FLAMININUS. 409

a great impression upon the people, nor could they endure the sight, but kept calling out to him to move, until he did move, and went in among those of consular dignity, who received him into their seats. This natural ambition of Titus was well enough looked upon by the world, whilst the wars we have given a rela- tion of afforded competent fuel to feed it ; as, for instance, when after the expiration of his consulship, he had a com- mand as military tribune, which nobody pressed upon him. But being now out of all employ in the govern- ment, and advanced in years, he showed his defects more plainly ; allowing himself, in this inactive remainder of life, to be carried away with the passion for reputation, as uncontrollably as any youth. Some such transport, it is thought, betrayed him into a proceeding against Hanni- bal, which lost him the regard of many. For Hannibal, having fled his country, first took sanctuary with Anti- ochus ; but he having been glad to obtain a peace, after the battle in Phrygia, Hannibal was put to shift for him- self, by a second flight, and, after wandering through many countries, fixed at length in Bithynia, proffering his service to king Prusias. Every one at Rome knew where he was, but looked upon him. now in his weakness and old age, with no sort of apprehension, as one whom for- tune had quite cast ofi". Titus, however, coming thither as ambassador, though he was sent from the senate to Prusias upon another errand, yet, seeing Hannibal resi- dent there, it stirred up resentment in him to find that he was yet alive. And though Prusias used much inter- cession and entreaties in favor of him, as his suppliant and familiar friend, Titus was not to be entreated. There was au ancient oracle, it seems, which prophesied thus of Han- nibal's end : — Libyssan earth shall Hannibal inclose.