35.45
After
this speech, which met with unanimous approval, the king left the council.
An animated discussion then arose between the two Aetolian leaders,
Phaeneas and Thoas. Phaeneas argued that as their leader in war Antiochus
would not be so useful to them as he would be were he to act as
peace-maker and as an umpire to whom their differences with Rome might
be referred for decision. His presence amongst them and his regal dignity
would do more to win the respect of the Romans than his arms. Many men,
to avoid the necessity of war, will make concessions which could not be
extorted from them by war and armed force. Thoas, on the other hand,
asserted that Phaeneas was not really anxious for peace; he only wanted to
hinder their preparations for war so that the king, tired of delays, might relax
his efforts and the Romans gain time for completing their own preparations.
Notwithstanding all the deputations which had been despatched to Rome and
all the personal discussions with Quinctius, they had learnt by experience
that no equitable terms could be procured from Rome, nor would they have
sought help from Antiochus had not all their hopes been dashed to the
ground. Now that he had presented himself sooner than anyone expected
they must not slacken their purpose, rather must they beg the king, as he had
come as the champion of Greece, which was the main thing, to summon all
his military and naval forces. A king in arms would gain something, a king
without arms would not have the slightest weight with Romans, either as
acting on behalf of the Aetolians or even defending his own interests. These
arguments carried the day and they decided to appoint the king as their
commander-in-chief with absolute powers, and thirty of their leading men
were selected to act as an advisory council on any matter on which he might
wish to consult them.
