17.2
However, he was never bitter, although many imputed hastiness and levity to his nature, and in general he was a most agreeable companion and able to say a graceful thing with force. For instance, when he was trying to dissuade the Achaeans from appropriating the island of Zacynthos, he said it would be dangerous for them, like a tortoise, to stick their head out of its Peloponnesian shell.Cf. Livy, xxxvi. 32; Plutarch, Morals p. 197b. Again, when he held his first conference with Philip concerning a truce and peace, and Philip remarked that Titus had come with many attendants while he himself had come alone, Titus answered, Yes, thou hast made thyself alone by slaying thy friends and kindred.Cf. Morals, p. 197a (Polybius xviii. 7).
17.3
Again, when Deinocrates the Messenian, who had taken too much wine at a drinking-party in Rome, and after putting on a woman’s robe had executed a dance, on the following day asked Titus to assist him in his plan to separate Messene from the Achaean league, Titus said he would consider the matter; But I am amazed, said he, that when thou hast matters of so great moment in hand, thou canst dance and sing at a drinking party.Cf. the Philopoemen, xviii. ff. (Polybius xxiii. 5).
