First, Minos, let me speak.

And who are you, friend? and where do you come from?

I am Scipio, the Roman general, who destroyed Carthage, and gained great victories over the Libyans.

Well, and what have you to say?

That Alexander is my superior, and I am Hannibal’s, having defeated him, and driven him to ignominious flight. What impudence is this, to contend with Alexander, to whom I, your conqueror, would not presume to compare myself!

Honestly spoken, Scipio, on my word! Very well, then: Alexander comes first, and you next; and I think we must say Hannibal third. And a very creditable third, too.