Affairs in Greece: Philip V. Called In Against the Aetolians
The Aetolians had recently become greatly encouraged
King Philip undertakes to aid the Achaean league, and other Greek states,
against a threat-ened attack of the Aetolians in alliance with Rome, B. C. 208.
Cp. Livy, 27, 30. See above Bk. 9, ch. 28-42. |
by the arrival of the Romans and King Attalus: and accordingly began menacing every one, and
threatening all with an attack by land, while Attalus and Publius Sulpicius did the same by
sea. Wherefore Achaean legates arrived at the court of King Philip entreating his help: for it
was not the Aetolians alone of whom they were standing in dread, but Machanidas also, as he
was encamped with his army on the frontier of
Argos. The Boeotians also, in fear of the
enemy's fleet, were demanding a leader and
help from the king. Most urgent of all, however, were the
Euboeans in their entreaties to him to take some precaution
against the enemy. A similar appeal was being made by the
Acarnanians; and there was an embassy even from the
Epirotes. News had arrived that both Scerdilaidas and
Pleuratus were leading out their armies: and, over and above
this, that the Thracian tribes on the frontier of
Macedonia,
especially the Maedi, were planning to invade
Macedonia, if
the king were induced to stir from his realm however short a
distance. Moreover the Aetolians were already securing the
pass of
Thermopylae with trenches and stockades and a
formidable garrison, satisfied that they would thus out
Philip, and entirely prevent him from coming to the assistance
of his allies south of the pass. It appears to me that a crisis
of this sort is well worth the observation and attention of my
readers; for it affords a trial and test of the vigour of the
leader affected. As in the hunting-field the wild animals
never show their full courage and strength until surrounded
and brought to bay,—so it is with leaders. And no more
conspicuous instance could be found than this of Philip. He
dismissed the various embassies, promising each that he would
do his best: and then devoted his attention to the war which
surrounded him on all sides, watching to see in what direction,
and against which enemy, he had best direct his first attack.