40.3
Marcius
had increased the senate's apprehensions about Philip. He admitted that
Philip had carried out the measures insisted upon by the senate, but in such a
way that he would obviously continue to do so no longer than he was
compelled. There was little doubt that he would recommence war, and all his
words and actions pointed in that direction. He transferred almost the entire
population from the maritime cities to the district now called Emathia,
formerly known as Paeonia, and had handed over those cities to the
Thracians and other barbarians for their residence, thinking that these races
could be more safely depended upon in case of a war with Rome. This action
called forth loud protests throughout Macedonia; few of those who with
their wives and children were abandoning their homes bore their grief in
silence. Everywhere amongst the crowds of emigrants were heard curses on
the king; their anger got the better of their fears. Furious at all this, Philip
began to suspect all persons, places and seasons alike, and at last openly
avowed that he could only be secure when he had the children of those
whom he had put to death arrested and in safe keeping. Then he could put
them out of the way from time to time.