measures might be taken, and furthermore to collect as large a force as they might and to call upon adjoining settlements for aid.  After this, upon learning that Hannibal was in Apulia and receiving a letter from Terentius stating that he was alive and what he was doing, they recovered a little of their courage.  Marcus Junius was named dictator and Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus master of the horse.  Immediately they enrolled not only those of the citizens who were in their prime but also those even who were past the fighting age; they added to their forces prisoners on promise of pardon and slaves on promise of freedom and a brigand here and there; moreover they called on their allies to help, reminding them of any kindness ever shown them and promising in addition to give to some of them grain, to others money, as they had never done before; they also sent emissaries to Greece to either persuade or hire men to serve as their allies.

Hannibal, learning that the Romans had united their troops and were engaged in preparations, still delayed at Cannae despairing of a capture by assault.  Of the captives he released the allied contingent without ransom as before, but the Romans he kept, hoping to dispose of them by sale, since this would make him better off but the Romans worse off.  When no one came from Rome in quest of the captives, he ordered them to send some of their number home after ransom, provided they had first taken oath to return.  When even then the Romans refused to ransom them, he shipped those who were of any value to Carthage, and of the rest he put some to death after maltreating them and forced the others to fight as gladiators, pitting friends and relatives against each other.  Those who were sent for ransom returned in order to be true to their oaths, but later fled.  They were disfranchised by the censors and committed suicide.

Hannibal sent his brother Mago to report the victory to the Carthaginians and to ask them for money and troops.  He on his arrival counted over the rings and described the success naturally in even more glowing terms than it deserved; everything that he asked was voted and they would not listen to Hanno who opposed it and advised them to end the war while they seemed to have the upper hand.  However, they never put their vote into effect, but delayed.  Hannibal meanwhile had advanced into Campania, had seized a Samnite fortress, and marched upon Neapolis.  He sent before him a few soldiers with the booty and when the people of the city, thinking them alone, rushed out upon them, he unexpectedly appeared in person and slew a large number.  He did not capture the city, nor did he lay siege to it for long.  The reason will presently be plain.  Of the Campanian inhabitants of Capua a part clung to Roman friendship, but others favored Hannibal.  After his success at Cannae and when some of their men taken captive had been released the populace was clamorous to revolt to Hannibal, but the men of rank waited for some time.