Page 780 against 'em. But one of the Tribunes introducing them into the Senate, and violently plucking down the Praetor from the Desks, who was stirring them up to the War, he caus'd them to speak, who saying many things in a way of humble Supplication, receiv'd such an Answer as altogether freed them from their excessive Fears; But for some of their Crimes they were sharply rebuk'd.
XX. About this time came Ambassadors to Rome from all parts to Congratnlate their Victories; the Senate courteously receiv'd them all, and returning them Gracious Answers, presently sent them back into their own Country.
XXI. About this time there being many Ambassadors arriv'd, the Senate first dispatch'd those that came along with Attalus. For the Romans were jealous of Eumenes, by reason of some Letters that were intercepted, by which it appear'd that he had confederated with Perseus against the Romans, being likewise accus'd by many Ambassadors that came out of Asia, and especially by those that were sent from King Prusias, and the Gallo-Greeks; those with Attalus readily answer'd to every Article of the Charge, and not only clear'd themselves of all the Crimes, but return'd home with much Honour and Reputation. However, the Senate did not altogether lay aside the Suspicion of Eumenes: but pitching upon Caius, sent him away strictly to observe his Affairs and Motions.
XXII. Prusias became unworthy of the Royal Dignity, spent his days basely and sordidly in flattering his Superiours; and when the Roman Ambassadors came to him, he threw aside the Ensigns of Royalty the Diadem and the Purple, and imitating exactly the Garb of the Roman Libertines, met the Ambassadors with his Head shaven, and wearing a White Cap, and having on the Gown and * Shooes of a Manumitted Slave, so Saluted the Ambassadors, Declaring himself to be a Libertine of the Romans, then which it's no easie matter to find a more dishonourable Title; and many other such mean things he had done before. And when he came to the Portico of the Senate-House, standing at the Door straight over against the Senators, he fell down prostrate upon both Hands, kissing the Threshold, and cry'd out with a loud voice to them as they sate, All Health! Ye Gods! The Saviours! not sparing any high-soaring Compliments of unmanly Flattery and Effeminacy. And moreover, making a Speech in the Senate agreeable to his sordid Deportment, he proceeded so far as is a shame for me to write. But the Senate being offended at many things he said, return'd him Answer suitable to his Flatteries. For the Romans are eager chiefly to conquer a Stout and Couragious Enemy.
XXIII. Ambassadors came to Rome both from the younger and the elder Ptolemy. An Account of Affairs being given to those in the Assembly, the Senate upon hearing of part decreed, that the Ambassadors from the elder Ptolemy should depart out of Italy within Five Days at most, and the Confederacy be broken off. But that Ambassadors should be sent to the younger Ptolemy to Declare to him the Good Will of the Senate, and those things that had been signify'd to his Brother.
XXIV. About the 155 Olympiad, Ambassadors came from Ariarathes bringing a Crown of the value of 10000 pieces of Gold, signifying the Good Will the King bore to the Romans, and that upon their account he had prohibited Marriage and Amity with Demetrius; which was attested and confirm'd by the Ambassadors from Greece. The Senate commended Ariarathes and accepted the Crown, and sent back to him such Presents as were of greatest Esteem among the Romans.
XXV. At the same time Ambassadors came from Demetrius bringing likewise a Crown of the value of 10000 pieces of Gold, and those prisoners that were guilty of the Murther of Octavus: But the Senate had a long Debate what was best and most advisable to do in these Concerns; at last they accepted the Crown, but wou'd not receive Isocrates and Leptinas that were offer'd to be deliver'd up to them.
XXVI. The Celtiberians after the Victory, wisely foreseeing what wou'd follow, sent Ambassadors to the Consul to Treat of Peace, but he looking upon it necessary to keep up the Grandeur and Magnanimity of his Country, made Answer, That they must either give up all to the Romans, or else be Victors in the War.
XXVII. When the Romans were at War with the Carthaginians, the Carthaginians hearing that they were sailing to Lilybaeum, and not in the least making a Descent upon them, sent Ambassadors to Rome, and by them deliver'd up both themselves, and all the Concerns of their Country to the Romans. The Senate accepting the Surrender of their Country, gave this Answer; Since the Carthaginians are so well advis'd, the Senate returns them their Country, their Laws, their Temples, their Sepulchres, their Liberties and their Estates; (not at all mentioning their City Carthage, for that was conceal'd under these kind Concessions) if they wou'd give Three hundred Sons of the Senators Hostages, and obey the Consuls Commands. They thinking hereby to be