31.9
In the
midst of these preparations for war a deputation came from King Ptolemy to
bring information that the Athenians had sought his aid against Philip.
Although both States were allies of Rome, the king would not -so the
deputies stated -send either fleet or army to Greece to protect or attack any
one without the consent of Rome. If the Romans were at liberty to defend
their allies he should remain quietly in his kingdom; if on the other hand the
Romans preferred to remain inactive he would himself send such assistance
as would easily protect the Athenians against Philip. The senate passed a
vote of thanks to the king and assured the deputation that it was the
intention of the Roman people to protect their allies; if the need arose they
would point it out to the king, and they were fully aware that the resources
of his kingdom would prove a steady and loyal support for their
commonwealth. To each of the deputies the senate presented 5000 ases.
While the consuls were raising troops and preparing for war, the citizens
were occupied with religious observances, especially those which were usual
when a fresh war began. The special intercessions and prayers at all the
shrines had been duly offered, but that nothing might be omitted the consul
to whom Macedonia was allotted was authorised to vow Games in honour
of Jupiter and an offering to his temple. This matter was delayed through the
action of the Pontifex Maximus, Licinius, who laid it down that no vow
ought to be made unless the sum required to discharge it was paid, because
the money so appropriated could not be used in connection with the war,
and ought to be at once set apart and not mixed up with other money. Unless
this were done, the vow could not be duly discharged. Although the pontiff's
authority and the reasons he gave had great weight, the consul was
instructed to refer the question to the whole pontifical college as to whether
a vow could be properly undertaken when the expense incurred was left
uncertain. The pontiffs declared that it could, and would be made with even
greater propriety under these conditions. The consul recited the words of the
vow after the Pontifex Maximus in the same form in which vows to be
discharged after an interval of five years were usually recited, the exception
being that the senate was to determine the cost of its fulfilment at the time
when it was discharged. Up to this time when the Games and offerings were
vowed a definite sum had always been named; this was the first instance
where the cost was not fixed at the time.
