Fabius

Fabius has split the army with Minucius, and Minucius exalted in his triumph over Fabius, but Fabius said " If you must vie with me, try to vie in who can have more care for Rome". Minucius thought that Fabius was just jealous of him. Minucius moved in front of a flat-looking plain, that had dips and rises that were hidden so the plain looked flat. Hannibal hid men there and sent some out to get Minucius to come onto it. Minucius did so, and Hannibal's  men came up from the rear, attacking the Romans. Fabius hurried to his rescue, and dispersed Hannibal's men. Fabius said nothing harsh or unkind to Minucius, and both gathered their armies. Minucius went to the camp of Fabius and called him father, and the soldiers with Minucius called patrons the soldiers of Fabius, that being the term freedmen call their liberators.   

I think Fabius's response " If you must vie with me, try to vie in who can have more care for Rome" is a very Roman one. He loves his country and wants to protect it. Many loyal Romans would give all for their country. Fabius is proving himself to be a loyal Roman.

more next week,
Bell