Philip and Perseus are Jealous of Demetrius
On the return of Demetrius from Rome, bringing with
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him the formal reply, in which the Romans referred all the favour and confidence which they
avowed to their regard for Demetrius, saying
that all they had done or would do was for his
sake,—the Macedonians gave Demetrius a
cordial reception, believing that they were relieved from all fear and danger: for they had looked upon
war with Rome as all but at their doors, owing to the provocations given by Philip. But Philip and Perseus were far from
pleased, and were much offended at the idea of the Romans
taking no account of them, and referring all their favour to
Demetrius. Philip however concealed his displeasure; but
Perseus, who was not only behind his brother in good feelings
to Rome, but much his inferior in other respects, both in
natural ability and acquired accomplishments, made no secret
of his anger: and was beginning to be thoroughly alarmed as
to his succession to the crown, and lest, in spite of being the
elder, he should be excluded. Therefore he commenced by
bribing the friends of Demetrius. . . .
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