8.  Scip’io opposed him with forces as much inferior in number, as they were superior in courage and discipline.  Antio’chus, therefore, was in a short time entirely defeated; his own chariots, armed with scythes, being driven back upon his men, contributed much to his overthrow. 9.  Being thus reduced to the last extremity, he was glad to procure peace from the Romans, upon their own terms; which were, to pay fifteen thousand talents; to quit his possessions in Europe, and in Asia, on the hither side of Mount Taurus; to give twenty hostages, as pledges of his fidelity; and to deliver up Hannibal, the inveterate enemy of Rome, who had taken refuge at his court.

10.  In the mean time Hannibal, whose destruction was one of the articles of this extorted treaty, endeavoured to avoid the threatened ruin. 11.  This consummate general had long been a wanderer, and an exile from his ungrateful country.  He had taken refuge at the court of Antio’chus who, at first, gave him a sincere welcome, and made him admiral of his fleet, in which station he showed his usual skill in stratagem.

[Illustration:  Death of Hannibal]

12.  But he soon sunk in the Syrian’s esteem for projecting schemes which that monarch had neither genius to understand, nor talents to execute. 13.  Sure, therefore, to find no safety or protection, he departed by stealth; and, after wandering for a time among the petty states, which had neither power nor generosity to protect him, he took refuge at the court of Pru’sias, king of Bythin’ia. 14.  In the mean time, the Romans, with a vindictive spirit utterly unworthy of them, sent AEmil’ius, one of their most celebrated generals, to demand him of this king; who, fearing the resentment of Rome, and willing to conciliate their friendship by this breach of hospitality, ordered a guard to be placed upon Hannibal, with an intent to deliver him up. 15.  The poor old general, thus implacably persecuted from one country to another, and finding every method of safety cut off, determined to die.  He, therefore, desired one of his followers to bring him poison; and drinking it, he expired as he had lived, with intrepid bravery.

[Sidenote:  U. C 513]

16.  A second Macedo’nian war was soon after proclaimed against Per’seus, the son of that Philip who had been obliged to beg peace of the Romans. 17.  Perseus, in order to secure the crown, had murdered his brother Deme’trius; and, upon the death of his father, pleased with the hopes of imaginary triumphs, made war against Rome. 18, During the course of this war, which continued about three years, opportunities were offered him of cutting off the Roman army; but being ignorant how to take advantage of their rashness, he spent the time in empty overtures for peace. 19.  At length AEmil’ius gave him a decisive overthrow.  He attempted to procure safety by flying into Crete:  but being abandoned by all, he was obliged to surrender himself, and to grace the splendid triumph of the Roman general.[1]