36.  The forces also were augmented.  But how great was the augmentation of infantry and cavalry authors vary so much, that I scarcely dare positively assert.  Some state, that ten thousand soldiers were levied as a reinforcement; others, four fresh legions, that there might be eight legions in service.  It is said also, that the complement of the legion was increased in respect both to foot and horse, one thousand foot and one hundred horse being added to each, so that each might contain five thousand foot and three hundred horse; and that the allies furnished twice as many cavalry, and an equal number of infantry.  Some authorities affirm that there were eighty-seven thousand two hundred soldiers in the Roman camp when the battle of Cannae was fought.  There is no dispute, that the war was prosecuted with greater energy and spirit than during former years, because the dictator had given them a hope that the enemy might be subdued.  Before, however, the new-raised legions marched from the city, the decemviri were ordered to have recourse to and inspect the sacred volumes, on account of persons having been generally alarmed by extraordinary prodigies; for intelligence was brought, that it had rained stones on the Aventine at Rome and at Aricia at the same time.  That among the Sabines, statues had sweated blood copiously, and at Caere the waters had flowed warm, from a fountain.  The latter prodigy excited a greater degree of alarm, because it had frequently occurred.  In a street called the Arched Way, near the Campus Martius, several men were struck by lightning and killed.  These prodigies were expiated according to the books.  Ambassadors from Paestum brought some golden goblets to Rome; they were thanked, as the Neapolitans were, but the gold was not accepted.

37.  During the same time a fleet from Hiero arrived at Ostia with a large cargo of supplies.  The Syracusan ambassadors, on being introduced into the senate, delivered this message:  “That king Hiero was so much affected at the slaughter announced to him of Caius Flaminius the consul and his troops, that he could not have been more distressed at any disasters which could have befallen himself or his own kingdom; and accordingly, though he was well aware that the greatness of the Roman people was almost more admirable in adversity than prosperity, he had nevertheless sent every thing which good and faithful allies are wont to contribute to assist the operations of war, which he earnestly implored the conscript fathers not to refuse to accept.  First of all, for the sake of the omen, they had brought a golden statue of Victory, of three hundred pounds’ weight, which they begged them to accept, keep by them, and hold as their own peculiar and lasting possession.  That they had also brought three hundred thousand pecks of wheat, and two hundred thousand of barley, that there might be no want of provisions, and that as much more as might be necessary they would convey, as a supply, to whatever place they might appoint.