42.17
Just
after this incident C. Valerius, who had been sent to Greece to examine the
state of the country and discover the designs of Perseus, returned with a
report which agreed in all points with the charges brought by Eumenes. He
had brought back with him from Delphi the woman Praxo, whose house had
been the meeting-place of the assassins, and also L. Rammius, a native of
Brundisium, who laid the following information before the senate. Rammius
was the chief person in Brundisium, and he used to entertain the Roman
generals and distinguished ambassadors from foreign nations, especially
those who represented monarchy. Through this he became known to
Perseus, though he was in a different part of the world, and when he
received a letter holding out the prospect of more intimate friendship, and
consequently of high fortune, he paid a visit to the king. In a short time he
found himself on very familiar terms with him, and drawn more often than he
could have wished into confidential talks. The king pressed a proposal upon
him and promised him a huge bribe if he would consent to it. As all the
Roman generals and ambassadors usually accepted his hospitality, Perseus
suggested that he should arrange for poison to be administered to those
whose names he should give him. He knew that the preparation of poison
was extremely difficult and dangerous, as so many must know of its
preparation and, besides that, there is uncertainty as to its working, whether
it will be strong enough to accomplish its task or safe as against any
discovery. He would therefore give him a poison which could not be
detected by any indication, either whilst being given or afterwards. Rammius
was afraid that, if he refused, he might be the first on whom the poison
would be tried, so he promised to do what the king asked, and started for
home. He did not, however, want to return to Brundisium before he saw C.
Valerius, who was reported to be in the neighbourhood of Chalcis. He laid
the facts before him, and acting on his instructions came with him to Rome.
Introduced into the senate he narrated what had taken place.