WARS IN MACEDON. B.C. 295-288 Pyrrhus is restored to his throne.--A celebration.--Festivities.--Gelon's gift.--Gelon and Myrtilus form a plot.--The cup-bearer pretends to join the plot.--Conversation overheard in a very singular manner.--Quarrel between Cassander's heirs.--Pyrrhus takes his first independent command.--Anecdotes of Pyrrhus.--His popularity.--Pyrrhus detects a forgery.--Plan of the forgers.--The war is ended.--Pyrrhus returns home.--Interview with Demetrius on the frontier.--Plots and counterplots.--Demetrius triumphs.--Relations between Demetrius and Pyrrhus.--War breaks out between them.--Thebes.--Recklessness and cruelty of Demetrius.--War between Pyrrhus and Demetrius.--Pantauchus.--The single combat.--Pyrrhus wounded.--Pantauchus narrowly escapes death.--Demetrius is hated by his subjects.--His famous garment.--It is left unfinished.--Pyrrhus's wives.--His motive for marrying Lanassa.--Lanassa is discontented, and deserts Pyrrhus.--War protracted for many years. The prince whom Pyrrhus displaced from the throne of Epirus on his return from Egypt, as narrated in the last chapter, was, of course, of the family of Neoptolemus. His own name was Neoptolemus, and he was the second son of the Neoptolemus who gave his name to the line. Pyrrhus exercised an uncommon degree of moderation in his victory over his rival; for, instead of taking his life, or even banishing him from the kingdom, he treated him with respectful consideration, and offered, very generously, as it would seem, to admit him to a share of the regal power. Neoptolemus accepted this proposal, and the two kings reigned conjointly for a considerable time. A difficulty, however, before long occurred, which led to an open quarrel, the result of which was that Neoptolemus was slain. The circumstances, as related by the historians of the time, were as follows: It seems that it was the custom of the people of Epirus to celebrate an annual festival at a certain city in the kingdom, for the purpose chiefly of renewing the oaths of allegiance on the one part, and of fealty on the other, between the people and the king. Of course, there were a great many games and spectacles, as well as various religious rites and ceremonies, connected with this celebration; and among other usages which prevailed, it was the custom for the people to bring presents to the king on the occasion. When the period for this celebration recurred, after Pyrrhus's restoration to the throne, both Pyrrhus and Neoptolemus, each attended by his own particular followers and friends, repaired to the city where the celebration was to be held, and commenced the festivities.