25.8
The
cruelty of this punishment produced a feeling of bitter resentment in the two
most important Greek cities in Italy, not only amongst the population at
large, but especially amongst those who were connected by ties of
relationship or friendship with the men who had met with such a horrible
fate. Amongst these there were thirteen young nobles of Tarentum who
entered into a conspiracy; the ringleaders were Nico and Philemenus. Before
taking any action they thought that they ought to have an interview with
Hannibal. They left the city by night on the presence that they were going on
a hunting expedition and took the direction of his camp. When they were not
far from it, the others concealed themselves in a wood near the road while
Nico and Philemenus went on to the outposts. They were seized, as they
intended to be, and were conducted to Hannibal. After explaining to him the
motives which had prompted them and the nature of the step they were
contemplating they were warmly thanked and loaded with promises, and
Hannibal advised them to drive to the city some cattle belonging to the
Carthaginians which had been turned out to pasture, so that they might make
their fellow-townsmen believe that they had really gone out, as they said, to
get plunder. He promised that they should be safe and unmolested while so
engaged. Every one saw the plunder which the young men had brought, and
as they did the same thing over and over again people wondered less at their
daring. At their next interview with Hannibal they obtained from him a
solemn promise that the Tarentines should preserve their freedom and retain
their own laws and all that belonged to them, they were to pay no taxes or
tribute to Carthage, nor be required to admit a Carthaginian garrison against
their will. The Roman garrison was to be at the mercy of the Carthaginians.
When this understanding had been arrived at, Philemenus made a regular
habit of leaving the city and returning to it by night. He was noted for his
passion for hunting and he had his dogs and other requisites for the sport
with him. Generally he brought back something which had purposely been
placed in his way and gave it either to the commanders or the men on guard.
They imagined that he chose night time for his expeditions through fear of
the enemy. When they had become so accustomed to his movements that the
gate was opened at whatever hour of the night he gave the signal by
whistling, Hannibal thought the time had come for action. He was three days'
march distant, and in order to lessen any surprise that might be felt at his
remaining encamped on one and the same spot so long he feigned illness.
The Romans who were garrisoning Tarentum had ceased to view his
remaining there with suspicion.
