"That if he really did leave Spain, the Romans would be masters of it all before he could pass the Iberus.

For, besides that he had neither an army nor a general whom he could leave to supply his place, so great were the abilities of the Roman generals who commanded there, that they could scarcely be opposed with equal forces.

If, therefore, they had any concern for preserving Spain, they ought to send a general with a powerful army to succeed him.

To whom, however prosperous all things might prove, yet the province would not be a position of ease." 28.

Though this letter made at first a great impression on the senate, yet, as their interest in Italy was first and most important, they did not at all alter their resolution in relation to Hasdrubal and his troops.