Book 25
6
Last of all, I died a king, whereas he died an exile, at the court of Prusias of Bithynia—a proper end for so exceedingly wicked and cruel a man. Take for instance his conquests in Italy. I won’t mention that these were achieved not by might, but by knavery and treachery and deceit, but of open legitimate warfare there was nothing at all; but when he reproaches me with luxurious living, I think the distinguished gentleman has forgotten how he behaved in Capua, consorting with loose women, and wasting in debauchery his opportunities for victory in the war. But suppose I hadn’t despised the west, and preferred to march against the east, what great feat would I have accomplished by a bloodless conquest of Italy and the subjection of Libya and everything as far as Gades? But I didn’t think it worth fighting against peoples who were already cowering before me, and ready to admit me their master, I have had my say. Do you, Minos, make you decision. Though I could have said much, this is enough.
7
Do not do so yet, but hear what I have to say.
7
Who are you, my good man? Where do you come from, that you wish to speak?
7
From Italy. I am Scipio, the General who destroyed Carthage, Lucian seems to have confused the victor of Zama with Scipio Aemilianus. and overcame the Libyans in mighty battle.
7
Well, what have you to say?
7
That I am a lesser man than Alexander, but superior to Hannibal, for I drove him before me, after defeating him, and forcing him to flee ignominiously. Is he not shameless, then, in posing as the rival of Alexander, with whom even I, Scipio, the conqueror of Hannibal, do not presume to compare myself?
7
By heaven, what you say, Scipio, is reasonable! So let Alexander be adjudged Cf. note on p. 143. first, and after him you, and then, if you don’t mind, Hannibal third, though even he is of no little account.
