36.5
During
these proceedings in Rome Antiochus, who was at Chalcis, was not idle
during the winter. Some of the Greek communities he endeavoured to win
over by despatching embassies to them, others sent embassies spontaneously
to him, as for instance the Epirots, in accordance with the general
determination of their people, and also the Eleans from the Peloponnese. The
Eleans sought his assistance against the Achaeans, who having declared war
on Antiochus against their wish would, they expected, attack them first of
all. A detachment of infantry 1000 strong was sent to them under the
command of Euphanes, a Cretan. The deputation from Epirus showed a by
no means honest and straightforward spirit to either side; they wanted to
ingratiate themselves with Antiochus, but at the same time to give no offence
to the Romans. They asked the king not to involve them in the war hastily,
for from their position on the front of Greece facing Italy they would have to
meet the first onslaught of the Romans. But if he could protect Epirus with
his fleet and army all the Epirots would eagerly welcome him in their cities
and harbours; if he was unable to do so, they begged him not to expose them
unprotected and defenceless to the hostility of Rome. Their object was
perfectly clear. If, as they were inclined to believe, he kept clear of Epirus,
all would be safe so far as the Roman armies were concerned, whilst they
would have secured the king's good graces by expressing their readiness to
receive him, had he gone to them. If on the other hand he entered Epirus,
they hoped that the Romans would pardon them for yielding to the superior
strength of one who was on the spot, without waiting for succour from a
distance. As Antiochus was at a loss what reply to make to this ambiguous
plea, he said he would send envoys to them to discuss the matters which
concerned him and them alike.
