text:  In truth such was the prostration of the strength of Rome by these terrible defeats that the republic was gone but for the jealousy of the Carthaginian government which hindered them from sending any efficient succours to Hannibal and the unconquerable spirit of the Roman aristocracy which rose with every disaster which ensued and led them to make efforts in behalf of their country which appear almost superhuman and never have been equalled by any subsequent people on earth