There were two boys and
one girl, all too young to comprehend the extent of their misfortune.
This carelessness made their fallen state all the more pitiable, so that
Perseus himself walked almost unnoticed; for the Romans in their pity
had eyes only for the children, and many shed tears, while all felt that
the sight was more painful than pleasing till the children were gone by.
XXXIV. Behind the children and their attendants walked Perseus himself,
dressed in a dark-coloured cloak with country boots, seeming to be dazed
and stupefied by the greatness of his fall. A band of his friends and
associates followed him with grief-laden countenances, and, by their
constantly looking at Perseus, and weeping, gave the spectators the idea
that they bewailed his fate without taking any thought about their own.
However, Perseus had sent to Aemilius asking to be excused the walking
in procession; but he, as it seems in mockery of his cowardice and love
of life, answered, "That was formerly in his own hands, and is now if he
pleases." Meaning that death was preferable to dishonour; but the
dastard had not spirit enough for that, but buoyed up by some hope,
became a part of his own spoils.
After these were borne golden crowns, four hundred in number, which the
cities of Greece had sent to Aemilius with deputations, in recognition
of his success. Next he came himself, sitting in a splendid chariot, a
man worth looking upon even without his present grandeur, dressed in a
purple robe sprinkled with gold, and holding a branch of laurel in his
right hand.
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