35.19
Hannibal had not been invited to the
council. He had aroused the king's suspicions by his interviews with Villius,
and no respect or regard was now shown to him. For some time he bore this
affront in silence; then, thinking it better to inquire the reason for this sudden
estrangement and at the same time to clear himself from any suspicion, he
chose a fitting moment and put a direct question to the king as to the reason
for his disfavour. When he heard what the reason was, he said, "When I was
a small boy, Antiochus, my father Hamilcar took me up to the altar whilst he
was offering sacrifice and made me solemnly swear that I would never be a
friend to Rome. Under this oath I have fought for six-and-thirty years; when
peace was settled this oath drove me from my native country and brought
me a homeless wanderer to your court. If you cheat my hopes, this oath will
lead me wherever I can find support, wherever I learn that there are arms,
and I shall find some enemies of Rome, though I have to seek them through
the wide world. If, therefore, it pleases your courtiers to advance in your
favour by aspersing me, let them seek some other ground for advancing
themselves at my expense. I hate the Romans and the Romans hate me. My
father Hamilcar and all the gods are witness that I am speaking the truth.
When, then, you are making plans for a war against Rome, count Hannibal
amongst the first of your friends; if circumstances constrain you to remain at
peace, seek someone else to share your counsels." This speech had a great
effect upon the king and it brought about a reconciliation with Hannibal. The
king left the council, resolved on war.
