the ports of Spain, Africa, and the East already rivaled that of
Carthage. A group of officers were gathered on the quay as Hamilcar's
ship, which was leading the fleet, neared it, and Hamilcar exclaimed,
"There is Hannibal himself!"

As the ship moored alongside the quay Hannibal came on board and
warmly embraced his cousin, and then bestowed a cordial greeting
upon Malchus.

"Why, cousin Malchus," he said, "though it is but a year since I
was in Carthage, I should scarce have known you, so much have you
grown. I see you have entered the cavalry. That is well. You cannot
begin too early to accustom yourself to war."

Then turning, he went among the young men of the guard, to all of
whom he was personally known, greeting them with a cordiality and
kindness which greatly gratified them. Malchus gazed at him with
admiration. Fortunately an accurate description of Hannibal has come
down to us. He was one who, even at first sight, won all hearts
by his lofty and noble expression, by the kindness and sincerity
which his face expressed. The Carthaginians, as a race, were
short, but Hannibal was very tall, and his great width of shoulders
testified to his immense strength.

The beauty of the Carthaginian race was proverbial, but even among
them he was remarkable. His head was well placed on his shoulders;
his carriage was upright and commanding; his forehead lofty; his eye,
though soft and gentle at ordinary times, was said to be terrible
in time of battle. His head was bare. His hair, of a golden brown,
was worn long, and encircled by a golden band. His nose was long