21.23
Gladdened by this vision he proceeded to
cross the Ebro, with his army in three divisions, after sending men on in
advance to secure by bribes the good-will of the Gauls dwelling about his
crossing-place, and also to reconnoitre the passes of the Alps. He brought
90,000 infantry and 12,000 cavalry over the Ebro. His next step was to
reduce to submission the Ilergetes, the Bargusii, and the Ausetani, and also
the district of Lacetania, which lies at the foot of the Pyrenees. He placed
Hanno in charge of the whole coast-line to secure the passes which connect
Spain with Gaul, and furnished him with an army of 10,000 infantry to hold
the district, and 1000 cavalry. When his army commenced the passage of the
Pyrenees and the barbarians found that there was truth in the rumour that
they were being led against Rome, 3000 of the Carpetani deserted. It was
understood that they were induced to desert not so much by the prospect of
the war as by the length of the march and the impossibility of crossing the
Alps. As it would have been hazardous to recall them, or to attempt to
detain them by force, in case the quick passions of the rest of the army
should be roused, Hannibal sent back to their homes more than 7000 men
who, he had personally discovered, were getting tired of the campaign, and
at the same time he gave out that the Carpetani had also been sent back by
him.