45.8
The first
question put to him was what wrongs had he suffered which compelled him
to commence war against Rome in such an aggressive temper and so imperil
his own existence and that of his kingdom? Whilst all were waiting for his
answer, he kept his eyes fixed on the ground and wept for some time in
silence. Then the consul continued: "Had you received the crown in your
youth I should be the less surprised at your not knowing what weight Rome
possesses either as a friend or an enemy. But now, after having been
associated with your father in his war against us and in the peace which
followed, and which you well remember we kept with perfect good faith
towards him, what could have been your object in choosing war rather than
peace with those whose strength you have felt in war and whose fidelity you
have experienced in peace?" He made no reply to either the question or the
charge. Then the consul said: "Well, however this may have been brought
about, whether through the blindness of human nature or through chance, or
through the decree of Fate, keep a stout heart. The clemency of the people
of Rome, which has been shown in the misfortunes of many kings and
nations, affords you not only a hope, but a tolerably certain guarantee of
your personal safety." He said this in Greek to Perseus, and then turning to
the council he said in Latin, "You see a striking example of the mutability of
human affairs. Especially to you younger men am I now speaking -it does
not become us, therefore, in the hour of prosperity to form any aggressive
designs against anyone, or to trust the fortune of the moment, for it is
uncertain what the evening will bring. He only will prove himself a man
whose spirit is not elated by the breath of prosperity nor broken by the blasts
of adversity." When the council had broken up, the custody of the king was
entrusted to Q. Aelius. On that day he was invited to dine with the council,
and every mark of honour was shown to him which could be shown to any
one in his position.
