33.33
At the
close of the Games, almost the entire assemblage ran to the spot where the
Roman general was seated, and the rush of the crowd who were trying to
touch his hand and throw garlands and ribbons became almost dangerous.
He was about thirty-three years old at the time, and not only the robustness
of his manhood but the delight of reaping such a harvest of glory gave him
strength. The universal rejoicing was not simply a temporary excitement; for
many days it found expression in thoughts and words of gratitude. "There
is," people said, "one nation which at its own cost, through its own
exertions, at its own risk has gone to war on behalf of the liberty of others. It
renders this service not to those across its frontiers, or to the peoples of
neighbouring States or to those who dwell on the same mainland, but it
crosses the seas in order that nowhere in the wide world may injustice and
tyranny exist, but that right and equity and law may be everywhere supreme.
By this single proclamation of the herald all the cities in Greece and Asia
recover their liberty. To have formed this design shows a daring spirit; to
have brought it to fulfilment is a proof of exceptional courage and
extraordinary good fortune."
