Hannibal Is Received by Antiochus
Plans are made with hope and promise in spring; yet autumn comes, and all turns otherwise.
When at last a noble friend appears, life's livelihood begins to stand secure.
Good fortune rises, then falls again, like waves that shift with changing winds.
Meet this chance with calm and quiet heart; force brings failure, patience brings the key.
In the end, a trusted ally brings safety, and a steady path is found at last.
Through waiting, the time will ripen; trust the right encounter, and life will be secure.
Hannibal at the Court of Antiochus
After Carthage’s defeat, Hannibal went into exile and found refuge with Antiochus III of the Seleucid Empire, Rome’s powerful eastern rival. Hannibal advised a bold invasion strategy, but court politics and distrust limited his influence. Antiochus welcomed the famous general yet did not fully use his counsel, and defeat by Rome forced another flight. The episode portrays fortune in transition: a distinguished ally may offer temporary safety, but changing interests make promises unstable. Security comes only when judgment, timing, and trust finally align.
Meaning of This Lot
This lot expresses its lesson through Hannibal Is Received by Antiochus. Plans are made with hope and promise in spring; yet autumn comes, and all turns otherwise. When at last a noble friend appears, life's livelihood begins to stand secure.
Its practical counsel is therefore specific: career: Progress comes, but success is not assured.; wealth: Gains are modest; guard what you have.; love: Affection grows slowly; understanding is the key.; health: Keep steady habits; care brings balance.; relationships: Trust is hard to earn; friends are few.; travel: Journeys bring change, but not without risk. The overall judgment is moderate fortune, so act in proportion to that sign—welcome openings where they are offered, but respect every warning contained in the verses.