Josephus Book 15a - To The Completion Of The Temple

Volume 3 by Flavius Josephus Volume 3 by Flavius Josephus translated by William Whiston. translated by William Whiston. translated by William Whiston. Book 15 Book 15 Book 15 chapters 1 and 2. chapters 1 and 2. chapters 1 and 2. Book 15 Book 15 Book 15 containing the interval of 18 years containing the interval of 18 years containing the interval of 18 years from the death of Antigonus from the death of Antigonus from the death of Antigonus to the finishing of the temple by Herod. to the finishing of the temple by Herod. to the finishing of the temple by Herod. Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Chapter 1 concerning Pollio and Sameas. concerning Pollio and Sameas. concerning Pollio and Sameas. Herod slays the principal of Antigonus's Herod slays the principal of Antigonus's Herod slays the principal of Antigonus's friends friends friends and spoils the city of its wealth. and spoils the city of its wealth. and spoils the city of its wealth. Antony beheads Antigonus. Antony beheads Antigonus. Antony beheads Antigonus. How Sosius and Herod took Jerusalem by How Sosius and Herod took Jerusalem by How Sosius and Herod took Jerusalem by force and besides that force and besides that force and besides that how they took Antigonus captive how they took Antigonus captive how they took Antigonus captive has been related by us in the foregoing has been related by us in the foregoing has been related by us in the foregoing book. book. book. We will now proceed in the narration. We will now proceed in the narration. We will now proceed in the narration. And since Herod had now the government And since Herod had now the government And since Herod had now the government of all Judea put in his hands of all Judea put in his hands of all Judea put in his hands he promoted such of the private men in he promoted such of the private men in he promoted such of the private men in the city as had been of his party the city as had been of his party the city as had been of his party but never left off avenging and but never left off avenging and but never left off avenging and punishing every day punishing every day punishing every day those that had chosen to be of the party those that had chosen to be of the party those that had chosen to be of the party of his enemies.

of his enemies. of his enemies. But Pollio the Pharisee But Pollio the Pharisee But Pollio the Pharisee and Sameas a disciple of his and Sameas a disciple of his and Sameas a disciple of his were honored by him above all the rest. were honored by him above all the rest. were honored by him above all the rest. For when Jerusalem was besieged For when Jerusalem was besieged For when Jerusalem was besieged they advised citizens to receive Herod they advised citizens to receive Herod they advised citizens to receive Herod for which advice they were well for which advice they were well for which advice they were well requited. requited. requited. But this Pollio at the time when Herod But this Pollio at the time when Herod But this Pollio at the time when Herod was once upon his trial of life and was once upon his trial of life and was once upon his trial of life and death death death foretold in way of reproach to Hyrcanus foretold in way of reproach to Hyrcanus foretold in way of reproach to Hyrcanus and the other judges and the other judges and the other judges how this Herod whom they suffered now to how this Herod whom they suffered now to how this Herod whom they suffered now to escape escape escape would afterward inflict punishment on would afterward inflict punishment on would afterward inflict punishment on them all them all them all which had its completion in time which had its completion in time which had its completion in time while God fulfilled the words he had while God fulfilled the words he had while God fulfilled the words he had spoken. At this time Herod now he had got At this time Herod now he had got Jerusalem under his power, Jerusalem under his power, Jerusalem under his power, carried off all the royal ornaments and carried off all the royal ornaments and carried off all the royal ornaments and spoiled the wealthy men of what they had spoiled the wealthy men of what they had spoiled the wealthy men of what they had gotten. gotten. gotten. And when by these means he had heaped And when by these means he had heaped And when by these means he had heaped together a great quantity of silver and together a great quantity of silver and together a great quantity of silver and gold, gold, gold, he gave it all to Antony he gave it all to Antony he gave it all to Antony and his friends that were about him.

and his friends that were about him. and his friends that were about him. He also slew 45 of the principal men of He also slew 45 of the principal men of He also slew 45 of the principal men of Tigranes' party Tigranes' party Tigranes' party and set guards at the gates of the city and set guards at the gates of the city and set guards at the gates of the city that nothing might be carried out that nothing might be carried out that nothing might be carried out together with their dead bodies. They also searched the dead They also searched the dead and whatsoever was found either of and whatsoever was found either of and whatsoever was found either of silver or gold silver or gold silver or gold or other treasure, or other treasure, or other treasure, it was carried to the king. it was carried to the king. it was carried to the king. Nor was there any end of the miseries he Nor was there any end of the miseries he Nor was there any end of the miseries he brought upon them. brought upon them. brought upon them. And this distress was in part occasioned And this distress was in part occasioned And this distress was in part occasioned by the covetousness by the covetousness by the covetousness of the prince regent of the prince regent of the prince regent who was still in want of more who was still in want of more who was still in want of more and in part by the Sabbatic year and in part by the Sabbatic year and in part by the Sabbatic year which was still going on which was still going on which was still going on and forced the country to lie still and forced the country to lie still and forced the country to lie still uncultivated uncultivated uncultivated since we are forbidden to sow our land since we are forbidden to sow our land since we are forbidden to sow our land in that year. in that year. in that year. Now when Antony had received Antigonus Now when Antony had received Antigonus Now when Antony had received Antigonus as his captive, as his captive, as his captive, he determined to keep him against his he determined to keep him against his he determined to keep him against his triumph. triumph. triumph. But when he heard that the nation grew But when he heard that the nation grew But when he heard that the nation grew seditious seditious seditious and that out of their hatred to Herod, and that out of their hatred to Herod, and that out of their hatred to Herod, they continued to bear goodwill to they continued to bear goodwill to they continued to bear goodwill to Antigonus, Antigonus, Antigonus, he resolved to behead him at Antioch.

he resolved to behead him at Antioch. he resolved to behead him at Antioch. For otherwise the Jews would no way be For otherwise the Jews would no way be For otherwise the Jews would no way be brought to be quiet. brought to be quiet. brought to be quiet. And Strabo of Cappadocia And Strabo of Cappadocia And Strabo of Cappadocia attests to what I have said attests to what I have said attests to what I have said when he thus speaks. when he thus speaks. when he thus speaks. Antony ordered Antigonus the Jew to be Antony ordered Antigonus the Jew to be Antony ordered Antigonus the Jew to be brought to Antioch brought to Antioch brought to Antioch and there to be beheaded. and there to be beheaded. and there to be beheaded. And this Antony seems to me to have been And this Antony seems to me to have been And this Antony seems to me to have been the very first man who beheaded a king the very first man who beheaded a king the very first man who beheaded a king as supposing he could no other way bend as supposing he could no other way bend as supposing he could no other way bend the minds of the Jews so as to receive the minds of the Jews so as to receive the minds of the Jews so as to receive Herod Herod Herod whom he had made king in his stead. whom he had made king in his stead. whom he had made king in his stead. For by no torments could they be forced For by no torments could they be forced For by no torments could they be forced to call him king. to call him king. to call him king. So great a fondness they had for the So great a fondness they had for the So great a fondness they had for the former king. former king. former king. They thought that this dishonorable They thought that this dishonorable They thought that this dishonorable death would diminish the value they had death would diminish the value they had death would diminish the value they had for Antigonus's memory. for Antigonus's memory. for Antigonus's memory. And at the same time would diminish the And at the same time would diminish the And at the same time would diminish the hatred they bear to Herod. hatred they bear to Herod. hatred they bear to Herod. Thus far Strabo. Chapter 2. Chapter 2. How Hyrcanus was set at liberty by the How Hyrcanus was set at liberty by the How Hyrcanus was set at liberty by the by the Parthians.

by the Parthians. by the Parthians. And returned to Herod. And returned to Herod. And returned to Herod. And what Alexandra did when she heard And what Alexandra did when she heard And what Alexandra did when she heard that Ananelus was made high priest. Now after Herod was in possession of the Now after Herod was in possession of the kingdom, kingdom, kingdom, Hyrcanus the high priest, who was then a Hyrcanus the high priest, who was then a Hyrcanus the high priest, who was then a captive among the Parthians, captive among the Parthians, captive among the Parthians, came to him. came to him. came to him. And was set free from his captivity And was set free from his captivity And was set free from his captivity in the manner following. in the manner following. in the manner following. Barzapharnes Barzapharnes Barzapharnes and Pacorus, the generals of the and Pacorus, the generals of the and Pacorus, the generals of the Parthians, Parthians, Parthians, took Hyrcanus, who was first made high took Hyrcanus, who was first made high took Hyrcanus, who was first made high priest and afterward king, priest and afterward king, priest and afterward king, and Herod's brother, Phasaelus, and Herod's brother, Phasaelus, and Herod's brother, Phasaelus, captives, and were then away in Parthos. captives, and were then away in Parthos. captives, and were then away in Parthos. Phasaelus, indeed, could not bear the Phasaelus, indeed, could not bear the Phasaelus, indeed, could not bear the reproach of being in bonds. reproach of being in bonds. reproach of being in bonds. And thinking that death with glory was And thinking that death with glory was And thinking that death with glory was better than any life whatsoever, better than any life whatsoever, better than any life whatsoever, he became his own executioner, he became his own executioner, he became his own executioner, as I have formerly related. But when Hyrcanus was brought into But when Hyrcanus was brought into Parthia, the king Phraates treated him Parthia, the king Phraates treated him Parthia, the king Phraates treated him after a very gentle manner, after a very gentle manner, after a very gentle manner, as having already learned of what an as having already learned of what an as having already learned of what an illustrious family he was.

illustrious family he was. illustrious family he was. On which account he set him free from On which account he set him free from On which account he set him free from his bonds, his bonds, his bonds, and gave him a habitation at Babylon, and gave him a habitation at Babylon, and gave him a habitation at Babylon, where there were Jews in great numbers. where there were Jews in great numbers. where there were Jews in great numbers. These Jews honored Hyrcanus as their These Jews honored Hyrcanus as their These Jews honored Hyrcanus as their high priest and king, high priest and king, high priest and king, as did all the Jewish nation that dwelt as did all the Jewish nation that dwelt as did all the Jewish nation that dwelt as far as Euphrates. as far as Euphrates. as far as Euphrates. Which respect was very much to his Which respect was very much to his Which respect was very much to his satisfaction. satisfaction. satisfaction. But when he was informed that Herod had But when he was informed that Herod had But when he was informed that Herod had received the kingdom, received the kingdom, received the kingdom, new hopes came upon him new hopes came upon him new hopes came upon him as having been himself still the kind as having been himself still the kind as having been himself still the kind disposition towards him. disposition towards him. disposition towards him. And expecting that Herod would bear in And expecting that Herod would bear in And expecting that Herod would bear in mind what favor he had received from mind what favor he had received from mind what favor he had received from him. him. him. And when he was upon his trial, and when And when he was upon his trial, and when And when he was upon his trial, and when he was in danger that a capital sentence he was in danger that a capital sentence he was in danger that a capital sentence would be pronounced against him, would be pronounced against him, would be pronounced against him, he delivered him from that danger and he delivered him from that danger and he delivered him from that danger and from all punishment. from all punishment. from all punishment. Accordingly, he talked of that matter Accordingly, he talked of that matter Accordingly, he talked of that matter with the Jew that came often to him with with the Jew that came often to him with with the Jew that came often to him with great affection. great affection. great affection. But they endeavored to retain him among But they endeavored to retain him among But they endeavored to retain him among them. them. them. Desired that he would stay with them. Desired that he would stay with them. Desired that he would stay with them. Putting him in mind of the kind offices Putting him in mind of the kind offices Putting him in mind of the kind offices and honors they did him.

and honors they did him. and honors they did him. That those honors they paid him were not That those honors they paid him were not That those honors they paid him were not at all inferior at all inferior at all inferior to what they could pay to either their to what they could pay to either their to what they could pay to either their high priests or their kings. high priests or their kings. high priests or their kings. What was a greater motive to determine What was a greater motive to determine What was a greater motive to determine him, they said, was this. him, they said, was this. him, they said, was this. That he could not have those dignities That he could not have those dignities That he could not have those dignities in Judea in Judea in Judea because of that maim in his body, which because of that maim in his body, which because of that maim in his body, which had been inflicted on him by Antigonus. had been inflicted on him by Antigonus. had been inflicted on him by Antigonus. That kings do not use to requite men for That kings do not use to requite men for That kings do not use to requite men for those kindnesses those kindnesses those kindnesses which they received when they were which they received when they were which they received when they were private persons. private persons. private persons. The height of their fortune making The height of their fortune making The height of their fortune making usually no small changes in them. Now, although they suggested these Now, although they suggested these arguments to him for his own advantage, arguments to him for his own advantage, arguments to him for his own advantage, yet did Hyrcanus still desire to to yet did Hyrcanus still desire to to yet did Hyrcanus still desire to to depart. depart. depart. Herod also wrote to him and persuaded Herod also wrote to him and persuaded Herod also wrote to him and persuaded him to desire Phraates him to desire Phraates him to desire Phraates and the Jews that were there and the Jews that were there and the Jews that were there that they should not grudge him the that they should not grudge him the that they should not grudge him the royal authority royal authority royal authority which he should have jointly with which he should have jointly with which he should have jointly with himself. himself. himself. For that now was the proper time for For that now was the proper time for For that now was the proper time for himself to make him amends for the himself to make him amends for the himself to make him amends for the favors he received from him favors he received from him favors he received from him as having been brought up by him as having been brought up by him as having been brought up by him and saved by him also and saved by him also and saved by him also as well as for Hyrcanus to receive it.

as well as for Hyrcanus to receive it. as well as for Hyrcanus to receive it. As he wrote thus to Hyrcanus, As he wrote thus to Hyrcanus, As he wrote thus to Hyrcanus, so did he send all Sorimalus, his so did he send all Sorimalus, his so did he send all Sorimalus, his ambassador to Phraates, ambassador to Phraates, ambassador to Phraates, and many presents with him, and many presents with him, and many presents with him, and desired him in the most obliging way and desired him in the most obliging way and desired him in the most obliging way that he would be no hindrance to his that he would be no hindrance to his that he would be no hindrance to his gratitude towards his benefactor. gratitude towards his benefactor. gratitude towards his benefactor. But, the zeal of Herod did not flow from But, the zeal of Herod did not flow from But, the zeal of Herod did not flow from that principle, that principle, that principle, but because he had been made governor of but because he had been made governor of but because he had been made governor of that country without having any just that country without having any just that country without having any just claim to it. claim to it. claim to it. He was afraid He was afraid He was afraid that upon reasons good enough that upon reasons good enough that upon reasons good enough would change his condition, would change his condition, would change his condition, and so made what haste he could to get and so made what haste he could to get and so made what haste he could to get Hyrcanus into his power, Hyrcanus into his power, Hyrcanus into his power, or indeed to put him quite out of the or indeed to put him quite out of the or indeed to put him quite out of the way, way, way, which last thing he compassed afterward. which last thing he compassed afterward. which last thing he compassed afterward. Accordingly, when Hyrcanus came full of Accordingly, when Hyrcanus came full of Accordingly, when Hyrcanus came full of assurance by the permission of the king assurance by the permission of the king assurance by the permission of the king of Parthia, of Parthia, of Parthia, and at the expense of the Jews, and at the expense of the Jews, and at the expense of the Jews, who supplied him with money, who supplied him with money, who supplied him with money, Herod received him with all possible Herod received him with all possible Herod received him with all possible respect, respect, respect, and gave him the upper place at public and gave him the upper place at public and gave him the upper place at public meetings, meetings, meetings, and set him above all the rest at and set him above all the rest at and set him above all the rest at feasts, and thereby deceived him. feasts, and thereby deceived him. feasts, and thereby deceived him. He called him his father, He called him his father, He called him his father, and endeavored by all the ways possible and endeavored by all the ways possible and endeavored by all the ways possible that he might have no suspicion of any that he might have no suspicion of any that he might have no suspicion of any treacherous design against him.

treacherous design against him. treacherous design against him. He also did other things in order to He also did other things in order to He also did other things in order to secure his government, which yet secure his government, which yet secure his government, which yet occasioned a sedition in his own family. occasioned a sedition in his own family. occasioned a sedition in his own family. Her being cautious how he made any Her being cautious how he made any Her being cautious how he made any illustrious person the high priest of illustrious person the high priest of illustrious person the high priest of God, God, God, he sent for an obscure priest out of he sent for an obscure priest out of he sent for an obscure priest out of Babylon, Babylon, Babylon, whose name was Ananelus, whose name was Ananelus, whose name was Ananelus, and bestowed the high priesthood upon and bestowed the high priesthood upon and bestowed the high priesthood upon him. him. him. However, Alexandra, the daughter of However, Alexandra, the daughter of However, Alexandra, the daughter of Hyrcanus and wife of Alexander, the Hyrcanus and wife of Alexander, the Hyrcanus and wife of Alexander, the Aristobulus, the king, Aristobulus, the king, Aristobulus, the king, who had also brought Alexandra two who had also brought Alexandra two who had also brought Alexandra two children, could not bear this indignity. children, could not bear this indignity. children, could not bear this indignity. Now, this son was one of the greatest Now, this son was one of the greatest Now, this son was one of the greatest comeliness, comeliness, comeliness, and was also called Aristobulus, and the and was also called Aristobulus, and the and was also called Aristobulus, and the daughter Mariamne daughter Mariamne daughter Mariamne was married to Herod, was married to Herod, was married to Herod, and eminent for her beauty also. and eminent for her beauty also. and eminent for her beauty also. This Alexandra was much disturbed, and This Alexandra was much disturbed, and This Alexandra was much disturbed, and took this indignity offered to her son took this indignity offered to her son took this indignity offered to her son exceedingly ill, that while he was alive exceedingly ill, that while he was alive exceedingly ill, that while he was alive anyone else should be sent for to have anyone else should be sent for to have anyone else should be sent for to have the dignity of the high priesthood the dignity of the high priesthood the dignity of the high priesthood conferred upon him. conferred upon him. conferred upon him. Accordingly, she wrote to Cleopatra, Accordingly, she wrote to Cleopatra, Accordingly, she wrote to Cleopatra, Musician assisting her in taking care to Musician assisting her in taking care to Musician assisting her in taking care to have her letters carried, to desire her have her letters carried, to desire her have her letters carried, to desire her intercession with Antony intercession with Antony intercession with Antony in order to gain the high priesthood for in order to gain the high priesthood for in order to gain the high priesthood for her son.

her son. her son. But as Antony was slow in granting this But as Antony was slow in granting this But as Antony was slow in granting this request, his friend Dellius came into request, his friend Dellius came into request, his friend Dellius came into Judea upon some affairs. Judea upon some affairs. Judea upon some affairs. When he saw Aristobulus, When he saw Aristobulus, When he saw Aristobulus, he stood in admiration at the tallness he stood in admiration at the tallness he stood in admiration at the tallness and handsomeness of the child, and handsomeness of the child, and handsomeness of the child, and no less at Mariamne, the king's and no less at Mariamne, the king's and no less at Mariamne, the king's wife, wife, wife, who was open in his commendations of who was open in his commendations of who was open in his commendations of Alexandra as the mother of most Alexandra as the mother of most Alexandra as the mother of most beautiful children. beautiful children. beautiful children. When she came to discourse with him, When she came to discourse with him, When she came to discourse with him, he persuaded her to get pictures drawn he persuaded her to get pictures drawn he persuaded her to get pictures drawn of them both and send them to Antony. of them both and send them to Antony. of them both and send them to Antony. For that when he saw them, he would deny For that when he saw them, he would deny For that when he saw them, he would deny her nothing that she should ask. her nothing that she should ask. her nothing that she should ask. Accordingly, Alexandra was elevated with Accordingly, Alexandra was elevated with Accordingly, Alexandra was elevated with these words of his and sent the pictures these words of his and sent the pictures these words of his and sent the pictures to Antony. to Antony. to Antony. Dellius also talked extravagantly Dellius also talked extravagantly Dellius also talked extravagantly and said that these children seemed not and said that these children seemed not and said that these children seemed not derived from men, but from some god or derived from men, but from some god or derived from men, but from some god or other. other. other. His design in so doing was to entice His design in so doing was to entice His design in so doing was to entice Antony into lewd pleasures with them. Antony into lewd pleasures with them. Antony into lewd pleasures with them. It was a shame to send for the damsel as It was a shame to send for the damsel as It was a shame to send for the damsel as being the wife of Herod and avoided it being the wife of Herod and avoided it being the wife of Herod and avoided it because of the reproaches he should have because of the reproaches he should have because of the reproaches he should have in Cleopatra on that account. in Cleopatra on that account. in Cleopatra on that account. But he sent, in the most decent manner But he sent, in the most decent manner But he sent, in the most decent manner he could, for the young man.

he could, for the young man. he could, for the young man. But added this withal, But added this withal, But added this withal, unless he thought it hard upon him so to unless he thought it hard upon him so to unless he thought it hard upon him so to do. do. do. When this letter was brought to Herod, When this letter was brought to Herod, When this letter was brought to Herod, he did not think it safe for him to send he did not think it safe for him to send he did not think it safe for him to send one so handsome as Aristobulus one so handsome as Aristobulus one so handsome as Aristobulus in the prime of his life, in the prime of his life, in the prime of his life, for he was 16 years of age and of so for he was 16 years of age and of so for he was 16 years of age and of so noble a family, noble a family, noble a family, and particularly not to Antony, the and particularly not to Antony, the and particularly not to Antony, the principal man among the Romans, principal man among the Romans, principal man among the Romans, and one that would abuse him in his and one that would abuse him in his and one that would abuse him in his armors, armors, armors, and besides, one that openly indulged and besides, one that openly indulged and besides, one that openly indulged himself in such pleasures as his power himself in such pleasures as his power himself in such pleasures as his power allowed him without control. allowed him without control. allowed him without control. He therefore wrote back to him that if He therefore wrote back to him that if He therefore wrote back to him that if this boy should go out of the country, this boy should go out of the country, this boy should go out of the country, all would be in a state of war and all would be in a state of war and all would be in a state of war and uproar, uproar, uproar, because the Jews were in hopes of a because the Jews were in hopes of a because the Jews were in hopes of a change in the government change in the government change in the government to have another king over them. When Herod had thus excused himself to When Herod had thus excused himself to Antony, he resolved that he would not Antony, he resolved that he would not Antony, he resolved that he would not entirely permit the child or Alexandra entirely permit the child or Alexandra entirely permit the child or Alexandra to be treated dishonorably. to be treated dishonorably. to be treated dishonorably. His wife Mariamne lay vehemently at him His wife Mariamne lay vehemently at him His wife Mariamne lay vehemently at him to restore the high priesthood to her to restore the high priesthood to her to restore the high priesthood to her brother, brother, brother, and he judged it was for his advantage and he judged it was for his advantage and he judged it was for his advantage so to do, so to do, so to do, because if he once had that dignity, because if he once had that dignity, because if he once had that dignity, could not go out of the country.

could not go out of the country. could not go out of the country. So, he called his friends together and So, he called his friends together and So, he called his friends together and told them that Alexandra privately told them that Alexandra privately told them that Alexandra privately conspired against his royal authority, conspired against his royal authority, conspired against his royal authority, endeavored by the means of Cleopatra so endeavored by the means of Cleopatra so endeavored by the means of Cleopatra so to bring it about that he might be to bring it about that he might be to bring it about that he might be deprived of government. deprived of government. deprived of government. And that by Antony's means this youth And that by Antony's means this youth And that by Antony's means this youth might have the management of public might have the management of public might have the management of public affairs in his stead. affairs in his stead. affairs in his stead. And that this procedure of hers was And that this procedure of hers was And that this procedure of hers was unjust, unjust, unjust, since she would at the same time deprive since she would at the same time deprive since she would at the same time deprive her daughter of the dignity she now had, her daughter of the dignity she now had, her daughter of the dignity she now had, would bring disturbances upon the would bring disturbances upon the would bring disturbances upon the kingdom, kingdom, kingdom, which he had taken a great deal of pain which he had taken a great deal of pain which he had taken a great deal of pain and had gotten it with extraordinary and had gotten it with extraordinary and had gotten it with extraordinary hazards. hazards. hazards. That yet, while he well remembered her That yet, while he well remembered her That yet, while he well remembered her wicked practices, wicked practices, wicked practices, would not leave off doing what was right would not leave off doing what was right would not leave off doing what was right himself, himself, himself, would even now give the youth the high would even now give the youth the high would even now give the youth the high priesthood. priesthood. priesthood. That he finally set up Ananelus, That he finally set up Ananelus, That he finally set up Ananelus, because Aristobulus was then so very because Aristobulus was then so very because Aristobulus was then so very young a child. young a child. young a child. Now, when he had said this, not at Now, when he had said this, not at Now, when he had said this, not at random, random, random, but as he thought with the best but as he thought with the best but as he thought with the best discretion he had, discretion he had, discretion he had, in order to deceive the women in order to deceive the women in order to deceive the women and those friends whom he had taken to and those friends whom he had taken to and those friends whom he had taken to consult withal, consult withal, consult withal, Alexandra, out of the great joy she had Alexandra, out of the great joy she had Alexandra, out of the great joy she had of his unexpected promise, of his unexpected promise, of his unexpected promise, and out of the fear from the suspicion and out of the fear from the suspicion and out of the fear from the suspicion she lay under, she lay under, she lay under, fell a weeping, fell a weeping, fell a weeping, and made the following apology for and made the following apology for and made the following apology for herself, herself, herself, and said that as to the high priesthood, and said that as to the high priesthood, and said that as to the high priesthood, she was very much concerned with the she was very much concerned with the she was very much concerned with the disgrace her son was under, disgrace her son was under, disgrace her son was under, and so did her utmost endeavors to and so did her utmost endeavors to and so did her utmost endeavors to procure it him.

procure it him. procure it him. But that as to the kingdom, she had made But that as to the kingdom, she had made But that as to the kingdom, she had made no attempts. no attempts. no attempts. And that if it were offered her for her And that if it were offered her for her And that if it were offered her for her son, she would not accept it. son, she would not accept it. son, she would not accept it. That now she would be satisfied with her That now she would be satisfied with her That now she would be satisfied with her son's dignity. son's dignity. son's dignity. While he himself held the civil While he himself held the civil While he himself held the civil government. government. government. And she had thereby the security that And she had thereby the security that And she had thereby the security that arose from his peculiar ability in arose from his peculiar ability in arose from his peculiar ability in governing to all the remainder of her governing to all the remainder of her governing to all the remainder of her family. family. family. That she was now overcome by his That she was now overcome by his That she was now overcome by his benefits. benefits. benefits. And thankfully accepted of this honor And thankfully accepted of this honor And thankfully accepted of this honor showed by him to her son. showed by him to her son. showed by him to her son. And that she would hereafter be entirely And that she would hereafter be entirely And that she would hereafter be entirely obedient. obedient. obedient. And she desired him to excuse her. And she desired him to excuse her. And she desired him to excuse her. If the nobility of her family and that If the nobility of her family and that If the nobility of her family and that freedom of acting which she thought that freedom of acting which she thought that freedom of acting which she thought that allowed her had made her act too allowed her had made her act too allowed her had made her act too precipitously and prudently in this precipitously and prudently in this precipitously and prudently in this matter. matter. matter. So when they had spoken thus to one So when they had spoken thus to one So when they had spoken thus to one another, they came to an agreement. another, they came to an agreement. another, they came to an agreement. And all suspicions so far as appeared And all suspicions so far as appeared And all suspicions so far as appeared were vanished away. End of Book 15, chapters 1 and 2.

End of Book 15, chapters 1 and 2. Recording by Paula Winnig Recording by Paula Winnig Recording by Paula Winnig Lawrence Neill. Book 15, chapter 3 of The Antiquities of Book 15, chapter 3 of The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 3. the Jews, volume 3. the Jews, volume 3. This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. domain. domain. For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org. please visit librivox.org. please visit librivox.org. Recording by Bill Mosley. Recording by Bill Mosley. Recording by Bill Mosley. The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 3 by The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 3 by The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 3 by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Flavius Josephus, translated by William Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. Book 15, chapter 3. Whiston. Book 15, chapter 3. Whiston. Book 15, chapter 3. How Herod, upon his making Aristobulus How Herod, upon his making Aristobulus How Herod, upon his making Aristobulus high priest, took care that he should be high priest, took care that he should be high priest, took care that he should be murdered in a little time, murdered in a little time, murdered in a little time, and what apology he made to Antony about and what apology he made to Antony about and what apology he made to Antony about Aristobulus, Aristobulus, Aristobulus, as also concerning Joseph and Mariamne.

So, King Herod immediately took the high So, King Herod immediately took the high priesthood away from Ananelus, priesthood away from Ananelus, priesthood away from Ananelus, who, as we said before, was not of this who, as we said before, was not of this who, as we said before, was not of this country, country, country, but one of those Jews that had been but one of those Jews that had been but one of those Jews that had been carried captive beyond Euphrates. carried captive beyond Euphrates. carried captive beyond Euphrates. For there were not a few 10,000s of For there were not a few 10,000s of For there were not a few 10,000s of these people these people these people that had been carried captives and dwelt that had been carried captives and dwelt that had been carried captives and dwelt about Babylonia, whence Ananelus came. about Babylonia, whence Ananelus came. about Babylonia, whence Ananelus came. He was one of the stock of the high He was one of the stock of the high He was one of the stock of the high priests and had been of old a particular priests and had been of old a particular priests and had been of old a particular friend of Herod friend of Herod friend of Herod and when he was first made king, he and when he was first made king, he and when he was first made king, he conferred that dignity upon him conferred that dignity upon him conferred that dignity upon him and now put him out of it again in order and now put him out of it again in order and now put him out of it again in order to quiet the troubles in his family. to quiet the troubles in his family. to quiet the troubles in his family. Though, what he did was plainly Though, what he did was plainly Though, what he did was plainly unlawful. unlawful. unlawful. For at no other time of old was anyone For at no other time of old was anyone For at no other time of old was anyone that had once been in that dignity that had once been in that dignity that had once been in that dignity deprived of it. deprived of it. deprived of it. It was Antiochus Epiphanes who first It was Antiochus Epiphanes who first It was Antiochus Epiphanes who first break that law break that law break that law and deprived Jesus and made his brother and deprived Jesus and made his brother and deprived Jesus and made his brother Onias high priest in his stead.

Onias high priest in his stead. Onias high priest in his stead. Aristobulus was the second that did so Aristobulus was the second that did so Aristobulus was the second that did so and took that dignity from his brother and took that dignity from his brother and took that dignity from his brother Hyrcanus. Hyrcanus. Hyrcanus. And this Herod was the third who took And this Herod was the third who took And this Herod was the third who took that high office away from that high office away from that high office away from Hyrcanus Hyrcanus Hyrcanus and gave it to this young man and gave it to this young man and gave it to this young man Aristobulus in his stead. Aristobulus in his stead. Aristobulus in his stead. And now Herod seemed to have healed the And now Herod seemed to have healed the And now Herod seemed to have healed the division in his family. division in his family. division in his family. Yet was he not without suspicion, Yet was he not without suspicion, Yet was he not without suspicion, as is frequently the case, as is frequently the case, as is frequently the case, of people seeming to be reconciled to of people seeming to be reconciled to of people seeming to be reconciled to one another, one another, one another, but thought that, as Alexandra had but thought that, as Alexandra had but thought that, as Alexandra had already made attempts tending to already made attempts tending to already made attempts tending to innovations, innovations, innovations, so did he fear that she would go on so did he fear that she would go on so did he fear that she would go on therein if she found a fit opportunity therein if she found a fit opportunity therein if she found a fit opportunity for so doing. for so doing. for so doing. So, he gave a command that she should So, he gave a command that she should So, he gave a command that she should dwell in the palace dwell in the palace dwell in the palace and meddle with no public affairs. and meddle with no public affairs. and meddle with no public affairs. Her guards also were so careful that Her guards also were so careful that Her guards also were so careful that nothing she did in private life every nothing she did in private life every nothing she did in private life every day was concealed.

day was concealed. day was concealed. All these hardships put her out of All these hardships put her out of All these hardships put her out of patience patience patience by little and little and she began to by little and little and she began to by little and little and she began to hate Herod. hate Herod. hate Herod. For as she had the pride of a woman to For as she had the pride of a woman to For as she had the pride of a woman to the utmost degree, the utmost degree, the utmost degree, she had great indignation she had great indignation she had great indignation at this suspicious guard that was about at this suspicious guard that was about at this suspicious guard that was about her her her as desirous rather to undergo anything as desirous rather to undergo anything as desirous rather to undergo anything that could befall her that could befall her that could befall her than to be deprived of her liberty of than to be deprived of her liberty of than to be deprived of her liberty of speech speech speech and under the notion of an honorary and under the notion of an honorary and under the notion of an honorary guard guard guard to live in a state of slavery and to live in a state of slavery and to live in a state of slavery and terror. terror. terror. She therefore sent to Cleopatra and made She therefore sent to Cleopatra and made She therefore sent to Cleopatra and made a long complaint of the circumstances a long complaint of the circumstances a long complaint of the circumstances she was in and entreated her to do her she was in and entreated her to do her she was in and entreated her to do her utmost for her assistance. utmost for her assistance. utmost for her assistance. Cleopatra hereupon advised her to take Cleopatra hereupon advised her to take Cleopatra hereupon advised her to take her son with her and come away her son with her and come away her son with her and come away immediately to her into Egypt. immediately to her into Egypt. immediately to her into Egypt. This advice pleased her. This advice pleased her. This advice pleased her. She had this contrivance for getting She had this contrivance for getting She had this contrivance for getting away. away. away. She got two coffins made as if they were She got two coffins made as if they were She got two coffins made as if they were to carry away two dead bodies and put to carry away two dead bodies and put to carry away two dead bodies and put herself into one and her son into the herself into one and her son into the herself into one and her son into the other and gave orders to such of her other and gave orders to such of her other and gave orders to such of her servants as knew of her intentions to servants as knew of her intentions to servants as knew of her intentions to carry them away in the night time.

carry them away in the night time. carry them away in the night time. Now, their road was to be thence to the Now, their road was to be thence to the Now, their road was to be thence to the seaside seaside seaside and there was a ship ready to carry them and there was a ship ready to carry them and there was a ship ready to carry them into Egypt. into Egypt. into Egypt. Now, Aesop, one of her servants, Now, Aesop, one of her servants, Now, Aesop, one of her servants, happened to fall upon Sabion, one of her happened to fall upon Sabion, one of her happened to fall upon Sabion, one of her friends, and spake of this matter to him friends, and spake of this matter to him friends, and spake of this matter to him as thinking he had known of it before. as thinking he had known of it before. as thinking he had known of it before. When Sabbion knew this, who had formerly When Sabbion knew this, who had formerly When Sabbion knew this, who had formerly been an enemy of Herod, and been been an enemy of Herod, and been been an enemy of Herod, and been esteemed one of those that laid snares esteemed one of those that laid snares esteemed one of those that laid snares for and gave the poison to his father for and gave the poison to his father for and gave the poison to his father Antipater, Antipater, Antipater, he expected that this discovery would he expected that this discovery would he expected that this discovery would change Herod's hatred into kindness. change Herod's hatred into kindness. change Herod's hatred into kindness. So, he told the king of this private So, he told the king of this private So, he told the king of this private stratagem of Alexandra. stratagem of Alexandra. stratagem of Alexandra. Whereupon, he suffered her to proceed to Whereupon, he suffered her to proceed to Whereupon, he suffered her to proceed to the execution of her project, and caught the execution of her project, and caught the execution of her project, and caught her in the very fact. her in the very fact. her in the very fact. But, still he passed by her offense, and But, still he passed by her offense, and But, still he passed by her offense, and though he had a great mind to do it, though he had a great mind to do it, though he had a great mind to do it, he durst not inflict anything that was he durst not inflict anything that was he durst not inflict anything that was severe upon her.

severe upon her. severe upon her. For he knew that Cleopatra would not For he knew that Cleopatra would not For he knew that Cleopatra would not bear that he should have her accused on bear that he should have her accused on bear that he should have her accused on account of her hatred to him, but made a account of her hatred to him, but made a account of her hatred to him, but made a show as if it were rather the generosity show as if it were rather the generosity show as if it were rather the generosity of his soul and his great moderation of his soul and his great moderation of his soul and his great moderation that made him forgive them. that made him forgive them. that made him forgive them. However, he fully proposed to himself to However, he fully proposed to himself to However, he fully proposed to himself to put this young man out of the way by one put this young man out of the way by one put this young man out of the way by one means or other. means or other. means or other. But, he thought he might in probability But, he thought he might in probability But, he thought he might in probability be better concealed in doing it, be better concealed in doing it, be better concealed in doing it, if he did it not presently, nor if he did it not presently, nor if he did it not presently, nor immediately after what had lately immediately after what had lately immediately after what had lately happened. And now, upon the approach of the Feast And now, upon the approach of the Feast of Tabernacles, of Tabernacles, of Tabernacles, which is a festival very much observed which is a festival very much observed which is a festival very much observed among us, among us, among us, he let those days pass over, he let those days pass over, he let those days pass over, and both he and the rest of the people and both he and the rest of the people and both he and the rest of the people were therein very merry. were therein very merry. were therein very merry. Yet, did the envy which at this time Yet, did the envy which at this time Yet, did the envy which at this time arose in him arose in him arose in him cause him to make haste to do what he cause him to make haste to do what he cause him to make haste to do what he was about, and provoke him to it. For, was about, and provoke him to it. For, was about, and provoke him to it. For, when this youth Aristobulus, when this youth Aristobulus, when this youth Aristobulus, who was now in the 17th year of of age, who was now in the 17th year of of age, who was now in the 17th year of of age, went up to the altar, according to the went up to the altar, according to the went up to the altar, according to the law, to offer the sacrifices, law, to offer the sacrifices, law, to offer the sacrifices, and this with the ornaments of his high and this with the ornaments of his high and this with the ornaments of his high priesthood.

priesthood. priesthood. And when he performed the sacred And when he performed the sacred And when he performed the sacred offices, he seemed to be exceedingly offices, he seemed to be exceedingly offices, he seemed to be exceedingly comely, comely, comely, and taller than men usually were at that and taller than men usually were at that and taller than men usually were at that age, and to exhibit in his countenance a age, and to exhibit in his countenance a age, and to exhibit in his countenance a great deal of that high family he was great deal of that high family he was great deal of that high family he was sprung from. sprung from. sprung from. A warm zeal and affection towards him A warm zeal and affection towards him A warm zeal and affection towards him appeared among the people, appeared among the people, appeared among the people, and the memory of the actions of his and the memory of the actions of his and the memory of the actions of his grandfather Aristobulus grandfather Aristobulus grandfather Aristobulus was fresh in their minds, was fresh in their minds, was fresh in their minds, and their affections got so far the and their affections got so far the and their affections got so far the mastery of them that they could not mastery of them that they could not mastery of them that they could not forbear to show their inclinations to forbear to show their inclinations to forbear to show their inclinations to him. him. him. They at once rejoiced, and were They at once rejoiced, and were They at once rejoiced, and were confounded, and mingled with good wishes confounded, and mingled with good wishes confounded, and mingled with good wishes their joyful acclamations which they their joyful acclamations which they their joyful acclamations which they made to him, made to him, made to him, till the goodwill of the multitude was till the goodwill of the multitude was till the goodwill of the multitude was made too evident, made too evident, made too evident, and they more rashly proclaimed the and they more rashly proclaimed the and they more rashly proclaimed the happiness they had received from his happiness they had received from his happiness they had received from his family than was fit under a monarchy to family than was fit under a monarchy to family than was fit under a monarchy to have done.

Upon all this, Herod resolved to Upon all this, Herod resolved to complete what he had intended against complete what he had intended against complete what he had intended against the young man. the young man. the young man. When therefore the festival was over, When therefore the festival was over, When therefore the festival was over, and he was feasting at Jericho with and he was feasting at Jericho with and he was feasting at Jericho with Alexandra, Alexandra, Alexandra, who entertained them there, who entertained them there, who entertained them there, he was then very pleasant with the young he was then very pleasant with the young he was then very pleasant with the young man, man, man, and drew him into a lonely place, and drew him into a lonely place, and drew him into a lonely place, and at the same time played with him in and at the same time played with him in and at the same time played with him in a juvenile and ludicrous manner. a juvenile and ludicrous manner. a juvenile and ludicrous manner. Now, the nature of that place was hotter Now, the nature of that place was hotter Now, the nature of that place was hotter than ordinary, so they went out in a than ordinary, so they went out in a than ordinary, so they went out in a body, and of a sudden, and in a vein of body, and of a sudden, and in a vein of body, and of a sudden, and in a vein of madness, and as they stood by the fish madness, and as they stood by the fish madness, and as they stood by the fish ponds, of which there were large ones ponds, of which there were large ones ponds, of which there were large ones about the house, about the house, about the house, they went to cool themselves by bathing, they went to cool themselves by bathing, they went to cool themselves by bathing, because it was in the midst of a a day. because it was in the midst of a a day. because it was in the midst of a a day. At first, they were only spectators of At first, they were only spectators of At first, they were only spectators of Herod's servants and acquaintances as Herod's servants and acquaintances as Herod's servants and acquaintances as they were swimming, they were swimming, they were swimming, but after a while, the young man, but after a while, the young man, but after a while, the young man, at the instigation of Herod, at the instigation of Herod, at the instigation of Herod, went into the water among them, went into the water among them, went into the water among them, while such of Herod's acquaintance as he while such of Herod's acquaintance as he while such of Herod's acquaintance as he had appointed to do it, had appointed to do it, had appointed to do it, dipped him as he was swimming, dipped him as he was swimming, dipped him as he was swimming, and plunged him underwater in the dark and plunged him underwater in the dark and plunged him underwater in the dark of the evening, as if it had been done of the evening, as if it had been done of the evening, as if it had been done in sport only, in sport only, in sport only, nor did they desist till he was entirely nor did they desist till he was entirely nor did they desist till he was entirely suffocated.

suffocated. suffocated. And thus was Aristobulus murdered, And thus was Aristobulus murdered, And thus was Aristobulus murdered, having lived no more in all than 18 having lived no more in all than 18 having lived no more in all than 18 years, years, years, and kept the high priesthood 1 year and kept the high priesthood 1 year and kept the high priesthood 1 year only, only, only, which high priesthood and Annelis now which high priesthood and Annelis now which high priesthood and Annelis now recovered again. When this sad accident was told the When this sad accident was told the women, their joy was soon changed to women, their joy was soon changed to women, their joy was soon changed to lamentation lamentation lamentation at the sight of the dead body that lay at the sight of the dead body that lay at the sight of the dead body that lay before them, before them, before them, and their sorrow was immoderate. and their sorrow was immoderate. and their sorrow was immoderate. The city also of Jerusalem, The city also of Jerusalem, The city also of Jerusalem, upon the spreading of this news, were in upon the spreading of this news, were in upon the spreading of this news, were in very great grief. very great grief. very great grief. Every family looking on this calamity Every family looking on this calamity Every family looking on this calamity as if it had not belonged to another, as if it had not belonged to another, as if it had not belonged to another, but that one of themselves was slain. But Alexandra was more deeply affected But Alexandra was more deeply affected upon her knowledge that he had been upon her knowledge that he had been upon her knowledge that he had been destroyed on purpose. destroyed on purpose. destroyed on purpose. Her sorrow was greater than that of Her sorrow was greater than that of Her sorrow was greater than that of others others others by her knowing how the murder was by her knowing how the murder was by her knowing how the murder was committed.

committed. committed. But she was under the necessity of But she was under the necessity of But she was under the necessity of bearing up under it bearing up under it bearing up under it out of her prospect of a greater out of her prospect of a greater out of her prospect of a greater mischief mischief mischief that might otherwise follow, that might otherwise follow, that might otherwise follow, and she oftentimes came to an and she oftentimes came to an and she oftentimes came to an inclination to kill herself with her own inclination to kill herself with her own inclination to kill herself with her own hand. hand. hand. But still she restrained herself But still she restrained herself But still she restrained herself in hopes she might live long enough in hopes she might live long enough in hopes she might live long enough to revenge the unjust murder to revenge the unjust murder to revenge the unjust murder thus privately committed. thus privately committed. thus privately committed. Nay, she further resolved to endeavor to Nay, she further resolved to endeavor to Nay, she further resolved to endeavor to live longer live longer live longer and to give no occasion to think she and to give no occasion to think she and to give no occasion to think she suspected that her son was slain on suspected that her son was slain on suspected that her son was slain on purpose purpose purpose and supposed that she might thereby be and supposed that she might thereby be and supposed that she might thereby be in a capacity of revenging it at a in a capacity of revenging it at a in a capacity of revenging it at a proper opportunity. proper opportunity. proper opportunity. Thus did she restrain herself Thus did she restrain herself Thus did she restrain herself that she might not be noted for that she might not be noted for that she might not be noted for entertaining any such suspicion. entertaining any such suspicion. entertaining any such suspicion. However, Herod endeavored that none However, Herod endeavored that none However, Herod endeavored that none abroad should believe that the child's abroad should believe that the child's abroad should believe that the child's death was caused by any design of his death was caused by any design of his death was caused by any design of his and for this purpose he did not only use and for this purpose he did not only use and for this purpose he did not only use the ordinary signs of sorrow the ordinary signs of sorrow the ordinary signs of sorrow but fell into tears also and exhibited a but fell into tears also and exhibited a but fell into tears also and exhibited a real confusion of soul.

real confusion of soul. real confusion of soul. And perhaps his affections were overcome And perhaps his affections were overcome And perhaps his affections were overcome on this occasion on this occasion on this occasion when he saw the child's countenance so when he saw the child's countenance so when he saw the child's countenance so young and so beautiful. young and so beautiful. young and so beautiful. Although his death was supposed to tend Although his death was supposed to tend Although his death was supposed to tend to his own security. to his own security. to his own security. So far at least this grief served as to So far at least this grief served as to So far at least this grief served as to make some apology for him make some apology for him make some apology for him and as for his funeral and as for his funeral and as for his funeral that he took care should be very that he took care should be very that he took care should be very magnificent magnificent magnificent by making great preparation for his by making great preparation for his by making great preparation for his sepulcher to lay his body in sepulcher to lay his body in sepulcher to lay his body in and providing a great quantity of spices and providing a great quantity of spices and providing a great quantity of spices and burying many ornaments together with and burying many ornaments together with and burying many ornaments together with him him him till the very women who were in such till the very women who were in such till the very women who were in such deep sorrow deep sorrow deep sorrow were astonished at it and received in were astonished at it and received in were astonished at it and received in this way some consolation. this way some consolation. this way some consolation. However, no such things could overcome However, no such things could overcome However, no such things could overcome Alexandra's grief Alexandra's grief Alexandra's grief but the remembrance of this miserable but the remembrance of this miserable but the remembrance of this miserable case made her sorrow case made her sorrow case made her sorrow both deep and obstinate. both deep and obstinate. both deep and obstinate. Accordingly, she wrote an account of Accordingly, she wrote an account of Accordingly, she wrote an account of this treacherous scene to Cleopatra this treacherous scene to Cleopatra this treacherous scene to Cleopatra and how her son was murdered.

and how her son was murdered. and how her son was murdered. But, Cleopatra, as she had formerly been But, Cleopatra, as she had formerly been But, Cleopatra, as she had formerly been desirous to give her what satisfaction desirous to give her what satisfaction desirous to give her what satisfaction she could, she could, she could, and commiserating Alexandra's and commiserating Alexandra's and commiserating Alexandra's misfortunes, misfortunes, misfortunes, made the case her own and would not let made the case her own and would not let made the case her own and would not let Antony be quiet, but excited him to Antony be quiet, but excited him to Antony be quiet, but excited him to punish the child's murder. punish the child's murder. punish the child's murder. For that it was an unworthy thing that For that it was an unworthy thing that For that it was an unworthy thing that Herod, who had been by him made king of Herod, who had been by him made king of Herod, who had been by him made king of a kingdom that no way belonged to him, a kingdom that no way belonged to him, a kingdom that no way belonged to him, should be guilty of such horrid crimes should be guilty of such horrid crimes should be guilty of such horrid crimes against those that were of the royal against those that were of the royal against those that were of the royal blood in reality. Antony was persuaded by these arguments, Antony was persuaded by these arguments, and when he came to Laodicea, and when he came to Laodicea, and when he came to Laodicea, he sent and commanded Herod to come back he sent and commanded Herod to come back he sent and commanded Herod to come back and make his defense and make his defense and make his defense as to what he had done to Aristobulus. as to what he had done to Aristobulus. as to what he had done to Aristobulus. For that such a treacherous design was For that such a treacherous design was For that such a treacherous design was not well done if he had any hand in it. not well done if he had any hand in it. not well done if he had any hand in it. Herod was now in fear Herod was now in fear Herod was now in fear both of the accusation both of the accusation both of the accusation and of Cleopatra's ill will to him, and of Cleopatra's ill will to him, and of Cleopatra's ill will to him, which was such that she was ever which was such that she was ever which was such that she was ever endeavoring to make Antony hate him.

endeavoring to make Antony hate him. endeavoring to make Antony hate him. He therefore determined to obey his He therefore determined to obey his He therefore determined to obey his summons, for he had no possible way to summons, for he had no possible way to summons, for he had no possible way to avoid it. avoid it. avoid it. So, he left his uncle Joseph procurator So, he left his uncle Joseph procurator So, he left his uncle Joseph procurator for his government for his government for his government and for the public affairs, and for the public affairs, and for the public affairs, and gave him a private charge that if and gave him a private charge that if and gave him a private charge that if Antony should kill him, Antony should kill him, Antony should kill him, he also should kill Mariamne he also should kill Mariamne he also should kill Mariamne immediately. immediately. immediately. For that he had a tender affection for For that he had a tender affection for For that he had a tender affection for this his wife this his wife this his wife and was afraid of the injury that she and was afraid of the injury that she and was afraid of the injury that she should be offered him should be offered him should be offered him if, after his death, she, for her if, after his death, she, for her if, after his death, she, for her beauty, should be engaged to some other beauty, should be engaged to some other beauty, should be engaged to some other man. man. man. But, his intimation was nothing but this But, his intimation was nothing but this But, his intimation was nothing but this at the bottom, at the bottom, at the bottom, that Antony had fallen in love with her that Antony had fallen in love with her that Antony had fallen in love with her when he had formerly heard somewhat of when he had formerly heard somewhat of when he had formerly heard somewhat of her beauty. her beauty. her beauty. So, when Herod had given Joseph this So, when Herod had given Joseph this So, when Herod had given Joseph this charge, and he had indeed no sure hopes charge, and he had indeed no sure hopes charge, and he had indeed no sure hopes of escaping with his life, of escaping with his life, of escaping with his life, he went away to Antony. But, as Joseph was administering the But, as Joseph was administering the public affairs of the kingdom, public affairs of the kingdom, public affairs of the kingdom, and for that reason was very frequently and for that reason was very frequently and for that reason was very frequently with Mariamne, with Mariamne, with Mariamne, both because his business required it, both because his business required it, both because his business required it, and because of the respects he ought to and because of the respects he ought to and because of the respects he ought to pay to the queen, pay to the queen, pay to the queen, he frequently let himself into he frequently let himself into he frequently let himself into discourses about Herod's kindness discourses about Herod's kindness discourses about Herod's kindness and great affection towards her.

and great affection towards her. and great affection towards her. And when the women, especially And when the women, especially And when the women, especially Alexandra, Alexandra, Alexandra, used to turn his discourses into used to turn his discourses into used to turn his discourses into feminine raillery, feminine raillery, feminine raillery, Joseph was so over-desirous to Joseph was so over-desirous to Joseph was so over-desirous to demonstrate the king's inclinations, demonstrate the king's inclinations, demonstrate the king's inclinations, that he proceeded so far as to mention that he proceeded so far as to mention that he proceeded so far as to mention the charge he had received, the charge he had received, the charge he had received, and thence drew his demonstration and thence drew his demonstration and thence drew his demonstration that Herod was not able to live without that Herod was not able to live without that Herod was not able to live without her, her, her, that if he should come to any ill end, that if he should come to any ill end, that if he should come to any ill end, he could not endure a separation from he could not endure a separation from he could not endure a separation from her even after he was dead. her even after he was dead. her even after he was dead. Thus spake Joseph. Thus spake Joseph. Thus spake Joseph. But, the women, as was natural, did not But, the women, as was natural, did not But, the women, as was natural, did not take this to be an instance of Herod's take this to be an instance of Herod's take this to be an instance of Herod's strong affection for them, strong affection for them, strong affection for them, but of his severe usage of them, but of his severe usage of them, but of his severe usage of them, that they could not escape destruction that they could not escape destruction that they could not escape destruction nor a tyrannical death nor a tyrannical death nor a tyrannical death even when he was dead himself. even when he was dead himself. even when he was dead himself. And this saying of Joseph was a And this saying of Joseph was a And this saying of Joseph was a foundation foundation foundation for the women's severe suspicions about for the women's severe suspicions about for the women's severe suspicions about him afterwards.

At this time a report went about the At this time a report went about the city Jerusalem city Jerusalem city Jerusalem among Herod's enemies among Herod's enemies among Herod's enemies that Antony had tortured Herod and put that Antony had tortured Herod and put that Antony had tortured Herod and put him to death. him to death. him to death. This report, as is natural, This report, as is natural, This report, as is natural, disturbed those that were about the disturbed those that were about the disturbed those that were about the palace, palace, palace, but chiefly the women, on which but chiefly the women, on which but chiefly the women, on which Alexandra endeavored to persuade Joseph Alexandra endeavored to persuade Joseph Alexandra endeavored to persuade Joseph to go out of the palace and fly away to go out of the palace and fly away to go out of the palace and fly away with them to the ensigns of the Roman with them to the ensigns of the Roman with them to the ensigns of the Roman region, which then lay encamped about region, which then lay encamped about region, which then lay encamped about the city as a guard to the kingdom the city as a guard to the kingdom the city as a guard to the kingdom under the command of Julius, under the command of Julius, under the command of Julius, for that by this means, if any for that by this means, if any for that by this means, if any disturbance should happen about the disturbance should happen about the disturbance should happen about the palace, palace, palace, they should be in greater security they should be in greater security they should be in greater security as having the Romans favorable to them. as having the Romans favorable to them. as having the Romans favorable to them. And that besides, they hoped to obtain And that besides, they hoped to obtain And that besides, they hoped to obtain the highest authority if Anthony did but the highest authority if Anthony did but the highest authority if Anthony did but once see Mariamne, once see Mariamne, once see Mariamne, by whose means they should recover the by whose means they should recover the by whose means they should recover the kingdom, kingdom, kingdom, and want nothing which was reasonable and want nothing which was reasonable and want nothing which was reasonable for them to hope for for them to hope for for them to hope for because of their royal extraction. because of their royal extraction. because of their royal extraction. But as they were in the midst of these But as they were in the midst of these But as they were in the midst of these deliberations, letters were brought from deliberations, letters were brought from deliberations, letters were brought from Herod about all his affairs, Herod about all his affairs, Herod about all his affairs, and proved contrary to the report and of and proved contrary to the report and of and proved contrary to the report and of what they before expected.

what they before expected. what they before expected. For when he was come to Anthony, he soon For when he was come to Anthony, he soon For when he was come to Anthony, he soon recovered his interest with him recovered his interest with him recovered his interest with him by the presents he made him, which he by the presents he made him, which he by the presents he made him, which he had brought with him from Jerusalem. had brought with him from Jerusalem. had brought with him from Jerusalem. And he soon induced him, upon And he soon induced him, upon And he soon induced him, upon discoursing with him, to leave off his discoursing with him, to leave off his discoursing with him, to leave off his indignation at him, indignation at him, indignation at him, so that Cleopatra's persuasions had less so that Cleopatra's persuasions had less so that Cleopatra's persuasions had less force than the arguments and presents he force than the arguments and presents he force than the arguments and presents he brought to regain his friendship. brought to regain his friendship. brought to regain his friendship. For Anthony said that it was not good to For Anthony said that it was not good to For Anthony said that it was not good to require an account of a king require an account of a king require an account of a king as to the affairs of his government, for as to the affairs of his government, for as to the affairs of his government, for at this rate, at this rate, at this rate, he could be no king at all, but that he could be no king at all, but that he could be no king at all, but that those who had given him that authority those who had given him that authority those who had given him that authority ought to permit him to make use of it. ought to permit him to make use of it. ought to permit him to make use of it. He also said the same things to He also said the same things to He also said the same things to Cleopatra, Cleopatra, Cleopatra, that it would be best for her that it would be best for her that it would be best for her not busily to meddle with the acts of not busily to meddle with the acts of not busily to meddle with the acts of the king's government. the king's government. the king's government. Herod wrote an account of these things, Herod wrote an account of these things, Herod wrote an account of these things, and enlarged upon the other honors which and enlarged upon the other honors which and enlarged upon the other honors which he had received from Anthony. he had received from Anthony. he had received from Anthony. How he sat by him at his hearing causes, How he sat by him at his hearing causes, How he sat by him at his hearing causes, and took his diet with him every day, and took his diet with him every day, and took his diet with him every day, and that he enjoyed those favors from and that he enjoyed those favors from and that he enjoyed those favors from him, notwithstanding the reproaches that him, notwithstanding the reproaches that him, notwithstanding the reproaches that Cleopatra so severely laid against him, Cleopatra so severely laid against him, Cleopatra so severely laid against him, who, having a great desire of his who, having a great desire of his who, having a great desire of his country, country, country, and earnestly entreating Antony that the and earnestly entreating Antony that the and earnestly entreating Antony that the kingdom might be given to her, kingdom might be given to her, kingdom might be given to her, labored with her utmost diligence to labored with her utmost diligence to labored with her utmost diligence to have him out of the way.

have him out of the way. have him out of the way. But that he still found Antony just to But that he still found Antony just to But that he still found Antony just to him, him, him, and had no longer any apprehensions of and had no longer any apprehensions of and had no longer any apprehensions of hard treatment from him. hard treatment from him. hard treatment from him. And that he was soon upon his return And that he was soon upon his return And that he was soon upon his return with a firmer additional assurance of with a firmer additional assurance of with a firmer additional assurance of his favor to him his favor to him his favor to him in his reigning and managing public in his reigning and managing public in his reigning and managing public affairs, affairs, affairs, and that there was no longer any hope and that there was no longer any hope and that there was no longer any hope for Cleopatra's for Cleopatra's for Cleopatra's covetous temper, covetous temper, covetous temper, since Antony had given her his since Antony had given her his since Antony had given her his Caelusyria instead of what she had Caelusyria instead of what she had Caelusyria instead of what she had desired. desired. desired. By which means he had at once pacified By which means he had at once pacified By which means he had at once pacified her, her, her, and got clear of the entreaties which and got clear of the entreaties which and got clear of the entreaties which she made him to have Judea bestowed upon she made him to have Judea bestowed upon she made him to have Judea bestowed upon her. When these letters were brought, the When these letters were brought, the women left off their attempt for flying women left off their attempt for flying women left off their attempt for flying to the Romans, which they thought of to the Romans, which they thought of to the Romans, which they thought of while Herod was supposed to be dead. while Herod was supposed to be dead. while Herod was supposed to be dead. Yet was not that purpose of theirs a Yet was not that purpose of theirs a Yet was not that purpose of theirs a secret. But when the king had conducted secret. But when the king had conducted secret. But when the king had conducted Antony on his way against the Parthians, Antony on his way against the Parthians, Antony on his way against the Parthians, he returned to Judea, he returned to Judea, he returned to Judea, when both his sister Salome and his when both his sister Salome and his when both his sister Salome and his mother informed him of Alexandra's mother informed him of Alexandra's mother informed him of Alexandra's intentions.

intentions. intentions. Salome also added somewhat further Salome also added somewhat further Salome also added somewhat further against Joseph, against Joseph, against Joseph, though it was no more than a calumny, though it was no more than a calumny, though it was no more than a calumny, that he had often had criminal that he had often had criminal that he had often had criminal conversation with Mariamne. conversation with Mariamne. conversation with Mariamne. The reason of her saying so was this, The reason of her saying so was this, The reason of her saying so was this, that she for a long time bare her ill that she for a long time bare her ill that she for a long time bare her ill will. will. will. For when they had differences with one For when they had differences with one For when they had differences with one another, another, another, Mariamne took great freedoms, and Mariamne took great freedoms, and Mariamne took great freedoms, and reproached the rest for the meanness of reproached the rest for the meanness of reproached the rest for the meanness of their birth. their birth. their birth. But Herod, whose affection to Mariamne But Herod, whose affection to Mariamne But Herod, whose affection to Mariamne was always very warm, was always very warm, was always very warm, was presently disturbed at this and was presently disturbed at this and was presently disturbed at this and could not bear the torments of jealousy, could not bear the torments of jealousy, could not bear the torments of jealousy, but was still restrained from doing any but was still restrained from doing any but was still restrained from doing any rash thing to her rash thing to her rash thing to her by the love he had for her. by the love he had for her. by the love he had for her. Yet did his vehement affection and Yet did his vehement affection and Yet did his vehement affection and jealousy together jealousy together jealousy together make him ask Mariamne by herself about make him ask Mariamne by herself about make him ask Mariamne by herself about this matter of Joseph. this matter of Joseph. this matter of Joseph. But she denied it upon her oath and said But she denied it upon her oath and said But she denied it upon her oath and said all that an innocent woman could all that an innocent woman could all that an innocent woman could possibly say in her own defense.

possibly say in her own defense. possibly say in her own defense. So that by little and little the king So that by little and little the king So that by little and little the king was prevailed upon to drop the was prevailed upon to drop the was prevailed upon to drop the suspicion, suspicion, suspicion, left off his anger at her, and being left off his anger at her, and being left off his anger at her, and being overcome with his passion for his wife, overcome with his passion for his wife, overcome with his passion for his wife, he made an apology to her for having he made an apology to her for having he made an apology to her for having seemed to believe what he had heard seemed to believe what he had heard seemed to believe what he had heard about her. about her. about her. And returned her a great many And returned her a great many And returned her a great many acknowledgements of her modest behavior acknowledgements of her modest behavior acknowledgements of her modest behavior and professed the extraordinary and professed the extraordinary and professed the extraordinary affection and kindness he had for her affection and kindness he had for her affection and kindness he had for her till at last, as is usual between till at last, as is usual between till at last, as is usual between lovers, they both fell into tears and lovers, they both fell into tears and lovers, they both fell into tears and embraced one another with a most tender embraced one another with a most tender embraced one another with a most tender affection. affection. affection. But as the king gave more and more But as the king gave more and more But as the king gave more and more assurances of his belief in her fidelity assurances of his belief in her fidelity assurances of his belief in her fidelity and endeavored to draw her to a like and endeavored to draw her to a like and endeavored to draw her to a like confidence in him, confidence in him, confidence in him, Mariamne said, Mariamne said, Mariamne said, "Yet was not that command thou gavest "Yet was not that command thou gavest "Yet was not that command thou gavest that if any harm came to thee from that if any harm came to thee from that if any harm came to thee from Antony, I, who had been no occasion of Antony, I, who had been no occasion of Antony, I, who had been no occasion of it, should perish with thee? A sign of it, should perish with thee? A sign of it, should perish with thee? A sign of thy love to me?"

thy love to me?" thy love to me?" When these words were fallen from her, When these words were fallen from her, When these words were fallen from her, the king was shocked at them and the king was shocked at them and the king was shocked at them and presently let her go out of his arms and presently let her go out of his arms and presently let her go out of his arms and cried out and tore his hair with his own cried out and tore his hair with his own cried out and tore his hair with his own hands and said that now he had an hands and said that now he had an hands and said that now he had an evident demonstration that Joseph had evident demonstration that Joseph had evident demonstration that Joseph had had criminal conversation with his wife had criminal conversation with his wife had criminal conversation with his wife for that he would never have uttered for that he would never have uttered for that he would never have uttered what he had told him alone by himself what he had told him alone by himself what he had told him alone by himself unless there had been such a great unless there had been such a great unless there had been such a great familiarity and firm confidence between familiarity and firm confidence between familiarity and firm confidence between them. them. them. And while he was in this passion And while he was in this passion And while he was in this passion he had like to have killed his wife. he had like to have killed his wife. he had like to have killed his wife. But being still overborne by his love to But being still overborne by his love to But being still overborne by his love to her, he restrained this his passion. her, he restrained this his passion. her, he restrained this his passion. Though not without a lasting grief and Though not without a lasting grief and Though not without a lasting grief and disquietness of mind. disquietness of mind. disquietness of mind. However, he gave order to slay Joseph However, he gave order to slay Joseph However, he gave order to slay Joseph without permitting him to come into his without permitting him to come into his without permitting him to come into his sight. sight. sight. And as for Alexandra And as for Alexandra And as for Alexandra he bound her and kept her in custody as he bound her and kept her in custody as he bound her and kept her in custody as the cause of all this mischief.

The end of book 15, chapter 3. The end of book 15, chapter 3. Recording by Bill Mosley Frelsburg, Recording by Bill Mosley Frelsburg, Recording by Bill Mosley Frelsburg, Texas Texas Texas USA. Book 15, chapters 4 and 5 of The Book 15, chapters 4 and 5 of The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 3. Antiquities of the Jews, volume 3. Antiquities of the Jews, volume 3. This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to domain. For more information or to domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org. volunteer, please visit librivox.org. volunteer, please visit librivox.org. Recording by Amy Gramour. The Recording by Amy Gramour. The Recording by Amy Gramour. The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 3 by Antiquities of the Jews, volume 3 by Antiquities of the Jews, volume 3 by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Flavius Josephus, translated by William Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. Book 15, chapters 4 and 5. Whiston. Book 15, chapters 4 and 5. Whiston. Book 15, chapters 4 and 5. Chapter 4. How Cleopatra, when she had Chapter 4. How Cleopatra, when she had Chapter 4. How Cleopatra, when she had gotten from Antony some parts of Judea gotten from Antony some parts of Judea gotten from Antony some parts of Judea and Arabia, came into Judea. And how and Arabia, came into Judea. And how and Arabia, came into Judea. And how Herod gave her many presents and Herod gave her many presents and Herod gave her many presents and conducted her on her way back to Egypt. conducted her on her way back to Egypt. conducted her on her way back to Egypt. Now at this time the affairs of Syria Now at this time the affairs of Syria Now at this time the affairs of Syria were in confusion by Cleopatra's were in confusion by Cleopatra's were in confusion by Cleopatra's constant persuasions to Antony to make constant persuasions to Antony to make constant persuasions to Antony to make an attempt upon everybody's dominions.

an attempt upon everybody's dominions. an attempt upon everybody's dominions. For she persuaded him to take those For she persuaded him to take those For she persuaded him to take those dominions away from their several dominions away from their several dominions away from their several princes and bestow them upon her. And princes and bestow them upon her. And princes and bestow them upon her. And she had a mighty influence upon him by she had a mighty influence upon him by she had a mighty influence upon him by reason of his being enslaved to her by reason of his being enslaved to her by reason of his being enslaved to her by his affections. his affections. his affections. She was also by nature very covetous and She was also by nature very covetous and She was also by nature very covetous and stuck at no wickedness. She had already stuck at no wickedness. She had already stuck at no wickedness. She had already poisoned her brother because she knew poisoned her brother because she knew poisoned her brother because she knew that he was going to be king of Egypt. that he was going to be king of Egypt. that he was going to be king of Egypt. And this when he was but 15 years old. And this when he was but 15 years old. And this when he was but 15 years old. And she got her sister Arsinoe to be And she got her sister Arsinoe to be And she got her sister Arsinoe to be slain by the means of Antony when she slain by the means of Antony when she slain by the means of Antony when she was a supplicant at Diana's temple at was a supplicant at Diana's temple at was a supplicant at Diana's temple at Ephesus. Ephesus. Ephesus. For if there were but any hopes of For if there were but any hopes of For if there were but any hopes of getting money, she would violate both getting money, she would violate both getting money, she would violate both temples and sepulchers. temples and sepulchers. temples and sepulchers. Nor was there any holy place that was Nor was there any holy place that was Nor was there any holy place that was esteemed the most inviolable from which esteemed the most inviolable from which esteemed the most inviolable from which she would not fetch the ornaments it had she would not fetch the ornaments it had she would not fetch the ornaments it had in it. in it. in it. Nor any place so profane but was to Nor any place so profane but was to Nor any place so profane but was to suffer the most flagitious treatment suffer the most flagitious treatment suffer the most flagitious treatment possible from her. possible from her. possible from her. If it could but contribute somewhat to If it could but contribute somewhat to If it could but contribute somewhat to the covetous humor of this wicked the covetous humor of this wicked the covetous humor of this wicked creature. creature. creature. Yet did not all this suffice so Yet did not all this suffice so Yet did not all this suffice so extravagant a woman who was a slave to extravagant a woman who was a slave to extravagant a woman who was a slave to her lusts.

her lusts. her lusts. But she still imagined that she wanted But she still imagined that she wanted But she still imagined that she wanted everything she could think of and did everything she could think of and did everything she could think of and did her utmost to gain it. For which reason her utmost to gain it. For which reason her utmost to gain it. For which reason she hired Antony on perpetually to she hired Antony on perpetually to she hired Antony on perpetually to deprive others of their dominions and deprive others of their dominions and deprive others of their dominions and give them to her. give them to her. give them to her. And as she went over Syria with him, she And as she went over Syria with him, she And as she went over Syria with him, she contrived to get it into her possession. contrived to get it into her possession. contrived to get it into her possession. So he slew Lysanias, the son of Ptolemy, So he slew Lysanias, the son of Ptolemy, So he slew Lysanias, the son of Ptolemy, accusing him of his bringing the accusing him of his bringing the accusing him of his bringing the Parthians upon those countries. She also Parthians upon those countries. She also Parthians upon those countries. She also petitioned Antony to give her Judaea and petitioned Antony to give her Judaea and petitioned Antony to give her Judaea and Arabia. Arabia. Arabia. And in order there to, desired him to And in order there to, desired him to And in order there to, desired him to take these countries away from their take these countries away from their take these countries away from their present governors. present governors. present governors. As for Antony, he was so entirely As for Antony, he was so entirely As for Antony, he was so entirely overcome by this woman that one would overcome by this woman that one would overcome by this woman that one would not think her conversation only could do not think her conversation only could do not think her conversation only could do it. it. it. But that he was some way or other But that he was some way or other But that he was some way or other bewitched to do whatsoever she would bewitched to do whatsoever she would bewitched to do whatsoever she would have him. have him. have him. Yet did the grossest parts of her Yet did the grossest parts of her Yet did the grossest parts of her injustice make him so ashamed that he injustice make him so ashamed that he injustice make him so ashamed that he would not always hearken to her to do would not always hearken to her to do would not always hearken to her to do those flagrant enormities she would have those flagrant enormities she would have those flagrant enormities she would have persuaded him to. persuaded him to. persuaded him to. That therefore he might not totally deny That therefore he might not totally deny That therefore he might not totally deny her, her, her, nor by doing everything which she nor by doing everything which she nor by doing everything which she enjoined him appear openly to be an ill enjoined him appear openly to be an ill enjoined him appear openly to be an ill man, man, man, he took some parts of each of those he took some parts of each of those he took some parts of each of those countries away from their former countries away from their former countries away from their former governors and gave them to her. Thus he governors and gave them to her. Thus he governors and gave them to her. Thus he gave her the cities that were within the gave her the cities that were within the gave her the cities that were within the river Eleutherus as far as Egypt river Eleutherus as far as Egypt river Eleutherus as far as Egypt excepting Tyre and Sidon, which he knew excepting Tyre and Sidon, which he knew excepting Tyre and Sidon, which he knew to have been free cities from their to have been free cities from their to have been free cities from their ancestors, ancestors, ancestors, although she pressed him very often to although she pressed him very often to although she pressed him very often to bestow those on her also.

bestow those on her also. bestow those on her also. When Cleopatra had obtained this much When Cleopatra had obtained this much When Cleopatra had obtained this much and had accompanied Antony in his and had accompanied Antony in his and had accompanied Antony in his expedition to Armenia as far as expedition to Armenia as far as expedition to Armenia as far as Euphrates, Euphrates, Euphrates, she returned back and came to Apamea and she returned back and came to Apamea and she returned back and came to Apamea and Damascus and passed on to Judaea where Damascus and passed on to Judaea where Damascus and passed on to Judaea where Herod met her Herod met her Herod met her and farmed of her parts of Arabia and and farmed of her parts of Arabia and and farmed of her parts of Arabia and those revenues that came to her from the those revenues that came to her from the those revenues that came to her from the region about Jericho. region about Jericho. region about Jericho. This country bears that balsam which is This country bears that balsam which is This country bears that balsam which is the most precious drug that is there and the most precious drug that is there and the most precious drug that is there and grows there alone. grows there alone. grows there alone. The place bears also palm trees both The place bears also palm trees both The place bears also palm trees both many in number and those excellent in many in number and those excellent in many in number and those excellent in their kind. their kind. their kind. When she was there and was very often When she was there and was very often When she was there and was very often with Herod, she endeavored to have with Herod, she endeavored to have with Herod, she endeavored to have criminal conversation with the king, nor criminal conversation with the king, nor criminal conversation with the king, nor did she affect secrecy in the indulgence did she affect secrecy in the indulgence did she affect secrecy in the indulgence of such sort of pleasures. of such sort of pleasures. of such sort of pleasures. And perhaps she had in some measure a And perhaps she had in some measure a And perhaps she had in some measure a passion of love to him passion of love to him passion of love to him or rather what is most probable, she or rather what is most probable, she or rather what is most probable, she laid a treacherous snare for him by laid a treacherous snare for him by laid a treacherous snare for him by aiming to obtain such adulterous aiming to obtain such adulterous aiming to obtain such adulterous conversation from him. conversation from him. conversation from him. However, upon the whole she seemed However, upon the whole she seemed However, upon the whole she seemed overcome with love to him.

overcome with love to him. overcome with love to him. Now Herod had a great while borne no Now Herod had a great while borne no Now Herod had a great while borne no goodwill to Cleopatra goodwill to Cleopatra goodwill to Cleopatra as knowing that she was a woman irksome as knowing that she was a woman irksome as knowing that she was a woman irksome to all and at that time he thought her to all and at that time he thought her to all and at that time he thought her particularly worthy of his hatred. If particularly worthy of his hatred. If particularly worthy of his hatred. If this attempt proceeded out of lust, he this attempt proceeded out of lust, he this attempt proceeded out of lust, he had also thought of preventing her had also thought of preventing her had also thought of preventing her intrigues by putting her to death intrigues by putting her to death intrigues by putting her to death if such were her endeavors. if such were her endeavors. if such were her endeavors. However, he refused to comply with her However, he refused to comply with her However, he refused to comply with her proposals proposals proposals and called a council of his friends to and called a council of his friends to and called a council of his friends to consult with them whether he should not consult with them whether he should not consult with them whether he should not kill her. kill her. kill her. Now he had her in his power. Now he had her in his power. Now he had her in his power. For that he should thereby deliver all For that he should thereby deliver all For that he should thereby deliver all those from a multitude of evils to whom those from a multitude of evils to whom those from a multitude of evils to whom she was already become irksome, she was already become irksome, she was already become irksome, and was expected to be still so for the and was expected to be still so for the and was expected to be still so for the time to come. time to come. time to come. And that this very thing would be much And that this very thing would be much And that this very thing would be much for the advantage of Antony himself, for the advantage of Antony himself, for the advantage of Antony himself, since she would certainly not be since she would certainly not be since she would certainly not be faithful to him in case any such season faithful to him in case any such season faithful to him in case any such season or necessity should come upon him as or necessity should come upon him as or necessity should come upon him as that he should stand in need of her that he should stand in need of her that he should stand in need of her fidelity. fidelity. fidelity. But when he thought to follow this But when he thought to follow this But when he thought to follow this advice, his friends would not let him advice, his friends would not let him advice, his friends would not let him and told him that in place it was not and told him that in place it was not and told him that in place it was not right to attempt so great a thing and right to attempt so great a thing and right to attempt so great a thing and run himself thereby into the utmost run himself thereby into the utmost run himself thereby into the utmost danger.

danger. danger. And they laid hard at him and begged of And they laid hard at him and begged of And they laid hard at him and begged of him to undertake nothing rashly, for him to undertake nothing rashly, for him to undertake nothing rashly, for that Antony would never bear it. No, not that Antony would never bear it. No, not that Antony would never bear it. No, not though anyone should evidently lay though anyone should evidently lay though anyone should evidently lay before his eyes that it was for his own before his eyes that it was for his own before his eyes that it was for his own advantage. advantage. advantage. And that the appearance of depriving him And that the appearance of depriving him And that the appearance of depriving him of her conversation by this violent and of her conversation by this violent and of her conversation by this violent and treacherous method would probably set treacherous method would probably set treacherous method would probably set his affections more on a flame than his affections more on a flame than his affections more on a flame than before. before. before. Nor did it appear that he could offer Nor did it appear that he could offer Nor did it appear that he could offer anything of tolerable weight in his anything of tolerable weight in his anything of tolerable weight in his defense. This attempt being against such defense. This attempt being against such defense. This attempt being against such a woman as was of the highest dignity of a woman as was of the highest dignity of a woman as was of the highest dignity of any of her sex at that time in the any of her sex at that time in the any of her sex at that time in the world. world. world. And as to any advantage to be expected And as to any advantage to be expected And as to any advantage to be expected from such an undertaking, if any such from such an undertaking, if any such from such an undertaking, if any such could be supposed in this case, could be supposed in this case, could be supposed in this case, it would appear to deserve condemnation it would appear to deserve condemnation it would appear to deserve condemnation on account of the insolence he must take on account of the insolence he must take on account of the insolence he must take upon him in doing it. upon him in doing it. upon him in doing it. Which considerations made it very plain Which considerations made it very plain Which considerations made it very plain that in doing so, that in doing so, that in doing so, he would find his government filled with he would find his government filled with he would find his government filled with mischief, both great and lasting, both mischief, both great and lasting, both mischief, both great and lasting, both to himself and his posterity. Whereas, to himself and his posterity. Whereas, to himself and his posterity. Whereas, it was still in his power to reject that it was still in his power to reject that it was still in his power to reject that wickedness she would persuade him to and wickedness she would persuade him to and wickedness she would persuade him to and to come off honorably at the same time.

to come off honorably at the same time. to come off honorably at the same time. So, by thus affrighting Herod and So, by thus affrighting Herod and So, by thus affrighting Herod and representing to him the hazard he must, representing to him the hazard he must, representing to him the hazard he must, in all probability, run by this in all probability, run by this in all probability, run by this undertaking, they restrained him from undertaking, they restrained him from undertaking, they restrained him from it. it. it. So, he treated Cleopatra kindly and made So, he treated Cleopatra kindly and made So, he treated Cleopatra kindly and made her presents and conducted her on her her presents and conducted her on her her presents and conducted her on her way to Egypt. way to Egypt. way to Egypt. But Antony subdued Armenia and sent But Antony subdued Armenia and sent But Antony subdued Armenia and sent Artavasdes, the son of Tigranes, in Artavasdes, the son of Tigranes, in Artavasdes, the son of Tigranes, in bonds with his children and procurators bonds with his children and procurators bonds with his children and procurators to Egypt and made a present of them and to Egypt and made a present of them and to Egypt and made a present of them and of all the royal ornaments which he had of all the royal ornaments which he had of all the royal ornaments which he had taken out of that kingdom to Cleopatra. taken out of that kingdom to Cleopatra. taken out of that kingdom to Cleopatra. And Artaxias, the eldest of his sons, And Artaxias, the eldest of his sons, And Artaxias, the eldest of his sons, who had escaped at that time, took the who had escaped at that time, took the who had escaped at that time, took the kingdom of Armenia, kingdom of Armenia, kingdom of Armenia, who yet was ejected by Archelaus and who yet was ejected by Archelaus and who yet was ejected by Archelaus and Nero Caesar when they restored Tigranes, Nero Caesar when they restored Tigranes, Nero Caesar when they restored Tigranes, his younger brother, to that kingdom. his younger brother, to that kingdom. his younger brother, to that kingdom. But, this happened a good while But, this happened a good while But, this happened a good while afterward. But, then as to the tributes afterward. But, then as to the tributes afterward. But, then as to the tributes which Herod was to pay Cleopatra for which Herod was to pay Cleopatra for which Herod was to pay Cleopatra for that country which Antony had given her, that country which Antony had given her, that country which Antony had given her, he acted fairly with her as deeming it he acted fairly with her as deeming it he acted fairly with her as deeming it not safe for him to afford any cause for not safe for him to afford any cause for not safe for him to afford any cause for Cleopatra to hate him. Cleopatra to hate him. Cleopatra to hate him. As for the king of Arabia, whose tribute As for the king of Arabia, whose tribute As for the king of Arabia, whose tribute Herod had undertaken to pay her, Herod had undertaken to pay her, Herod had undertaken to pay her, for some time indeed, he paid him as for some time indeed, he paid him as for some time indeed, he paid him as much as came to 200 talents.

much as came to 200 talents. much as came to 200 talents. But, he afterwards became very niggardly But, he afterwards became very niggardly But, he afterwards became very niggardly and slow in his payments and could and slow in his payments and could and slow in his payments and could hardly be brought to pay some parts of hardly be brought to pay some parts of hardly be brought to pay some parts of it and was not willing to pay even them it and was not willing to pay even them it and was not willing to pay even them without some deductions. without some deductions. without some deductions. Chapter 5: How Herod made war with the Chapter 5: How Herod made war with the Chapter 5: How Herod made war with the king of Arabia and after they had fought king of Arabia and after they had fought king of Arabia and after they had fought many battles, at length conquered him many battles, at length conquered him many battles, at length conquered him and was chosen by the Arabs to be and was chosen by the Arabs to be and was chosen by the Arabs to be governor of that nation, governor of that nation, governor of that nation, as also concerning a great earthquake. as also concerning a great earthquake. as also concerning a great earthquake. Hereupon, Herod held himself ready to go Hereupon, Herod held himself ready to go Hereupon, Herod held himself ready to go against the king of Arabia against the king of Arabia against the king of Arabia because of his ingratitude to him and because of his ingratitude to him and because of his ingratitude to him and because, after all, he would do nothing because, after all, he would do nothing because, after all, he would do nothing that was just to him, that was just to him, that was just to him, although Herod made the Roman war an although Herod made the Roman war an although Herod made the Roman war an occasion of delaying his own. occasion of delaying his own. occasion of delaying his own. For, the battle at Actium was now For, the battle at Actium was now For, the battle at Actium was now expected, which fell into the 187th expected, which fell into the 187th expected, which fell into the 187th Olympiad, where Caesar and Antony were Olympiad, where Caesar and Antony were Olympiad, where Caesar and Antony were to fight for the supreme power of the to fight for the supreme power of the to fight for the supreme power of the world. world. world. But, Herod, having enjoyed a country But, Herod, having enjoyed a country But, Herod, having enjoyed a country that was very fruitful and that now for that was very fruitful and that now for that was very fruitful and that now for a long time and having received great a long time and having received great a long time and having received great taxes and raised great armies therewith, taxes and raised great armies therewith, taxes and raised great armies therewith, got together a body of men and carefully got together a body of men and carefully got together a body of men and carefully furnished them with all necessaries and furnished them with all necessaries and furnished them with all necessaries and designed them as auxiliaries for Antony.

designed them as auxiliaries for Antony. designed them as auxiliaries for Antony. But Antony said he had no want of his But Antony said he had no want of his But Antony said he had no want of his assistance, but he commanded him to assistance, but he commanded him to assistance, but he commanded him to punish the king of Arabia. punish the king of Arabia. punish the king of Arabia. For he had heard both from him and from For he had heard both from him and from For he had heard both from him and from Cleopatra how perfidious he was. Cleopatra how perfidious he was. Cleopatra how perfidious he was. For this was what Cleopatra desired, who For this was what Cleopatra desired, who For this was what Cleopatra desired, who thought it for her own advantage that thought it for her own advantage that thought it for her own advantage that these two kings should do one another as these two kings should do one another as these two kings should do one another as great mischief as possible. great mischief as possible. great mischief as possible. Upon this message from Antony, Herod Upon this message from Antony, Herod Upon this message from Antony, Herod returned back, but kept his army with returned back, but kept his army with returned back, but kept his army with him in order to invade Arabia him in order to invade Arabia him in order to invade Arabia immediately. immediately. immediately. So, when his army of horsemen and So, when his army of horsemen and So, when his army of horsemen and footmen was ready, he marched to footmen was ready, he marched to footmen was ready, he marched to Diospolis, whither the Arabians came Diospolis, whither the Arabians came Diospolis, whither the Arabians came also to meet them. For they were not also to meet them. For they were not also to meet them. For they were not unapprised of this war that was coming unapprised of this war that was coming unapprised of this war that was coming upon them, and after a great battle had upon them, and after a great battle had upon them, and after a great battle had been fought, the Jews had the victory. been fought, the Jews had the victory. been fought, the Jews had the victory. But afterward, there were gotten But afterward, there were gotten But afterward, there were gotten together another numerous army of the together another numerous army of the together another numerous army of the Arabians at Cana, which is a place of Arabians at Cana, which is a place of Arabians at Cana, which is a place of Coele-Syria. Coele-Syria. Coele-Syria. Herod was informed of this beforehand. Herod was informed of this beforehand. Herod was informed of this beforehand. So, he came marching against them with So, he came marching against them with So, he came marching against them with the greatest part of the forces he had. the greatest part of the forces he had. the greatest part of the forces he had. And when he was come near to Cana, he And when he was come near to Cana, he And when he was come near to Cana, he resolved to encamp himself, and he cast resolved to encamp himself, and he cast resolved to encamp himself, and he cast up a bulwark that he might take a proper up a bulwark that he might take a proper up a bulwark that he might take a proper season for attacking the enemy.

season for attacking the enemy. season for attacking the enemy. But as he was giving those orders, the But as he was giving those orders, the But as he was giving those orders, the multitude of the Jews cried out that he multitude of the Jews cried out that he multitude of the Jews cried out that he should make no delay, but lead them should make no delay, but lead them should make no delay, but lead them against the Arabians. against the Arabians. against the Arabians. They went with great spirit, as They went with great spirit, as They went with great spirit, as believing they were in very good order, believing they were in very good order, believing they were in very good order, and those especially were so that had and those especially were so that had and those especially were so that had been in the former battle, and had been been in the former battle, and had been been in the former battle, and had been conquerors, and had not permitted their conquerors, and had not permitted their conquerors, and had not permitted their enemies so much as to come to a close enemies so much as to come to a close enemies so much as to come to a close fight with them. fight with them. fight with them. And when they were so tumultuous, and And when they were so tumultuous, and And when they were so tumultuous, and showed such great alacrity, the king showed such great alacrity, the king showed such great alacrity, the king resolved to make use of that zeal the resolved to make use of that zeal the resolved to make use of that zeal the multitude then exhibited. multitude then exhibited. multitude then exhibited. And when he had assured them he would And when he had assured them he would And when he had assured them he would not be behindhand with them in courage, not be behindhand with them in courage, not be behindhand with them in courage, and stood before them all in his armor, and stood before them all in his armor, and stood before them all in his armor, all the regiments following him in their all the regiments following him in their all the regiments following him in their several ranks. Whereupon a consternation several ranks. Whereupon a consternation several ranks. Whereupon a consternation fell upon the Arabians. For when they fell upon the Arabians. For when they fell upon the Arabians. For when they perceived that the Jews were not to be perceived that the Jews were not to be perceived that the Jews were not to be conquered and were full of spirit, the conquered and were full of spirit, the conquered and were full of spirit, the greater part of them ran away and greater part of them ran away and greater part of them ran away and avoided fighting. avoided fighting. avoided fighting. And they had been quite destroyed had And they had been quite destroyed had And they had been quite destroyed had not Anthony fallen upon the Jews and not Anthony fallen upon the Jews and not Anthony fallen upon the Jews and distressed them. For this man was distressed them. For this man was distressed them. For this man was Cleopatra's general over the soldiers Cleopatra's general over the soldiers Cleopatra's general over the soldiers she had there and was at enmity with she had there and was at enmity with she had there and was at enmity with Herod and very wistfully looked on to Herod and very wistfully looked on to Herod and very wistfully looked on to see what the event of the battle would see what the event of the battle would see what the event of the battle would be.

be. be. He had also resolved that in case the He had also resolved that in case the He had also resolved that in case the Arabians did anything that was brave and Arabians did anything that was brave and Arabians did anything that was brave and successful, he would lie still. successful, he would lie still. successful, he would lie still. But in case they were beaten, But in case they were beaten, But in case they were beaten, as it really happened, he would attack as it really happened, he would attack as it really happened, he would attack the Jews with those forces he had of his the Jews with those forces he had of his the Jews with those forces he had of his own and with those that the country had own and with those that the country had own and with those that the country had gotten together for him. gotten together for him. gotten together for him. So he fell upon the Jews unexpectedly So he fell upon the Jews unexpectedly So he fell upon the Jews unexpectedly when they were fatigued and thought they when they were fatigued and thought they when they were fatigued and thought they had already vanquished the enemy and had already vanquished the enemy and had already vanquished the enemy and made a great slaughter of them. made a great slaughter of them. made a great slaughter of them. For as the Jews had spent their courage For as the Jews had spent their courage For as the Jews had spent their courage upon their known enemies and were about upon their known enemies and were about upon their known enemies and were about to enjoy themselves in quietness after to enjoy themselves in quietness after to enjoy themselves in quietness after their victory, they were easily beaten their victory, they were easily beaten their victory, they were easily beaten by these that attacked them afresh. And by these that attacked them afresh. And by these that attacked them afresh. And in particular, received a great loss in in particular, received a great loss in in particular, received a great loss in places where the horses could not be of places where the horses could not be of places where the horses could not be of service service service and which were very stony and where and which were very stony and where and which were very stony and where those that attacked them were better those that attacked them were better those that attacked them were better acquainted with the places than acquainted with the places than acquainted with the places than themselves. themselves. themselves. And when the Jews had suffered this And when the Jews had suffered this And when the Jews had suffered this loss, the Arabians raised their spirits loss, the Arabians raised their spirits loss, the Arabians raised their spirits after the defeat and returning back after the defeat and returning back after the defeat and returning back again slew those that were already put again slew those that were already put again slew those that were already put to flight. And indeed all sorts of to flight. And indeed all sorts of to flight. And indeed all sorts of slaughter were now frequent and of those slaughter were now frequent and of those slaughter were now frequent and of those that escaped, a few only returned into that escaped, a few only returned into that escaped, a few only returned into the camp. So King Herod, when he the camp. So King Herod, when he the camp. So King Herod, when he despaired of the battle, rode up to them despaired of the battle, rode up to them despaired of the battle, rode up to them to bring them assistance. Yet did he not to bring them assistance. Yet did he not to bring them assistance. Yet did he not come time enough to do them any service, come time enough to do them any service, come time enough to do them any service, though he labored hard to do it.

though he labored hard to do it. though he labored hard to do it. But the Jewish camp was taken so that But the Jewish camp was taken so that But the Jewish camp was taken so that the Arabians had unexpectedly a most the Arabians had unexpectedly a most the Arabians had unexpectedly a most glorious success, having gained that glorious success, having gained that glorious success, having gained that victory which of themselves they were no victory which of themselves they were no victory which of themselves they were no way likely to have gained and slaying a way likely to have gained and slaying a way likely to have gained and slaying a great part of the enemy's army. great part of the enemy's army. great part of the enemy's army. Whence afterward Herod could only act Whence afterward Herod could only act Whence afterward Herod could only act like a private robber and make like a private robber and make like a private robber and make excursions upon many parts of Arabia and excursions upon many parts of Arabia and excursions upon many parts of Arabia and distressed them by sudden incursions, distressed them by sudden incursions, distressed them by sudden incursions, while he encamped among the mountains while he encamped among the mountains while he encamped among the mountains and avoided by any means to come to a and avoided by any means to come to a and avoided by any means to come to a pitched battle. pitched battle. pitched battle. Yet did he greatly harass the enemy by Yet did he greatly harass the enemy by Yet did he greatly harass the enemy by his assiduity and the hard labor he took his assiduity and the hard labor he took his assiduity and the hard labor he took in this matter. He also took great care in this matter. He also took great care in this matter. He also took great care of his own forces and used all the means of his own forces and used all the means of his own forces and used all the means he could to restore his affairs to their he could to restore his affairs to their he could to restore his affairs to their old state. At this time it was that the old state. At this time it was that the old state. At this time it was that the fight happened at Actium between fight happened at Actium between fight happened at Actium between Octavius Caesar and Antony in the Octavius Caesar and Antony in the Octavius Caesar and Antony in the seventh year of the reign of Herod. seventh year of the reign of Herod. seventh year of the reign of Herod. And then it was also that there was an And then it was also that there was an And then it was also that there was an earthquake in Judea, such as one as had earthquake in Judea, such as one as had earthquake in Judea, such as one as had not happened at any other time, and not happened at any other time, and not happened at any other time, and which earthquake brought a great which earthquake brought a great which earthquake brought a great destruction upon the cattle in that destruction upon the cattle in that destruction upon the cattle in that country. country. country. About 10,000 men also perished by the About 10,000 men also perished by the About 10,000 men also perished by the fall of houses.

fall of houses. fall of houses. But the army, which lodged in the field, But the army, which lodged in the field, But the army, which lodged in the field, received no damage by this sad accident. received no damage by this sad accident. received no damage by this sad accident. When the Arabians were informed of this, When the Arabians were informed of this, When the Arabians were informed of this, and when those that hated the Jews and and when those that hated the Jews and and when those that hated the Jews and pleased themselves with aggravating the pleased themselves with aggravating the pleased themselves with aggravating the reports, told them of it, they raised reports, told them of it, they raised reports, told them of it, they raised their spirits as if their enemies' their spirits as if their enemies' their spirits as if their enemies' country was quite overthrown, and the country was quite overthrown, and the country was quite overthrown, and the men were utterly destroyed, and thought men were utterly destroyed, and thought men were utterly destroyed, and thought there now remains nothing that could there now remains nothing that could there now remains nothing that could oppose them. oppose them. oppose them. Accordingly, they took the Jewish Accordingly, they took the Jewish Accordingly, they took the Jewish ambassadors, who came to them after all ambassadors, who came to them after all ambassadors, who came to them after all this had happened, to make peace with this had happened, to make peace with this had happened, to make peace with them and slew them, and came with great them and slew them, and came with great them and slew them, and came with great alacrity against their army. alacrity against their army. alacrity against their army. But the Jews durst not withstand them, But the Jews durst not withstand them, But the Jews durst not withstand them, and were so cast down by the calamities and were so cast down by the calamities and were so cast down by the calamities they were under that they took no care they were under that they took no care they were under that they took no care of their affairs, but gave up themselves of their affairs, but gave up themselves of their affairs, but gave up themselves to despair. to despair. to despair. For they had no hope that they should be For they had no hope that they should be For they had no hope that they should be upon a level again with them in battles, upon a level again with them in battles, upon a level again with them in battles, nor obtain any assistance elsewhere, nor obtain any assistance elsewhere, nor obtain any assistance elsewhere, while their affairs at home were in such while their affairs at home were in such while their affairs at home were in such great distress also. great distress also. great distress also. When matters were in this condition, the When matters were in this condition, the When matters were in this condition, the king persuaded the commanders by his king persuaded the commanders by his king persuaded the commanders by his words and tried to raise their spirits, words and tried to raise their spirits, words and tried to raise their spirits, which were quite sunk.

which were quite sunk. which were quite sunk. And first he endeavored to encourage and And first he endeavored to encourage and And first he endeavored to encourage and embolden some of the better sort embolden some of the better sort embolden some of the better sort beforehand, and then ventured to make a beforehand, and then ventured to make a beforehand, and then ventured to make a speech to the multitude, which he had speech to the multitude, which he had speech to the multitude, which he had before avoided to do, before avoided to do, before avoided to do, lest he should find them uneasy thereat, lest he should find them uneasy thereat, lest he should find them uneasy thereat, because of the misfortunes which had because of the misfortunes which had because of the misfortunes which had happened. So, he made a consolatory happened. So, he made a consolatory happened. So, he made a consolatory speech to the multitude in the manner speech to the multitude in the manner speech to the multitude in the manner following: following: following: "You are not unacquainted, my fellow "You are not unacquainted, my fellow "You are not unacquainted, my fellow soldiers, that we have had, not long soldiers, that we have had, not long soldiers, that we have had, not long since, many accidents that have put a since, many accidents that have put a since, many accidents that have put a stop to what we are about. And it is stop to what we are about. And it is stop to what we are about. And it is probable that even those that are most probable that even those that are most probable that even those that are most distinguished above others for their distinguished above others for their distinguished above others for their courage can hardly keep up their spirits courage can hardly keep up their spirits courage can hardly keep up their spirits in such circumstances. in such circumstances. in such circumstances. But since we cannot avoid fighting, and But since we cannot avoid fighting, and But since we cannot avoid fighting, and nothing that hath happened is of such a nothing that hath happened is of such a nothing that hath happened is of such a nature but it may by ourselves be nature but it may by ourselves be nature but it may by ourselves be recovered into a good state, recovered into a good state, recovered into a good state, and this by one brave action only well and this by one brave action only well and this by one brave action only well performed, performed, performed, I have proposed to myself both to give I have proposed to myself both to give I have proposed to myself both to give you some encouragement and at the same you some encouragement and at the same you some encouragement and at the same time some information. time some information. time some information. Both which parts of my design will tend Both which parts of my design will tend Both which parts of my design will tend to this point, to this point, to this point, that you may still continue in your own that you may still continue in your own that you may still continue in your own proper fortitude. I will then, in the proper fortitude. I will then, in the proper fortitude. I will then, in the first place, demonstrate to you that first place, demonstrate to you that first place, demonstrate to you that this war is a just one on our side, and this war is a just one on our side, and this war is a just one on our side, and that on this account it is a war of that on this account it is a war of that on this account it is a war of necessity, and occasioned by the necessity, and occasioned by the necessity, and occasioned by the injustice of our adversaries.

injustice of our adversaries. injustice of our adversaries. For if you be once satisfied of this, it For if you be once satisfied of this, it For if you be once satisfied of this, it will be a real cause of alacrity to you. will be a real cause of alacrity to you. will be a real cause of alacrity to you. After which, I will further demonstrate After which, I will further demonstrate After which, I will further demonstrate that the misfortunes we are under are of that the misfortunes we are under are of that the misfortunes we are under are of no great consequence, and that we have no great consequence, and that we have no great consequence, and that we have the greatest reason to hope for victory. the greatest reason to hope for victory. the greatest reason to hope for victory. I shall begin with the first and appeal I shall begin with the first and appeal I shall begin with the first and appeal to yourselves as witnesses to what I to yourselves as witnesses to what I to yourselves as witnesses to what I shall say. shall say. shall say. You are not ignorant, certainly, of the You are not ignorant, certainly, of the You are not ignorant, certainly, of the wickedness of the Arabians, which is to wickedness of the Arabians, which is to wickedness of the Arabians, which is to that degree as to appear incredible to that degree as to appear incredible to that degree as to appear incredible to all other men, all other men, all other men, and to include somewhat that shows the and to include somewhat that shows the and to include somewhat that shows the grossest barbarity and ignorance of God. grossest barbarity and ignorance of God. grossest barbarity and ignorance of God. The chief things wherein they have The chief things wherein they have The chief things wherein they have affronted us have arisen from affronted us have arisen from affronted us have arisen from covetousness and envy. And they have covetousness and envy. And they have covetousness and envy. And they have attacked us in an insidious manner and attacked us in an insidious manner and attacked us in an insidious manner and on the sudden. on the sudden. on the sudden. And what occasion is there for me to And what occasion is there for me to And what occasion is there for me to mention many instances of such their mention many instances of such their mention many instances of such their procedure? procedure? procedure? When they They in danger of losing their When they They in danger of losing their When they They in danger of losing their own government of themselves and of own government of themselves and of own government of themselves and of being slaves to Cleopatra. What others being slaves to Cleopatra. What others being slaves to Cleopatra. What others were they that freed them from that were they that freed them from that were they that freed them from that fear? fear? fear? For it was the friendship I had with For it was the friendship I had with For it was the friendship I had with Antony and the kind disposition he was Antony and the kind disposition he was Antony and the kind disposition he was in towards us that have been the in towards us that have been the in towards us that have been the occasion that even these Arabians had occasion that even these Arabians had occasion that even these Arabians had not been utterly undone.

not been utterly undone. not been utterly undone. Antony being unwilling to undertake Antony being unwilling to undertake Antony being unwilling to undertake anything which might be suspected by us anything which might be suspected by us anything which might be suspected by us of unkindness, but when he had a mind to of unkindness, but when he had a mind to of unkindness, but when he had a mind to bestow some parts of each of our bestow some parts of each of our bestow some parts of each of our dominions on Cleopatra, I also managed dominions on Cleopatra, I also managed dominions on Cleopatra, I also managed that matter so that by giving him that matter so that by giving him that matter so that by giving him presents of my own, I might obtain a presents of my own, I might obtain a presents of my own, I might obtain a security to both nations. security to both nations. security to both nations. While I undertook myself to answer for While I undertook myself to answer for While I undertook myself to answer for the money the money the money and gave him 200 talents and became and gave him 200 talents and became and gave him 200 talents and became surety for those 200 more which were surety for those 200 more which were surety for those 200 more which were imposed upon the land that was subject imposed upon the land that was subject imposed upon the land that was subject to this tribute. to this tribute. to this tribute. And this they have defrauded us of, And this they have defrauded us of, And this they have defrauded us of, although it was not reasonable that Jews although it was not reasonable that Jews although it was not reasonable that Jews should pay tribute to any man living or should pay tribute to any man living or should pay tribute to any man living or allow part of their land to be taxable. allow part of their land to be taxable. allow part of their land to be taxable. But although that was to be, yet ought But although that was to be, yet ought But although that was to be, yet ought we not to pay tribute for these Arabians we not to pay tribute for these Arabians we not to pay tribute for these Arabians whom we have ourselves preserved. Nor is whom we have ourselves preserved. Nor is whom we have ourselves preserved. Nor is it fit that they who have professed it fit that they who have professed it fit that they who have professed and that was great integrity and sense and that was great integrity and sense and that was great integrity and sense of our kindness, of our kindness, of our kindness, that it is by our means that they keep that it is by our means that they keep that it is by our means that they keep their principality, should injure us and their principality, should injure us and their principality, should injure us and deprive us of what is our due. And this deprive us of what is our due. And this deprive us of what is our due. And this while we have been still not their while we have been still not their while we have been still not their enemies but their friends. And whereas enemies but their friends. And whereas enemies but their friends. And whereas observation of covenants takes place observation of covenants takes place observation of covenants takes place among the bitterest enemies, among the bitterest enemies, among the bitterest enemies, but among friends is absolutely but among friends is absolutely but among friends is absolutely necessary.

necessary. necessary. This is not observed among these men who This is not observed among these men who This is not observed among these men who think gain to be the best of all things. think gain to be the best of all things. think gain to be the best of all things. Let it be by any means whatsoever and Let it be by any means whatsoever and Let it be by any means whatsoever and that injustice is no harm if they may that injustice is no harm if they may that injustice is no harm if they may but get money by it. Is it therefore a but get money by it. Is it therefore a but get money by it. Is it therefore a question with you whether the unjust are question with you whether the unjust are question with you whether the unjust are to be punished or not when God himself to be punished or not when God himself to be punished or not when God himself hath declared his mind that so it ought hath declared his mind that so it ought hath declared his mind that so it ought to be and hath commanded that we ever to be and hath commanded that we ever to be and hath commanded that we ever should hate injuries and injustice, should hate injuries and injustice, should hate injuries and injustice, which is not only just which is not only just which is not only just but necessary in wars between several but necessary in wars between several but necessary in wars between several nations. nations. nations. For these Arabians have done what both For these Arabians have done what both For these Arabians have done what both the Greeks and barbarians own to be an the Greeks and barbarians own to be an the Greeks and barbarians own to be an instance of the grossest wickedness with instance of the grossest wickedness with instance of the grossest wickedness with regard to our ambassadors, which they regard to our ambassadors, which they regard to our ambassadors, which they have beheaded, while the Greeks declare have beheaded, while the Greeks declare have beheaded, while the Greeks declare that such ambassadors are sacred and that such ambassadors are sacred and that such ambassadors are sacred and inviolable. inviolable. inviolable. And for ourselves, we have learned from And for ourselves, we have learned from And for ourselves, we have learned from God the most excellent of our doctrines God the most excellent of our doctrines God the most excellent of our doctrines and the most holy part of our law by and the most holy part of our law by and the most holy part of our law by angels or ambassadors. angels or ambassadors. angels or ambassadors. For this name brings God to the For this name brings God to the For this name brings God to the knowledge of mankind and is sufficient knowledge of mankind and is sufficient knowledge of mankind and is sufficient to reconcile enemies one to another. to reconcile enemies one to another. to reconcile enemies one to another. What wickedness then can be greater than What wickedness then can be greater than What wickedness then can be greater than the slaughter of ambassadors who come to the slaughter of ambassadors who come to the slaughter of ambassadors who come to treat about doing what is right?

treat about doing what is right? treat about doing what is right? And when such have been their actions, And when such have been their actions, And when such have been their actions, how was it possible they can either live how was it possible they can either live how was it possible they can either live securely in common life or be successful securely in common life or be successful securely in common life or be successful in war? in war? in war? In my opinion, this is impossible. In my opinion, this is impossible. In my opinion, this is impossible. But perhaps some will say that what is But perhaps some will say that what is But perhaps some will say that what is holy and what is righteous is indeed on holy and what is righteous is indeed on holy and what is righteous is indeed on our side, but that the Arabians are our side, but that the Arabians are our side, but that the Arabians are either more courageous or more numerous either more courageous or more numerous either more courageous or more numerous than we are. than we are. than we are. Now, as to this, in the first place, it Now, as to this, in the first place, it Now, as to this, in the first place, it is not fit for us to say so, for with is not fit for us to say so, for with is not fit for us to say so, for with whom is what is righteous? whom is what is righteous? whom is what is righteous? With them is God himself. With them is God himself. With them is God himself. Now, where God is, Now, where God is, Now, where God is, there is both multitude and courage. there is both multitude and courage. there is both multitude and courage. But to examine our own circumstances a But to examine our own circumstances a But to examine our own circumstances a little, we were conquerors in the first little, we were conquerors in the first little, we were conquerors in the first battle. battle. battle. And when we fought again, they were not And when we fought again, they were not And when we fought again, they were not able to oppose us, but ran away and able to oppose us, but ran away and able to oppose us, but ran away and could not endure our attacks or our could not endure our attacks or our could not endure our attacks or our courage. courage. courage. But when we had conquered them, But when we had conquered them, But when we had conquered them, then came Athenion and made war against then came Athenion and made war against then came Athenion and made war against us without declaring it. And pray, is us without declaring it. And pray, is us without declaring it. And pray, is this an instance of their manhood? this an instance of their manhood? this an instance of their manhood? Or is it not a second instance of their Or is it not a second instance of their Or is it not a second instance of their wickedness and treachery?

wickedness and treachery? wickedness and treachery? Why are we therefore of less courage on Why are we therefore of less courage on Why are we therefore of less courage on account of that which ought to inspire account of that which ought to inspire account of that which ought to inspire us with stronger hopes? us with stronger hopes? us with stronger hopes? And why are we terrified at these who, And why are we terrified at these who, And why are we terrified at these who, when they fight upon the level, are when they fight upon the level, are when they fight upon the level, are continually beaten? And when they seem continually beaten? And when they seem continually beaten? And when they seem to be conquerors, they gain it by to be conquerors, they gain it by to be conquerors, they gain it by wickedness. wickedness. wickedness. And if we suppose that anyone should And if we suppose that anyone should And if we suppose that anyone should deem them to be men of real courage, deem them to be men of real courage, deem them to be men of real courage, will not he be excited by that very will not he be excited by that very will not he be excited by that very consideration to do his utmost against consideration to do his utmost against consideration to do his utmost against them? them? them? For true valor is not shown by fighting For true valor is not shown by fighting For true valor is not shown by fighting against weak persons, but in being able against weak persons, but in being able against weak persons, but in being able to overcome the most hearty. to overcome the most hearty. to overcome the most hearty. But then, if the distresses we are But then, if the distresses we are But then, if the distresses we are ourselves under, and the miseries that ourselves under, and the miseries that ourselves under, and the miseries that have come by the earthquake, have have come by the earthquake, have have come by the earthquake, have affrighted anyone, let him consider, in affrighted anyone, let him consider, in affrighted anyone, let him consider, in the first place, that this very thing the first place, that this very thing the first place, that this very thing will deceive the Arabians by their will deceive the Arabians by their will deceive the Arabians by their supposed that what has befallen us is supposed that what has befallen us is supposed that what has befallen us is greater than it really is. Moreover, it greater than it really is. Moreover, it greater than it really is. Moreover, it is not right that the same thing that is not right that the same thing that is not right that the same thing that emboldens them should discourage us. emboldens them should discourage us. emboldens them should discourage us. For these men, you see, do not derive For these men, you see, do not derive For these men, you see, do not derive their alacrity from any advantageous their alacrity from any advantageous their alacrity from any advantageous virtue of their own, but from their hope virtue of their own, but from their hope virtue of their own, but from their hope as to us that we are quite cast down by as to us that we are quite cast down by as to us that we are quite cast down by our own misfortunes.

our own misfortunes. our own misfortunes. But when we boldly march against them, But when we boldly march against them, But when we boldly march against them, we shall soon pull down their insolent we shall soon pull down their insolent we shall soon pull down their insolent conceit of themselves, and shall gain conceit of themselves, and shall gain conceit of themselves, and shall gain this by attacking them that they will this by attacking them that they will this by attacking them that they will not be so insolent when we have come to not be so insolent when we have come to not be so insolent when we have come to the battle. the battle. the battle. For our distresses are not so great, nor For our distresses are not so great, nor For our distresses are not so great, nor is what has happened all indication of is what has happened all indication of is what has happened all indication of the anger of God against us, as some the anger of God against us, as some the anger of God against us, as some imagine. imagine. imagine. For such things are accidental, and For such things are accidental, and For such things are accidental, and adversities that come in the usual adversities that come in the usual adversities that come in the usual course of things. And if we allow that course of things. And if we allow that course of things. And if we allow that this was done by the will of God, we this was done by the will of God, we this was done by the will of God, we must allow that it is now over by his must allow that it is now over by his must allow that it is now over by his will also, and that he is satisfied with will also, and that he is satisfied with will also, and that he is satisfied with what has already happened. what has already happened. what has already happened. For had he been willing to afflict us For had he been willing to afflict us For had he been willing to afflict us still more thereby, he had not changed still more thereby, he had not changed still more thereby, he had not changed his mind so soon. And as for the war we his mind so soon. And as for the war we his mind so soon. And as for the war we are engaged in, he has himself are engaged in, he has himself are engaged in, he has himself demonstrated that he is willing it demonstrated that he is willing it demonstrated that he is willing it should go on, and that he knows it to be should go on, and that he knows it to be should go on, and that he knows it to be a just war. a just war. a just war. For while some of the people in the For while some of the people in the For while some of the people in the country have perished, all you who are country have perished, all you who are country have perished, all you who are in arms have suffered nothing, in arms have suffered nothing, in arms have suffered nothing, but are all preserved alive. Whereby God but are all preserved alive. Whereby God but are all preserved alive. Whereby God makes it plain to us that if you had makes it plain to us that if you had makes it plain to us that if you had universally, with your children and universally, with your children and universally, with your children and wives been in the army and it had come wives been in the army and it had come wives been in the army and it had come to pass that you had not undergone to pass that you had not undergone to pass that you had not undergone anything that would have much hurt you.

anything that would have much hurt you. anything that would have much hurt you. Consider these things and what is more Consider these things and what is more Consider these things and what is more than all the rest, that you have God at than all the rest, that you have God at than all the rest, that you have God at all times for your protector and all times for your protector and all times for your protector and prosecute these men with a just bravery prosecute these men with a just bravery prosecute these men with a just bravery who in point of friendship are unjust, who in point of friendship are unjust, who in point of friendship are unjust, in their battles perfidious, towards the in their battles perfidious, towards the in their battles perfidious, towards the ambassadors impious, and always inferior ambassadors impious, and always inferior ambassadors impious, and always inferior to you in valor. to you in valor. to you in valor. When the Jews heard this speech, they When the Jews heard this speech, they When the Jews heard this speech, they were much raised in their minds were much raised in their minds were much raised in their minds and more disposed to fight than before. and more disposed to fight than before. and more disposed to fight than before. So, Herod, when he had offered the So, Herod, when he had offered the So, Herod, when he had offered the sacrifices appointed by the law, made sacrifices appointed by the law, made sacrifices appointed by the law, made haste and took them and led them against haste and took them and led them against haste and took them and led them against the Arabians. And in order to that the Arabians. And in order to that the Arabians. And in order to that passed over Jordan and pitched his camp passed over Jordan and pitched his camp passed over Jordan and pitched his camp near to that of the enemy. near to that of the enemy. near to that of the enemy. He also thought fit to seize upon a He also thought fit to seize upon a He also thought fit to seize upon a certain castle that lay in the midst of certain castle that lay in the midst of certain castle that lay in the midst of them as hoping it would be for his them as hoping it would be for his them as hoping it would be for his advantage and would the sooner produce a advantage and would the sooner produce a advantage and would the sooner produce a battle. And that if there were occasion battle. And that if there were occasion battle. And that if there were occasion for delay, he should by it have his camp for delay, he should by it have his camp for delay, he should by it have his camp fortified. And as the Arabians had the fortified. And as the Arabians had the fortified. And as the Arabians had the same intentions upon that place, a same intentions upon that place, a same intentions upon that place, a contest arose about it. At first there contest arose about it. At first there contest arose about it. At first there were but skirmishes, after which there were but skirmishes, after which there were but skirmishes, after which there came more soldiers and it proved a sort came more soldiers and it proved a sort came more soldiers and it proved a sort of fight. And some fell on both sides of fight. And some fell on both sides of fight. And some fell on both sides till those of the Arabian side were till those of the Arabian side were till those of the Arabian side were beaten and retreated. This was no small beaten and retreated. This was no small beaten and retreated. This was no small encouragement to the Jews immediately.

encouragement to the Jews immediately. encouragement to the Jews immediately. And when Herod observed that the enemy's And when Herod observed that the enemy's And when Herod observed that the enemy's army was disposed to anything rather army was disposed to anything rather army was disposed to anything rather than to come to an engagement, he than to come to an engagement, he than to come to an engagement, he ventured boldly to attempt the bulwark ventured boldly to attempt the bulwark ventured boldly to attempt the bulwark itself and to pull it to pieces and so itself and to pull it to pieces and so itself and to pull it to pieces and so to get nearer to their camp in order to to get nearer to their camp in order to to get nearer to their camp in order to fight them. fight them. fight them. So, when they were forced out of their So, when they were forced out of their So, when they were forced out of their trenches, they went out in disorder and trenches, they went out in disorder and trenches, they went out in disorder and had not the least alacrity or hope of had not the least alacrity or hope of had not the least alacrity or hope of victory. Yet did they fight hand-to-hand victory. Yet did they fight hand-to-hand victory. Yet did they fight hand-to-hand because they were more in number than because they were more in number than because they were more in number than the Jews and because they were in such a the Jews and because they were in such a the Jews and because they were in such a disposition of war that they were under disposition of war that they were under disposition of war that they were under a necessity of coming on boldly. a necessity of coming on boldly. a necessity of coming on boldly. So, they came to a terrible battle while So, they came to a terrible battle while So, they came to a terrible battle while not a few fell on each side. not a few fell on each side. not a few fell on each side. However, at length the Arabians fled, However, at length the Arabians fled, However, at length the Arabians fled, and so great a slaughter was made upon and so great a slaughter was made upon and so great a slaughter was made upon their being routed, that they were not their being routed, that they were not their being routed, that they were not only killed by their enemies, but became only killed by their enemies, but became only killed by their enemies, but became the authors of their own deaths also, the authors of their own deaths also, the authors of their own deaths also, and were trodden down by the multitude, and were trodden down by the multitude, and were trodden down by the multitude, and the great current of people in and the great current of people in and the great current of people in disorder, and were destroyed by their disorder, and were destroyed by their disorder, and were destroyed by their own armor. So, 5,000 men lay dead upon own armor. So, 5,000 men lay dead upon own armor. So, 5,000 men lay dead upon the spot, while the rest of the the spot, while the rest of the the spot, while the rest of the multitude soon ran within the bulwark multitude soon ran within the bulwark multitude soon ran within the bulwark for safety, but had no firm hope of for safety, but had no firm hope of for safety, but had no firm hope of safety by reason of their want of safety by reason of their want of safety by reason of their want of necessaries, and especially of water.

necessaries, and especially of water. necessaries, and especially of water. The Jews pursued them, but could not get The Jews pursued them, but could not get The Jews pursued them, but could not get in with them, but sat around the in with them, but sat around the in with them, but sat around the bulwark, and watched any assistance that bulwark, and watched any assistance that bulwark, and watched any assistance that would get into them, and prevented any would get into them, and prevented any would get into them, and prevented any there that had a mind to it from running there that had a mind to it from running there that had a mind to it from running away. away. away. When the Arabians were in these When the Arabians were in these When the Arabians were in these circumstances, they sent ambassadors to circumstances, they sent ambassadors to circumstances, they sent ambassadors to Herod, in the first place to propose Herod, in the first place to propose Herod, in the first place to propose terms of accommodation, and after that terms of accommodation, and after that terms of accommodation, and after that to offer him, so pressing was their to offer him, so pressing was their to offer him, so pressing was their thirst upon them, to undergo whatsoever thirst upon them, to undergo whatsoever thirst upon them, to undergo whatsoever he pleased, if he would free them from he pleased, if he would free them from he pleased, if he would free them from their present distress. their present distress. their present distress. But he would admit of no ambassadors, of But he would admit of no ambassadors, of But he would admit of no ambassadors, of no price of redemption, nor of any other no price of redemption, nor of any other no price of redemption, nor of any other moderate terms whatever, being very moderate terms whatever, being very moderate terms whatever, being very desirous to revenge those unjust actions desirous to revenge those unjust actions desirous to revenge those unjust actions which they had been guilty of towards which they had been guilty of towards which they had been guilty of towards his nation. So, they were necessitated his nation. So, they were necessitated his nation. So, they were necessitated by other motives, and particularly by by other motives, and particularly by by other motives, and particularly by their thirst, to come out and deliver their thirst, to come out and deliver their thirst, to come out and deliver themselves up to him, to be carried away themselves up to him, to be carried away themselves up to him, to be carried away captives, and in 5 days time the number captives, and in 5 days time the number captives, and in 5 days time the number of 4,000 were taken prisoners. of 4,000 were taken prisoners. of 4,000 were taken prisoners. While all the rest resolved to make a While all the rest resolved to make a While all the rest resolved to make a sally upon their enemies, and to fight sally upon their enemies, and to fight sally upon their enemies, and to fight it out with them, choosing rather, it out with them, choosing rather, it out with them, choosing rather, if so it must be, to die therein, than if so it must be, to die therein, than if so it must be, to die therein, than to perish gradually and ingloriously.

to perish gradually and ingloriously. to perish gradually and ingloriously. When they had taken this resolution, When they had taken this resolution, When they had taken this resolution, they came out of their trenches, but they came out of their trenches, but they came out of their trenches, but could no way sustain the fight, being could no way sustain the fight, being could no way sustain the fight, being too much disabled both in mind and body, too much disabled both in mind and body, too much disabled both in mind and body, and having not room to exert themselves, and having not room to exert themselves, and having not room to exert themselves, and thought it an advantage to be and thought it an advantage to be and thought it an advantage to be killed, and a misery to survive. So, at killed, and a misery to survive. So, at killed, and a misery to survive. So, at the first onset, there fell about 7,000 the first onset, there fell about 7,000 the first onset, there fell about 7,000 of them. After which stroke, they let of them. After which stroke, they let of them. After which stroke, they let all the courage they had put on before all the courage they had put on before all the courage they had put on before the fall, and stood amazed at Herod's the fall, and stood amazed at Herod's the fall, and stood amazed at Herod's warlike spirit under his own calamities. warlike spirit under his own calamities. warlike spirit under his own calamities. So, for the future, they yielded, and So, for the future, they yielded, and So, for the future, they yielded, and made him ruler of their nation. made him ruler of their nation. made him ruler of their nation. Whereupon he was greatly elevated at so Whereupon he was greatly elevated at so Whereupon he was greatly elevated at so seasonable a success, and returned home, seasonable a success, and returned home, seasonable a success, and returned home, taking great authority upon him on taking great authority upon him on taking great authority upon him on account of so bold and glorious an account of so bold and glorious an account of so bold and glorious an expedition as he had made. expedition as he had made. expedition as he had made. End of Book 15, Chapters 4 and 5. Book 15, Chapter 6. The Antiquities of Book 15, Chapter 6. The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 3. This is a LibriVox the Jews, Volume 3. This is a LibriVox the Jews, Volume 3. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are recording. All LibriVox recordings are recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more in the public domain. For more in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please information or to volunteer, please information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org.

visit librivox.org. visit librivox.org. Recording by Peter. The Antiquities of Recording by Peter. The Antiquities of Recording by Peter. The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 3, by Flavius Josephus. the Jews, Volume 3, by Flavius Josephus. the Jews, Volume 3, by Flavius Josephus. Translated by William Whiston. Book 15. Translated by William Whiston. Book 15. Translated by William Whiston. Book 15. Chapter 6. How Herod slew Hyrcanus, and Chapter 6. How Herod slew Hyrcanus, and Chapter 6. How Herod slew Hyrcanus, and then hasted away to Caesar, then hasted away to Caesar, then hasted away to Caesar, and obtained the kingdom from him also. and obtained the kingdom from him also. and obtained the kingdom from him also. And how a little time afterward, he And how a little time afterward, he And how a little time afterward, he entertained Caesar in a most honorable entertained Caesar in a most honorable entertained Caesar in a most honorable manner. Herod's other affairs were now manner. Herod's other affairs were now manner. Herod's other affairs were now very prosperous, and he was not to be very prosperous, and he was not to be very prosperous, and he was not to be easily assaulted on any side. Yet, there easily assaulted on any side. Yet, there easily assaulted on any side. Yet, there came upon him a danger that would hazard came upon him a danger that would hazard came upon him a danger that would hazard his entire dominions. his entire dominions. his entire dominions. After Antony had been beaten at the After Antony had been beaten at the After Antony had been beaten at the Battle of Actium by Caesar Octavian. Battle of Actium by Caesar Octavian. Battle of Actium by Caesar Octavian. For at that time, both Herod's enemies For at that time, both Herod's enemies For at that time, both Herod's enemies and friends despaired of his affairs. and friends despaired of his affairs. and friends despaired of his affairs. For it was not probable that he would For it was not probable that he would For it was not probable that he would remain without punishment, remain without punishment, remain without punishment, who had showed so much friendship for who had showed so much friendship for who had showed so much friendship for Antony. Antony. Antony. So, it happened that his friends So, it happened that his friends So, it happened that his friends despaired, and had no hopes for his despaired, and had no hopes for his despaired, and had no hopes for his escape. escape. escape. But for his enemies, they all outwardly But for his enemies, they all outwardly But for his enemies, they all outwardly appeared to be troubled at his case, but appeared to be troubled at his case, but appeared to be troubled at his case, but were privately very glad of it, as were privately very glad of it, as were privately very glad of it, as hoping to obtain a change for the hoping to obtain a change for the hoping to obtain a change for the better.

better. better. As for Herod himself, he saw that there As for Herod himself, he saw that there As for Herod himself, he saw that there was no one of royal dignity left by was no one of royal dignity left by was no one of royal dignity left by Hyrcanus, and therefore he thought it Hyrcanus, and therefore he thought it Hyrcanus, and therefore he thought it would be for his advantage not to suffer would be for his advantage not to suffer would be for his advantage not to suffer him to be an obstacle in his way any him to be an obstacle in his way any him to be an obstacle in his way any longer. For that in case he himself longer. For that in case he himself longer. For that in case he himself survived and escaped the danger he was survived and escaped the danger he was survived and escaped the danger he was in, he thought it the safest way to put in, he thought it the safest way to put in, he thought it the safest way to put it out of the power of such a man to it out of the power of such a man to it out of the power of such a man to make an attempt against him. make an attempt against him. make an attempt against him. At such junctures of affairs, as was At such junctures of affairs, as was At such junctures of affairs, as was more worthy of the kingdom than himself, more worthy of the kingdom than himself, more worthy of the kingdom than himself, and in case he should be slain by and in case he should be slain by and in case he should be slain by Caesar, his envy prompted him to design Caesar, his envy prompted him to design Caesar, his envy prompted him to design to slay him that would otherwise be king to slay him that would otherwise be king to slay him that would otherwise be king after him. While Herod had these things after him. While Herod had these things after him. While Herod had these things in his mind, there was a certain in his mind, there was a certain in his mind, there was a certain occasion afforded him. occasion afforded him. occasion afforded him. For Hyrcanus was of so mild a temper For Hyrcanus was of so mild a temper For Hyrcanus was of so mild a temper both then and at other times that he both then and at other times that he both then and at other times that he desired not to meddle with public desired not to meddle with public desired not to meddle with public affairs, affairs, affairs, nor to concern himself with innovations, nor to concern himself with innovations, nor to concern himself with innovations, but left all to fortune and contented but left all to fortune and contented but left all to fortune and contented himself with what that afforded him. But himself with what that afforded him. But himself with what that afforded him. But Alexandra, his daughter, was a lover of Alexandra, his daughter, was a lover of Alexandra, his daughter, was a lover of strife, strife, strife, and was exceeding desirous of a change and was exceeding desirous of a change and was exceeding desirous of a change of the government, and spoke to her of the government, and spoke to her of the government, and spoke to her father not to bear forever Herod's father not to bear forever Herod's father not to bear forever Herod's injurious treatment of their family, but injurious treatment of their family, but injurious treatment of their family, but to anticipate their future hopes, as he to anticipate their future hopes, as he to anticipate their future hopes, as he safely might, and desired him to write safely might, and desired him to write safely might, and desired him to write about these matters to Malchus, who was about these matters to Malchus, who was about these matters to Malchus, who was then governor of Arabia, to receive them then governor of Arabia, to receive them then governor of Arabia, to receive them and to secure them from Herod. For that and to secure them from Herod. For that and to secure them from Herod. For that if they went away, and Herod's affairs

if they went away, and Herod's affairs if they went away, and Herod's affairs proved to be as it was likely they would proved to be as it was likely they would proved to be as it was likely they would be by reason of Caesar's enmity to him, be by reason of Caesar's enmity to him, be by reason of Caesar's enmity to him, they should then be the only persons they should then be the only persons they should then be the only persons that could take the government, and this that could take the government, and this that could take the government, and this both on account of the royal family they both on account of the royal family they both on account of the royal family they were of, and on account of the good were of, and on account of the good were of, and on account of the good disposition of the multitude unto them. disposition of the multitude unto them. disposition of the multitude unto them. When she used these persuasions, When she used these persuasions, When she used these persuasions, Hyrcanus put off her suit. But as she Hyrcanus put off her suit. But as she Hyrcanus put off her suit. But as she showed that she was a woman, and a showed that she was a woman, and a showed that she was a woman, and a contentious woman, too, contentious woman, too, contentious woman, too, and would not desist either night or and would not desist either night or and would not desist either night or day, but would always be speaking to him day, but would always be speaking to him day, but would always be speaking to him about these matters, about these matters, about these matters, and about Herod's treacherous designs, and about Herod's treacherous designs, and about Herod's treacherous designs, she at last prevailed with them to she at last prevailed with them to she at last prevailed with them to entrust entrust entrust Dositheus, one of his friends, with a Dositheus, one of his friends, with a Dositheus, one of his friends, with a letter, wherein his resolution was letter, wherein his resolution was letter, wherein his resolution was declared, and he desired the Arabian declared, and he desired the Arabian declared, and he desired the Arabian governor to send to him some horsemen governor to send to him some horsemen governor to send to him some horsemen who should receive him and conduct him who should receive him and conduct him who should receive him and conduct him to the Lake Asphaltites, which is from to the Lake Asphaltites, which is from to the Lake Asphaltites, which is from the bounds of Jerusalem 300 furlongs. the bounds of Jerusalem 300 furlongs. the bounds of Jerusalem 300 furlongs. And he did therefore trust Dositheus And he did therefore trust Dositheus And he did therefore trust Dositheus with this letter, because he was a with this letter, because he was a with this letter, because he was a careful attendant on him and on careful attendant on him and on careful attendant on him and on Alexandra, Alexandra, Alexandra, and had no small occasion to bear ill and had no small occasion to bear ill and had no small occasion to bear ill will to Herod, for he was a kinsman of will to Herod, for he was a kinsman of will to Herod, for he was a kinsman of one Joseph, whom he had slain, and the one Joseph, whom he had slain, and the one Joseph, whom he had slain, and the brother of those that were formerly brother of those that were formerly brother of those that were formerly slain at Tyre by Antony.

slain at Tyre by Antony. slain at Tyre by Antony. Yet could not these motives induce Yet could not these motives induce Yet could not these motives induce Dositheus to serve Hyrcanus in this Dositheus to serve Hyrcanus in this Dositheus to serve Hyrcanus in this affair, for preferring the hopes he had affair, for preferring the hopes he had affair, for preferring the hopes he had from the present king to those he had from the present king to those he had from the present king to those he had from him. from him. from him. He gave Herod the letter. He gave Herod the letter. He gave Herod the letter. So he took his kindness in good part and So he took his kindness in good part and So he took his kindness in good part and bid him, besides to what he had already bid him, besides to what he had already bid him, besides to what he had already done, that is, go on in serving him by done, that is, go on in serving him by done, that is, go on in serving him by rolling up the epistle and sealing it rolling up the epistle and sealing it rolling up the epistle and sealing it again, and delivering it to Malchus, and again, and delivering it to Malchus, and again, and delivering it to Malchus, and then to bring back his letter in answer then to bring back his letter in answer then to bring back his letter in answer to it. to it. to it. For it would be much better if he could For it would be much better if he could For it would be much better if he could know Malchus's intentions, also. And know Malchus's intentions, also. And know Malchus's intentions, also. And Dositheus was very ready to serve him in Dositheus was very ready to serve him in Dositheus was very ready to serve him in this point, also. The Arabian governor this point, also. The Arabian governor this point, also. The Arabian governor returned back for answer that he would returned back for answer that he would returned back for answer that he would receive Hyrcanus and all that should receive Hyrcanus and all that should receive Hyrcanus and all that should come with him, and even all the Jews come with him, and even all the Jews come with him, and even all the Jews that were of his party, that he would, that were of his party, that he would, that were of his party, that he would, moreover, send forces sufficient to moreover, send forces sufficient to moreover, send forces sufficient to secure them in their journey, secure them in their journey, secure them in their journey, and that he should be in no want of and that he should be in no want of and that he should be in no want of anything he should desire. Now, as soon anything he should desire. Now, as soon anything he should desire. Now, as soon as Herod had received this letter, as Herod had received this letter, as Herod had received this letter, he immediately sent for Hyrcanus and he immediately sent for Hyrcanus and he immediately sent for Hyrcanus and questioned him about the league he had questioned him about the league he had questioned him about the league he had made with Malchus.

made with Malchus. made with Malchus. And when he denied it, he showed his And when he denied it, he showed his And when he denied it, he showed his letter to the Sanhedrin him letter to the Sanhedrin him letter to the Sanhedrin him and put the man to death immediately. and put the man to death immediately. and put the man to death immediately. And this account we give the reader as And this account we give the reader as And this account we give the reader as it is contained in the commentaries of it is contained in the commentaries of it is contained in the commentaries of King Herod, but other historians do not King Herod, but other historians do not King Herod, but other historians do not agree with them, for they suppose that agree with them, for they suppose that agree with them, for they suppose that Herod did not find but rather make this Herod did not find but rather make this Herod did not find but rather make this an occasion for thus putting him to an occasion for thus putting him to an occasion for thus putting him to death and thereby treacherously laying a death and thereby treacherously laying a death and thereby treacherously laying a snare for him. For thus do they write snare for him. For thus do they write snare for him. For thus do they write that Herod and he were once at a treat that Herod and he were once at a treat that Herod and he were once at a treat and that Herod, giving no occasion to and that Herod, giving no occasion to and that Herod, giving no occasion to suspect that he was displeased at him, suspect that he was displeased at him, suspect that he was displeased at him, but put this question to Hyrcanus. but put this question to Hyrcanus. but put this question to Hyrcanus. Whether he had received any letters from Whether he had received any letters from Whether he had received any letters from Malchus and when he answered that he had Malchus and when he answered that he had Malchus and when he answered that he had received letters but those received letters but those received letters but those of salutation only. of salutation only. of salutation only. And when he asked him further whether he And when he asked him further whether he And when he asked him further whether he had not received any presents from him. had not received any presents from him. had not received any presents from him. And when he had replied that he had And when he had replied that he had And when he had replied that he had received no more than four horses to received no more than four horses to received no more than four horses to ride on, which Malchus had sent him, ride on, which Malchus had sent him, ride on, which Malchus had sent him, they pretended that Herod had charged they pretended that Herod had charged they pretended that Herod had charged that these upon him as the crimes of that these upon him as the crimes of that these upon him as the crimes of bribery and treason and gave order that bribery and treason and gave order that bribery and treason and gave order that he should be led away and slain. And in he should be led away and slain. And in he should be led away and slain. And in order to demonstrate that he had been order to demonstrate that he had been order to demonstrate that he had been guilty of no offense, when he was thus guilty of no offense, when he was thus guilty of no offense, when he was thus brought to his end, they alleged how brought to his end, they alleged how brought to his end, they alleged how mild his temper had been and that even mild his temper had been and that even mild his temper had been and that even in his youth he had never given any in his youth he had never given any in his youth he had never given any demonstration of boldness or rashness demonstration of boldness or rashness demonstration of boldness or rashness and that the case was the same when he and that the case was the same when he and that the case was the same when he came to be king, but that he even then came to be king, but that he even then came to be king, but that he even then committed the management of the greatest

committed the management of the greatest committed the management of the greatest part of public affairs to part of public affairs to part of public affairs to Antipater Antipater Antipater and that he was now above fourscore and that he was now above fourscore and that he was now above fourscore years old and knew that Herod's years old and knew that Herod's years old and knew that Herod's government was in a secure state. He government was in a secure state. He government was in a secure state. He also came over Euphrates and left to also came over Euphrates and left to also came over Euphrates and left to those who greatly honored him beyond those who greatly honored him beyond those who greatly honored him beyond that river. that river. that river. Though he were to be entirely under Though he were to be entirely under Though he were to be entirely under Herod's government, that it was a most Herod's government, that it was a most Herod's government, that it was a most incredible thing that he should incredible thing that he should incredible thing that he should enterprise anything by way of innovation enterprise anything by way of innovation enterprise anything by way of innovation and not at all agreeable to his temper. and not at all agreeable to his temper. and not at all agreeable to his temper. But that this was a plot of Herod's But that this was a plot of Herod's But that this was a plot of Herod's contrivance, and this was the fate of contrivance, and this was the fate of contrivance, and this was the fate of Hyrcanus. Hyrcanus. Hyrcanus. And thus did he end his life, after he And thus did he end his life, after he And thus did he end his life, after he had endured various and manifold turns had endured various and manifold turns had endured various and manifold turns of fortune in his lifetime. of fortune in his lifetime. of fortune in his lifetime. For he was made high priest of the For he was made high priest of the For he was made high priest of the Jewish nation in the beginning of his Jewish nation in the beginning of his Jewish nation in the beginning of his mother's mother's mother's Alexandra's reign, Alexandra's reign, Alexandra's reign, who held the government 9 years. And who held the government 9 years. And who held the government 9 years. And when after his mother's death, he took when after his mother's death, he took when after his mother's death, he took the kingdom himself and held it 3 the kingdom himself and held it 3 the kingdom himself and held it 3 months, he lost it by the means of his months, he lost it by the means of his months, he lost it by the means of his brother Aristobulus.

brother Aristobulus. brother Aristobulus. He was then restored by Pompey and He was then restored by Pompey and He was then restored by Pompey and received all sorts of honor from him and received all sorts of honor from him and received all sorts of honor from him and enjoyed them 40 years. enjoyed them 40 years. enjoyed them 40 years. But when he was again deprived of by But when he was again deprived of by But when he was again deprived of by Antigonus Antigonus Antigonus and was maimed in his body, he was made and was maimed in his body, he was made and was maimed in his body, he was made a captive by the Parthians. a captive by the Parthians. a captive by the Parthians. And hence returned home again after some And hence returned home again after some And hence returned home again after some time on account of the hopes that Herod time on account of the hopes that Herod time on account of the hopes that Herod had given him, none of which came to had given him, none of which came to had given him, none of which came to pass according to his expectation. But pass according to his expectation. But pass according to his expectation. But he still conflicted with many he still conflicted with many he still conflicted with many misfortunes though the whole course of misfortunes though the whole course of misfortunes though the whole course of his life. And what was the heaviest his life. And what was the heaviest his life. And what was the heaviest calamity of all, as we have related calamity of all, as we have related calamity of all, as we have related already, he came to an end which was already, he came to an end which was already, he came to an end which was undeserved by him. His character undeserved by him. His character undeserved by him. His character appeared to be that of a man of a mild appeared to be that of a man of a mild appeared to be that of a man of a mild and moderate disposition and moderate disposition and moderate disposition and suffered the administration of and suffered the administration of and suffered the administration of affairs to be generally done by others affairs to be generally done by others affairs to be generally done by others under him. He was averse to much under him. He was averse to much under him. He was averse to much meddling with the public, nor had meddling with the public, nor had meddling with the public, nor had shrewdness enough to govern a kingdom. shrewdness enough to govern a kingdom. shrewdness enough to govern a kingdom. And both Antipater and Herod came to And both Antipater and Herod came to And both Antipater and Herod came to their greatness by reason of his their greatness by reason of his their greatness by reason of his mildness. And at last he met with such mildness. And at last he met with such mildness. And at last he met with such an end from them as was not agreeable an end from them as was not agreeable an end from them as was not agreeable either to justice or piety. Now, Herod, either to justice or piety. Now, Herod, either to justice or piety. Now, Herod, as soon as he had put Hyrcanus out of as soon as he had put Hyrcanus out of as soon as he had put Hyrcanus out of the way, made haste to Caesar. And the way, made haste to Caesar. And the way, made haste to Caesar. And because he could not have any hopes of because he could not have any hopes of because he could not have any hopes of kindness from him on account of the kindness from him on account of the kindness from him on account of the friendship he had for Antony, friendship he had for Antony, friendship he had for Antony, he had a suspicion of Alexandra lest she he had a suspicion of Alexandra lest she he had a suspicion of Alexandra lest she should take this opportunity to bring should take this opportunity to bring should take this opportunity to bring the multitude to a revolt and introduce

the multitude to a revolt and introduce the multitude to a revolt and introduce a sedition into the affairs of the a sedition into the affairs of the a sedition into the affairs of the kingdom. So, he committed the care of kingdom. So, he committed the care of kingdom. So, he committed the care of everything to his brother Pheroras and everything to his brother Pheroras and everything to his brother Pheroras and placed his mother Cypros and his sister placed his mother Cypros and his sister placed his mother Cypros and his sister Salome and the whole family at Masada Salome and the whole family at Masada Salome and the whole family at Masada and gave them a charge and that if he and gave them a charge and that if he and gave them a charge and that if he should hear any sad news about him, he should hear any sad news about him, he should hear any sad news about him, he should take care of the government. should take care of the government. should take care of the government. But as Mariam, his wife, But as Mariam, his wife, But as Mariam, his wife, because of the mis- descending between because of the mis- descending between because of the mis- descending between her and his sister and his sister's her and his sister and his sister's her and his sister and his sister's mother, which made it impossible for mother, which made it impossible for mother, which made it impossible for them to live together, he placed her at them to live together, he placed her at them to live together, he placed her at Alexandrium with Alexandra, her mother, Alexandrium with Alexandra, her mother, Alexandrium with Alexandra, her mother, and left his treasurer Joseph and and left his treasurer Joseph and and left his treasurer Joseph and Sohemus of Iturea to take care of that Sohemus of Iturea to take care of that Sohemus of Iturea to take care of that fortress. These two had been very fortress. These two had been very fortress. These two had been very faithful to him from the beginning and faithful to him from the beginning and faithful to him from the beginning and were now left as a guard to the women. were now left as a guard to the women. were now left as a guard to the women. They also had it in charge that if they They also had it in charge that if they They also had it in charge that if they should hear any mischief had befallen should hear any mischief had befallen should hear any mischief had befallen him, they should kill them both and as him, they should kill them both and as him, they should kill them both and as far as they were able to preserve the far as they were able to preserve the far as they were able to preserve the kingdom for his sons and for his brother kingdom for his sons and for his brother kingdom for his sons and for his brother Pheroras. When he had given them this Pheroras. When he had given them this Pheroras. When he had given them this charge, he made haste to Rhodes to meet charge, he made haste to Rhodes to meet charge, he made haste to Rhodes to meet Caesar. And when he had sailed to that Caesar. And when he had sailed to that Caesar. And when he had sailed to that city, he took off his diadem but city, he took off his diadem but city, he took off his diadem but remitted nothing else remitted nothing else remitted nothing else of his usual dignity.

of his usual dignity. of his usual dignity. And when upon his meeting him, he And when upon his meeting him, he And when upon his meeting him, he desired that he would let him speak to desired that he would let him speak to desired that he would let him speak to him, he therein exhibited a much more him, he therein exhibited a much more him, he therein exhibited a much more noble specimen of a great soul, for he noble specimen of a great soul, for he noble specimen of a great soul, for he did not betake himself to supplications did not betake himself to supplications did not betake himself to supplications as men usually do upon such occasions, as men usually do upon such occasions, as men usually do upon such occasions, nor offered him any petition as if he nor offered him any petition as if he nor offered him any petition as if he were an offender, but after an undaunted were an offender, but after an undaunted were an offender, but after an undaunted manner manner manner gave an account of what he had done, for gave an account of what he had done, for gave an account of what he had done, for he spake thus to Caesar: he spake thus to Caesar: he spake thus to Caesar: that he had the greatest friendship for that he had the greatest friendship for that he had the greatest friendship for Antony, and did everything he could that Antony, and did everything he could that Antony, and did everything he could that he might attain the government, that he he might attain the government, that he he might attain the government, that he was not indeed in the army with him was not indeed in the army with him was not indeed in the army with him because the Arabians had diverse him, because the Arabians had diverse him, because the Arabians had diverse him, but that he had sent him both money and but that he had sent him both money and but that he had sent him both money and corn, which was but too little in corn, which was but too little in corn, which was but too little in comparison of what he ought to have done comparison of what he ought to have done comparison of what he ought to have done for him. Whoever man owes himself to be for him. Whoever man owes himself to be for him. Whoever man owes himself to be another's friend and knows him to be a another's friend and knows him to be a another's friend and knows him to be a benefactor, he is obliged to hazard benefactor, he is obliged to hazard benefactor, he is obliged to hazard everything, to use every faculty of his everything, to use every faculty of his everything, to use every faculty of his soul, every member of his body, and all soul, every member of his body, and all soul, every member of his body, and all the wealth he had for him, in which I the wealth he had for him, in which I the wealth he had for him, in which I confess I have been too deficient. confess I have been too deficient. confess I have been too deficient. However, I am conscious to myself that However, I am conscious to myself that However, I am conscious to myself that so far I have done right. I have not so far I have done right. I have not so far I have done right. I have not deserted him upon his defeat at Actium, deserted him upon his defeat at Actium, deserted him upon his defeat at Actium, nor upon the evident change of his nor upon the evident change of his nor upon the evident change of his fortune have I transferred my hopes from fortune have I transferred my hopes from fortune have I transferred my hopes from him to another, but have preserved him to another, but have preserved him to another, but have preserved myself, though not as a valuable fellow myself, though not as a valuable fellow myself, though not as a valuable fellow soldier, yet certainly as a faithful soldier, yet certainly as a faithful soldier, yet certainly as a faithful counselor to Antony, when I demonstrated counselor to Antony, when I demonstrated counselor to Antony, when I demonstrated to him that the only way that he had to to him that the only way that he had to to him that the only way that he had to save himself and not to lose all his save himself and not to lose all his save himself and not to lose all his authority was to slay Cleopatra.

authority was to slay Cleopatra. authority was to slay Cleopatra. For when she was once dead, there would For when she was once dead, there would For when she was once dead, there would be room for him to retain his authority, be room for him to retain his authority, be room for him to retain his authority, and rather to bring thee to make and rather to bring thee to make and rather to bring thee to make composition with him composition with him composition with him than to continue at enmity any longer. than to continue at enmity any longer. than to continue at enmity any longer. None of which advices would he attend None of which advices would he attend None of which advices would he attend to, but preferred his own rash to, but preferred his own rash to, but preferred his own rash resolution before them, which have resolution before them, which have resolution before them, which have happened unprofitably for him, but happened unprofitably for him, but happened unprofitably for him, but profitably for thee. profitably for thee. profitably for thee. Now therefore, in case thou determines Now therefore, in case thou determines Now therefore, in case thou determines to bow me and my alacrity in serving to bow me and my alacrity in serving to bow me and my alacrity in serving Antony according to thy anger at him, I Antony according to thy anger at him, I Antony according to thy anger at him, I own there is no room for me to deny what own there is no room for me to deny what own there is no room for me to deny what I have done, nor will I be ashamed to I have done, nor will I be ashamed to I have done, nor will I be ashamed to own and that publicly too that I had a own and that publicly too that I had a own and that publicly too that I had a great kindness for him. great kindness for him. great kindness for him. But if thou will put him out of the case But if thou will put him out of the case But if thou will put him out of the case and only examine how I behave myself to and only examine how I behave myself to and only examine how I behave myself to my benefactors in general and what sort my benefactors in general and what sort my benefactors in general and what sort of friend I am, thou will then find by of friend I am, thou will then find by of friend I am, thou will then find by experience that we shall do and be the experience that we shall do and be the experience that we shall do and be the same to thyself. same to thyself. same to thyself. For it is but changing the names and the For it is but changing the names and the For it is but changing the names and the firmness of friendship that we shall firmness of friendship that we shall firmness of friendship that we shall bear to thee will not be disapproved by bear to thee will not be disapproved by bear to thee will not be disapproved by thee. By this speech and by his behavior thee. By this speech and by his behavior thee. By this speech and by his behavior which showed Caesar the frankness of his which showed Caesar the frankness of his which showed Caesar the frankness of his mind, he greatly gained upon him who was mind, he greatly gained upon him who was mind, he greatly gained upon him who was himself a generous and magnificent himself a generous and magnificent himself a generous and magnificent temper in so much that those very temper in so much that those very temper in so much that those very actions which were the foundations of actions which were the foundations of actions which were the foundations of the accusations against him procured him the accusations against him procured him the accusations against him procured him Caesar's goodwill.

Caesar's goodwill. Caesar's goodwill. Accordingly, he restored him his diadem Accordingly, he restored him his diadem Accordingly, he restored him his diadem again and encouraged him to exhibit again and encouraged him to exhibit again and encouraged him to exhibit himself as a great friend to himself himself as a great friend to himself himself as a great friend to himself as he had been to Antony and then had as he had been to Antony and then had as he had been to Antony and then had him in great esteem. Moreover, he added him in great esteem. Moreover, he added him in great esteem. Moreover, he added this that Quintus Didius had written to this that Quintus Didius had written to this that Quintus Didius had written to him that Herod had very readily assisted him that Herod had very readily assisted him that Herod had very readily assisted him in the affair of the gladiators. So him in the affair of the gladiators. So him in the affair of the gladiators. So when he had obtained such a kind when he had obtained such a kind when he had obtained such a kind reception and had beyond all his hopes reception and had beyond all his hopes reception and had beyond all his hopes procured his crown to be more entirely procured his crown to be more entirely procured his crown to be more entirely and firmly settled upon him than ever by and firmly settled upon him than ever by and firmly settled upon him than ever by Caesar's donation as well as by that Caesar's donation as well as by that Caesar's donation as well as by that decree of the Romans which Caesar took decree of the Romans which Caesar took decree of the Romans which Caesar took care to procure for his greater care to procure for his greater care to procure for his greater security, he conducted Caesar on his way security, he conducted Caesar on his way security, he conducted Caesar on his way to Egypt and made presents even beyond to Egypt and made presents even beyond to Egypt and made presents even beyond his ability to both him and his and in his ability to both him and his and in his ability to both him and his and in general behaved himself with great general behaved himself with great general behaved himself with great magnanimity. He also desired that Caesar magnanimity. He also desired that Caesar magnanimity. He also desired that Caesar would not put to death one Alexander who would not put to death one Alexander who would not put to death one Alexander who had been a companion of Antony. But had been a companion of Antony. But had been a companion of Antony. But Caesar had sworn to put him to death and Caesar had sworn to put him to death and Caesar had sworn to put him to death and so he could not obtain that his so he could not obtain that his so he could not obtain that his petition.

petition. petition. And now he returned to Judaea again with And now he returned to Judaea again with And now he returned to Judaea again with greater honor and assurance than ever greater honor and assurance than ever greater honor and assurance than ever and a friend of those that had and a friend of those that had and a friend of those that had expectations to the contrary. expectations to the contrary. expectations to the contrary. And still acquiring from his very day And still acquiring from his very day And still acquiring from his very day his greatest splendor than before by the his greatest splendor than before by the his greatest splendor than before by the favor of God to him. So he prepared for favor of God to him. So he prepared for favor of God to him. So he prepared for the reception of Caesar as he was going the reception of Caesar as he was going the reception of Caesar as he was going out of Syria to invade Egypt. And when out of Syria to invade Egypt. And when out of Syria to invade Egypt. And when he came, he entertained him at Ptolemais he came, he entertained him at Ptolemais he came, he entertained him at Ptolemais with all royal magnificence. He He also with all royal magnificence. He He also with all royal magnificence. He He also bestowed presents on the army and bestowed presents on the army and bestowed presents on the army and brought with him provisions in brought with him provisions in brought with him provisions in abundance. He also proved to be one of abundance. He also proved to be one of abundance. He also proved to be one of Caesar's most cordial friends and put Caesar's most cordial friends and put Caesar's most cordial friends and put the army in array and rode along with the army in array and rode along with the army in array and rode along with Caesar and had 150 men well appointed in Caesar and had 150 men well appointed in Caesar and had 150 men well appointed in all respects after a rich and sumptuous all respects after a rich and sumptuous all respects after a rich and sumptuous manner for the better reception of him manner for the better reception of him manner for the better reception of him and his friends. and his friends. and his friends. He also provided them with what they He also provided them with what they He also provided them with what they should want. And as they passed over the should want. And as they passed over the should want. And as they passed over the dry desert in so much that they lacked dry desert in so much that they lacked dry desert in so much that they lacked neither wine nor water, which last of neither wine nor water, which last of neither wine nor water, which last of the soldiers stood in the greatest need the soldiers stood in the greatest need the soldiers stood in the greatest need of. And besides, he presented Caesar of. And besides, he presented Caesar of. And besides, he presented Caesar with 800 talents and procured to himself with 800 talents and procured to himself with 800 talents and procured to himself the goodwill of them all because he was the goodwill of them all because he was the goodwill of them all because he was assisting to them in a much greater and assisting to them in a much greater and assisting to them in a much greater and more splendid degree than the kingdom he more splendid degree than the kingdom he more splendid degree than the kingdom he had obtained could afford. By which had obtained could afford. By which had obtained could afford. By which means he more and more demonstrated to means he more and more demonstrated to means he more and more demonstrated to Caesar the firmness of his friendship Caesar the firmness of his friendship Caesar the firmness of his friendship and his readiness to assist him. And and his readiness to assist him. And and his readiness to assist him. And what was the greatest advantage to him what was the greatest advantage to him what was the greatest advantage to him was this, that his liberality came at a was this, that his liberality came at a was this, that his liberality came at a seasonable time also. And when they seasonable time also. And when they seasonable time also. And when they returned again out of Egypt, his

returned again out of Egypt, his returned again out of Egypt, his assistances were no way inferior to the assistances were no way inferior to the assistances were no way inferior to the good offices he had formerly done them. good offices he had formerly done them. good offices he had formerly done them. End of Book 15, Chapter 6. Recording by End of Book 15, Chapter 6. Recording by End of Book 15, Chapter 6. Recording by Peter.