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Therefore, the Romans, foreseeing troubles, dealt with them at

once, and, even to avoid a war, would not let them come to a

head, for they knew that war is not to be avoided, but is only to

be put off to the advantage of others; moreover they wished to

fight with Philip and Antiochus in Greece so as not to have to do

it in Italy; they could have avoided both, but this they did not

wish; nor did that ever please them which is forever in the

mouths of the wise ones of our time:-Let us enjoy the benefits of

the time-but rather the benefits of their own valour and

prudence, for time drives everything before it, and is able to

bring with it good as well as evil, and evil as well as good.

[2] See remark in the introduction on the word "intrattenere."