7. A Macedonian youth of distinguished family, from the province of Orestis. He was one of
the body-guard of king Philip, who, on account of his beauty, was much attached to him.
Perceiving himself in danger of being supplanted in the affection of Philip by a rival also
called Pausanias, he, in the most opprobrious manner, assailed the latter, who complained to
his friend Attalus, and soon after perished in battle with the Illyrians. Attains contrived to
take the most odious revenge on Pausanias, who complained of the outrage to Philip. But,
apparently on account of his relationship to Attalus, and because he needed his services,
Philip declined to inflict any punishment on Attalis. Pausanias accordingly directed his
vengeance against Philip himself. An opportunity presented itself at the festival held by
Philip at Aegae, as, in a magnificent procession, Philip approached, having directed his
guards to keep at a distance, as though on such an occasion he had no need of them. Pausanias
rushed forwards from the crowd, and, drawing a large Celtic sword from beneath his dress,
plunged it into the king's side. The murderer forthwith rushed towards the gates of the town,
where horses were ready for him. He was, however, closely pursued by some officers of the
king's guard, and, having stumbled and fallen, was despatched by them on the spot. Suspicion
rested on Olympias and Alexander of having been
privy to the deed. According to Justin, it was Olympias who provided the horses for the flight
of Pausanias ; and when his corpse was crucified she placed a crown of gold upon the head,
caused the body to be burnt over the remains of her husband, and erected a monument to him in
the same place, and even instituted yearly rites in memory of him. The sword with which he had
assassinated the king she dedicated to Apollo. The suspicion with regard to Alexander is probably totally unfounded. There was
likewise a story that Pausanias, while meditating revenge, having asked the sophist
Hermocrates which was the shortest way to fame, the latter replied, that it was by killing the
man who had performed the greatest achievements. These