30.  Pyr’rhus, after this victory, was still unwilling to drive them to an extremity, and considering that it was best to treat with an humbled enemy, he resolved to send his friend Cin’eas,[8] the orator, to negociate a peace; of whom he often asserted, that he had won more towns by the eloquence of Cin’eas, than by his own arms. 31.  But Cin’eas, with all his art, found the Romans incapable of being seduced, either by private bribery, or public persuasion; with a haughtiness little expected from a vanquished enemy, they insisted that Pyr’rhus should evacuate Italy, previous to a commencement of a treaty of peace.

Questions for Examination.

1.  Were the Romans uniformly successful?

2.  Who resolved to use stratagem, and why?

3.  By what means did he effect it?

4.  What followed?

5.  Was the Roman general deceived by this stratagem?

6.  What advantage did the Samnite commander take of the situation of the Romans?

7.  Were these terms accepted?

8.  How was this news received at Rome?

9.  Did this event put an end to the war?

10.  Who signalized themselves against the Samnites?

11.  What measure did the Samnites adopt in this extremity?

12.  What was the character of Pyrrhus, and what effort did he make for their relief?

13.  Did he follow in person?

14.  Did this great force arrive in safety?

15.  What was his first care?

16.  What measures did the Romans adopt?

17.  Did Pyrrhus immediately commence hostilities?

18.  What answer was returned?

19.  What followed?

20.  What opinion did Pyrrhus form of the Romans?

21.  What were his first measures?

22.  Were his precautions justified?

23.  In what way did Pyrrhus resist this attack?

24.  What is worthy of observation in this engagement?

25.  To whom did the victory fall?

26.  On what account were the Romans terrified by the appearance of the elephants?

27.  What completed the route?

28.  Was this victory cheaply purchased?

29.  What were the sensations of Pyrrhus on viewing the field of battle?

30.  What measures did he adopt after this victory?

31.  Were the arts of Cineas successful?

SECTION III.

                In public life, severe,
  To virtue still inexorably firm;
  But when, beneath his low illustrious roof,
  Sweet peace and happy wisdom smoothed his brow. 
  Not friendship softer was, nor love more kind.—­Thomson.