Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/507

 Cleomenes returned, that he need not trouble himself about that matter ; for amongst the mercenaries there were above three thousand Peloponnesians, who were his fast friends, and whom he could command at any time with a nod. This discourse made Cleomenes for the pres- ent to be looked upon as a man of great influence and assured fidelity ; but afterwards, Ptolemy's weakness in- creasing his fear, and he, as it usually happens, where there is no judgment and wisdom, placing his security in gen- eral distrust and suspicion, it rendered Cleomenes sus- pected to the courtiers, as having too much interest with the mercenaries j and many had this saying in their mouths, that he was a lion amidst a flock of sheep. For, in fact, such he seemed to be in the court, quietly watch- ing and keeping his eye upon all that went on. He, therefore, gave up all thought of asking for ships and soldiers from the king. But receiving news that An- tigonus was dead, that the Achteans were engaged in a war with the iEtolians, and that the affairs of Peloponne- sus, being now in very great distraction and disorder, re- quired and invited his assistance, he desired leave to depart only with his friends, but could not obtain that, the king not so much as hearing his petition, being shut up amongst his women, and wasting his hours in baccha- nalian rites and drinking parties. But Sosibius, the chief minister and counsellor of state, thought that Cleomenes, being detained against his will, would grow ungovernable and dangerous, and yet that it was not safe to let him go, being an aspiring, daring man, and well acquainted with the diseases and weakness of the kingdom. For neither could presents and gifts conciliate or content him ; but even as Apis, while living in all possible plenty and ap- parent delight, yet desires to live as nature would provide