pment. The result was one
of the most curious and extraordinary occurrences that is recorded in
the history of nations. Hannibal, who was well informed of all these
transactions, immediately felt that Minucius was in his power. He knew
that he was so eager for battle that it would be easy to entice him
into it, under almost any circumstances that he himself might choose
to arrange. Accordingly, he watched his opportunity when there was a
good place for an ambuscade near Minucius's camp, and lodged five
thousand men in it in such a manner that they were concealed by rocks
and other obstructions to the view. There was a hill between this
ground and the camp of Minucius. When the ambuscade was ready,
Hannibal sent up a small force to take possession of the top of the
hill, anticipating that Minucius would at once send up a stronger
force to drive them away. He did so. Hannibal then sent up more as a
re-enforcement. Minucius, whose spirit and pride were now aroused,
sent up more still, and thus, by degrees, Hannibal drew out his
enemy's whole force, and then, ordering his own troops to retreat
before them, the Romans were drawn on, down the hill, till they were
surrounded by the ambuscade. These hidden troops then came pouring out
upon them, and in a short time the Romans were thrown into utter
confusion, flying in all directions before their enemies, and entirely
at their mercy.

All would have been irretrievably lost had it not been for the
interposition of Fabius. He received intelligence of the danger at his
own camp, and marched out at once with all his force, and arrived upon
the ground so opportunely, and acted so efficiently, that he at once
completely changed the fortune of the day. He saved Minucius and his
half of the army from utter destruction. The Carthaginians retreated
in their turn, Hannibal being entirely overwhelmed with disappointment
and vexation at being thus deprived of his prey. History relates that
Minucius had the candor and good sense, after this, to acknowledge
his error, and yield to the guidance and direction of Fabius. He
called his part of the army together when they reached their camp, and
addressed them thus: "Fellow-soldiers, I have often heard it said that
the wisest men are those who possess wisdom and sagacity themselves,
and, next to them, those who know how to perceive and are willing to
be guided by the wisdom and sagacity of others; while they are fools
who do not know how to condu