The History of Rome, Books 37 to the End: with the Epitomes and Fragments of the Lost BooksLivy
History
The History of Rome, Books 37 to the End: with the Epitomes and Fragments of the Lost Books
Livy
Rome -- History
55. But while this thing was rather a matter of suspicion than of
certainty, Antigonus accidentally met Xychus, whom he seized and brought
to the palace; then leaving him in custody of guards, Antigonus went on
to the apartment of Philip, to whom he said, “I think I understood from
many conversations, that you would value it highly, if you could
ascertain the whole truth respecting your sons, which of the two was
assailed by the other’s deceit and secret machinations. Xychus, the only
man in the world who can unravel this mystery, is now in your power. I
met him by accident, and I have brought him to the palace; order him to
be called into your presence.” On being brought in, he at first denied;
but with such irresolution, as showed that by a slight application to
his fears he would become a ready informer. He did not withstand the
sight of the executioner and the instruments of torture, but disclosed
the whole process of the villany of the ambassadors, and his own
services therein. Persons were instantly despatched to seize the
ambassadors, and they apprehended by surprise Philocles, who was
present, but Apelles, who had been sent in pursuit of a person called
Chærea, having heard of the information given by Xychus, went over into
Italy. With respect to Philocles, no certain account has been published:
some say, that for a time he boldly denied all knowledge of the matter;
but that when Xychus was confronted with him, he persisted no longer;
others, that he even suffered the rack without confessing. Philip’s
grief was renewed and doubled; and he felt his unhappiness, with regard
to his children, press the heavier on him, because one of them was not.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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