It did not escape the observation of Aratus that the
people of Megalopolis would be more ready than others to seek
the protection of Antigonus, and the hopes of safety offered by
Macedonia; for their neighbourhood to
Sparta exposed them
to attack before the other states; while they were unable to get
the help which they ought to have, because the Achaeans were
themselves hard pressed and in great difficulties. Besides
they had special reasons for entertaining feelings of affection
towards the royal family of
Macedonia, founded
on the favours received in the time of Philip,
son of Amyntas.
He therefore imparted his
general design under pledge of secrecy to Nicophanes and
Cercidas of
Megalopolis, who were family friends of his own
and of a character suited to the undertaking; and by their means
experienced no difficulty in inducing the people of
Megalopolis
to send envoys to the league, to advise that an application for
help should be made to Antigonus. Nicophanes and Cercidas
were themselves selected to go on this mission to the league,
and thence, if their view was accepted, to Antigonus. The
league consented to allow the people of Megalopolis to send
the mission; and accordingly Nicophanes lost no time in obtaining an interview with the king. About the interests of his
own country he spoke briefly and summarily, confining himself
to the most necessary statements; the greater part of his
speech was, in accordance with the directions of Aratus,
concerned with the national question.
