`` I commend your zeal '' , Hannibal said to Maharbal ; `` but I need time to weigh the plan that you propose . ''
According to Livy the conversation went like this : after Maharbal expressed interest on marching to Rome immediately : `` I commend your zeal , '' he ( Hannibal ) said to Maharbal , `` but I need time to weigh the plan which you propose . ''