Fabius

Fabius was given a triumph, because of his great victory. The governor of the town at the time it was taken by Hannibal, Marcus Livius. Livius was grumpy, and once openly said in the senate that Fabius had not taken the town without his help. To which Fabius jokingly replied;  You say very true, for if Marcus Livius had not lost Tartum, Fabius Maximus had not recovered it. The people rewarded Fabius greatly, among other things making his son consul. Once, when the consul was on foot with his guard, Fabius approached on horseback. Seeing this, his son sent a man to tell him that if he had any business with the consul he should come on foot. Bystanders were astonished that the son should so treat his father! But Fabius came running from his horse, and said to his son" Yes my son, you know over whom you have power, and when to use it. This is the way we and our forefathers advanced Rome, by loving Rome and her honor and service to our fathers and children."

I think Fabius was so pleased with his son's response because it meant that the lessons were learned, that his son knew how to use his power, and to use it rightly. This was a good thing, for both Rome and Fabius. A good consul was very necessary for the safety and well-being of Rome.

more later,
Bell