Philopoemen

Philopoemen was distinguished in all the theaters of Greece, but not without the secret ill-will of Titus Flamininus, a Roman consul. Titus made peace with Nabis, and Nabis was killed by the Aetolians. Things being in confusion in Sparta, Philopeomen laid hold of this, and coming upon them with an army, prevailed with some by persuasion, with others by fear, til he brought the whole city over to the Achaeans. As it was no small matter for Sparta to become a member of Achaea, this was met by infinite praise by the Achaeans. Accordingly, Sparta itself, who hoped the Achaeans would defend their freedom, sent a present to Philopeomen, and no man wanted to give it to him, but said: 'not I, but you', til they laid the office at last on Timolaus, with whom Philopeomen had lodged  at Sparta. Timolaus went, but could not give it, the same thing happening the 2nd time. But the 3rd time, with much ado, and faltering in his words, he acquainted Philopeomen with the good-will of the city of Sparta to him. Philopeomen listened obligingly and gladly; and then went himself to Sparta, where he advised them, not to bribe good men and their friends, of whose virtue they might be sure, but to buy of and silence ill citizens, who disquieted the city with bad speeches.

The men did not want to give Philopeomen the gift because of his honesty, which goes to show it was real, not faked.

More later,
Bell