Regum et imperatorum apophthegmata

Gaius Popillius was sent [*](In 18 B.C. to Antiochus IV. (Epiphanes).)

draw his army from Egypt, and not to usurp the kingdom of Ptolemy’s children who were bereft of their parents. As he was making his approach through the camp, Antiochus welcomed him graciously while he was still a long way off, but he, without returning the salutation, delivered the document. When the king had read it, he said that he would think about it, and give his answer; whereupon Popillius drew a circle about him with his staff and said, While you stand inside that line, think about it and answer. All were astounded at the man’s lofty spirit, and Antiochus agreed to comply with the Roman decree; which done, Popillius saluted him and embraced him. [*](Cf. Polybuys, xxix. 27; Appian, Roman History, the Syrian Wars, 66; Cicero, Philippics, viii. 8 (23); Livy, xlv. 12; Justin, Historiae Philippicae, xxxiv. 3; Valerius Maximus, vi. 4. 3; Valleius Paterculus, i. 10. In Pliny, Natural History, xxxiv. 11 (24), Cn. Octavian is substituted for C. Popillius.)