" The people, among other marks of gratitude, gave
his son the consulship of the next year; shortly after whose
entrance upon his office, there being some business on foot about
provision for the war, his father, either on account of age and
infirmity, or perhaps out of design to try his son, came up to him
on horseback. While he was still at a distance, the young consul
observed it, and bade one of his lictors command his father to
alight, and tell him that, if he had any business with the consul,
he should come on foot. The bystanders seemed offended at the
imperiousness of the son towards a father so venerable for his age
and his authority, and turned their eyes in silence towards
Fabius. He, however, instantly alighted from his horse, and with
open arms came up, almost running, and embracing him said, "Yes,
my son, you do well, and understand what authority you have
received, and over whom you are to use it. This was the way by
which we and our forefathers advanced the dignity of Rome,
preferring ever her honor and service to our own fathers and
children."
And, in fact, it is told that the great-grandfather of Fabius, who
was undoubtedly the greatest man of Rome in his time, both in
reputation and authority, who had been five times consul, and had
been honored with several triumphs for victories obtained by him,
took pleasure in serving as lieutenant under his own son, when he
went as consul to his command.
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