<head>Comparison between Philopoemen and Aristaenus (Cp. Suid.)</head>Philopoemen and Aristaenus the Achaeans were alike neither in nature nor in their political convictions.
Philopoemen indeed was exceptionally capable both physically and mentally in the field of war, Aristaenus in that of politics;
and the difference in their political convictions was as follows. Now that, during the wars with Philip and Antiochus, Roman supremacy had definitely asserted itself in the affairs of Greece, Aristaenus in conducting affairs of state was ever ready to do what was agreeable to the Romans, sometimes even anticipating their orders, but yet he aimed at a seeming adherence to the law, and strove to acquire a reputation for doing so, giving way whenever any law was in evident opposition to the Roman instructions.
Philopoemen, on the other hand, cordially accepted and helped to execute, without raising any objection, all requests which were in accordance with the laws and the terms of the alliance;
but when the requests were not so, could never induce himself to comply with them willingly, but said that the plea of illegality should be considered before the request was renewed.
If, however, they failed even by this means to convince the Romans, they should finally give way more or less under protest and execute the order.
Walbank Commentary