsist his army upon their territories, and so
gradually to detach them from their alliance with Rome. He hoped that,
by the time this work was finished, Carthage would send another great
army to his assistance provided with siege materials, and he would then
be able to undertake with confidence the great task of striking a vital
blow at Rome herself.

"Malchus," Hannibal said one day, "I wish you to ride north. The tribes
at the foot of the hills promised to aid us, but have so far done
nothing. If they would pour down to the plains now they would occupy the
tribes friendly to the Romans, and would prevent them from sending men
and stores to them. They sent me a message a month ago, saying that they
were still willing to help us, and I then replied that I had been long
waiting to hear that they had risen, and urged them to do so without
loss of time. I have not heard since, and fear that the Roman agents
have, by promises of money and privileges, prevailed upon them to keep
quiet. It is a service of danger; for if they have been bought over they
may seize you and send you in token of their goodwill as a prisoner to
Rome; but I know that will not deter you."

"I am ready to go," Malchus said, "and will start today. What force
shall I take with me, and which of the chiefs shall I first see?"

"You had best go first to Ostragarth. He is the most powerful of the
chiefs on this side of the Apennines. You can select from the treasury
such presents as you may choose for him and the others. You can promise
them large grants of the land of the tribes aiding the Romans, together
with a share in the plunder of the cities. I leave you quite free. In
those respects you will be guided by what you see they want; but any
promises you may make I will ratify. As to men I should not take a large
escort. Force will, of course, be of no avail, and the appearance of
a large number of troops might alarm them at once. Twenty men will be
sufficient for dignity, and as a protection against any small bodies of
the hostile tribesmen you may meet on your way; but have no frays if you
can avoid it. The mission is an important one, and its success
should not be risked merely to defeat a body of tribesmen. Go in your
handsomest armour, and make as brave a show as you can, as my ambassador
and kinsman. Take twenty of the Carthaginian horse; they will impose
more upon the barbarians than would the Lib