| The head of Fabius on the reverse evidently alludes
in a degree to some part of the events in the life of Napoleon. Q. Maximus
Fabius, from a dull and unpromising childhood, burst at once into deeds
of valour and heroism, and was gradually raised by merit to the highest
offices of the state. In his first consulship he obtained a victory over
Liguria, and the fatal battle of Thrasymenus occasioned his election to
the Dictatorship; in this important office, he began to oppose Hannibal,
not by fighting him in the open field, like his predecessors, but he continually
harassed his army by countermarches and ambuscades, for which he received
the surname of Cunctator or Delayer. Such operations, for the commander
of the Roman armies, gave offence to some, and Fabius was even accused of
cowardice. He died in his 100th year, after he had been five times Consul,
and twice honoured with a triumph. |
