he accounts. He compared one thing with
another, and satisfied himself of what afterward proved to be the
truth, that Minucius had gained no victory at all. He had lost five or
six thousand men, and Hannibal had lost no more, and Fabius showed
that no advantage had been gained. He urged upon the senate the
importance of adhering to the line of policy he had pursued, and the
danger of risking every thing, as Minucius had done, on the fortunes
of a single battle. Besides, he said, Minucius had disobeyed his
orders, which were distinct and positive, and he deserved to be
recalled.

In saying these things Fabius irritated and exasperated his enemies
more than ever. "Here is a man," said they, "who will not only not
fight the enemies whom he is sent against himself, but he will not
allow any body else to fight them. Even at this distance, when his
second in command has obtained a victory, he will not admit it, and
endeavors to curtail the advantages of it. He wishes to protract the
war, that he may the longer continue to enjoy the supreme and
unlimited authority with which we have intrusted him."

The hostility to Fabius at last reached such a pitch, that it was
proposed in an assembly of the people to make Minucius his equal in
command. Fabius, having finished the business which called him to
Rome, did not wait to attend to the discussion of this question, but
left the city, and was proceeding on his way to join the army again,
when he was overtaken with a messenger bearing a letter informing him
that the decree had passed, and that he must thenceforth consider
Minucius as his colleague and equal. Minucius was, of course,
extremely elated at this result. "Now," said he, "we will see if
something can not be done."

The first question was, however, to decide on what principle and in
what way they should share their power. "We can not both command at
once," said Minucius. "Let us exercise the power in alternation, each
one being in authority for a day, or a week, or a month, or any other
period that you prefer."

"No," replied Fabius, "we will not divide the time, we will divide the
men. There are four legions. You shall take two of them, and the other
two shall be mine. I can thus, perhaps, save half the army from the
dangers in which I fear your impetuosity will plunge all whom you have
under your command."

This plan was adopted. The army was divided, and each portion went,
under its own leader, to its separate encam