Demetrius Plans To Leave Rome
Demetrius having thus delivered himself in vain of his
swan's song, his last appeal, and becoming convinced that
Polybius had given him good advice, repented of what he had
done. But he was naturally of a lofty spirit, and possessed
sufficient daring to carry out his resolutions. He promptly
called Diodorus, who had recently arrived from Syria, to his
aid, and confided his secret purpose to him. Diodorus had
had the charge of Demetrius as a child, and was a man of
considerable adroitness, who had besides made a careful
inspection of the state of affairs in Syria. He now pointed out
to Demetrius that "The confusion caused by the murder of
Octavius,—the people mistrusting Lysias, and Lysias mistrusting the people, while the Senate was convinced that the
lawless murder of their envoy really originated with the
king's friends,—presented a most excellent opportunity for
his appearing on the scene: for the people there would
promptly transfer the crown to him, even though he were to
arrive attended by but one slave; while the Senate would
not venture to give any further assistance or support to Lysias
after such an abominable crime.
Demetrius resolves to escape from Rome, and again consults Polybius. |
Finally, it was quite possible
for them to leave Rome undetected, without any
one having any idea of his intention." This course
being resolved upon, Demetrius sent for Polybius, and telling him what he was going to do,
begged him to lend his assistance, and to join him in contriving
to manage his escape.
There happened to be at Rome a certain Menyllus of
Menyllus of Alabanda (in Caria) helps him by hiring a vessel. |
Alabanda, on a mission from the elder Ptolemy
to confront and answer the younger before the
Senate. Between this man and Polybius there
was a strong friendship and confidence, and
Polybius therefore thought him just the man for the purpose
in hand. He accordingly introduced him with all speed to
Demetrius, and with warm expressions of regard. Being
trusted with the secret, Menyllus undertook to have the necessary
ship in readiness, and to see that everything required for the
voyage was prepared. Having found a Carthaginian vessel
anchored at the mouth of the Tiber, which had been on sacred
service, he chartered it. (These vessels are carefully selected
at Carthage, to convey the offerings sent by the Carthaginians
to their ancestral gods at Tyre.) He made no secret about
it, but chartered the vessel for his own return voyage; and
therefore was able to make his arrangements for provisions also
without exciting suspicion, talking openly with the sailors and
making an appointment with them.
