nefit of commerce. Many were the kings who were in attendance on
him; but there were four who were always about him, like attendants or
guards, and when he mounted his horse they ran by his side in jackets;
and when he was seated and transacting business, they stood by with
their hands clasped together, which was considered to be of all
attitudes the most expressive of servitude, as if they had sold their
freedom, and were presenting their bodies to their master in a posture
indicating readiness to suffer rather than to act. Appius, however,
was not alarmed or startled at the tragedy show; but, as soon as he
had an opportunity of addressing the king, he told him plainly that he
was come to take back Mithridates, as one who belonged to the
triumphs of Lucullus, or to denounce war against Tigranes. Though the
king made an effort to preserve a tranquil mien, and affected a smile
while he was listening to the address, he could not conceal from the
bystanders that he was disconcerted by the bold speech of the youth,
he who had not for near five-and-twenty years[387] heard the voice of
a free man; for so many years had he been king, or rather tyrant.
However, he replied to Appius that he would not give up Mithridates,
and that he would resist the Romans if they attacked him. He was angry
with Lucullus because he addressed him in his letter by the title of
King only, and not King of Kings, and, accordingly in his reply,
Tigranes did not address Lucullus by the title of Imperator. But he
sent splendid presents to Appius, and when they were refused he sent
still more. Appius, not wishing to appear to reject the king's
presents from any hostile feeling, selected from among them a goblet,
and sent the rest back; and then with all speed set off to join the
Imperator.

XXII. Now, up to this time, Tigranes had not deigned to see
Mithridates,[388] nor to speak to him, though Mithridates was allied
to him by marriage, and had been ejected from so great a kingdom; but,
in a degrading and insulting manner, he had allowed Mithridates to be
far removed from him, and, in a manner, kept a prisoner in his abode,
which was a marshy and unhealthy place. However, he now sent for him
with demonstrations of respect and friendship. In a secret conference
which took place in the palace, they endeavoured to allay their mutual
suspicions, by turning the blame on their friends, to their ruin. One
of them was Metrodorus[389] of Skepsis, an agreeable spe