34.  Dio in his Roman History 15:  “For as a result of their position from very early times and their pristine friendship for the Romans, they would not endure to be punished, but the Campanians undertook to accuse Flaccus and the Syracusans Marcellus.  And they were condemned in the assembly.” (Suidas, s. v. [Greek:  ’edkaiothaesan’].)

35.  Dio in 15th Book:  “For fear the Syracusans, in despair of assistance, commit some act of rebellion.” (Bekker, Anecdota, p. 119, 121.  Zonaras, 9, 6.)

36. ¶ The Romans had made propositions to Hannibal looking to a return of the prisoners on both sides, but did not accomplish the exchange although they sent, Carthalo to them for this very purpose.  For when they would not receive him, as an enemy, within the walls, he refused to hold any conversation with them, but immediately turned back in anger.  (Ursinus, p. 379.  Zonaras, 9, 6.)

37. ¶ Scipio the praetor, who saved his wounded father, surpassed in natural excellence, was renowned for his education, and possessed great force both of mind and also of language, whenever the latter was necessary.  These qualities he displayed conspicuously in his acts, so that he seemed to be high-minded and disposed to do great deeds not for the sake of an empty boast but as the result of a steadfast tendency.  For these reasons and because he scrupulously paid honors to the heavenly powers, he was elected.  He had never had charge of any public or private enterprise before he ascended the Capitol and spent some time there.  On this account also he acquired the reputation of having sprung from Jupiter, who had taken the form of a serpent on the occasion of intercourse with his mother. [Footnote:  Compare the story about Augustus (Volume III, page 3 of this translation).] And by this tradition he inspired many with a kind of hope in him. (Valesius, p.601.  Zonaras, 9, 7.)

[Sidenote:  B.C. 210 (a.u. 544)] 38. ¶ Scipio, although he did not receive the title of legal commander from those by whom he was elected, nevertheless made the army his friend, roused the men from their undisciplined state and drilled them, and brought them out of the terror with which their misfortunes had filled them.  As for Marcius, [Footnote:  This is L. Marcius, a knight, who at the death of Publius and Gnaeus Scipio in Spain was chosen commander by the soldiers.] Scipio did not, as most men would have done, regard him as unfit because he had acquired popularity, but both in word and deed always showed him respect.  He was the sort of man to wish to make his way not by slandering and overthrowing his neighbor, but by his native excellence.  And it was this most of all that helped him to conciliate the soldiers. (Valesius, p.602.)