<head>IV. Affairs of Italy</head><head>The Rival Ptolemies</head>After the two Ptolemies had partitioned the kingdom the younger brother arrived in <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Rome&groupId=935&placeId=1669">Rome</a>, wishing to annul the terms of the partition between himself and his brother,
saying that he had done what he was ordered not of his own free will, but forced to consent by the pressure of circumstances.
He begged the senate to assign <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Cyprus&groupId=119&placeId=356">Cyprus</a> to him, for even with this addition his share would be much inferior to his brother\'s.
Canuleius and Quintus testified in favour of Menyllus the envoy of the elder brother, saying that the younger brother owed both <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Cyrene&groupId=521&placeId=985">Cyrene</a> and his life to their own action, so great was the hostility and aversion with which the populace regarded him.
When, therefore, contrary to his expectations and hopes the sovereignty of <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Cyrene&groupId=521&placeId=985">Cyrene</a> had been given to him, he had been only too glad to accept it and had exchanged oaths with his brother as to this over victims solemnly immolated.
All this was denied by the younger Ptolemy, and the senate, seeing that the division had been quite unfair and wishing to make an effective partition of the kingdom due to themselves, accede to the request of the younger brother, which coincided with their own interests.
For many decisions of the Romans are now of this kind: availing themselves of the mistakes of others they effectively increase and build up their own power, at the same time doing a favour and appearing to confer a benefit on the offenders.
So, seeing as they did the size of the Egyptian kingdom, and fearing lest if it once fell into the hands of a ruler capable of protecting it, he might have too high an idea of himself,
they appointed Titus Torquatus and Gnaeus Merula as legates to accompany Ptolemy to <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Cyprus&groupId=119&placeId=356">Cyprus</a> and carry out the purpose of that king and their own.
They dispatched them at once with orders to reconcile the brothers and establish the younger brother in <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Cyprus&groupId=119&placeId=356">Cyprus</a> without war.
Walbank Commentary