onquered such
vast armies, and brought so boundless an empire under his sway. Scipio
then asked him who he was inclined to place next to Alexander. He said
Pyrrhus. Pyrrhus was a Grecian, who crossed the Adriatic Sea, and
made war, with great success, against the Romans. Hannibal said that
he gave the second rank to Pyrrhus because he systematized and
perfected the art of war, and also because he had the power of
awakening a feeling of personal attachment to himself on the part of
all his soldiers, and even of the inhabitants of the countries that he
conquered, beyond any other general that ever lived. Scipio then asked
Hannibal who came next in order, and he replied that he should give
the third rank to himself. "And if," added he, "I had conquered
Scipio, I should consider myself as standing above Alexander, Pyrrhus,
and all the generals that the world ever produced."

Various other anecdotes are related of Hannibal during the time of his
first appearance in Syria, all indicating the very high degree of
estimation in which he was held, and the curiosity and interest that
were every where felt to see him. On one occasion, it happened that a
vain and self-conceited orator, who knew little of war but from his
own theoretic speculations, was haranguing an assembly where Hannibal
was present, being greatly pleased with the opportunity of displaying
his powers before so distinguished an auditor. When the discourse was
finished, they asked Hannibal what he thought of it. "I have heard,"
said he, in reply, "many old dotards in the course of my life, but
this is, verily, the greatest dotard of them all."

Hannibal failed, notwithstanding all his perseverance, in obtaining
the means to attack the Romans again. He was unwearied in his efforts,
but, though the king sometimes encouraged his hopes, nothing was ever
done. He remained in this part of the world for ten years, striving
continually to accomplish his aims, but every year he found himself
farther from the attainment of them than ever. The hour of his good
fortune and of his prosperity were obviously gone. His plans all
failed, his influence declined, his name and renown were fast passing
away. At last, after long and fruitless contests with the Romans,
Antiochus made a treaty of peace with them, and, among the articles of
this treaty, was one agreeing to give up Hannibal into their power.

Hannibal resolved to fly. The place of refuge which he chose was the
island of C