26.18
The
Spanish tribes who had revolted after the defeat of the two Scipios showed
no signs of returning to their allegiance; there were not, however, any fresh
instances. After the recovery of Capua the public interest both in senate and
people centered in Spain quite as much as in Italy; and it was decided that
the army serving there should be increased and a commander-in-chief
appointed. There was, however, much uncertainty felt as to whom they
ought to appoint. Two consummate generals had fallen within thirty days of
each other, and the selection of a man to take their place demanded
exceptional care. Various names were proposed, and at last it was arranged
that the matter should be left to the people, and a proconsul for Spain
formally elected. The consuls fixed a day for the election. They were in
hopes that those who felt themselves qualified for such an important
command would become candidates. They were, however, disappointed, and
the disappointment renewed the grief of the people, as they thought of the
defeats they had sustained and the generals they had lost. The citizens were
depressed, almost in despair, nevertheless they went out to the Campus
Martius on the day fixed for the election. All turned their eyes to the
magistrates and watched the expression of the leaders of the republic as they
looked enquiringly at one another. Everywhere men were saying that the
State was in such a hopeless condition that no one dared to accept the
command in Spain. Suddenly, Publius Cornelius Scipio, the son of the Scipio
who had fallen in Spain, a young man barely twenty-four years old, took his
stand upon a slight eminence where he could be seen and heard, and
announced himself as a candidate. All eyes were turned towards him, and the
delighted cheers with which his announcement was received were at once
interpreted as an omen of his future good fortune and success. On
proceeding to vote, not only the centuries but even the individual voters
were unanimous to a man in favour of entrusting P. Scipio with the supreme
command in Spain. When, however, the election was decided and their
enthusiasm had had time to cool down, there was a sudden silence as the
people began to reflect on what they had done, and ask themselves whether
their personal affection for him might not have got the better of their
judgment. What gave them the greatest concern was his youth. Some, too,
recalled with dread the fortune that had attended his house, and regarded as
ominous of evil even the name of the man who was quitting two bereaved
families in order to carry on a campaign round the tombs of his uncle and his
father.
