Page:The story of Rome, from the earliest times to the death of Augustus, told to boys and girls (IA storyofromefrome00macg).pdf/294

 young soldier, and while he scorned his commanders, he admired Scipio.

'He alone has the breath of life in him, the rest are but flitting phantoms,' said the old man, who had begun to learn Greek and to love Homer, from whom he was now quoting, only when he was about seventy years of age.

According to Roman law, Scipio was still too young to be elected Consul. Nevertheless he returned to Rome in 147, and in spite of his youth was chosen Consul, and given the command of the army in Africa.