Toxilus felt the heat in his face as it reddened. He was more familiar with simply being told what to do, and to carry it out no matter what the cost. Someone, a Consul no less, requesting his opinion on matters was a seldom opportunity. 

"It is as you say, Consul, we would be foolish to wait for those Veneti goat herds to come to us - not when we have the advantage in strength of arms," he said, making an effort to fix the Consul's eyes with his own. "We've been on the defensive for most of this war, and were it in my power, I would perhaps be pressing towards some offensive action."

Toxilus moved a hand to the map of northern Italia, and started to manoeuvre the lead figurines denoting Rome's Legions and Hannibal's armies. 

"As you say, Hannibal's crossing of the Alps was a colossal feat," he spoke, as he pushed the Consul's army into the Veneti King's rabble. "And here, at the rivers, he will attempt something similar. He's in charge of what we're doing; he dictates everything. He moves one way, we follow, he moves back, we'll chase him that way. This will go on, and on, and on if he wills it to. I do not like it. It's almost as if he's playing for time, or expecting us to become frustrated with him, and go on the attack ourselves." 
Toxilus knocked over the Veneti army, and pushed the Consul's legions over the river. "In either case, what Hannibal has is mobility and the initiative. Even if we defeat him at the Arno, he'll simply - as you have said - retreat into the north, and come at us again in a month's time, unless we chase him back into the Alps. I propose we smash the Veneti - perhaps not pursue into oblivion, but rather, let them break and flee." Toxilus moved the Consul's army westwards, upon Hannibal's rear. "Then we could hard march west, and trap him before he can make good his escape - or at the very least, force him into giving battle on neutral terms... though with you on the right, and Pictor on the left, I don't see how even Hannibal could hope to win against you both." 

Stepping back from the table, Toxilus gave a short bow. "But I am not as skilled in strategical matters, as I am in tactical ones. I defer to your judgement, and am ready to march my men right into Hannibal's camp if it's what you want of me."