Talking About Fabius Maximus

Talking About Fabius Maximus.wav

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An image showing Fabius Maximus addressing a crowd of Roman citizens in the Forum. His expression will be serious and resolute as he speaks about his strategy to delay engagement with Hannibal. The surrounding crowd will display a range of emotions, with some looking skeptical, angry, and even shouting, conveying their disapproval and labeling him a coward. Roman architecture will form the backdrop, emphasizing the public nature of this critical moment.

"Okay, class, please open your English books to page 72," their teacher, Ms. Kim, announced. "Today, we're going to read a short story about a very interesting historical figure: Fabius Maximus."

Jaegyum, always eager to learn, raised his hand. "Ms. Kim, is he a famous general?"

Ms. Kim smiled. "That's a great question, Jaegyum! Let's read and find out. This story is about a Roman general who had a very special way of fighting."

After reading the story, Jaegyum and Jaeyi were walking home together, discussing the story in English.

Jaegyum: "Wow, Fabius Maximus was really smart, wasn't he?"

Jaeyi: "Yeah! His nickname, 'Cunctator,' means 'the Delayer.' That's so cool!"

Jaegyum: "Right! He didn't fight Hannibal directly. He just followed him and waited."

Jaeyi: "At first, people didn't like his strategy, did they? They thought he was a coward."

Jaegyum: "That's true! But in the end, his way saved Rome. He kept Hannibal from getting supplies."

Jaeyi: "It's like playing a long game. My dad says sometimes it's better to wait and think before you act."

Jaegyum: "Exactly! So, if you're playing a game, and your opponent is very strong, maybe you can use Fabius's strategy!"

Jaeyi: "Hmm, like if I'm playing rock-paper-scissors and my friend always chooses rock. Maybe I should just wait to see what they do first, even if it's not exactly the same."

Jaegyum: (Giggles) "Kind of! But seriously, his strategy was about being patient and not giving up, even when it was difficult."

Jaeyi: "And it helped Rome win without a big, dangerous fight. That's a good lesson for us, too. Sometimes, patience is the best weapon."

Jaegyum: "Yeah! Like when I want to eat all the snacks at once, but my mom says I have to wait. It's like Fabius Maximus!"

Jaeyi laughed. "Maybe! But I think Fabius Maximus was a bit more serious than that."

Jaegyum: "Okay, okay! But it still teaches us about being smart and patient. I want to be like Fabius Maximus when I have a difficult problem."

Jaeyi: "Me too! So, next time, if someone asks us, 'What did Fabius Maximus do?', we can say, 'He waited! And he won!'"

They both laughed as they reached Jaeyi's gate, still thinking about the clever Roman general.