When the first consternation was abated after this dreadful blow, the senate came to a resolution to create a dictator, in order to give strength to their government.2.A short time after Varro arrived, having left behind him the wretched remains of his army.

As he had been the principal cause of the late calamity, it was natural to suppose, that the senate would severely reprimand the rashness of his conduct.

But far otherwise! The Romans went out in multitudes to meet him; and the senate returned him thanks that he had not despaired of the safety of Rome.3.

Fa'bius, who was considered as the shield, and Marcellus, as the sword of Rome, were appointed to lead the armies: and though Hannibal once more offered them peace, they refused it, but upon condition that he should quit Italy--a measure similar to that they had formerly insisted upon from Pyrrhus.
4.

Han'nibal finding the impossibility of marching directly to Rome, or willing to give his forces rest after so mighty a victory, led them to Cap'ua, where he resolved to winter.5.This city had long been considered as the nurse of luxury, and the corrupter of all military virtue.6.Here a new scene of pleasure opened to his barbarian troops: they at once gave themselves up to intoxication; and from being hardy veterans, became infirm rioters.
7.