You return
from Gades, and while crossing the Ebro river, a vision appears. A
god-like youth appears and says, "I am sent by Jupiter to guide you on
your march to Italy. Follow me and whatever happens, do not look back."
You begin to follow the youth as he instructs but when curiosity
overcomes you, you look back and witness a serpent of vast and marvelous
bulk, destroying the forest in its path. In its wake was a fierce
thunder-storm. You cry, "What does this monstrous portent mean?" and the
god replies "It is the devastation of Italy. You must go forward
without question and allow your destiny to remain hidden."
Gladdened
by this vision, you cross the Ebro with your army in three divisions,
with 90,000 infantry and 12,000 cavalry altogether.