Non est exstinctus pro re publica superior Scipio Africanus, sed admirabili virtute ne res publica exstingueretur providit: si quidem cum adflicta Cannensi clade urbs nostra nihil aliud quam praeda victoris esse Hannibalis videretur, ideoque reliquiae prostrati exercitus deserendae Italiae auctore Q Metello consilium agitarent, tribunus militum admodum iuvenis stricto gladio mortem unicuique minitando iurare omnes numquam se relicturos patriam coegit, pietatemque non solum ipse plenissimam exhibuit sed etiam ex pectoribus aliorum abeuntem revocavit.
The elder Scipio Africanus did not die for the commonwealth but with admirable spirit saw to it that the commonwealth should not die. Cast down by the disaster at Cannae, our city seemed only booty for the conqueror Hannibal, and so the remnants of the prostrated army were planning to leave Italy, prompted by Q. Metellus. Still very young, Scipio, a Military Tribune, drew his sword and threatening death to each one of them forced them all to swear that they would never leave their country. Not only did he himself show the fullest piety but brought it back as it was leaving the hearts of others.
final_alignments\Valerius_Memorable_Book5.json