From: Torsten
Message: 67073
Date: 2011-01-11
>Found another source to the same incident:
> --- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, Piotr Gasiorowski
> <piotr.gasiorowski@...> wrote:
> > OK, just this once.
> >
> > (I'm back)
> >
>
> from Plutarch: Life of Lucullus
>
> There was in Mithridates's camp one Olthacus, a chief of the
> Dandarians, a barbarous people living near the lake Maeotis, a man
> remarkable for strength and courage in fight, wise in council, and
> pleasant and ingratiating in conversation. He, out of emulation,
> and a constant eagerness which possessed him to outdo one of the
> other chiefs of his country, promised a great piece of service to
> Mithridates, no less than the death of Lucullus. The king commended
> his resolution, and, according to agreement, counterfeited anger,
> and put some disgrace upon him; whereupon he took horse, and fled
> to Lucullus, who kindly received him, being a man of great name in
> the army. After some short trial of his sagacity and perseverance,
> he found way to Lucullus's board and council. The Dandarian,
> thinking he had a fair opportunity, commanded his servants to lead
> his horse out of the camp, while he himself, as the soldiers were
> refreshing and resting themselves, it being then high noon, went to
> the general's tent, not at all expecting that entrance would be
> denied to one who was so familiar with him, and came under
> pretence of extraordinary business with him. He had certainly been
> admitted had not sleep, which has destroyed many captains, saved
> Lucullus. For so it was, and Menedemus, one of the bedchamber, was
> standing at the door, who told Olthacus that it was altogether
> unseasonable to see the general, since, after long watching and
> hard labour, he was but just before laid down to repose himself.
> Olthacus would not go away upon this denial, but still persisted,
> saying that he must go in to speak of some necessary affairs,
> whereupon Menedemus grew angry, and replied that nothing was more
> necessary than the safety of Lucullus, and forced him away with
> both hands. Upon which, out of fear, he straightway left the camp,
> took horse, and without effect returned to Mithridates. Thus in
> action as in physic, it is the critical moment that gives both the
> fortunate and the fatal effect.
>
> cf. from Appian: Mithridatica
>
> XII, 79
>
> "
> ... At this junture, a Scythian, named Olcaba, who had been
> deserted to Lucullus some time before and had saved the lives of
> many in the recent cavalry fight, and for that reason was deemed
> worthy to share Lucullus' table, his confidence, and his secrets,
> came to his tent while he was taking his noonday rest and tried to
> force his way in. He was wearing a short dagger in his belt as was
> his custom. When he was prevented from entering he became angry and
> said that there was a pressing need that the general should be
> aroused. The servants replied that there was nothing more needful
> to Lucullus than his safety. Thereupon the Scythian mounted his
> horse and went immediately to Mithridates, either because he had
> plotted against Lucullus and now thought that he was suspected, or
> because he considered himself insulted and was angry on that
> account. He exposed to Mithridates another Scythian, named
> Sobadacus, who was meditating to Lucullus, and Sobadacus was
> accordingly arrested.
> "
>
> and ibd.
>
> XVII, 117
>
> "
> Before Pompey himself, at the head of the procession, went the
> satraps, sons, and generals of the kings against whom he had
> fought, who were present (some having been captured and others
> given as hostages) to the number of 324. Among them were ... .
> Olthaces, chief of the Colchians, was also led in the
> procession, ....
> "
>