42.11
Valerius Antias writes that Attalus, the
brother of Eumenes, went to Rome at this time to lay charges against
Perseus and to describe his preparations for war. The majority of annalists,
and certainly those whom you would prefer to believe, state that Eumenes
came in person. When he arrived in Rome he was received with all the
honours which the people of Rome considered due to his own merits and
quite as much so to the kindnesses which they had heaped upon him in such
profusion. After being introduced to the senate he said that he was visiting
Rome for two reasons. One was his great desire to make acquaintance with
the gods and men to whose beneficence he owed his present prosperity,
which was such that he did not venture even to wish for anything beyond it.
The other reason was that he might warn the senate of the necessity of
thwarting the projects of Perseus. Beginning with a review of Philip's policy
he narrated the circumstances of the death of Demetrius, who was opposed
to war with Rome. "The Bastarnae," he continued, "were induced to leave
their homes that he might have their assistance in the invasion of Italy.
Whilst revolving these schemes in his mind he was surprised by death and
left the crown to one whom he knew to be Rome's greatest enemy. The war
had thus been left as a heritage to Perseus by his father, bequeathed to him
together with the crown, and from the first day of his rule all his plans were
laid to feed and foster it. He has abundant resources; the long years of peace
have produced a numerous progeny of men of military age; moreover he is in
the prime of life, in the full strength of manhood, and with a mind
strengthened and disciplined in the science and practice of war. From his
boyhood he has shared his father's tent and has thus gained experience not
only in border wars, but even in the wars with Rome in the various
expeditions on which he has been sent. From the day he ascended the throne
he has been marvellously successful in accomplishing many things which his
father, after trying every means, was unable to effect either by force or craft;
and his power is enhanced by a personal authority such as is only gained by
great and numerous merits in a long course of time.