Titus Livius (Livy), The History of Rome, Book 23
Frank Gardener Moore, Professor Emeritus in Columbia University, Ed.

12. Then in evidence of such successes he ordered the golden rings to be poured out at the entrance of the Senate House. And so great was the heap of them that, when measured, they filled, as some historians assert, three pecks and a half. [2] The prevailing report, and nearer the truth, is that there was not more than one peck. Then, that it might be proof of a greater calamity, he added in explanation that no one but a knight, and even of the knights only those of the higher class, wore that token. [3] The main point of his speech was that the nearer Hannibal came to realizing his hope of ending the war, the more necessary it was to help him by every means. For his campaigning was far from home, in the midst of the enemy's country. [4] A large amount of grain and money was being consumed, he said, and though so many battles had destroyed the enemy's armies, still they had considerably diminished the forces of the victor as well. [5] Therefore they must send reinforcements, they must send money to pay them and grain to soldiers who had deserved so well of the Carthaginian nation.

After these words of Mago, while all were rejoicing, Himilco, a man of the Barca party, thought it an opportunity to rebuke Hanno. [6] “Tell me, Hanno,” he-said, “is it still to be regretted that we undertook a war against the Romans? Order the surrender of Hannibal! [7] In the midst of such successes forbid the [p. 39]rendering of thanks to the immortal gods! Let us¹ listen to a Roman senator in the Carthaginian 'Senate House.” [8] Thereupon Hanno said: “I should have remained silent to-day, members of the senate, for fear of saying something which in the universal rejoicing would bring less joy to you. [9] As it is, when a senator asks me whether it is still a matter of regret that we entered upon a war against the Romans, if I were to remain silent I should be thought either haughty or subservient, of which the one marks a man forgetful of another's independence, the other a man who forgets his own. [10] I should like to say in reply to Himilco,” he said, “that I have not ceased to regret the war, and will not cease to accuse your invincible commander until I shall see the war ended on some sufferable terms; nor will anything else than a new peace end my longing for the old peace. [11] And so those facts which Mago has just boastfully reported already give joy to Himilco and the other minions of Hannibal, and may give joy to me, since successes in war, if we are willing to make use of our good fortune, will give us a more favourable peace. [12] I mean that if we let slip this moment, when we may be considered as giving, rather than receiving, a peace, I fear that this joy also of ours may run to excess and come to nothing.² [13] But even now what is it worth? ' I have slain armies of the enemy. Send me soldiers! ' What else would you ask for if you had been defeated? [14] ' I have captured two camps of the enemy,' full of booty and supplies, of course. ' Give me grain and money! [15] ' What else would you beg if you had been despoiled, if you had lost your camp? And, not to have all the amazement to myself —for it is right and proper for me too, having [p. 41]answered Himilco, to turn questioner, —I [16] should like³ either Himilco or Mago to answer, in the first place, whether any state among the Latins has revolted to us, although the battle of Cannae meant the utter destruction of the Roman power, and it is known that all Italy is in revolt; in the second place, whether any man out of the thirty-five tribes has deserted to Hannibal.” [17] On Mago's negative answer to both Hanno said: "Accordingly there remains, to be sure, a very great number of the enemy. But what spirit, what hope that multitude has, I should like to know.'