When there was an eclipse of the moon in the time of Perseus of <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Macedonia&groupId=723&placeId=428">Macedonia</a>, the report gained popular credence that it portended the eclipse of a king.
This, while it lent fresh courage to the Romans, discouraged the Macedonians.
So true is the saying that "there are many empty things in war."
Walbank Commentary