The history of the world

§. II. How PHILIP was misseaduised by ill Counsailors: Who afterwards wrought [unspec 30] treason against him, and were iustly punished. Hee inuadeth the Aeto∣lians a second time: And forceth them to sue for peace: Which is granted vn∣to them.

WHilest the King lay at Argos, deuising vpon his businesse for the yeare following; some ambitious men that were about him, studied so dili∣gently their owne greatnesse, as they were like to haue spoiled all that he tooke in hand. Antigonus Doson had left vnto Philip such Counsai∣lors, as to him did seeme the fittest men for gouerning of his youth. [unspec 40] The chiefe of these was Apelles; that had the charge of his person, and ordering of his Treasures. This man, seeming to himselfe a great Politician, thought that he should do a notable peece of seruice to his Prince; if he could reduce the Achaeans vn∣to the same degree of subjection, wherein the Macedonians liued. To bring this to passe; during the late Expedition hee had caused some of the Macedonians to thrust the Achaeans out of their lodgings, and to strip them of the bootie that they had got∣ten. Proceeding further, as occasion fell out, He was bold to chastice some of that Nation; causing his Ministers to take and whippe them. If any of them offered (as there were some of them that could not refraine) to helpe their fellowes; them hee laid by the heeles, and punished as Mutiners. Hereby hee thought to bring it to [unspec 50] passe by little and little, that they should bee qualified with an habite of blind obe∣dience; and thinke nothing vniust that pleased the King. But these Achaeans were tenderly sensible in matter of libertie: whereof if they could haue been contented to suffer any little diminution, they needed not haue troubled the Macedonians to 〈◊〉〈◊〉

them in the warre against Cleomenes: They bemoned 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 old Aratus; and besought him to thinke vpon some good order, that they might not bee op∣pressed by degrees. Aratus foorthwith dealt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the King; as in a matter more weightie, than at first it might seeme. The King bellowed gracious words vpon those that had bene wronged; and forbad Apelles to follow the course begunne. Hereat Apelles was inwardly vexed, though he dissembled his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for a time. He thought so well of his owne 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that he could not endure to lay it aside; being perhaps vnable to doe the King any valuable seruice, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of o∣ther nature. Hee purposed therefore hereafter to beginne at the head; since, in bi∣ting at the taile, the fish had shot away from his mouth. It could not otherwise bee [unspec 10] than that among the Achaeans there were some, who bore no heartie affection to Ara∣tus. These he enquired out: and sending for them, entertained them with wordes of Court; promising to become their especiall friend, and commend them vnto the King. Then brake he his purpose with the King himselfe: letting him know, that as long as he continued to make much of Aratus, He must be faine to deale precisely with the Achaeans, and, as it were by Indenture, according to the letter of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉: whereas if he would be pleased, to giue countenance vnto those others whom he himselfe commended, then should the Achaeans, and all other Peloponnesians, bee quickly brought to conforme themselues vnto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of obedient Subiects. By such perswasions, He drew the King to be present at Aegium, where the Achaeans [unspec 20] were to hold election of a new 〈◊〉〈◊〉. There with much more labour, than would haue beene needfull in a businesse of more importance; the King, by faire 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and threatnings together, obtained so much, That Eperatus, a very insufficient man, but one of Apelles his new Fauorites, was chosen Praetor, instead of one more 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for whom Aratus had laboured. This was thought a good introduction vnto greater matters that should follow. The King from thence passed along by Pa∣tras and Dyma, to a very strong Castle held by the Eleans, which was called Tichos. The Garrison yeelded it vp for feare, at his first comming: whereof hee was glad; for that hee had an earnest desire to bestow it vpon the Dymaeans, as hee pre∣sently did. [unspec 30]

The King thought it strange, that all this while he heard of no messengers from the Eleans, to sue for peace. For at his departure out of their Countrie the last Winter, hee had let loose one Amphidamus a Captaine of theirs, that was his Prisoner; be∣cause hee found him an intelligent man, and one that vndertooke to make them for∣sake their alliance with the Aetolians, and joyne with him vpon reasonable termes. This if they could be cōtented to do, He willed Amphidamus to let them vnderstand, That he would render vnto them freely all prisoners which hee had of theirs; That he would defend them from all forrein inuasion; and that they should hold their libertie entire, liuing after their owne Lawes, without paying any manner of Tri∣bute, or being kept vnder by any Garrison. These Conditions were not to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [unspec 40] if they had found credit as they might haue done. But when Philip came to the Castle of Tichos, and made a new inuasion vpon their Countrie: then beganne the Eleans, (that were not before ouer-hastie to beleeue such faire promises) to sus∣pect Amphidamus as a Traitour, and one that was set on worke for no other 〈◊〉〈◊〉, than to breed a mutuall diffidence betweene them and the Aetolians. Wherefore they purposed to lay hands vpon him, and send him Prisoner into Aetolia. But hee perceiued their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and gotaway to Dyma: in good time for 〈◊〉〈◊〉; in better for Aratus. For the King (as was said) maruailing what should be the cause, that he heard no news from the Eleans, concerning the offers which he had made vnto them by Amphidamus: Appelles, his Counsailor, thereby tooke occasion to supplant Aratus. [unspec 50] He said that old Aratus, and his sonne together, had such deuices in their heads, as tended little to the Kings good; And long of them he said it was, that the Eleans did thus hold out; For when Amphidamus was dismissed home, the two Arati (the fa∣ther and the sonne) had taken him aside and giuen him to vnderstand, that it would

be very praejudiciall to all Peloponnesus, if the Eleans once became at the deuotion of the Macedonian; And this was the true cause, why neither Amphidamus was very carefull in doing this message, nor the Eleans in hearkning to the Kings offers. All this was a false lie; deuised by Apelles himselfe, vpon no other ground than his owne malice. Philip had no sooner heard his tale, but in a great rage hee sent for the two Arati; and bad Apelles rehearse it ouer againe to their faces. Apelles did so, and with a bold countenance, talking to them as to men already conuicted. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he had said all the rest, ere either Philip or they spake any word; Hee added this clause as it were in the Kings name: Since the King hath found you such vngratefull wretches; it is his meaning to hold a Parliament of the Achaeans; and therein hauing made it [unspec 10] knowne what yee are, to depart into Macedon, and leaue you to your selues. Olde Aratus grauely admonished the King; That whensoeuer hee heard any accusation, especially against a friend of his owne or a man of worth; He should forbeare a while to giue credit, vntill he had diligently examined the businesse. For such deliberati∣on was Kingly, and hee should neuer thereof repent him. At the present hee said there needed no more, than to call in those that had heard his talke with Amphida∣mus; and especially him that had brought this goodly tale to Apelles. For it would be a very absurd thing, That the King should make himselfe Authour of a report in the open Parliament of Achaia, whereof there was none 〈◊〉〈◊〉 euidence, than one mans yea, and anothers no. Hereof the King liked well; and said that he would make [unspec 20] sufficient inquirie. So passed a few dayes: wherein whilest Apelles delaied to bring in the proofe, which indeed he wanted; Amphidamus came from Elis, and told what had befalne him there. The King was not forgetfull, to examine him about the conspiracie of the Arati: which when hee found no better than a meere deuice a∣gainst his honourable friends; Hee entertained them in louing manner as before. As for his loue to Apelles, though it was hereby somewhat cooled; yet by meanes of long acquaintance and daily employment, no remission therein could be discerned.

The vnrestfull temper of Apelles, hauing with much vehemencie brought no∣thing to passe; began (as commonly Ambition vseth) to swell and grow venomous [unspec 30] for want of his free motion. Hee betakes himselfe to his cunning againe: and as be∣fore, being checkt in his doings with those of the vulgar, hee had prepared a snare for the Arati; so fayling of them, he thinkes it wisedome to lay for the King him∣selfe, and for all at once which were about him. In such manner sometime, the Spider thought to haue taken the Swallow which draue away Flies out of the chim∣nie; but was carried (net and all) into the Ayre by the bird, that was too strong to be caught and held by the subtile workemanship of a Cob-web. Of the foure that next vnto Apelles were left by Antigonus in chiefe place about Philip; Taurion, his Lieutenant in Peloponnesus, and Alexander Captaine of the Guard, were faithful men, and such as would not bee corrupted. The other two, Leontius Captaine of the [unspec 40] Targuetiers, and Megaleas chiefe of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, were easily wonne to bee at A∣pelles his disposition. This Politician therefore studied how to remooue the o∣ther two from their places, and put some Creatures of his owne into their roomes. Against Alexander He went to worke the ordinarie way, by calumniation and pri∣uie detraction. But for the supplanting of Taurion hee vsed more finenesse; loading him with daily commendations, as a notable man of warre, and one, whom for his many vertues, the King might ill spare from being alwayes in his presence. By such Art he thought to haue remoued him, as wee say, Out of Gods blessing into a warme Sunne. In the meane season Aratus retired himselfe; and sought to auoid the dange∣rous friendship of the King, by forbearing to meddle in affaires of State. As for the [unspec 50] new Praetor of Achaia, lately chosen by such vehement instance of the King; He was a man of no dispatch, and one that had no grace with the People. Wherefore a great deale of time was lost, whilest Philip wanted both the monie and the Corne, wherewith he should haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 furnished by the Achaeans. This made the King

vnderstand his owne errour; which he wisely sought to reforme betimes. He per∣swaded the Achaeans to rejourne their Parliament from Aegium, to Sicyon the Towne of Aratus. There he dealt with the old man and his sonne: perswading them to forget what was past; & laying all the blame vpon Apelles, on whom thence∣forth he intended to keepe a more diligent eye. So by the trauell of these worthy men, Hee easily obtained what hee would of the Achaeans. Fifty talents they gaue him out of hand; with great store of Corne: and further decreed, That so long as he himselfe in person followed the warres in Peloponnesus, he should receiue ten talents a moneth. Being thus enabled, he began to prouide shipping, that so hee might in∣uade the Aetolians, Eleans, and Lacedaemonians, that were maritime people, at his plea∣sure, [unspec 10] and hinder their excursions by Sea.

It vexed Apelles beyond measure, to see things goe forward so well without his helpe; euen by the ministery of those whom hee most hated. Wherefore hee en∣tred into conspiracie with Leontius and Megaleas: binding himselfe and them by oath, to crosse and bring to nought, as well as they were able, all that the King should take in hand. By so doing, they thought to bring it to passe, that very want of abilitie to doe any thing without them, should make him speake them faire; and be glad to submit himselfe to their directions. The King it is like had stood in some awe of them whilest he was a childe; and therefore these wise men perswaded them∣selues, that, by looking bigge vpon him, and imputing vnto him all that fell out ill [unspec 20] through their owne misgouernement of his affaires, they might rule him as a child still. Apelles would needes goe to Chalcis, there to take order for the prouisions, which were to come that way out of Macedon: The other two staid behind with the King, to play their parts; all more mindfull of their wicked oath, than of their dutie.

His fleet and Armie being in a readines: Philip made countenance, as if he would haue bent all his forces against the Eleans; to whose aid therefore the Aetolians sent men, little fearing that the mischiefe would haue fallen as soone after it did, vpon themselues. But against the Eleans and those that came to help them, Philip thought it enough to leaue the Achaeans, with some part of his and their Mercinaries. He himselfe with the body of his Armie putting to Sea, landed in the Isle of Cephalle∣nia: [unspec 30] whence the Aetolians, dwelling ouer against it, vsed to furnish themselues of shipping, when they went to roue abroad. There he besieged the Towne of Pa∣laea, that had been very seruiceable to the Enemie against him and his Confederates; and might bee very vse-full to him, if hee could get it. Whilest hee lay before this Towne, there came vnto him fifteene ships of warre from Scerdilaidas; and many good Souldiers, from the Epirots, Acarnanians, and Messenians. But the Towne was obstinate; and would not be terrified with numbers. It was naturally fenced on all parts saue one, on which side Philip carried a Mine to the wall, wherewith he ouer∣threw two hundred foote thereof Leontius Captaine of the Targettiers, was ap∣pointed by the King to make the assault. But hee, remembring his couenant with [unspec 40] Apelles; did both wilfully forbeare to doe his best; and caused others to doe the like. So the Macedonians were put to foile, and many slaine; not of the worst souldiers, but such as had gotten ouer the breach, and would haue carried the Towne, if the Treason of their Captaine, and some by him corrupted, had not hindered the vi∣ctory. The King was angry with this; but there was no remedie; and therefore he thought vpon breaking vp the siege. For it was easier vnto the Townes-men to make vp the gap in their wall, than for him to make it wider. Whilest he stood thus perplexed, and vncertaine what course to take: the Messenians and Acarnanians lay hard vpon him, each of them desirous to draw him into their owne Countrey. The Messenians alleadged, that Lycurgus was busie in wasting their Countrey: vpon [unspec 50] whom the King might come vnawares in one day; the Etesian windes which then blew, seruing fitly for his Nauigation. Hereto also Leontius perswaded; who con∣sidered that those windes, as they would easily carrie him thither, so would they detaine him there perforce (blowing all the Dog-dayes) and make him spend the

Summer to small purpose. But Aratus gaue better counsaile, and preuailed. Hee shewed how vnfitting it were, to let the Aetolians ouer-run all Thessalie againe, and some part of Macedon, whilest the King withdrew his Armie farre off to seeke small aduentures. Rather, he said, that the time now serued well to carry the warre into Aetolia; since the Praetor was gone thence abroad on rouing, with the one halfe of their strength. As for Lycurgus; hee was not strong enough to doe much harme in Peloponnesus: and it might suffice, if the Achaeans were appointed to make head a∣gainst him. According to this aduice, the King sets saile for Aetolia; and enters the Bay of Ambracia, which diuided the Aetolians from Acarnania The Acarnanians were glad to see him on their borders; and ioyned with him as many of them as [unspec 10] could beare armes, to helpe in taking vengeance vpon their bad neighbours. Hee marched vp into the in-land Countrie: and taking some places by the way, which he filled with Garrisons to assure his Retrait; Hee passed on to Thermum; which was the Receptacle of the Aetolians, and surest place of defence in all extremities. The Country round about was a great Fastnesse, enuironed with rockie Mountaines of very narrow, steepe, and difficult ascent. There did the Aetolians vse to hold all their chiefe meetings, their Faires, their election of Magistrates, and their solemne games. There also they vsed to bestow the most precious of their goods, as in a place of greatest securitie. This opinion of the naturall strength, had made them carelesse in looking vnto it. When Philip therefore had ouercome the bad way, there [unspec 20] was nothing else to doe than to take spoile: whereof hee found such plentie, that hee thought the paines of his iournie well recompenced. So hee loaded his Armie: and consuming all that could not be carried away, forgot not to raze a goodly Temple, the chiefe of all belonging vnto the Aetolians; in remembrance of the like their cour∣tesie, shewed vpon the Temples of Dium and Dodona. This burning of the Tem∣ple, might (questionlesse) more for the Kings honour haue beene forborne. But perhaps he thought, as Monsieur du Gourgues the French Captaine told the Spaniards in Florida, That they which had no faith, needed no Church. At his returne from Thermum, the Aetolians laid for him: which that they would doe, hee beleeued be∣fore; and therefore was not taken vnawares. Three thousand of them there were [unspec 30] that lying in ambush fell vpon his skirts: but hee had laide a Counter-ambush for them of his Illyrians; who staying behind the rest, did set vpon the backes of the Aeto∣lians, whilest they were busily charging in Rere the Armie that went before. So with slaughter of the enemie, he returned the same way that he came: and burning downe those places that he had taken before, as also wasting the Country round a∣bout him, Hee safely carried all that hee had gotten aboord his Fleet. Once the Aetolians made countenance of fight, issuing out of Stratus in great brauerie. But they were beaten home faster than they came, and followed to their very gates.

The ioy of this victorious Expedition being euery way complete, and not de∣formed (as commonly happens) by any sinister accident; it pleased the King to [unspec 40] make a great feast vnto all his friends and Captaines. Thither were inuited among the rest 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with his fellow Megaleas. They came, because they could not choose: but their heauie lookes argued, what little pleasure they tooke in the Kings prosperitie. It grieued them to thinke, that they should bee able to giue no better account vnto Apelles, of their hindering the Kings businesse; since Apelles himselfe, as will be shewed anon, had plaied his owne part with a most mischieuous dexteritie. The sorrow and indignation, which they could ill dissemble in their fa∣ces, brake out after supper, when they had warmed themselues with drinke, into o∣pen riot. Finding Aratus on the way home to his Tent: they fell to reuiling him, throwing stones at him, so that they caused a great vprore; many running in (as [unspec 50] happens in such cases) to take part with the one or the other. The King sending to inquire of the matter, was truly informed of all that had passed. Which made him send for Leontius and his fellowes. But Leontius was gotten out of the way: Megaleas, and another with him, came. The King began to rate them for their dis∣order;

and they, to giue him froward answeres: insomuch as they said at length, That they would neuer giue ouer, till they had rewarded Aratus with a mischiefe as hee deserued. Hereupon the King committed them to ward. Leontius hearing of this, comes boldly to the King, with his Targettiers at his heeles: and with a proud grace demanded, who it was that had dared to lay hands vpon Megaleas, yea and to cast him into prison? Why, said the King, It was euen I. This resolute an∣swere, which Leontius had not expected, made him depart both sad and angrie; see∣ing himselfe out-frowned, and not knowing how to remedie the matter. Shortly after, Megaleas was called forth to his answere, and was charged by Aratus with ma∣ny great crimes. Among which were, The hinderance of the Kings victorie at Pa∣laea, [unspec 10] and the Compact made with Apelles: matters no lesse touching Leontius, that stood by as a looker on than Megaleas that was accused. In conclusion, the presump∣tions against him were so strong, and his answeres thereto so weake; that he, and Cri∣non one of his fellowes, were condemned in twentie Talents: Crinon being reman∣ded backe to prison; and Leontius becomming Bayle for Megaleas. This was done vpon the way home-ward, as the King was returning to Corinth.

Philip dispatched well a great deale of businesse this yeere. For as soone as he was at Corinth, he tooke in hand an Expedition against the Lacaedemonians. These and the Eleans had done what harme they could in Peloponnesus, whilest the King was absent. The Achaeans had opposed them as well as they could; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ill successe: yet [unspec 20] so, as they hindered them from doing such harme as else they would haue done. But when Philip came, hee ouer-ran the Countrie about Lacedaemon: and was in a manner at the gates of Sparta, ere men could well beleeue that he was returned out of Aetolia. He tooke not in this Expedition any Cities, but made great waste in the fields: and hauing beaten the enemie in some skirmishes, carried backe with him to Corinth a rich bootie of Cattell, slaues, and other Countrie-spoile. At Corinth hee found attending him, Embassadors from the Rhodians & Chians: that requested him to set Greece at quiet, by granting peace vnto the Aetolians. They had gracious audience: and he willed them to deale first with the Aetolians; who, if they would make the same request, should not finde him vnreasonable. The Aetolians had [unspec 30] sped ill that yeere: neither saw they any likely hopes for the yeeres following. The Armie that they had sent forth to wast Thessalie and Macedon, found such opposition on the way; that not daring to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it returned home without bringing any thing to effect. In the meane season they had beene grieuously afflicted, as before is shewed, by Philip in the center of their owne Countrie. All Greece and Macedon was vp in armes against them, and their weake Allies the Eleans and Lacedaemonians. Nei∣ther was it certaine, how long the one or other of these their Peloponnesian friends should bee able to hold out; since they were not strong enough to keepe the feild, but had alreadie suffered those miseries of war, which by a little continuance would make them glad, each, to seeke their owne peace, without regard of their Confede∣rates. [unspec 40] Wherefore the Aetolians readily entertained this Negotiation of peace: and taking truce for thirtie dayes with the King, dealt with him by intercession of the same Embassadours, to entreat his presence at a Diet of their Nation, that should bee held at Rhium; whither if he would vouchsafe to come, they promised that hee should finde them conformable to any good reason.

Whilest these things were in hand; Leontius and Megaleas thought to haue ter∣rified the King, by raising sedition against him in the Armie. But this deuice sorted to no good effect. The souldiours were easily and quickly incensed against many of the Kings friends; who were said to be the cause, why they were not rewarded with so much of the bootie, as they thought to belong of right vnto them. But [unspec 50] their anger spent it selfe in a noise, and breaking open of dores; without further harme done. This was enough to informe the king (who easily pacified his men with gentle words) that some about him were very false. Yea the souldiours them∣selues, repenting of their insolence, desired to haue the Authors of the tumult

sought out, and punished according to their deserts. The King made shew as if he had not cared to make such inquisition. But Leontius and Megaleas were sore afraid, left the matter would soone come out of it selfe to their extreme danger. Wherefore they sent vnto Apelles, the Head and Archetect of their treason; re∣questing him speedily to repaire to Corinth, where hee might stand betweene them and the kings displeasure. Apelles had not all this while beene wanting to the busi∣nesse, vndertaken by him and his treacherous companions. He had taken vpon him, as a man that had the Kings heart in his owne hand: and thereby was hee growne into such credit, that all the Kings officers in Macedon and Thessalie addressed them∣selues vnto him; and receiued from him their dispatch in euery businesse. Likewise [unspec 10] the Greekes in all their flattering Decrees, tooke occasion to magnifie the vertue of Apelles; making slight mention (onely for fashion sake) of the king: who seemed no better than the Minister and Executioner of Apelles his will and pleasure. Such was the arrogancie of this great man, in setting himselfe out vnto the people: but in mannaging the kings affaires, he made it his speciall care, that monie, and all things needfull for the publicke seruice, should be wanting. Yea he enforced the king, for very neede, to sell his owne Plate and houshold vessels: thinking to resolue these and all other difficulties, by onely saying, Sir, be ruled wholly by mee, and all shall be as you would wish. Hereto if the king would giue assent; then had this Politician ob∣tained his hearts desire. Now taking his iournie from Chalcis in the Isle of Euboea, to [unspec 20] the Citie of Corinth where Philip then lay: hee was fetcht in with great pompe and royaltie, by a great number of the Captaines and souldiours; which Leontius and Megaleas drew forth to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him on the way. So entering the Citie with a goodly traine; he went directly to the Court, and towards the Kings Chamber. But Philip was well aware of his pride; and had vehement suspition of his falshood. Wherfore one was sent to tell him, that he should waite a while, or come another time; for the king was not now at leisure to be spoken with. It was a pretie thing, that such a check as this made all his attendants forsake him, as a man in disgrace; in such sort that go∣ing thence to his lodging, he had none to follow him saue his owne Pages. After this, the King vouchsafed him now and then some slender graces: but in consultations, [unspec 30] or other matters of priuacie, he vsed him not at all. This taught Megaleas to looke vnto himselfe, and runne away betimes. Hereupon the King sent forth Taurion his Lieutenant of Peloponnesus, with all the Targettiers, as it were to doe some peece of seruice, but indeed of purpose to apprehend Leontius in the absence of his follow∣ers. Leontius being taken, dispatched away a messenger presently to his Targetti∣ers, to signifie what was befallen him: and they foorthwith sent vnto the King in his behalfe. They made request, That if any other thing were obiected against him, hee might not be called forth to triall before their returne: as for the debt of Megaleas, if that were all the matter, they said that they were readie to make a purse for his discharge. This affection of the souldiours, made Philip more hastie than else [unspec 40] he would haue beene, to take away the Traitors life. Neither was it long, ere let∣ters of Megaleas were intercepted, which he wrote vnto the Aetolians; vilifying the king with opprobrious wordes; and bidding them not to hearken after peace, but to hold out a while, for that Philip was euen readie to sinke vnder the burden of his owne 〈◊〉〈◊〉. By this the king vnderstood more perfectly the falshood, not one∣ly of Megaleas, but of Apelles; whose cunning head had laboured all this while to keepe him so poore. Wherefore hee sent one to pursue Megaleas, that was fled to Thebes. As for Apelles, he committed both him, his sonne, and another that was in∣ward with him, to prison; wherein all of them shortly ended their liues. Megaleas also, neither daring to stand to triall, nor knowing whither to flie, was wearie of his [unspec 50] owne life; and slew himselfe about the same time.

The Aetolians, as they had begun this warre vpon hope of accomplishing what they listed in the Nonage of Philip: so finding that the vigour of this yong Prince, tempered with the cold aduice of Aratus, wrought very effectually toward their 〈◊〉〈◊〉;

they grew very desirous to make an end of it. Neuerthelesse being a turbulent Nation, and readie to lay hold vpon all aduantages: when they heard what was happened in the Court, the death of Apelles, Leontius, and Magaleus, to∣gether with some indignation thereupon conceiued by the Kings Targettiers; they began to hope anew, that these troubles would be long lasting, and therevpon brake the day appointed for the meeting at Rhium. Of this was Philip nothing sorie. For being in good hope throughly to tame this vnquiet Nation; He thought it much to concerne his owne honour, that all the blame of the beginning and continuing the warre should rest vpon themselues. Wherfore he willed his Confederates, to lay a∣side all thought of peace, and to prepare for war against the yeere following; where∣in [unspec 10] hee hoped to bring it to an end. Then gratified he his Macedonian souldiors, by yeelding to let them winter in their owne Countrie. In his returne homeward, he called into iudgement one Ptolemie, a companion with Apelles and Leontius in their Treasons: who was therefore condemned by the Macedonians; and suffered death. These were the same Macedonians, that lately could not endure to heare of Leontius his imprisonment: yet now they thinke the man worthie to die, that was but his adherent. So vaine is the confidence, on which Rebels vse to build, in their fauour with the Multitude.

During his abode in Macedon, Philip wan some bordering Townes; from which the Dardanians, Aetolians, and other his ill neighbours, were accustomed to make [unspec 20] rodes into his kingdome: when hee had thus prouided for safetie of his owne; the Aetolians might well know what they were to expect. But there came againe Em∣bassadours from the Rhodians and Chians, with others from Ptolemie King of Aegypt, and from the Citie of Byzantium, recontinuing the former sollicitation about the Peace. This fashion had beene taken vp in matters of Greece, euer since the Kings that raigned after Alexander, had taken vpon them to set the whole Countrie at li∣bertie: No sooner was any Prouince or Citie in danger to be oppressed, and subdued by force of war, but presently there were found intercessours, who pittying the ef∣fusion of Greekish bloud, would importune the stronger to relinquish his aduan∣tage. By doing such friendly offices in time of neede, the Princes and States abroad [unspec 30] sought to binde vnto them those people, that were howsoeuer weake in numbers, yet very good souldiours. But hereby it came to passe, that the more froward sort, especially the Aetolians, whose whole Nation was addicted to falshood and rob∣berie, durst enter boldly into quarrels with all their neighbours: being well assured, that if they had the worst, The loue of Greece would be sufficient to redeeme their quiet. They had, since the late Treatie of peace, done what harme they could in Peloponnesus: but being beaten by the Achaeans, and standing in feare to bee more soundly beaten at home, they desired now, more earnestly than before, to make an end of the warre as soone as they might. Philip made such answere to the Embassa∣dours, as he had done the former yeere; That he gaue not occasion to the beginning [unspec 40] of this warre, nor was at the present either afraid to continue it, or vnwilling to end it: but that the Aetolians, if they had a desire to liue in rest, must first be dealt withall, to signifie plainly their determination, whereto himselfe would returne such an∣swere as he should thinke fit.

Philip had at this time no great liking vnto the Peace, being a yong Prince, and in hope to increase the honour which he daily got by the warre. But it happened in the middest of this Negotiation, that he was aduertised by letters out of Macedon, what a notable victorie Hannibal had obtained against the Romans in the battaile at Thrasymene. These letters he communicated vnto Demetrius Pharius: who greatly encouraged him to take part with Hannibal: and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to sit still, as an idle beholder [unspec 50] of the Italian warre. Hereby he grew more inclinable than before vnto Peace with the Aetolians: which was concluded shortly in a meeting at Naupactus. There did Agelaus an Aetolian make a great Oration: telling, how happie it was for the Greekes, that they might at their owne pleasure dispute about finishing war betweene them∣selues,

without being molested by the Barbarians. For when once either the Ro∣mans, or the Carthaginians, had subdued one the other; it was not to bee doubted, that they would forthwith looke Eastward, and seeke by all meanes to set footing in Greece. For this cause he said it were good, that their Countrie should be at peace within it selfe: and that Philip, if he were desirous of war, should lay hold on the op∣portunitie, now fitly seruing, to enlarge his dominion, by winning somewhat in Italie. Such aduice could the Aetolians then giue, when they stood in feare of dan∣ger threatning them at hand: but being soone after wearie of rest, as accustomed to enrich themselues by pillage, they were so farre from obseruing and following their owne good counsel, that they inuited the Romans into Greece; wherby they brought [unspec 10] themselues and the whole Countrie, (but themselues before any other part of the Countrie) vnder seruitude of strangers. The Condition of this Peace was simple, That euery one should keepe what they held at the present, without making resti∣tution, or any amends for damages past.