hers that were privy to her design to carry them out in the night time and to go directly towards M the Sea where there was a Bark in readiness prepared to convoy them into Egypt But Esop one of her houshold servants declared this enterprize of hers to Sabbion on of Alexandras friends supposing that he had been made privy thereunto who had no sooner inkling thereof but for that beforetimes he was Herods enemy by reason he was suspected to have been one of those that sought to poyson Antipatar he resolved by discovery of this secret flight to convert Herods hatred into friendship and presently discovered Alexandras secret enterprize to the King Who dissembling the matter until it was upon the point of execution surprized her at such time as she thought to fly and yet notwithstanding he pardoned her that fault in that he durst not decree any punishment against her though he could have found in his heart to have used severity N for that Cleopatra would not have contained her self had she but had such an occasion offered her to express her hatred against Herod Herod contriveth Aristobulus death For which cause under the colour of a high and magnanimous spirit he made shew to pardon her of his meere clemency yet inwardly resolved to destroy young Aristobulus yet not rashly upon the instant lest the act should grow apparent and palpable Now the feast of Tabernacles was at hand which was one of those that was ceremoniously and solemnly celebrated among us for which cause he concealed his intents during the festival dayes intending both in himself and in the presence and company of the people to follow all kind of pleasure and delight yet his envy incited him to hasten the execution of his will Aristobulus was at that time some seventeen O years old who when he approached the Altar to offer sacrifices according to the law apparelled in the High Priests Ornaments to perform the ceremonies he who for amiable countenance and good stature surpassed the tenderness of his years expressing in his countenance the dignity and Nobility of his Race The year of the World 39â—1 Before Christ's Nativity 33. drew the eyes and good affections A of all the people unto him so that they openly called to remembrance the noble actions of Aristobulus his Grand-Father All the people being therefore surmounted by their affections and at that present time being all of them overjoyed they brake out by little and little into acclamations mixt with wishes and prayers so that the good will the people bare to Aristobulus discovered it self openly and they manifestly although too hastily in such a Kingdom declared what evils they generaly endured For all which causes Herod concluded to execute that which he had plotted against Aristobulus As soon therefore as the feast was over-passed he went into Jericho where Alexandra entertained him In that place he used Aristobulus with all kindness to draw him to secure some place playing with him and counterfeting to sport after the fashion B of the young men to gratifie him Now the place where they sported being too hot they quickly wearied left their sport and went out together to take fresh air and finding a pleasant shade under certain Arbours and near certain fish-pools which were largely spred round about they beheld certain of their Servants and Friends that swom therein with whom not long after Aristobulus began to swim being perswaded thereunto by Herod Whereupon Herods confederates who were deputed to execute the murther laid hands on him and thrust him under the water pretending to duck him in sport and never gave him over untill such time as they had stifled him in the water This hapned about the evening and after this manner died Aristobulus after he had lived in all for the space of eighteen years and administred the Priest-hood one whole C year Aristobulus is drowned by Herods direction Ananel restored to the Priest-hood and after this Ananel presently recovered his former dignity When this accident was reported to the women all of them burst out in tears and were transported with strange lamentations which they uttered over the dead body All the City also was mightily troubled neither was there any private family that thought not it self touched by this inconvenience but imagined the loss in particular to concern himself and no other But above all when Alexandra had notice of this wicked deed she was more passionate and perplexed than any other being so much the more discomforted for that she knew how all things had hapned But the fear of a far greater mischief constrained her to repress her passion so that divers times she was ready to bereave her of her own life The lamentation for Aristobulus death and dispatch her self out of misery with her own hands D But she contained her self to the end that surviving and living after her son who was so fraudulently destroyed and prolonging her own life without giving any suspition or shadow that she might with more opportunity expect the occasion to revenge her self For which cause she dissembled all things concealed her grief and made shew that she knew nothing of that which was either intended or had hapned As for Herod he laboured by all means to perswade the strangers that this death had befallen Aristobulus without his knowledg and did not only prepare that which was requisite for the funeral but made shew to be truly sorrowful and it may be that in remembrance of Aristobulus beauty and flourishing young years he was realy touched with compassion notwithstanding Herods counterfeit sorrow that he imagined that his death should be a means of his own security E demeaning himself in all things circumspectly with intent to purge himself of that crime But especially he shewed his great magnificence in the interring of his body both in the furnishing and preparation of the Herse as in the perfumes and other things thereunto belonging in such sort as the grief which the Ladies had conceived was pacified after this manner of consolation F G H CHAP. IV. The year of the World 393â— before Christ's Nativity 165. Herod is obliged to repair to Antonius to clear himself from Aristobulus's death he winneth him with Presents He gave order before his way-going to his Brother-in-Law Joseph to put Mariamne to death if Antonius should condemn him to die Joseph revealed it imprudently to this Princess and Herod put him to death for being jealous of him and Mariamne Cleopatra's unsatiable ambition and avarice BUT none of all these things could either move or mollifie Alexandra but daily more and more she increased her sorrow and in the height of her tears kindled her wrath with a desire of revenge Alexandra certifieth Cleopatra of Herods Treasons and her sons traiterous murther She therefore acquainted Cleopatra by her private I Letters of Herods Treasons and her sons most miserable and untimely
greatly moved against Pheroras for affirming that he was in love with Glaphyra The young Prince hearing this became jealous and was in a great rage and now what honour soever or gifts Herod for the love of his Son gave her Alexander did interpret it in the worst sence and not able to put up such M injuries he went to his Father and with tears related unto him what Pheroras had told him Herod was never more surprised and not enduring to be falsely accused of so shameful a fact inveying against the great malice of his friends who for his good offices he did them so rewarded him He presently sending for Pheroras very sharply began to chide him saying O most impious that liveth amongst men art thou become so ungrateful either to speak or think such a matter of us Thinkest thou that I do not perceive thy drift that thou spakest not these words unto my Son to discredit me but also to the intent by this means thou mightest work some treason against me and cause me to be poysoned For who but a good Son as this is would suffer his Father suspected for such a matter to live and not to be revenged of him for such offence Whether dost thou think that thou didst put N these speeches into his mind or by them a sword into his hand to kill his Father withal Or what was thy intent seeing thou hatest him and his Brother and only counterfeiting good will towards me to belye me and to report that of me that without impiety could not be thought Get thee hence thou wretched Imp seeing thou hast thus abused thy Brother who hath deserved so well at thy hands Go basest of men I will leave thee to the gnawing worm of thy own perfidious Conscience to be thy Executioner all thy life time And for your greater confusion I will content my self to confound your wickedness with my goodness in not punishing you according to your deserts but treating you with that mercy of which all the world knoweth you to be so unworthy The King having uttered his anger against his Brother Pheroras he being taken in a manifest fault answered that that report was first devised by Salome O of whom he heard it Salome excuseth her self Which she being then present hearing began to exclaim saying it was not her device and that they all laboured to make the King hate her and put her to A death being one who did especially wish him well and what in her lay seeking his safety and that now he was in danger of more Treason than ever before For said she I was the only cause that you did put away the woman whom you so doted after perswading you to marry the King's Daughter and this is the cause that you hate me With these speeches tearing her hair and striking her breast she made a shew of innocency but this gesture was a colour to hide her bad intent So Pheroras was left in great perplexity not knowing what to say or do and could find no pretence to excuse his fact for on the one side he confessed that he told it unto Alexander and on the other he could not make Herod believe that he heard it of Salome This contention endured a good while at last the King being wearied sent away his Brother and his Sister and B greatly commending his Son 's moderate mind and that he had given him intelligence of those speeches it being then late he went to supper After this contention The effect of calumniation Salome was hardly thought of because she was judged to be the Author of this ill report and the King's Wives hated her because they knew her to have strange qualities and so variable that one while she would profess friendship and presently after hatred Wherefore they still had something to inform Herod of against her taking occasion happening by chance which was this There was a King of the Arabians named Obodas a slothful man and one given to idleness And there was one Syllaeus that did govern all this man was a crafty fellow and in the prime of his youth and very beautiful This Syllaeus coming unto Herod about C some business and viewing Salome who then sat at supper with him began to set his mind upon her and finding she was a Widow he entred into talk with her and she finding her Brother now not so friendly unto her as before he had been and also entangled with the beauty of this young man did not greatly deny to marry him and many Feasts being made at that time they shewed evident signs of their mutual consent and love one to another The King's Wives told the King of this in jest Herod commanded Pheroras at supper time to note if he could espy any tokens of familiarity betwixt them and Pheroras told him that by signs and mutual viewing one another Syllaeus the Arabian desiring Salome to wife was denied they sufficiently shewed their intents After this the Arabian being suspected departed into his own Countrey But two or three months after he came again into D Judaea only for this purpose and talked with Herod touching this matter requesting him to let Salome be his Wife affirming that that affinity would be profitable unto him for the traffick between his people and the Arabians whose Prince he was to be and did already enjoy a great part of the Dominion Herod told all this unto his Sister and asked her if she would marry him and she answered she would Then they requested that Syllaeus should become a Jew in Religion or else it was not lawful for him to marry her He would not condescend hereunto affirming that he should be stoned to death by his people if he did it and so he departed without obtaining his purpose From that time forth Pheroras and especially the King's Wives accused Salome of intemperancy affirming that she had had the company of the Arabian Now Herod E determined to marry his Daughter unto Salome's Son whom Pheroras refused for the love of his Maid which Son of Salome's was her eldest that she had by Costabarus to shew his good will towards Salome his Sister But he was disswaded by Pheroras who told him that the young man would never love such a Father in Law because of his Father's death perswading him rather to marry her to his eldest Son who was to succeed him in his Tetrarchy which he easily perswaded the King unto and so obtained pardon for his former offence Herod married his Daughter to Pheroras's Son Wherefore the match being changed the Maid was married unto the young man who had a hundred Talents in dowry with her more than otherwise should have been given with her But all this while this dissention of Herod's house did not cease but rather encreased F it having a shameful beginning and coming to a sorrowful end Herod had three Eunuchs whom he greatly esteemed for their
and to acquit my self of that debt I leave you this in remembrance which is that you ought to serve and honour him and reverence the Ordinances which he hath given you whereby continuing his favour towards you he will grant you grace to preserve and keep this excellent gift Truly a Law-giver that were no more than a man would be greatly displeased with F those who should violate his Ordinances and set them at nought do not you therefore tempt God who is provoked unto anger when those Laws which he himself hath established and given you shall be contemned and neglected Whilst Moses pronounced these his last words and fore-told to the Tribes their several destinies Deut. 34. 8. and wish'd them a thousand blessings The Hebrews lamentation at Moses death the whole Multitude brake into tears and the women beating their Breasts shewed the sorrow they resented for his death The Children likewise lamented because that in their tender years they had understood the virtue and famous acts of Moses and betwixt the elder and younger sort there was as it were a conflict who should weep most bitterly for the one understanding of how worthy a Governor they were deprived lamented the time to come and the G other were perplexed because they should then lose him they before had sufficiently tasted and made tryal how great his virtue was But how great the compassion and complaint of the people was may be conjectured by this that then befell the Prophet For although he were assuredly persuaded that a man is not to lament at the instant of his H death because it happens to him both according to the Will of God and the Law of Nature yet beholding the affection of the People he could not restrain himself from tears After which he walkt towards the place where he was to dye and they all followed him weeping Then did Moses beckning with his hand warn them from afar off that they should stand still and keep their places and he desir'd them that were nearest him by word of mouth not to afflict him any longer by following him with so many testimonies of affection Accordingly to obey him they stood still and all together bewailed their calamity in so great and so general a loss only the Senators xEleazar the High Priest and the chief Captain Joshua accompanied him And when he was arrived on the Mountain called Abarim which is very high and scituate near Jericho I from whence he might discover the greater part of the Land of Canaan he dismissed the Elders and whil'st with mutual embraces he took his last leave of Eleazar and Joshua and discoursed with them a Cloud suddenly environed him and he was carried away into a certain Valley but the Holy Books which he left us say that he dyed fearing lest for the excellency of his virtue they might report that he was taken up into Heaven The whole time of his Life was 120 years the third part whereof wanting a month he spent in government of this great People Moses when he dyed was 120 years old Amongst the Hebrews Adar is the 12 month but amongst us it is called March He dyed the last month of the year and the first day of that month which the Macedonians call Dystros and our Countreymen Adar He was of all Men that ever liv'd the wisest and who in execution of his good counsels had no man to equal him Moreover in eloquence he was incomparable and K in dexterity and grace to entertain and persuade the People he had no second and so were his passions always govern'd by his wisdom that he seemed utterly to want them and only to know the names of those passions of which he saw the effects in other men Ver. 10. His skill in War may give him a rank amongst the greatest Captains Moses was a good Governor and a great Prophet and no man ever had the gift of Prophecy in so high a degree for his words seem'd so many Oracles and that as inspir'd to him by God himself The People mourned for him 30 days nor were they ever seized with so extreme grief as they were at this time when the Prophet dyed neither did he only leave behind him a present desire of him but a great estimation amongst all men who have ever chanced to read and examine his Writings and by them estimated his virtues And these are the things which I thought good to say of the L death of Moses M N O A The Fifth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHV'S The Contents of the Chapters of the Fifth Book 1. How Joshua General of the Hebrews having overcome and slain the Canaanites divided their Land amongst the Tribes by lot 2. How after the death of the General the Israelites neglecting the Ordinances of their Forefathers fell into extreme Calamities and through a Civil War that was raised B amongst them there were but 600 of the Tribe of Benjamin left alive 3. How for their impiety the People of Israel were delivered by God into Captivity under the Assyrians 4. Their Liberty by Cenez 5. How the People were once more overcome by the Moabites and exempt from servitude by Jodes otherwise called Ehud 6. How they were brought under the subjection of the Canaanites and restored to their liberty by Barac 7. How the Amalekites having entred the Countrey of the Israelites and conquered them possessed and spoiled the same for the space of seven years C 8. How Gideon delivered the People 9. How some Successors of Gideon waged War against the Neighbor Nations round about them 10. Of Samsâ—â—'s strength and what mischiefs he did in Palestine 11. How the Sons of Eli the Prophet were slain in Battel by the Palestines 12. How Eli hearing of the death of his Sons and the loss of the Ark fell down from his Seat and dyed CHAP. I. D How Joshua General of the Hebrews having overcome and slain the Canaanites divided their Land amongst the Tribes by lot Josh 2. AFter Moses was taken from amongst Men in the manner which I have declared the last duties were paid to him The year of the World 2494. before Christ's Nativity 1470. and the time of mourning was pass'd Joshua commanded the People to prepare themselves and to march forward to Battel He sent Spies likewise to Jericho who might both sound their minds Joshua sendeth Spies into Jericho and discover their Forces Soon after he dislodged and encamped in the open field intending with all expedition to pass the River of Jordan as soon as any opportunity offered it self Josh 2. 1 2 3. Then assembled he the Princes of the Tribes of Reuben E and Gad Joshua calleth to memory and reckoneth up what the Tribes of Gad Reuben and Manasses had promised Moses and of the half Tribe of Manasses for to this half Tribe the Countrey of the
Women and Children beating their Breasts and lamenting for the King and his sons and tasting neither meat nor drink Ver. 11 12 13. This was the end of Saul according as Samuel had foretold him because he disobeyed God in his War against the Amalekites The Citizens of Jabes rescue the bodies of Saul and his sons and both bury and lament them and because he had slain Abimelech and all the Sacerdotal Race and destroyed the City of the Priests He Reigned during the life of Samuel the space of 18 years and 22 years after his death K L M N O A The Seventh Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Seventh Book 1. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron over the rest Saul's Son obtaineth the Sovereignty 2. Ishboseth is slain by the treachery of his Servants and the whole Kingdom cometh unto B David 3. David having surprized the City and Citadel of Jerusalem driveth the Canaanites from thence and causeth the Jews to inhabit it 4. David assailed by the Philistines obtaineth a famous victory against them near unto Jerusalem 5. David overcometh the neighbouring Nations and imposeth tribute on them 6. They of Damascus are overcome by David 7. David overcomes the Mesopotamians 8. How through the intestine Wars of his family David was driven out of his Kingdom by his Son C 9. Absolon marching out with his Army against his Father is overthrown 10. The happy estate of David restored again unto his Kingdom 11. David in his life-time anointeth his Son Solomon King 12. The death of David and what he left his Son towards the building of the Temple CHAP. I. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron over the rest Saul's Son obtaineth the Sovereignty D THis Battel was fought on the same day that David returned Conqueror to Siceleg after he had subdued the Amalekites But about three days after his return he that slew Saul and had escaped from the Battel having his garment rent and ashes upon his head came and cast himself prostrate before David and being asked from whence he came he answered from the Battel of the Israelites and certified David of the unhappy event 2 Sam. 1. v. 1 ad 12. telling him that many thousands of the Hebrews were slain and that Saul himself and his Sons were fallen in the conflict He likewise related how he himself retreated amongst the Hebrews An Amalechite certifieth David of Sauls death and in testimony thereof presenteth his bracelets and Crown when the King fled confessing that he had slain him that he might not fall alive into the hands of his enemy For said he Saul E having cast himself upon the point of his sword was so weak by reason of the agony of his wounds that he could not dispatch himself Thereupon he produced the bracelets and the Royal Crown which he took from him David perceiving no cause whereby he should doubt of his death whereof he had most evident and infallible testimonies rent his garments v. 12 and spent the day in weeping and lamenting with his companions but he was the more grieved for the loss of his dear friend Jonathan David lamenteth Saul and Jonathans death whom he acknowledged to be the preserver of his life And so affectionate shewed he himself towards Saul that although he had oftentimes been in danger to have been slain by him yet was he much troubled at his death v. 13 14 15. and not only so David commandeth the Amalâ—chite to be slain that killed Saul but he likewise put to death him that slew him telling him that he himself had accused himself for slaying the King and shown himself F by that parricide to be a true Amalekite He composed likewise Lamentations and Epitaphs in the praise of Saul and Jonathan which are yet extant After that he had thus honoured the King and performed his Lamentations and Obsequies he asked counsel of God by the Prophet 2 Sâ—m 2. 1 ad 7. What City of the Tribe of Juda he would give him to inhabit in David by Gods commandment cometh and dwelleth in Hebron and is declared King of the Tribe of Juda. who answered him That he would give him Hebron For which cause he forsook Siceleg and came and dwelt in Hebron and brought thither his Wives and his Army All the people of the Tribe resorted thither unto him and proclaimed him King where understanding how the Jabesins had buried Saul and his Sons he sent Ambassadors unto them both to praise and approve their actions assuring them that he allowed their act and would recompense that kindness which they had shewed to the dead giving them likewise G to understand David praiseth the Jebafines for burying Saul and his Sons that the Tribe of Juda had chosen him for their King But Abner the Son of Ner General of Sauls Army a man of great courage and a noble disposition understanding that Saul and Jonathan and his two other Brothers were dead came into the Camp The year of the World 2891. before Christ's Nativity 1873. and bringing with him the only Son of Saul that was left whose name was H Isboseth he passed to the other side of Jordan and proclaimed him King He appointed likewise for his Royal seat and place of residence a certain Countrey called in Hebrew Machare that is to say the Camp From thence he went with a select band of soldiers with a resolution to encounter those of the Tribe of Juda because they had chosen David for their Kings Against him marched out Joab the Son of Suri and of Sarvia Davids Sister General of his Army to encounter him accompanied with his Brothers Abisai and Azael v. 8 ad 12. and all Davids soldiers and arriving near a Fountain in Gabaa he drew up his Army in that place Abner the Son of Ner crowned Jeshboseth Sauls Son Abner proposing that before they joyned Battel they should try some of the soldiers of each party it was agreed between them that twelve of either side should be chosen out to decide the quarell Abner leadeth out his Army against the Tribe of Juda. These men marched out into a I certain place betwixt both Armyes and having darted their Javelins the one against the other came at last to their Swords and one taking his enemy by the hair they all of them slew one another v. 13. upon the place Hereupon the Armyes met and after a cruel Battel Abner with his followers were discomfited Joab with all Davids Army issueth out to meet him and flyng in great haste were pursued by Joab who incouraged his soldiers to follow them close without suffering any of them to escape But amongst the rest Joabs Brothers were hot upon the Chase and the youngest of them called Azael v. 15. gave special testimony of his
of his Guard and perceiving likewise that the Porter was asleep they entred into the lodging where Ishboseth was asleep and slew him and having cut off his head they travelled all the night and day as if they fled from those whom they had offended and sought for rescue And when they came to Hebron they presented David with Ishboseths head v. 6. ad 12. offering themselves to do him service letting him know that they M had delivered him of an enemy Ishboseths head is brought to David and made away his adversary But David allowed not their act but thus received them O cursed men on whom I intend presently to execute justice have you not heard how I punished him that murthered Saul David sharp invective against the murtherers of Ishboseth and their punishment and brought his Royal Crown unto me Yea although he slew him at his own request and to the intent the enemy should not surprise him alive Did ye think that I was changed and that I am not the same that I was but that I take delight to be partaker with you in your wickedness or that I will countenance it as if these acts of yours who are murtherers of your Master were to be commended Vngrateful Villains have you no remorse for having murthered on his Couch a Prince that never did an injury to any and had shewed so much kindness unto you but I will certainly punish you with the loss of your lives because ye have thought that Ishboseths death N would work my content for you could not in any thing dishonour me more than by conceiving such an opinion of me Which said he adjudged them to die by the most cruel torments that might be imagined and with a great deal of solemnity he caused Ishboseths head to be interred in Abners Tomb. These murtherers being thus put to death the cheif of the people repaired to David unto Hebron both they that commanded over thousands 2 Sam. 5. 1 2 3 c. and such also as were governors and submitted themselves unto him The Nobles of the Hebrews repair to David to Hebron and declare him King they recounted the good offices they had done him both during Sauls life-time as also the honour which they had always shown him since the first time that he was a Commander in that Army especially that he had been chosen by God through the mediation of the Prophet Samuel to be their King and O his children after him declaring unto him that God had given him the Country of the Hebrews to defend the same and discomfit the Philistines David accepted their rea-readiness A and affection exhorting them to persist assuring them that they should never repent themselves of their obedience and after he had entertained them he sent them to assemble the people Of the Tribe of Juda there came together about six thousand and eight hundred men of War David entertained the Nobles kindly bearing for their Arms a Buckler and a Javelin who before that time had followed Sauls Sons and were not of those that had adhered unto David Of the Tribe of Simeon The Armed Soldiers that came to David seven thousand and one hundred or somewhat more Of that of Levi 4700 whose Captain was Jodam with whom was Sadoc the High Priest accompanied with twenty and two of the same lineage Of the Tribe of Benjamin four thousand men of War for this Tribe were as yet of that opinion that some of the Heirs B of Saul should raign Of that of Ephraim 20800 strong and valiant men Of that of Manasses eight thousand Of that of Issachar two hundred who were skilful in divination and 20000 men of War Of that of Zabulon 20000 chosen fighting men for only this intire Tribe was wholly at Davids command who were armed in like manner as they of Gad were Of the Tribe of Nepthaly there were a thousand Captains famous for their valour and armed with shield and Javelin attended by an infinite number of their Tribe Of the Tribe of Dan there were 27000 chosen men Of that of Aser 40000. Of the two Tribes on the other side of Jordan and of the half Tribe of Manasses sixscore thousand armed men with Buckler Javelin Helmet and Sword The rest of the other Tribes also wore Swords All this multitude was assembled together in Hebron C before David with great provision of victuals and wine sufficient to sustain them all who all of them with one consent Hedio Ruffinus cap. 3. appointed David to be their King Now when the people had mustered and feasted for three dayes space in Hebron David dislodged from thence with his whole Host and repaired to Jerusalem But the Jebusites who at that time inhabited the City and were of the Race of the Canaanites shutting up their Gates against his coming v. 6 7 8 9 10. and placing on their walls as many as were blind and lame The Siege of Jerusalem undertaken by David or maimed in any other sort in contempt of him scoffingly jested and said That these were sufficient to keep out the Enemy so much trusted they to their fortifications Wherewith David being incensed David surpriseth the lower Town he prepared to besiege Jerusalem with all the vigor imaginable that he might by making himself Master of that place strike a terror into all the rest that should D dare to make any opposition David geteth the upper Town He took the lower Town and because the higher Town as yet held out the King resolved to encourage his men of War to shew themselves valiant The valour of Davids Soldiers and in espeacil of Joab promising them honours and rewards and that he would make him General over all the people that should first of all Scale the Wall Whilst they thus put themselves forward to mount without refusing any danger through the desire they had to obtain the Government that was promised Joab the Son of Servia was the forwardest and having got upon the Wall called from thence to the King to acquit himself of his promise CHAP. III. E David having taken Jerusalem by force turneth out all the Canaanites and delivereth the City to be inhabited by the Jews AFter therefore he had cast out the Jebusites from the higher City David expelleth the Jebusites out of the Town and City of Jerusalem and repaired Jerusalem he called it the City of David and resided there all his Raign so that the whole time that he ruled in Hebron over the Tribe of Juda was seven years and six months But after he had taken Jerusalem for his Royal City his fortunes daily more and more increased The league of friendship between Hiram and David because God was with him Hiram also King of Tyre sent unto him and made a league with him he presented him likewise with Presents of Cedar and the Workmen and Masons to build him a Royal
permit him to be present Ver. 3. and that upon good consideration for they said That if they should be defeated in his company Davids friends dissuade his presence in the battel they should utterly lose all hope but if one squadron C should be overcome the rest might have recourse unto him who might unite and reinforce the rather for that the enemies would alwayes think it likely that he had some other recruits with him This counsel pleased him for which cause he remained within the City But at such time as he sent out his friends unto the battel he besought them that in remembrance of all the benefits and favors he had bestowed on them they would both shew themselves couragious in the fight Ver. 4 5. and that having obtained the victory David commandeth them to spare his son they would spare his son for fear least his death should increase and redouble his discontents Thus praying God to give them victory he dismissed them to the battel But when Joab had placed his Army right over against the enemy and had extended them on the Plain having a Wood upon their backs Absalon also drew out his Army against him so that D encountring one another Ver. 6 7. they performed many notable actions on both parts the one hazarding themselves in all dangers The battel betwixt Joab and Absalon and employing all their affections to the intent that David might recover his Kingdom the others neither refusing to do or endure any thing so that Absalon might not be deprived or exposed to his fathers punishment and displeasure for his insolent attempt Besides that they held it an indignity for them that being so great in number as they were they should be overcome by such a handful of people as followed Joab thinking it an utter disgrace unto them that being so many thousands of them in Arms they should be discomfited by Davids followers But Joab and his men being more skilful and trained in feats of Arms than the rest Ver. 8 9. discomfited and brake Absolons Army The flight and overthrow of Absalons Army so that they fled through Woods and into strong E places Davids Soldiers pursuing after them took some and slew others so that both in flight and fight a great number of them were put to the Sword for there fell that day about 20000 Men. But all Davids Troops freshly set upon Absalon who was easily known by his beauty and stature he fearing to be surprized by his enemies mounted upon a swift Mule and fled in great haste But by the swift motion of his body his locks being scattered abroad his bush of Hair was intangled in a thick and branchy Tree where he hung after a strange manner and his Mule ran onward with great swiftness as if she had as yet born her master on her back but he hanging by the Hair amidst the branches suddenly fell into his enemies hands This when a certain Soldier perceived he brought news thereof unto Joab who promised him to give him 50 sicles if he would kill him F The Soldier answered That if he would give him 2000 he would not commit such a murther on the son of his Sovereign the rather for that in the presence of them all David had requested them to spare him Hereupon Joab commanded him to shew him the place where he had seen Absalon hang who had no sooner discovered him but thrusting a Javelin to his heart he slew him A ver 9 ad 15. That done Joabs Esquires surrounded the Tree took him down Joab killeth Absalon and cast him into a deep Pit they overwhelmed him with stones so that in appearance it seemed to be a Tomb or Monument After this when Joab had sounded a retreat he withdrew his Soldiers from pursuit as thinking it unnatural for one Countrey-man to imbrue his hands in the blood of another Absalon had erected in the Royal Valley Ver. 17 18. two furlongs distant from Jerusalem a Marble Pillar with an Inscription upon it to G the intent that if his Race should be extinct Absalons marble pillar his memory might be preserved by that Monument which he had erected Now he had 3 sons and a daughter called Thamar who was married to Roboam Davids Nephew and had by him a son called Abia who succeeded his father in the Kingdom of whom we shall speak more at large CHAP. X. H The happy state of David being restored unto his Kingdom The year of the World 2920. before Christ's Nativity 1044. AFter that Absalon was slain Ver. 21 ad 32. all the people returned privately to their own houses but Achimaas Chusai sent to certifie David of the victory the son of the High Priest Sadoc drew near unto Joab requiring his leave to repair unto David and to certifie him of the victory and how by Gods help and providence he had vanquished his enemies This did the General deny him telling him That it was not convenient that he who heretofore was wont to bring joyful news should now certifie the King of his sons death He therefore commanded him to stay and calling Chusai to his presence he gave him commission to certifie the King of that I which he had seen Achimaas requested him the second time that he would suffer him to go promising him that he would make no mention but of the victory and that as touching Absalons death he would not utter any thing whereupon he dismissed him also who choosing the shorter way outstripped Chusai Now as David sate in the gate of the City expecting some messenger that might certifie him of the success of the battel one of the Sentinels perceiving Achimaas that came running hastily and not being able to distinguish who it was told David that he saw a messenger coming towards him who answered that it was some one that brought joyful news Anon after he told him that a certain other messenger followed to whom David answered likewise that it was one that brought glad tydings And when the Watchman perceived that it was Achimaas K Sadoc the High Priests son and that he was near at hand he ran first of all and certified David Ver. 33. who was very glad thereof saying That he brought some good and desirable news touching the event of the battel David hearing of Absalons death by Chusai grievously bewaileth him and no sooner had the King spoken the word but Achimaas entred and fell down upon his face before David to whom he reported that his Army had the victory Being afterwards demanded what was become of Absalon He answered That he incontinently departed from the Camp as soon as the enemies were put to flight but that a great number of Soldiers pursued Absalon and further then that he knew nothing because by Joabs commandment he was speedily sent away to bring tydings of the victory When Chusai was come and had humbled
City of Alexandria is assigned to the Jewish Nation They have likewise their peculiar Magistrate who governeth the people endeth F and decideth their differences and maintaineth their contracts and ordinances as if he governed in his own Commonwealth By this means this Nation hath fortified and established it self in Egypt for that the Jews had their original amongst the Egyptians and for that Judea is near unto Egypt from whence the Jews are descended And as for Cyrene they have entred it in that it bordereth with that Countrey which is under the obedience of the Egyptians in like manner as Judea doth or rather for that in times past it appertained to the same Kingdom Thus far Strabo After that Crassus had disposed all things according to his own pleasure Crassus slain in Parthia he removed and marched forward to make War against the Parthians Cassius resisteth the Parthiaâ—s where both he and all his Army were destroyed as is declared in another place As for Cassius he retired himself into G Syria and took possession thereof to the end he might affront the Parthians who being A proud of their victory lately obtain'd made excursions so far and coming to Tyre he at length arrived in Judea where upon his first entrance he took the City of Tarichaea and led away from thence 30000 Prisoners He put Pitholaus also to death for having maintain'd Aristobulus's faction All which he did by Antipater's procurement and persuasion Antipater's Wife and Children who was in great credit with him and who also at that time was highly esteem'd amongst the Idumaeans amongst whom he married his Wife who was descended of one of the most famous families of Arabia her name was Cypron by whom he had these four sons Phasaelus and Herod who after was made King Joseph and Pheroras and one daughter called Salome This Antipater also made alliance with other Princes and especially with the Arabian to whose custody he committed his children during the time B he made War against Aristobulus But Cassius gather'd another Army and marched towards Euphrates to go against the Parthians as it is specified and recorded by other Writers CHAP. XIII Pompey causeth Alexander to be beheaded Aristobulus's son Philippion son of Ptolomey Mennaeus Prince of Chalcis marrieth Alexandra Aristobulus's daughter His father Ptolomey putteth him to death and marrieth this Princess C SHortly after this Caesar being Lord of Rome Pompey and the Senate being fled on the other side of the Ionian Sea Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. al. 15. set Aristobulus at liberty determining to send him into Syria with two Legions as being a sufficient man to govern the State-affairs in those parts Nevertheless Aristobulus failed of his hopes and authority he expected at Caesar's hands Aristobulus delivered out of Prison is poysoned For Pompey's adherents prevented and poyson'd him so that he was buried by those of Caesar's faction His body was kept embalm'd with honey for a long time until that Antonius sent it into Jewry Hedio Ruffinus cap. 15. al. 16. to be entomb'd amongst the Kings and Princes Scipio by Pompey's commandment caused Alexander Aristobulus sons head to be cut off charging him with some misdemeanors which he had committed against the Romans he was executed in Antioch The slaughter of Aristobulus's son Ptolomey the son of Mennaeus who govern'd in Chalcis at D the foot of the mount Libanus took his brothers and sent his son Philippion to Ascalon to Aristobulus's Wife commanding her to send her son Antigonus and his daughters one of which called Alexandra was beloved by Philippion and married by him but afterwards he being slain Pompey Philippions father married her and continued the careful maintenance of his brother and sisters-in-law CHAP. XIV Antipater by Hircanus's order assisteth Caesar mightily in the Egyptian War and sheweth much valor E AFter Pompey's death Hedio Ruffinus cap. 16. al. 17. and that Victory which Caesar had obtained against him Antipater Governor of Judea by the commandment of Hircanus was very useful unto Caesar Antipater gathereth Soldiers out of Syria for Caesar's service For whereas Mithridates the Pergamenian brought him certain supplies and could not bring them on by reason of an arm of Nilus passing through Pelusium but was constrained to stay at Ascalon Antipater came unto him and brought with him 3000 Soldiers and dealt so with the Princes of Arabia to associate them with Caesar that by his means all they of Syria gave him their assistance and never altered their affection that they bear unto Caesar These were Jamblicus a great Lord and Ptolomey his son and Tholomaeus the son of Sohemus dwelling on the mount of Libanus and well nigh all F the Cities Mithridates being departed from Syria came to Pelusium where being repulsed and excluded by the Citizens he besieged the City Antipater in this War behav'd himself valiantly Antipater helpeth Mithridates to take Pelusium and after he had beaten down a pane of the Wall he first of all set forward to enter the City Whil'st Pelusium was in this estate the Jews that inhabited Egypt in the Countrey of Onias The Jews of Onias's Countrey are confederated with Caesar would neither grant passage to Antipater nor Mithridates that marched towards Caesar But Antipater who was of their Nation persuaded them to take their parts shewing them the Letter of the High-Priest Hircanus in which he invited them to be friends unto Caesar and exhorted them to furnish his Army with whatsoever they stood in need of Memphis in Egypt so that seeing that Antipater and the High-Priest were agreed together they submitted themselves They that dwelt round about Memphis G hearing that they were thus united sent for Mithridates also unto them who came and received them into his favor CHAP. XV. The year of the World 3917. before Christ's Nativity 47. A Antipater continueth to acquire great reputation in the Egyptian War Caesar cometh to Syria establisheth Hircanus in the High-Priesthood and conferreth great honours upon Antipater notwithstanding Antigonus Aristobulus's sons complaints WHen he was come to a place called Delta The conflict of the Egyptians with Mithridates at Delta he fought with the Enemies in a place which is called the Camp of the Jews in which battel Mithridates led the right Wing and Antipater the left Being hotly engaged the Wing that Mithridates commanded Alias cap. 18. began to give ground and was like to have been utterly routed had noâ— Antipater B running with his Soldiers along the River side obtained the upper hand of his Enemies by putting the Egyptians that were Conquerors to flight and restored Mithridates And pursued them so far that he got their Camp and called Mithridates to take part of the prey that he had recover'd from the fugitive Enemy Mithridates commendeth Antipater's service to Caesar Mithridates lost 800 of his men in this battel but Antipater
in the Countrey of Galilee and for this cause was greatly beloved by Cassius for he being prudent and discreet thought it no small policy at that time to win the Romans good will on other mens expences Under the other Governors the Cities were set to sale together with their Inhabitants and amongst them these four were the chiefest namely Gophna Emaus Lydda and Thamna for Cassius sold the people thereof to them that would give most Besides Cassius was so much transported with choler E that he had slain Malichus if Hircanus had not restrained his fury by sending him One hundred Talents of his own money by Antipater But as soon as Cassius was departed out of the Countrey of Judaea he practised Antipater's death supposing that his cutting off would assure Hircanus's state But Antipater was not ignorant of this his resolution for having an inkling thereof he got himself on the other side of Jordan and assembled an Army of Soldiers both Jews and Arabians Hereupon Malichus who was a politick and subtil fellow denied stoutly that he had intended any Treason Maâ—ichus layeth in wait to murther Antipater but forsweareth the same and is reconciled clearing himself with an Oath before Antipater and his Children that he had never any such intent especially seeing that Phasaelus held Jerusalem and Herod F had an Army at command And in the end perceiving the difficulty wherein he was he reconciled himself to Antipater and they agreed at that time that Marcus governed Syria who perceiving that Malichus began to raise troubles in Jewry resorted thither and there wanted little but that he had slain him had not Antipater by earnest request obtained his life CHAP. XIX Cassius and Marcus leaving Sâ—ria give Herod the command of the Army which they had raised promising to establish him King Malichus causeth Antipater to be poysoned Herod dissembleth with him BUT imprudent Antipater saved Malichus to his own mischief Cassius and Marâ—â—us make Herod Governor of Coelosyria For when Cassius G and Marcus had assembled their Army they committed all the charge into Herods hands and made him Governor of Coelosyria and delivered him great forces both of H Foot and Horse The year of the World 3923. before Christ's Nativity 41. and Ships by Sea They promised him likewise the Kingdom of Judaea after they had finished the War that was at that time betwixt them and Anthony and Caesar the younger Whereupon Malichus mightily fearing Antipaters power determined to destroy him and having corrupted Hircanus's Butler with Money with whom both of them celebrated a Feast he poysoned him Malichus causeth Antipater to be poisoned and afterwards assembling many Soldiers about him he made himself Master of the City When Herod and Phasaelus understood the traiterous conspiracy attempted against their Father they were grievously incensed against Malichus But he denied all and especial abjured the intent or practice of the murther Thus died Antipater a just and virtuous man and such an one as dearly loved his Countrey But Herod who was his younger son immediately resolved to I revenge his fathers death and came forth with an Army against Malichus But Phasaelus who was the elder resolved to circumvent him by policy lest he should raise a Civil War He therefore accepted of Malichus justifications and made a shew that he supposed that he had in no manner contrived Antipater's death and onely minded his Fathers Monument and Funerals Mean while Herod resorting to Samaria and finding it in a desperate condition restored the same and pacified the dissentions that were amongst the Inhabitants Not long after by reason of a Feast he came to Jerusalem with his Soldiers Malichus being afraid of his access perswaded Hircanus that he should not permit him to enter into the City whereunto Hircanus condescended alleadging that amongst the holy People it was not lawful to intermix a Troop of polluted K Men. But Herod slighted them that brought him this news and notwithstanding his command entred the City by night whereat Malichus was much amazed Whereupon according to his ordinary dissimulation he openly wept and bewailed the death of Antipater his especial friend but under-hand he prepared a guard for his own safety Notwithstanding it was thought fit by Herod's friends to take no notice of his dissimulation but to make shew that they were well-affected towards Malichus CHAP. XX. Cassius at Herod's entreaty sends orders to the Commanders of the Roman Troops to revenge L Antipater's death they stab Malichus Felix who commands the Roman Garison in Jerusalem attacketh Phasaelus who reduceth him to capitulate HErod having assured Cassius of Antipater his fathers death he knowing very well of what a wicked man Malichus was wrote back unto Herod that he should revenge the death of his father besides he sent secret Letters to the Captains that were in Tyre commanding them to aid and assist Herod in that just execution which he intended After that Cassius had taken Laodicea and the Inhabitants of the Countrey came together bringing with them Crowns and Silver to present him Herod expecting that Malichus should receive his punishment there but Malichus mistrusting their designs M when he was drawing near to Tyre in Phaenicia he contriv'd a greater enterprize For whereas his son was an hostage in Tyre he entred the City to draw him thence and afterwards return into Judaea taking that opportunity by reason of Cassius's troubles who marched to meet with Anthony he resolved to draw the people to an insurrection and to make himself Lord of the Countrey but God disappointed his unjust purposes For Herod being a man of a ripe judgment immediately discovered his intention and sent one of his servants before under the notion to prepare a banquet because he had told him formerly that he would entertein all his followers but in effect he sent him to the Captains to command them to go out with their Daggers and to meet Malichus who marching forth and meeting with him near the shore he N stabbed him Which act did so much astonish Hircanus that through amaze he grew speechless and being much moved he demanded of Herod's men how this accident had hapned and who it was that had killed Malichus which having heard and how nothing was done without Cassius's commannd he answered that all was well done Malichus being a wicked Man and a Traitor to his Countrey See here how Malichus was justly punished for the wickedness he committed against Antipater When Cassius was gone out of Syria there arose a new tumult in Judaea for Felix who was left in Jerusalem with an Army marched forth against Phasaelus and all the people were in arms For which cause Herod speedily repaired to Fabius Governor of Damasco and intending to succor his brother was prevented by a sickness so that O Phasaelus obtaining a victory by his own forces against Faelix enclosed him up in a Tower whence afterwards he dismissed him under
adventure considerable attempts Herod flyeth to Malchus King of Arabia to borrow money For he went unto Malchus King of the Arabians to whom formerly he had shewed much courtesie hoping to receive the like of him in this time of his great necessity and to draw some money from him either by interest or gift For being ignorant of his brothers death he endeavoured to redeem him speedily from his Enemies by paying his Ransom which amounted to Three hundred Talents and for that cause he led with him the son of Phasaelus who was only seven years old to leave him in pledge amongst the Arabians for the sum that was demanded L But certain messengers came to him from Malchus Herod is commanded out of Arabia and flyeth into Egypt from thence after some storms he repaired to Rome where he certifieth Antonius of that which had befallen him who charged him in the Kings behalf to retire back again for that the Parthians had enjoyned him that he should neither receive nor retain Herod And used this colourable pretence because he would not pay his debts and hereunto was perswaded by the advice of the greatest in authority among the Arabians who pretended thereby to make themselves masters of that treasure that Antipater had committed to their custody Herod answered them That he repaired not into their Countrey to give them cause of any trouble but onely to consult with them about certain matters of great importance touching his own estate and that afterwards he was resolved to depart and withdraw himself into Egypt as secretly as might be possible He returned therefore to a certain Temple where he had left divers of M his followers and the next day he came to Rhinocâ—ra in which place he heard tidings of his brothers death But afterwards Malchus repented himself of his ingratitude and speedily sent after Herod but he could not overtake him for he had gotten far on his way and was already arrived near to Pelusium where being denyed his passage to Alexandria in those ships that were there he addressed himself to the Magistrates of the place who highly respected and honoured him and sent him to the City where Cleopatra was who entertained him kindly yet notwithstanding she could not perswade him to remain with her Whereupon he repaired towards Rome notwithstanding the Winter and those grievous troubles that at the very same time afflicted Italy as it was reported Embarking himself therefore to sail into Pamphilia he was tost with a most N cruel storm so that with great danger at last he arrived in Rhodes having been inforced in the tempest to cast into the Sea great part of his goods There he met with Sappinas and Ptolomey two of his endeared friends He found also the City of Rhodes had suffered much misery by Cassius's Wars and although his means were very short yet he helped them in what he might and caused their Walls to be repaired notwithstanding that by so doing he greatly hindred himself After that he caused a little Frigot to be built and embarked himself with his friends to repair into Italy and arrived at Arundusium and from thence went to Rome The first to whom he discovered his misfortunes was Marcus Antonius to whom he reported all the occurrances in Judaea and how his brother Phasaelus was taken by the Parthians and slain and how O Hircanus was imprisoned with him The manner also how they had established Antigonus King under promise to give them One thousand Talents and Five hundred of the fairest Women whom he intended to chuse out of his own race Lastly how he stole away by night and rescued them and escaping his Enemies hands had afterwards endured A many miseries Besides that his friends were in great danger and left besieged for which cause he had sailed by Winter and despised all dangers only to seek for assistance at his hands on whom depended his hope and last refuge CHAP. XXVâ—â—I Herod through Antonius's and Augustus's assistance is declared King of the Jews at Rome Antigonus besiegeth Massada defended by Joseph Herod's Brother ANtonius hearing of all those alterations that had befallen Herod Hedio Ruffinus cap. 23. al. 25. had compassion of B his misery bethinking himself of the estate and condition of great men who are likewise subject to no less casualties and the rather was he induced to do him good Antonius loved Herod and hated Antigonus both in remembrance of the friendship he had with Antipater his father and also by reason of Herods promises of certain sums of money if he were made King by his means Caesar Augustus Herods friend as he had been formerly declared Tetrarch But that which most moved him hereunto was the hatred which he bare unto Antigonus whom he accounted to be a mutinous man and an Enemy to the Romans On the other side Caesar was well inclined to succor him both in regard of those Armies which Antipater had brought into Egypt in his fathers service as also because of the good hospitality and kindness that he had shewed him in all things and especially to gratifie Antonius who was well affected C towards Herod Whereupon the Senate being assembled Messala and Atratinus brought forth Herod Herod admitted into the Senate and declared King and after they had praised him and recited the favors which the Romans had received by his father and the great affection and good will which he bare to the people of Rome they accused and declared Antigonus the Romans Enemy not only for his ancient crimes but also that in contempt of the Romans he had received the Kingdom from the Parthians Whilst the Senate was sore displeased at the report of these things Antonius arose and declared openly before them all that in furtherance of the Parthian War it were not amiss that Herod should be made King which opinion of his was generally allowed and finally ratified The principal demonstration of the love and affection which Antonius bare unto Herod Herod intending the Kingdom for his Wifes brother enjoyeth the same himself was that he D not only obtained him the Kingdom beyond all hope for he never thought that the Romans would grant that dignity unto him who were wont to reserve that honour to those of the Kings blood and therefore he intended to have demanded it for his Wifes Brother Alexander Herod ascendeth the Capitol with Antonius and Caesaâ— and Nephew to Aristobulus by the Fathers side and to Hircanus by the Mother which Alexander Herod afterwards put to death as shall be declared in time and place but also for that within the term of seven dayes he sent him out of Italy with the unexpected titles of his felicity As soon as the Senate was risen Antonius and Caesar went forth leading Herod between them and being accompanied by the Consuls and other Magistrates went up into the Capitol to do sacrifice and to place there this Decree
dearest friends might not be sought out to be punished yet notwithstanding he could not obtain the same by reason of an Oath that Caesar had past before he sollicited him That done he returned back again unto Jewry with greater honour and assurance than before whereby he struck them with wonderful amazement who expected his contrary success as if by Gods special providence he alwayes over-went his dangers Herod entertaineth both Caesar and his Army very heroically to his great honour Therefore he prepared himself to entertain Caesar who returned out of Syria B to take his journey into Egypt and received him at Ptolomais with all Royal honour and gave his Army Presents with all abundance of Provision so that he was accounted for one of Caesars most affectionate friends and rode about with him when he took the view of his Army he entertained him also and his friends with One hundred and fifty Men adorned with most rich and sumptuous apparel And for that they were to pass thorow a Countrey wherein there was great scarcity of Water he furnished them with both Water and Wine so that they needed neither of them He gave Caesar also Eight hundred Talents Herod giveth Caesar 800 Talents and so royally satisfi'd he all Men that they confessed themselves to have had a far greater entertainment than the Revenues and Profits of his Kingdom could afford them By which means he gave the more ample testimony of his C forward friendship and free affection to deserve well and making use of the opportunity of the time he obtained the reputation of a Prince of an heroick and noble spirit so that he was held inferiour unto no man for the good entertainment which he gave to the chiefest Romans in their return from Egypt CHAP. XI Mariamne giveth Herod so cold a reception when he returned from Caesar that being joined to the aspersions which Herod's mother and sister laid upon her he had infallibly caused her to be put to death at that very instant But he is engaged to return to Augustus he put-her to death at his back-coming The business of Alexandra Mariamne's Mother D Herod's despair after Mariamne's death he falleth dangerously sick Alexandra endeavoureth to make herself Mistris of the two Forts of Jerusalem he made her be put to death and Costobarus and others follow he instituteth Plays and Shews in Honor of Augustus by which he doth so irritate the most part of the Jews that ten of them undertak to kill him he putteth them to death He buildeth many Forts and rebuilds a very fine and a strong Town upon the ruins of Samaria which he names Sebaste BUT as soon as he returned unto his Kingdom Mariamne and Alexandra displeased with Herod he found all his Houshold troubled and both his Wife Mariamne and her Mother Alexandra grievously displeased with him For they supposed and not without cause that they were not shut up in that E Castle for their securities sake but as it were in a Prison so that in as much as they neithay might make use of other Mens nor enjoy their own goods they were highly discontented Mariamne also supposed that her Husband did but dissemble his love rather for his own profit than for any entire affection he bare towards her But nothing more grieved her than that she had not any hope to live after him if so be he should happen to die especially for the order he had left concerning her neither could she ever forget what commands he had before that time left with Joseph so that by all means possible she laboured to win the affections of those that had the charge of her and especially Sohemus knowing very well that her safety depended wholly on his hands Who in the beginning behaved himself very wisely and faithfully containing himself F very circumspectively within the bounds of his commission but after these Ladies had with pretty presents and feminine flatteries wrought and mollifi'd him by little and little at last he blabbed out all that which the King had commanded him Sohemus discovereth the Kings secrets especially for that he hoped not that he should return with the same power and authority which before he had and for that cause he thought thus in himself that without incurring any danger in regard of Herod he might greatly gratifie the Ladies who in all likelihood should not be deprived of that dignity wherein they were at that time but would return them the like kindness when Mariamne should be Queen or next unto the King Furthermore he hoped that if Herod also should return with all things answerable to his desires that he would perform nothing without his Wifes consent or upbraid him G with the act if she contradicted for he knew too well that the King loved her so that it was impossible to equal or express his affections and for these causes he disclosed H the trust that was committed unto him But Mariamne was very sore displeased to hear that there was no end of her miseries but they were altogether united and tied to the dangers of Herod and she oftentimes wished that he might never more return again in safety supposing that her life with him should be very intolerable all which she afterwards dissembled not but openly confessed that which afflicted her with discontent For when as Herod beyond all expectation arrived in his Countrey being adorned with mighty fortune he first of all as it became him acquainted his Wife with his good tydings and happy success whom onely amongst all other his friends and Wives he embraced and saluted Herod but coldly entertained by his wife Mariamne for the pleasing conversation and affection that was in her But she while he repeated unto her these fortunate events of his affairs rather entertained I the same with a displeasant attention than applauding joy Neither could her great sincerity cover the agitation of her mind For when he folded his arms about her neck she unfolded her sorrow in her sighes so simple and unfeigned were her affections and seemed rather to be displeased than appeased by his narrations Whereupon Herod was sore troubled Herod's sorrows to see his wifes affections distracted and changed perceiving these things not onely suspected but also fully manifest but above all things he was distracted when he considered the incredible and apparent hatred that his Wife had conceived against him which incensed him so that he could not resist the love that had attainted him so that he neither could continue in wrath nor listen long to peace and being unresolved in himself he now was attempted by this straight distracted by a contrary affection so much was his mind tossed between K love and hatred when oftentimes he desired to punish the womans pride his heart by loves mediation failed him in the enterprize For nothing did more torment him than this fear lest executing his displeasure against her he should
close prisoner in some sure place in the Palace But by Salomes sollicitations Herod was incited to hasten her death for that she alledged that the King ought to fear lest some sedition E should be raised amongst the people if he should keep her alive in prison And by this means Mariamne was led unto her death Alexandra her mother considering the estate of the time and fearing no less mischief from Herods hands than her daughter was assured of she undecently changed her mind and abjectly laid aside her former courage and magnanimity For intending to make it known that she was neither party nor privy to those crimes wherewith Mariamne was charged she went out to meet her daughter and entertained her injuriously protesting publickly that she was a wicked woman Alexandra undecently striveth to acquit her self of Mariamnes Treason and ungrateful towards he husband and that she well deserved the punishment that was adjudged her for that she durst be F so bold to attempt so heinous a fact respecting to requite her husbands entire love with her unfeigned loyalty Whilst thus dishonestly she counterfeited her displeasure and was ready to pull Mariamne by the hair the assistants according to her desert condemned her generally for her hypocrisie but she that was led to be punished convicted her self by her mild behaviour for first of all she gave her no answer neither was any ways altered by her reproaches neither would so much as cast her eye upon her making it appear that she discreetly concealed and covered her mothers imperfections and was aggrieved that she had so openly shewed so great indignity expressing for her own part a constant behaviour and going to her death without change of colour so that those that beheld her perceived in her a kind of manifest courage and G nobility even in her utmost extremity H Thus died Mariamne having been a woman that excelled both in continence and courage notwithstanding that she failed somewhat in affability and impatience of nature for the rest of her parts she was an admirable and pleasing beauty and of such a carriage in those companies wherein she was entertained that it was impossible to express the same in that she surpassed all those of her time which was the principal cause that she lived not graciously and contentedly with the King For being entertained by him who intirely loved her and from whom she received nothing that might discontent her she presumed upon a great and intemperate liberty in her discourse She digested also the loss of her friends very hardly according as in open terms she made known unto the King whereby also it came to pass I that both Herods mother and sister and himself likewise grew at odds with her After her death the King began more powerfully to be inflamed in his affections Herods miserable estate and moan after the death of his wife who before as we have declared was already miserably distracted For neither did he love after the common manner of married folk but whereas almost even unto madness he nourished this his desire he could not be induced by the too unbridled manners of his wife to allay the heat of his affection but that daily more and more by doating on her he increased the same And all that time especially he supposed that God was displeased with him for the death of Mariamne Oftentimes he did invocate her name using such lamentable expressions that did not become the Majesty of a King And notwithstanding he devised all kinds of delights and sports that might be imagined by preparing banquets and inviting K guests with Princely hospitality to pass away the time yet all those profited him nothing for which cause he gave over the charge and administration of his Kingdom At length he was so besotted with grief A plague invadeth Jerusalem that oftentimes he commanded his servants to call his wife Mariamne as if she had been alive Whilest thus he was afflicted there came a pestilence within the City that consumed a great part of the people and most of the nobility and all interpreted that this punishment was inflicted by God upon them for the unjust death of the Queen Herod falleth grievâ—usly sick Thus the Kings discontents being by this means increased he at last hid himself in a solitary wilderness under pretext of hunting where afflicting himself incessantly at last he fell into a most grievous sickness This disease of his was an inflammation or pain in the neck he seemed also in some sort to rave and grow mad neither L could any remedies relieve him of his agony but when the sickness seemed rather to increase all men at last grew almost desperate of his recovery For which cause his Physician partly in respect of the contumacy of his disease partly because in so great a danger there was not any free election of dyet they gave him leave to taste whatsoever best pleased his appetite committing the uncertain event of his health to the hands of fortune Whilest thus he continued in Samaria Alxandra in Herods absence seeketh to get the possession of the Castles which now is called Sebaste Alexandra being at that time in Jerusalem having notice of this his condition endeavored to reduce all the strong fortresses that were within the City under her subjection the one of which was hard by the Temple the other was situate within the City for they that are Masters of these keep all the rest of the nation under their awe because that without these neither the usual and M daily sacrifices may be performed neither may the Jews live without such sacrifices and oblations who had rather lose their lives than contemn their religion She therefore solicited those that had the government thereof to surrender them up to her and Herods children begotten of her daughter Mariamne lest he being dead they should be seised on by others and if it should fortune him to recover his health in the mean while they mâ—ght be kept and held by no man more securely than such as were his nearest friends This suit and solicitation of hers was but coldly received and the Captains who at all times shewed themselves always faithful at that time were the rather far more constant in their duty both for that they hated Alexandra and also that they thought it a great offence to despair of the health of their Prince Herods counsellors certifie him of Alexandras intent For these were the Kings old friends and one of them was Herods own Nephew N whose name was Achiabus For which cause they sent presently messengers unto him to shew him Alexandra's intent who having heard these news presently commanded her to be put to death Alâ—xandra put to death and at length overcoming his sickness he grew so badly affected both in body and mind that he grew hateful unto all men so that all those who offended him and for how little cause
Letters he had usurped the Crown and Kingdom and he was minded also E to bestow Arabia upon Herod but the Letters which Herod sent him changed his mind For Olympus and Volumnius as soon as they understood that Caesar's wrath towards Herod was pacified presently they delivered unto him the Letters as they were commanded wherein were contained the Arguments whereby his Sons were convicted of Treason against him Which Caesar having read he thought it not convenient to trouble the old man unfortunate with his Sons with another Kingdom and so he admitted Aretas his Ambassadours The year of the World 3961. before Christ's Nativity 3. and chiding them that their King had rashly usurped the Kingdom without his Authority and knowledge not expecting his pleasure he received their gifts and confirmed him in the Kingdom by his Authority This done being now reconciled unto Herod he writ unto him that he was sorry for him that F he had such Children Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. and that he should if they had attempted any Treason against him Aretas's Ambassadors unto Caesar punish them as men that desired to murther their Father for he gave him free and full Authority but if they only attempted to fly he should also be satisfied with a less punishment Caesar allowed Herod to punish malefactors Wherefore he counselled him to call a Council at Berytum together with the Roman Presidents and Archelaus King of Cappadocia and the rest of his friends and the Nobility thereabout according as they should advise him so to do And this was the effect of Caesar's Letter CHAP. XVII H How Herod's Sons were condemned in the Council of Berytum HErod receiving this Letter rejoyced above measure both for that he had again obtained Caesar's favour and for that Caesar had given him full Authority to do what he pleased unto his Sons And yet I know not how it came to pass that he who in his prosperity was a hard Father yet did shew himself not rash in putting his Sons to death and though his affairs were in a very flourishing condition yet he was very moderate in his revenge Herod assembleth all that Caesar willed except Archelaus Wherefore by Letters he called together all those I whom Caesar appointed only Archelaus excepted either for that he hated the man or else for that he feared he would have withstood his purpose And when they were all come together as well the Presidents as the rest who were called out of divers Cities he would not bring his Sons into the Council but kept them in a Village of the Sidonians named Platan not far distant from the City to the intent that if they were called for he might bring them forth Then Herod himself alone entring into the Council before an hundred and fifty men there assembled for that purpose began to accuse his Sons before them and used a speech not only pitiful for his own calamities but also little becoming a Father For he was very vehement in inveighing against their offence neither did he sufficiently express his mind shewing K many signs of fury and anger Herod accused his Sons neither did he deliver in writing any proofs of the Accusations unto the Judges but undecently himself alledged there the Father against the Son himself also reading before them certain Letters written by them wherein was contained no impiety nor Treason but only a consultation to flee away and certain hard speeches whereby they shewed themselves offended which when he came unto he exclaimed as though hereby they confessed their treacherous practices greatly exaggerating the matter and protesting that he had rather die than hear such speeches Lastly affirming that both Nature and Caesar gave him authority against them and his Countrey Laws so commanded that if any one being accused his Father or Mother should lay their hands upon his head and the standers L by must presently stone him to death which though he might easily do in his own Countrey and Kingdom yet he thought good also to expect their censures Yet he came unto them not for that they were to judge his Sons who were taken in a manifest crime but that by this occasion they might add their suffrages to the just indignation of a Father offended and that they might leave an example unto all posterity that such Treasons ought not to be left unpunished The King having thus spoken and not permitting the young Princes to be brought in to answer all seeing what the King intended and that there was no hope to reconcile them unto their Father or save their lives they all confirmed his authority And first of all Saturninus one that had been Consul and had been adorned with many M honours Saturninus doth pronounce an indifferent sentence pronounced an indifferent sentence limited with circumstances to wit that he condemned Herod's Sons yet not to die for quoth he my self have Sons and I would not add this calamity to Herod's misfortune past After him also his three Sons who were their Father's Legates pronounced the same sentence But Volumnius pronounced that they had deserved death Volumnius and other of Herods friends pronounce Herod's Sons to be beheaded Herod asked of Nicholaus what his friends at Rome thought of his Sons who were so impious towards their Father whose sentence after him the most part followed so that it seemed that they were now ordained to be put to death Presently Herod carried them with him to Tyre where he met Nicholaus who was there arrived returning from Rome unto whom the King first relating what was done at Berytum he asked him what his friends at Rome thought of his Sons He answered that they judged the Princes intents impious and that they N ought to be bound and imprisoned and then after due consideration if it were thought expedient to be put to death lest the King might be thought to have given more way to his anger than to reason yet if it might so please him they thought it best to acquit them lest otherwise he do that which hereafter he may repent when it is too late And this was the opinion of most of his friends at Rome Then the King a long time pondered these words and made no reply but commanded him to go along in his company At his arrival in Caesarea all men were doubtful what would become of his Sons expecting an end of that Tragedy for they greatly feared that by reason of the old discord he would cut them off and notwithstanding they were sorry for them yet it was dangerous either to speak rashly or to hear any thing spoken freely concerning O them but in their hearts compassionating them they concealed their griefs Only one amongst all the rest an old Souldier named Tyro others dissembling their grief A spake freely what he thought The year of the World 3961. before Christ's Nativity 3. This Tyro had a Son of Alexander's
they were excellent and especially Alexander the eldest of them It had been enough for him suppose he had condemned them either to have kept them in perpetual Prison or banished them into some far Countrey seeing that he was assured of the Roman Power under whose protection he neither needed to have feared invasion nor secret Treason against him For to put them to death only to satisfie his own furious will what else doth it argue but only an impious liberty casting K off all Fatherly humanity and kindness especially seeing that he was aged whose years could neither plead ignorance nor that he was deceived For neither was he the more excused by the delay he used nay it had been a less offence if amazed with some sudden news he had been incited to so hainous an offence But after so long deliberation at last to effect such a matter betokens a bloody mind and hardened in wickedness as he shewed afterwards not sparing the rest whom before he held most dear Who though they were less to be pitied in that they justly suffered yet was it an argument of his like cruelty in that he abstained not from their deaths also But we will speak of this hereafter L M N O A THE SEVENTEENTH BOOK Of the B ANTIQUITIES of the JEWS Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the Seventeenth Book 1. Antipater endeavoureth to hasten his Father's death that he may reign in his place The Children that Herod had by his nine Wives C 2. Of Zamaris a Babilonish Jew a man of singular virtue 3. Antipater Pheroras and his Wife conspire against Herod Salome acquainteth him with it he causeth some Pharisees who were of this Conspiracy to be put to death He endeavoureth to make Pheroras repudiate his Wife but he cannot be perswaded to it 4. Herod sendeth Antipater to Augustus with his Will by which he declareth him his Successor Syllaeus bribeth one of Herod's Guards to kill him but the plot is discovered 5. Pheroras's death D 6. Pheroras's Wife is accused and Herod is advertised of Antipater's Conspiracies 7. Antipater being returned back unto Judaea from Rome is convicted in the presence of Varus Governour of Syria for having endeavoured to poyson the King his Father Herod causeth him to be imprisoned and writeth to Augustus on that Subject 8. The Golden Eagle that Herod had consecrated and fixed on the Portal of the Temple is pulled off the severe punishment that he inflicteth for it The King 's terrible sickness and the cruel orders that he giveth to his Sister Salome and to her husband E 9. Augustus referreth it to Herod to dispose of Antipater as he pleaseth Herod falling into a relapse of his Torments desireth to kill himself Achiavus one of his Grand-children hindreth him It is reported that he is dead Antipater endeavoureth in vain to bribe his Keeper to set him at liberty as soon as Herod heareth of it he sendeth one to kill him 10. Herod altereth his Will declareth Archelaus his Successor he dieth five days after Antipater Herod's glorious Funeral ordained by Archelaus the peoples great acclamation in favour of Archelaus 11. Some Jews who demanded satisfaction for Judas and Matthias and others deaths F whom Herod caused to be burned for having pulled down the Eagle at the Portal of the Temple make an Insurrection which obligeth Archelaus to cause three thousand of them to be put to death He goeth afterwards to Rome to be confirmed King by Augustus His Brother Antipas who pretends to have right to the Crown repaireth thither also the Cause is pleaded before Augustus 12. A great Rebellion in Judea whilest Archelaus was at Rome Varus Governour of Syria stoppeth it Philip Archelaus's Brother goeth also to Rome in hopes to obtain one part of the Kingdom The Jews send Ambassadours to Augustus G to free them from their obedience to Kings and to re-unite them to Syria They complain to him against Archelaus and abhor the memory of Herod 13. Caesar confirms Herod's Testament and appointeth his Children to be his Successors H 14. An Impostor counterfeits himself to be Alexander Herod's Son Augustus finds out the Cheat and sends him to the Galleys 15. Archelaus marrieth Glaphyra his Brother Alexander's Widow Augustus having heard several of the Jews complaints of him confineth him to Vienna in France and uniteth his possessions to Syria Glaphyra's death CHAP. I. I Antipater endeavoureth to hasten his Father's death that he may reign in his place The Children that Herod had by his nine Wives AFter that Antipater had made away his Brothers through the extreme impiety and unbridled fury wherewith Herod their Father was incensed against them yet he did not immediately obtain that which undoubtedly he hoped for For being freed of K that fear he conceived lest his Brothers should be partakers with him in the Kingdom Hedio Ruffinus chap. 1. he found it a difficult and dangerous matter to find the means how to obtain it Antipater after he had made away his Brothers grew hateful both to the Souldiers and the people so strange and hainous a hatred had all the Nation conceived against him On the other side in shewing himself proud and lofty he more and more encreased that hatred which the Souldiers had conceived against him in whom the security of the Kingdom consisted if it should fortune to fall out that the people should attempt any alteration All which mischiefs were procured by his own sins and the unnatural murther of his Brothers Antipater governed the Kingdom with his Father Nevertheless he governed the Kingdom with his Father living only in less Authority than himself Herod also reposed more confidence in L him even in those things for which he was worthy to lose his head For the King conceived that in confirmation of his good affection towards him Antipater had accused his Brethren to continue his Father in security and not for any hatred he bore unto them more than to his Father though indeed he hated them for his Father's sake being transported with fury But all these were but as so many stratagems to insinuate himself into Herod's Counsels and Favours and these did he craftily make use of to cut off the occasion lest any should prevent or accuse him of that which he pretended to do and that Herod might be deprived of all relief if so be that Antipater should beâ—â— his Forces against him Antipater wisheth his Father's death For the Treason he complotted against his Brothers proceeded from the hatred he bare unto his Father But at that time he was the more egged on to prosecute M his intended purposes without any delay For if Herod should happen to die it was most sure that the Kingdom should be his and should his life continue any longer time and the practice Antipater went about should be discovered seeing himself invironed with these dangers he
for which he hoped that after his death his memory and glory should survive After this he expostulated with them for what cause they abstained not from offering him that injury during his life time Herod assembleth the Governours of the Jews and expostulateth with them about this commotion And why at Noon day and in the sight of all the people they had laid hands K on these Presents which he had dedicated unto God and had taken those things away violently which though in words they appertained to him yet in the effect if they were well examined they had taken from God The Governours suspecting his cruelty and fearing lest his unbridled passion should urge him further by which means they might be assured of some severe punishment answered him that those things were not done by their consents and that in their opinion the injury ought not to be let slip without punishment At that time Herod shewed himself more favourable towards the rest Matthias deprived of the High Priesthood and Jozarus assigned his place but he caused Matthias to be deprived of the Priesthood as one who in part had been the cause of that which had happened and in his place substituted Jozar one of his Wives Brethren During the Priesthood of this Matthias it happened also that another High Priest was elected that very day wherein the Jews did usually celebrate their Fast For Matthias the night before the day of the Fast seemed in his Dream to have the company of his Wife and whereas for this cause he was L unfit to offer the Divine Sacrifice he had Joseph the Son of Ellemus appointed him to be his Assistant by reason of his alliance Joseph Ellemi for one day High Priest Herod therefore deposed Matthias And as for the other Matthias who had moved this trouble both he and his companions were by his order consumed with fire This very night the Moon was eclipsed and Herod's sickness grew more vehement For God punished those sins which he had committed Matthias and Judas burned For he was inflamed with a slow fire which to the outward sense seemed not so vehement but inwardly searched and afflicted all his Entrails He had also a ravenous and unnatural Appetite to his meat The Eclipse which could no way be satisfied Besides that he had an Ulcer in his Bowels Hedio Rufâ—â—â— chap. 9 with a strange and furious Collick His Feet were swelled and of venomous colour 〈◊〉 horrible sickness and his Stomach was no less affected also His Members rotted and were full of crawling Worms with a filthy and no less troublesome Priapism accompanied with an intolerable Stench Besides all this he had a strong Convulsion of his Nerves and shortness of Breath For which cause it was a general opinion amongst holy men and such as had the knowledge of Prophecy M that the King was thus punished for his infinite impieties and sins committed against the Majesty of God And although he was tormented with an unsupportable sickness yet he had hopes to escape and for that cause he sent for Physicians from all places The hot Baths of Calliroes that flow into the Lake of Asphaltite and refused none of those remedies which they thought requisite for him He therefore past over Jordan and went into the hot Baths of Calliroes the Waters whereof are potable besides other vertues they have against all other kind of sickness this Water dischargeth it self into the Lake called Asphaltites Being there it was thought good by his Physicians that he should refresh himself in those Waters There being set by them into a Bathing-tub filled with Oyl he grew so sick that they held him for dead Whereupon all his Domestick servants wept and lamented and all his familiar friends cried out bewailing him and with their great noise caused him to come to himself And seeing himself wholly out of hope to escape he gave order that there should a Distribution be made to every Soldier the summ of fifty Drachmes and he offered great Presents N to their Captains and his Friends Afterwards he returned to Jericho where a melancholly humour possessed him Herod bestoweth a distribution among his Soldiers which made him unsociable and displeased against all men so that seeing that he must needs die he bethought him of this wicked action that followeth For the Noblest men amongst the Nation of the Jews resorting unto him from all parts by his command under the express Penalty of loss of life to whosoever should neglect the same the King shewed himself to be displeased as well against those whom he thought guilty Herod commandeth that the Noblest of the Jews should be slain after his death as against them who had given him no occasion of discontent For he caused them to be shut up in a place called the Hippodrome which was the Tilt-yard to run Horses in and sent for his Sister Salome and Alexas her Husband telling them that his end was at hand for that his griefs did incessantly torment him which as he said he ought to bear patiently because it was an end that should happen to all men But that which most grieved him was that he saw himself deprived of those mournings and lamentations which a King deserved For he was not ignorant of the Jews affections neither how his death was desired and longed for by them since that in his life time they O presumed so far as to revolt and dishonour and deface those gifts which he had bestowed upon the A Commonweal It therefore behoved them to afford him some solace in that his bitter anguish for that if they refused not to perform that which he had contrived in his mind the lamentation of his death should be magnificent and as great as ever any King ever had and the pleasure and laughter that might accompany his death should be abated by their sorrow who should unfeignedly lament for the whole Nation He therefore commanded them that at such time as he should give up the Ghost they should cause the Hippodrome to be invironed by his Souldiers as yet unadvertised of his death which he would not have published before this execution was ended and to command them to shoot their Arrows at those that were shut up therein And that when they had killed them all after this manner they should B make him triumph and rejoyce in a double joy first for that in his death his Commands should be ratified by effect Secondly For that he should be honoured by a memorable lamentation Thus weeping he entreated his Kinsfolk for the love they bare unto him and for the faith they bare unto God that they should not suffer him to die frustrate of his last honour and they protested that they would not transgress any point of his Commands Hereby a man may conjecture what his nature was who took pleasure in these above-named impieties and who through the
a Tyrant being of himself a cholerick man implacable towards all men without any occasion having a natural inclination so cruel that the easiest pain whereunto he adjudged G those whom he condemned was death Notwithstanding therefore that every man took pleasure to hear the news yet did all conceal it until such time as they might be more fully assured through the fear of those miseries they foresaw if the matter should fall out otherways But Marsyas Agrippa's Free-man having certain H notice of Tiberius's death ran speedily to comfort his Master Agrippa with these good news and meeting with him as he came out of the Bath he made a sign unto him and told him in the Hebrew Tongue the Lyon was dead Agrippa conceiving that which he meant Marsyas Agrippa's Free-man certifieth him of Tiberius's death was ravished with joy and said unto him I will requite thee for all those benefits I have received at thy hands and especially for this good news provided that it prove true The Centurion who had the keeping of Agrippa considering what expedition Marsyas had used in running and the pleasure that Agrippa had conceived in his report he began to suspect some alteration and asked him what had happened and whereas he delayed to give him an answer he importuned him the more Whereupon Agrippa told him plainly what he had heard in that he had grown already intimately I familiar with him The Centurion rejoyced at this news as well as Agrippa hoping to speed the better thereby and made Agrippa good cheer But whilst they were in the midst of their Banquetting The rumour was spread in Rome that Tiberius was alive and drunk freely there came one unto them who told them that Tiberius was alive and that within few days he would come to Rome The Centurion troubled with this news for that he had committed a Capital crime in eating in the company of a Prisoner upon the news of Caesar's death and by rejoycing with him he drave Agrippa out of the place where he sate and reproachfully said unto him Thinkest thou said he that I know not how falsely thou spreadest the rumour of Caesar 's death yes be assured thou shalt answer thy lie with the loss of thy head This said he caused Agrippa to be bound whom before-time he had suffered to go at K liberty and shut him up in more close Prison than he had been before so that Agrippa was all that night long in this extream misery The next day the rumour was spread thorough the whole City that confirmed Tiberius's death and at that time every one boldly protested it There were some also who offered Sacrifices for this cause Caius certifieth the Senate and Piso of Tiberius's death and his Succession and willeth that Agrippa should be sent to his own Lodging And there came Letters also from Caius which were addressed to the Senate by which he assured them that Tiberius was dead and how the Empire was committed to his hands He writ another also to Piso who had the Guard of the City containing the like report and besides that commanding him to transfer Agrippa from the company of those Souldiers by whom he was kept to the same place where he was lodged before so that from that time forwards he grew confident For although he was L as yet a Prisoner yet lived he at his own discretion Caius arriving in Rome brought with him Tiberius's body which he burned most magnificently according to the custom of the Countrey Tiberius's Funeral And although he were very willing to set Agrippa at liberty the same day yet he was disswaded from it by Antonia not for any ill will she bare the Prisoner but in regard of Caius's honour lest thereby he should shew himself to be glad of Tiberius's death in setting him at liberty so speedily whom he had committed to Prison When therefore some few days were over he sent for him to his house and caused his hair to be cut and his garments changed and that done he set a Diadem upon his head Caius createth Agrippa King and giveth him two Tetrarchies and made him King of Philip's Tetrarchy to which he added Lysanias's Tetrarchy and changed his Chain of Iron into a Chain of Gold of the same M weight and sent Marullus into Judaea to govern there The second year of Caius's Reign Agrippa asked leave to repair into Judaea to dispose of his Kingdom purposing to return again when he had dispatched those Affairs Agrippa departeth into his Kingdom Which when the Emperour had granted him he came into Judaea and was seen and saluted for a King beyond all men's expectation serving thereby for a most notable example unto men to express unto them how great the power of Destiny is in humane Affairs The year of the World 4002. after Christ's Nativity 40. considering the poor estate wherein he had been before and the happiness which he enjoyed at that time Some termed him happy in that he resolutely followed his hopes others could scarcely believe that he was thus advanced N CHAP. IX Herodias Hedio Ruffinus chap. 14. alias chap. 16. Herod the Tetrarch's Wife and King Agrippa's Sister being impatient to see her Brother reign in so much Prosperity compels her Husband to go to Rome to obtain a Crown also Herodias Agrippa's Sister envieth her Brothers happiness and inciteth her Husband to seek a Kingdom but Agrippa having written to Caius against him he banished him and his Wife to Lions in France HErodias Agrippa's Sister was married to Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea Shee envied her Brother to see him raised to so great Authority and to far greater O Dignity than her Husband enjoyed For which cause she was displeased that her Brother who fled out of his Countrey in that he wanted means to pay his debts was returned A in great Honour and State This alteration seemed unsufferable to her especially to see him apparelled like a King and environed with a great multitude of people so that it was impossible for her to hide her grief for which cause she incited her Husband and perswaded him to make a Voyage to Rome and to purchase as much as he possessed For said she I cannot endure to live if Agrippa Aristobulus 's Son condemned to die by the sentence of his own Father so poor and indigent that to redress his necessities wherewith he was daily pressed by his Creditors he was constrained at last to flee to Rome should return with such Titles of Honour and that her Husband who was a King's Son and was called to the Kingdom by his Father should live obscure and pass his life like a private man Husband said she if herefore it hath been no prejudice to thee to live in less Dignity B than thy Father hath done now at least desire that due honour which belongeth to thy Family neither think it sufferable
saluted in the Theatre for a God and spieth the Owl which the German foretold him of that five days after he should die Whereupon a company of base Sycophants whose flatteries do usually poyson the hearts of Princes cried out thus Be merciful unto us hitherto we have feared thee as a man but hence-forward we will confess and acknowledge thee to be of a Nature more excellent than Mortal Frailty can attain unto Agrippa reproved them not for using these words neither rejected he their palpable and detestable Flattery as he ought to have done But not long after he looking upwards perceived an Owl over his head pearched upon a cord and knew presently that he was but I a messenger of his misfortune whereas formerly he had denounced unto him his felicity and conceived thereupon a most hearty and inward grief And suddenly he was seized with a terrible griping in his belly which began with very great vehemency For which cause turning his eyes towards his friends he spake unto them after this manner Behold him said he whom you esteem for a God condemned to die and destiny shall apparently convince you of those flattering and false speeches which you have lately used in my behalf For I who by you have been adored as one immortal am under the hands of death But I must willingly entertain that which God pleaseth to send me For I have 〈◊〉 lived in obscurity but in so great and wonderful felicity that each one of you have held me happy K Whilst he spake thus his griefs augmented in such sort that he was brought almost to his last for which cause he was with all expedition conveyed into his Royal Palace and the rumour was spread in every place that very shortly he would be dead For which cause the people with their Wives and Children put on Sack-cloth according to the custom of the Countrey to the end they might solicit God's Mercy on the King's behalf and all the City was filled with tears and lamentations The King that lay in an upper Chamber and looking down into the Court saw them lying thus on the earth could not refrain from tears And after he had for the space of five days without ceasing been tormented with griping in his belly he gave up the Ghost in the fifty fourth year of his Age and the seventh year of his Reign for he had reigned four years under the Empire of Caius Caesar having first of all governed Philip's Tetrarchy I three years to which was added the Segniory of Herod in the fourth year and three years under the Empire of Claudius Caesar during which time he governed over the above-named Countreys and moreover over Judaea Samaria and Caesarea His Revenue amounted to twelve hundred Myriades The year of the World 4009. after Christ's Nativity 47. besides which he made many Loans For in regard he was very liberal in giving he spent far more than his Revenue and spared not any thing to shew himself magnificent Before the people knew of his death Herod his Brother Prince of Chalcis and Chelcias the King's Lieutenant and Friend agreed between themselves to send Aristo 1200 Myriades amount to 15 Tuns of Gold one of their trustiest Servants to kill Silas who was their enemy as if they had been commanded by the King M Thus died King Agrippa leaving behind him a Son called Agrippa seventeen years old Herod the Prince of Chalcis and Chelcias kill Silas and three Daughters one of which that was called Bernice was married to Herod his Father's Brother when she was sixteen years old The two other were Mariamne and Drusilla this Mariamne being of the age of ten years was promised in marriage by her Father Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. alias chap. 9. to Julius Archelaus Chelcias's Son and Drusilla which was six years old was promised also to Epiphanes Son to the King of Comagena After Agrippa's death Agrippa's Children alive they of Caesarea and Sebaste forgot those benefits they had received from him and used him no less despightfully than as if he had been their utter enemy The Caesareans and Sebastians revile Agrippa being dead For they reproachfully abused him after his death and reviled him in such sort that it is unseemly to report the same Moreover all the Soldiers who were at N that time many in number went into the King's Lodging and with one accord seized the Statues of the King's Daughters and carried them to the Brothel-house where after they had placed them they uttered all the indignities they could possibly practising such shameful matters as they may not be expressed Besides this resting themselves in the publick places they banquetted in the open Street wearing Chaplets of Flowers on their heads and perfuming themselves with Odours to sacrifice to Charon drinking to one another for joy that the King was dead Thus they expressed their ingratitude not only towards their King Agrippa who had bestowed so many Liberalities on them but also towards Herod his Grand-father who had builded their Cities and to his extream charge Agrippa Agrippa 's Son erected their Ports and Temples At that time Agrippa the deceased Agrippa's Son was at Rome and was brought up under the Emperour Claudius O When Caesar understood how those of Caesarea and Sebaste had injuriously dealt with A Agrippa he was highly displeased and moved with their ingratitude And his purpose was to send the younger Agrippa with all expedition to take Possession of the Kingdom of his Father and therewithal to discharge him of his Oath but divers of his Free-men and Friends who were in great credit with him disswaded him from it alledging that it would be a dangerous thing to commit the greatness of such a Kingdom to a young man Claudius intendeth to send young Agrippa into his Father's Kingdom but is disswaded and sendeth Caspius Fadus for President into Judaea and those parts who scarcely had as yet attained to the age of eighteen years and for whom it was impossible to support the care of so great a Kingdom considering that if he were at man's estate he should find himself over-burthened with the charge of a Kingdom This advice of theirs was approved by Caesar and for this cause he sent Cuspius Fadus to govern Judaea and the whole Realm honouring his dead Friend in B this in that he would not suffer Marsus who had been his Enemy to enter into his Kingdom He gave especial Commission also that Fadus should sharply punish those of Caesarea and Sebaste for the injuries they offered to his deceased Friend and the excess that was committed against his Daughters who were yet living commanding him to transport the Companies of the Caesarians and Sebastens and the five Roman Legions into the Countrey of Pontus to serve in that place and to take those Roman Soldiers that bare Arms in Syria to serve there Yet notwithstanding this Command they were not displaced
it would cost much time and expence he denied their request permitting them nevertheless to pave their City with broad Stone Matthias the Son of Theophilus High Priest He took the Priesthood from Jesus the Son of Gamaliel and gave it to Matthias the Son of Theophilus in whose time the Wars betwixt the Romans and the Jews began But I think it not amiss Hedio Ruffinus chap. 18. but very answerable to the course of this present History N to speak of the High Priests The Succession and number of the High Priests among the Jews and to shew how they had their beginning and to whom this honour may be lawfully communicated and how many they were in number until the end of the War The first of them was Aaron Moses's Brother after whose death his Children succeeded him and from that time forward the honour hath continued with their Successors For it is a Law observed by our Ancestors that no man should be admitted to the Priesthood There were eighty three High Priests in all except he be of Aaron's Posterity for albeit he were a King if so be that he were of another Line it was impossible for him to obtain the Priesthood All the Priests after Aaron who as we have said was the first until Phanasus whom the Seditious created Priest in the time of the War have been in number eighty three whereof thirteen have executed the Office from the time that O Moses erected God's Tabernacle in the Desart until such time as arriving in Judaea King Solomon builded a Temple to God For in the beginning the High Priesthood continued A with the Possessors for term of life but afterwards although the Priests were yet alive yet were there other Successors put in their rooms These thirteen were of Aaron's Posterity and obtained this degree in succession the one after the other Their first Government was Aristocracy which is the Government of the Nobility afterwards a Monarchy and at last a Royal Government The number of years wherein these thirteen flourished were six hundred and twelve years from the day that our Fathers departed out of Egypt under the conduct of Moses until the building of the Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon After these thirteen High Priests there were eighteen others who after Solomon's time succeeded one after another until the time that Nabuchodonozor King of Babylon B having encamped before the City took it and burned the Temple and transported our Nation into Babylon and led away the High Priest Josedech Prisoner The time of the Priesthood and continuance of these eighteen was four hundred sixty years six months and ten days so long as the Jews have had the Royal Government After the surprizal of Jerusalem by the Babylonians until such time as Cyrus King of Persia dismissed the Jews and gave them leave to return from Babylon into their own Countrey with permission to re-edifie their Temple there are seventy two years and at that time the Captives being returned Jesus the Son of Josedech took upon him the High Priesthood who with those of his Posterity to the number of fifteen have governed in a Democracy or Popular Government until the time of Antiochus surnamed C Eupator for the space of four hundred and fourteen years This Antiochus was the first who with his General Lysias displaced Onias surnamed Menelaus of his Priesthood commanding him to be killed at Berith and after he had driven his Son out of the Succession he established Jacim High Priest who notwithstanding was of Aaron's Race but not of his Family For this cause Onias the Son of Onias and Nephew to the deceased Onias retired himself into Egypt Where growing familiar with Ptolomey Philometor and Cleopatra his Wife he perswaded them to build a Temple in the Confines of Heliopolis not unlike to that of Jerusalem and to create a High Priest in the same of which Temple in Egypt we have made very oftentimes mention After that Jacim had held the Priestood for the space of three years he died without D Successor so the City remained seven years without a High Priest Again the Asmoneans recovered the Government of their Nation and after they had made War against the Macedonians they established Jonathan High Priest who exercised the Office seven years but afterwards he was killed in an Ambush and Treason conspired against him by Tryphon as we have declared elsewhere After him Simon his Brother undertook the Priesthood who was not long after killed treacherously by his Son-in-Law at a Banquet After him succeeded his Son Hircanus who enjoying this Dignity for the space of thirty one years died when he was very old leaving behind him Judas surnamed Aristobulus who dying left his Brother Alexander his Heir both of the Kingdom and High Priesthood After that Aristobulus had obtained the E Royal Government he enjoyed both Dignities one whole year For this Judas surnamed Aristobulus was the first that set the Diadem on his head causing himself to be called a King the which Alexander did continue for he also joyned the Kingdom with the High Priesthood and reigned twenty seven years And feeling himself draw near to his death he left in Alexandras his Wife's hands to dispose of the Priesthood as she pleased She therefore bestowed it on Hircanus and as for the Kingdom she kept it in her own hands nine years and afterwards died Her Son Hircanus was High Priest for so long time For after Alexandra's death his Brother Aristobulus made War against him and having overcome him he took the Kingdom from him and not only seized on the Crown but the Priesthood After he had reigned three F years and as many months Pompey repaired to Jerusalem and took it perforce and laying hold of Aristobulus sent him bound unto Rome with his Children After which he restored the Priesthood once more to Hircanus committing the Government of the Nation unto his hands forbidding him in the mean space to wear the Diadem Besides the first nine years Hircanus governed twenty and four But Barzapharnes and Pacorus Princes of the Parthians passed Euphrates and made war against Hircanus and took him alive Prisoner and made Antigonus Aristobulus's Son King But after he had governed three years and three months Sosius and Herod took him alive perforce and Antonius sent him to Antioch where he was beheaded After that Herod was created King by the Romans there was never any High Priest created of G the Posterity of the Asmoneans for he gave the High Priesthood to certain men of obscure and base extraction who were of the Order of Priests Aristobulus only excepted This Aristobulus was Hircanus's Nephew who was a Prisoner among the Parthians and having given him the Priesthood he married Mariamne his Sister to the intent H to continue himself in the good liking of the people in remembrance of Hircanus But afterwards fearing lest all of them should turn to Aristobulus's
thousand Talents which Pompey had forborn to touch But passing over Euphrates he was both himself and his whole Army M utterly overthrown of which matter it behoveth us not to speak in this place After the death of Crassus the Parthians endeavoured to enter Syria but Cassius who succeeded him in the Government repulsed them and having gotten the upper hand he speedily passed into Judaea and taking Tarichea carried away about three thousand men Captive and put Pitholaus to death for gathering a company of seditious people to Aristobulus his part Antipater's Wife a Noble woman of Arabia He that counselled his death was Antipater who was married to a Noble Woman of Arbia called Cypris by whom he had four Sons Phasaelus Herod afterwards King Joseph and Pheroras and one daughter called Salome His wise Conduct and Liberality got him the Friendship of many Princes and especially that of the King of Arabia to whose fidelity he committed his Sons when he undertook N the War against Aristobulus But Cassius made a Truce with Alexander and in the mean time went to Euphrates to hinder the passage of the Parthians as we shall shew in another place A CHAP. VII The year of the World 3917. before Christ's Nativity 45. Of the death of Aristobulus and the War undertaken by Antipater and Mithridates AFter that Caesar had forced the Senate and Pompey to flee beyond the Ionian Sea Ant lib. 14. cap. 14. and by that means made himself sole master of Rome Caesar delivereth Aristobulus from his bonds he set Aristobulus at liberty and with two Legions of men sent him in hast into Syria hoping through his means speedily to reduce both it and also all places adjoyning to Judaea But both the hope of Caesar Aristobulus and his Son slain by Pompey's friends and the forwardness of Aristobulus were frustrated by ill B Fortune for Aristobulus was poysoned by Pompey's favourers and even in his own Countrey his body lay unburied which notwithstanding was preserved from putrefaction with honey till such time as Antonius sent it to the Jews commanding them to bury it in the Sepulchre of the Kings His Son Alexander also was beheaded at Antioch by Scipio being first according to the tenour of Pompey's Letters accused before the Tribunal-seat Ant. l. 14. c. 5. of such things as he had committed against the Romans Ptolemy Prince of Chalcis which is upon Mount Libanus Ptolomaeus Son marrieth Antigonus younger Daughter and for that cause is slain by his Father sent his Son Philippio to Ascalon to the widow of Aristobulus to counsel her to send her Son Antigonus and her daughters to him Philippio falling in love with the youngest named Alexandra took her to wife But sometime after he was put to death by his Father who himself married C this Alexandra and for that affinity sake was more careful of her Brethren After the death of Pompey Antipater sought all means to get into Caesar's favour and when Mithridates of Pergamena was hindred by the Garrison at Pelusium to pass further with an Army into Egypt Ant. lib. 14. cap. 16. and was by that means stayed at Ascalon Antipater not only perswaded the Arabians to assist him but he himself seconded him with almost three thousand armed Jews Moreover he incited the Potentates of Syria and Ptolemy who inhabited Libanus Mithridates goeth to Pelusium and thereby obtaineth Antigonus's help and Jamblicus and his Son Ptolemy to assist him for whose sakes the Cities of that Country did willingly undertake the War And now Mithridates strengthned by Antipater's means came to Pelusium and because they would not suffer him to pass he besieged the City In which siege Antipater shewed D his valour for making a breach on that side of the wall where his Quarter was he first of all with his company brake into the City and so Pelusium was taken After which the Inhabitants of the Province bearing the name of Onias resolved not to suffer him to pass any further But Antipater handled the matter so discreetly with them Mithridates victory against the Egyptians that they did not only suffer him to pass but also supplied victuals for his Army Whereupon the City of Memphis would not fight but yielded of their own accord to Mithridates so that passing thorough Delta he fought with the other Egyptians in a place called The Camp of the Jews and being with all his company in danger he was rescued by Antipater who marching along the River side set upon and discomfited the left wing of the Enemies battel and rushing upon them that E pressed upon Mithridates Antipater performeth many noble exploits and exposeth himself to all dangers for Caesar's sake he slew many and pursued the rest that fled till he got their Camp and all this with the loss of fourscore men But Mithridates lost eight hundred men and being thus against all hope preserved from being cut in pieces he was without all envy a true witness before Caesar of all that Antipater had done and deserved Whereupon Caesar rewarded his courage with praise and promises and so made him forward to hazard himself for him In a word he proved and shewed himself a stout Warriour Caesar maketh Antipater a free Citizen of Rome and the many wounds he had in every part of his body were badges and testimonies of his valour and vertue Afterward when the estate of Egypt was quiet Caesar returned into Syria where he made him a Citizen of Rome and granted him the immunities thereof adding so many other F proofs of his esteem and affection that he render'd him worthy of envy and for his sake confirmed Hircanus in the High-Priesthood CHAP. VIII How Antipater was accused before Caesar Of the Priesthood of Hircanus and how Herod made war Antigonus Aristobulus's Son cometh to Caesar to accuse Pompey's friends for his fathers death AT the same time Antigonus the Son of Aristobulus repairing to Caesar was against G his will a cause of Antipater's greater felicity for coming to complain of his Fathers death who was as it was thought poyson'd by Pompey's partisans with as great hatred as sorrow he accused Hircanus and Antipater of having been the cause that he and his brethren had been so unjustly driven out of their native soil and H that their Country had suffer'd so great calamities only to satisfie their Passion alledging that they had sent aid into Egypt to Caesar's forces not for good will but for fear and that hereby they might blot out the memory of the good will they had born to Pompey Antigonus falsly accuseth Hircanus and Antipater At these words Antipater drawing aside his vesture shewed the number of his wounds saying it was not needful to use words to prove what affection he had born to Caesar for his very body shew'd it although he himself held his peace Antipater casting of his garment sheweth his
many wounds adding that he admired the impudent boldness of Antigonus who being Son to an enemy of the Romans and a fugitive from Rome and as inclinable as his Father to Rebellion dar'd to accuse before the Roman Emperour others that had been always faithful to him and that in stead of accounting himself happy in having his I life preserv'd hop'd to obtain such favours and assistance as he had no need of and which he desir'd not but to make use of the same to raise seditions against those to whom he should be beholding for them Which when Caesar heard Caesar createth Hircanus Highâ— Priest and to Antipater he giveth the Government of Judea he said that Hircanus was most worthy to be High Priest and bad Antipater name what Charge he would have who leaving that to the pleasure of the giver he was made Governour of all Judaea And moreover he obtained lieve to re-edifie the razed walls of his Country and Caesar commanded that this Decree should be engraven in Tables of Brass and in the Capitol that it might be a memorial in time to come of Antipaters's justice and vertue Ant. lib. 14. cap. 16. Antipater having attended Caesar out of Syria first of all repaired the ruined walls of his Country which Pompey K had razed Antipater repaireth the walls of his Country and going throughout all the Country he threatned the obstinate and perswaded the seditious to obedience admonishing them that if they obeyed Hircanus they might live in wealth and peace and enjoy happiness but if they suffered themselves to be led away with the vain hopes of those Antipater chargeth his Subjects to obey Hircanus who for their private commodity sought alteration then they should find him in stead of a Governour a severe Master and Hircanus instead of a King a Tyrant and the Romans and Caesar instead of friends deadly enemies for that they would not suffer his power to be overthrown whom they themselves had established King Antipater in speaking thus considered himself and the need of providing for the safety of the State Phasaelus and Herod Antipater 's Sons because he well knew the sloth an stupidity of Hircanus He made Phasaelus L his eldest Son Governour of the Army and of Jerusalem and of the whole Province Herod's fortitude and sent Herod his youngest Son to govern Galilee although he was very young who being by nature valiant and ambitious sought out occasion to shew his brave mind Herod banisheth the thieves out of Syria He took Ezechias Captain of a troop of Thieves who as he understood were wont to prey upon the confines of Syria with a great multitude and put him to death with many other Thieves which thing was so grateful to the Syrians that in all Towns and Villages they made songs of Herod as though he had restored them to peace and to their Possessions This action also made his merit known to Sextus Caesar who was Caesar the Emperour's Kinsman and Governour of Syria Phasaelus obtained the favour of the people of Jâ—rusalem Phasaelus also striving to exceed the vertue and gallantry of his Brother us'd M all his endeavours to win to himself the good will of the Inhabitants of Jerusalem so that during the time he governed the City he did nothing insolently or by force For which cause the people honoured Antipater no less than if he had been their King yet was his fidelity and affection never the less towards Hircanus But it is impossible that any man that liveth in prosperity should not be envied For Hircanus although before-time he were moved something at the glory of the Father and the young men Hircanus animated by envious men against Antipater and his Sons and especially with the prosperous success of Herod yet in particular he was stirred up by many envious person who use to haunt the Courts of Princes who were grieved that Antipater and his Sons ruled without offence These men told Hircanus that he only enjoyed the bare name of a King and that Antipater and his Sons ruled N all and that he would so long permit and wink at them till at the last they would make themselves Kings for they now did no more pretend themselves to be Ministers but leaving that Title they acted as Lords and Soveraigns without any regard or reverence towards him as appeared in Herod who had put to death a great multitude of Jews against the Law whereas neither by word of mouth nor by writing the King had given him any such authority and that Herod if he were not a King but a private person was to be brought into judgment there to answer the matter and shew the King a reason and satisfie the laws of his Countrey which permit no man to be put to death before by Law he be convicted By these perswasions Hircanus grew angry Herod called to his answer before the Councel so that not concealing his wrath he caused Herod O to be sent for to answer the matter who both for that his Father advertised him thereto and because he trusted to the equity of his cause first leaving a Garrison A in Galilee The year of the World 3922. before Christ's Nativity 4â— he repaired to the King accompanied with a sufficient Guard not so great as to give jealousie to Hircanus nor so small as to expose him to the attempts of his Adversaries Sextus Caesar who lov'd the young man much and feared lest any evil should betide him amongst his enemies sent to Hircanus warning him to absolve Herod from the crimes of which he was accus'd Hircanus absolveth Herod Hircanus once more incited by the wicked Which Hircanus who also loved Herod made no difficulty to do But Herod supposing he had done it unwillingly went to Damascus to Sextus purposing not to appear if hereafter he were sent for Hereupon Hircanus was once again incited against Herod by his enemies who certified him that he was gone away in a rage with design to enterprize something against him which Hircanus believing knew not what to do seeing his enemy B more potent than himself Shortly after Sextus Caesar proclaimed him General of the Army both in Syria and Samaria Herod gathering a great Army cometh to Jerusalem to depose Hircanus so that now he was greatly to be feared by Hircanus not only for that he was highly in favour with the Commonalty but also for the forces which he commanded Hereupon Hircanus fell into extreme fear verily perswading himself that Herod with his whole Army would presently come against him Neither was his suspicion vain Herod disswaded by Antipater from attempting against Hircanus for Herod angry at the pretended crime whereof he was accused came with a great Army to Jerusalem intending to depose Hircanus which he had effected had not his Father and Brother gone forth to meet him and pacified him intreating him that he would
slain those that were in them left such a part of his Army as he thought might suffice to repress any that should attempt a Rebellion under the Command of Ptolomey and returned to Samaria carrying with him three thousand Foot Ptolomey Captain of Herod's Soldiers slain and six hundred Horse against Antigonus After his departure those that were accustomed to trouble Galilee having now as they thought opportunity assaulted Ptolomey at unawares and killed him and having wasted the Countrey retired into Marish Grounds and Strong Holds Which when Herod understood he presently came to succour the Countrey and killed most part of the enemies and having taken all the Castles by force he exacted an hundred Talents for a punishment of that revolt to be paid by the Cities In the mean time the Parthians being put to C flight and Pacorus slain Ventidius in obedience to Letters from Antonius sent Machaera to Herod with a thousand Horse and two Legions of Foot to assist him against Antigonus Antigonus writ Letters to Machaera desiring him to help him and complaining that Herod had injured him promised him a great summ of money But he thinking it not best to forsake him he was sent to succour especially seeing that Herod would give more would not be subborned by him yet counterfeiting himself to be Antigonus his friend under that pretence to discover what Forces he had contrary to Herod's counsel he went to him But Antigonus distrusting his intent kept him out of the City Machaera's iniquity and like an enemy drave him away from the Walls Machaera ashamed of what he had done returned to Emmaus unto Herod and being in a rage that things fell out against D his expectation he killed all the Jews he found not respecting whether they favoured Herod or Antigonus The year of the World 3927. before Christ's Nativity 35. Herod hereat was moved and purposed to be revenged upon Machaera as an enemy yet he bridled himself and hasted to Antonius to let him understand Machaera's cruelty Machaera remembring how he had offended followed the King and with many entreaties besought him to be reconciled and obtained it Yet Herod kept on his journey to Antonius and hearing that he was now with a great Army besieging Samosata a very strong City near Euphrates he made the more haste thinking it now a fit time to shew his affection and his courage and that thereby he might win Antonius's favour the more His arrival hastned the taking of the place which Antiochus was constrained to deliver for he killed a great number of the E enemies Antonius admireth Herod's valour and had for his reward a great part of the Spoil and Antonius though before he admired his vertue yet now his opinion of him encreased so that he had a greater addition of his honour and reason to hope his establishment in the Kingdom CHAP. XIII Of the death of Joseph Ant. lib. 14. cap. 25. How Herod besieged Jerusalem and how Antigonus was slain F IN the mean time Herod's Affairs in Judaea went backward He had left his Brother Joseph Governour of all and commanded him to attempt nothing against Antigonus till his return for he little trusted to Machaera's help because of the part he had played before But Joseph seeing his Brother to be far off regarded not what charge was left him but went to Jericho with his own Troops and five Companies of Horse which Machaera sent with him thinking now in Harvest time to have taken away their Corn but being assaulted by the enemies upon the Mountains and in difficult places himself was there slain after he had shewed himself in the fight a worthy and valiant man and there was not one left alive of all the Roman Horse for they had been newly levied in Syria and they had no old Soldiers amongst them to assist their want of experience G Antigonus not contented with the Victory Antigonus's cruelty against Joseph's Carkass became such a Tyrant that having the dead 〈◊〉 in his power he cut off Joseph's head and caused his body to be scourged although Pheroras his Brother offered fifty Talents to redeem the same entire After Antigonus had obtained this Victory there was such a change in Galilee that H those who favoured him too the chiefest of Herod's Favourites and drowned them in a Lake Also there arose great Commotions in Idumaea where Machaera was repairing the Walls of a certain Castle called Githa All this while Herod heard nothing of the news Herod certified of his Brother's death in a Dream for after Samosata was taken Antonius made Sosius Governour of Syria leaving order with him to help Herod against Antigonus and so he departed into Egypt Sosius sent two Legions with Herod into Judaea to help him and he himself with the rest of the Army followed When Herod was at Antiochia near Daphne his Brother's death was shewed him in a Dream and being troubled at it he leaped out of his bed even at the same instant that the Messengers who brought tidings of his death entred into the house He could not forbear some expressions of grief but he check'd his I sorrow to hasten to revenge it upon his enemies with incredible speed When he came to Libanus he took eight hundred Inhabitants of that Mountain to help him and joyned unto them one of the Roman Legions and not expecting the day with them he entred into Galilee where meeting with some enemies he forced them to flee to the place from whence they came and besieged their Castle but before he could take it he was constrained by hard weather to lead his Army into the next Village Within a few days his number being encreased with another Legion which Antonius sent he put his enemies in such fear that in the night time they forsook the Castle Then he hasted to Jericho to be revenged on those that had killed his Brother Herod's Dining-room fell after he had forsaken it and gone to bed where there befel him a most strange accident from which being against all hope delivered he perswaded K himself that God bare a particular love to him For when many Nobles that night had supped with him and Supper being ended every one was gone forth incontinently the house wherein he supped fell down Herod took this as a Presage both of the dangers and prosperous success he was to have in his Wars And the next morning early he removed from thence and about six thousand of the enemies descending from the Mountains charged his Vanguard yet they durst not joyn Battel with the Romans but molested them with stones and darts with which they wounded many so that Herod himself passing along was wounded in the side with a Dart. Antigonus desirous to shew himself the stronger as well in multitude of men as in courage sent Pappus a friend of his with some Forces to Samaria with a design to fight L and
himself M openly their enemy he caus'd his confidents to accuse them and at first made shew of defending them but afterwards he clos'd in with the accusers and cunningly perswaded Herod to credit the accusation which were that Alexander was so desirous of his death as to frame plots against his life and nothing made so much credit be given to these calumniations as that Antipater colourably excused his brother Herod incensed hereat every day withdrew his affection more and more from the two brethren and daily encreased his love towards Antipater The Nobility also were inclined after the same manner some of their own inclination and others out of compliance so did Ptolemaeus the chiefest of all the Nobility and the Kings Brethren and all his kindred for all mens expectation was upon Antipater And that which N grieved Alexander the more was that all these conspiracies design'd for his overthrow were made by the counsel of Antipater's Mother for she being Step-mother to him and his Brother was the more cruel against them because she could not endure their having the advantage above her Son of being born of so great a Queen And although many followed Antipater for the hope they had of him yet were they also compelled thereunto by the King's command who gave special charge to his dearest friends not to follow Alexander or his Brother And this Prince was a terrour not only to those of his own Kingdom but also to foreign Nations because Caesar had given him so great authority for he gave him license to take any one that was a fugitive from him out of any City although it were not under his Dominions Now the young men being O ignorant of the offences laid to their charge were in the greater danger for their Father did not openly tell them of any matter but they every day perceived A his good will towards them to decay which so much the more increased their grief In like manner Antipater by little and little animated Pheroras their Uncle and Salome their Aunt against them to whom he spoke with the same liberty as if she had been his Wife Moreover Glaphyra Glaphyra Alexander's wife encreased his conceived suspicion by her words Alexander's Wife contributed to the encreasing of these enmities by bearing her self above all women that were in the whole Kingdom for she derived her Pedigree by the Father's side from Tiâ—enus by the Mother's side from Darius Son of Histaspes and by inveying very much against the baseness of Herod's Wives who she said were chosen for their Beauty and not for their Nobility of Birth For Herod as we have said had many Wives as it was lawful for him by the B custom of the Countrey Aristobulus objecteth to his Wife her base Birth and all of them hated Alexander for Glaphyra's Pride and contumelious speeches Aristobulus also made Salome his enemy although she were his Wife's Mother because he often upbraided his Wife with her base Birth still teling her that he had married a private woman and his Brother Alexander a King's Daughter Ant. lib. 16. cap. 7. Which his Wife often with tears told to her Mother adding moreover that Alexander and Aristobulus threatned that if they got the Kingdom they would make their Father 's other Wives weave with their Maids and his other Sons Notaries of Villages because they applyed themselves to Learning Salome moved hereat could not contain her self but told all to Herod who easily believed her because she spake against her Son-in-law Alexander and Aristobulus oftentimes bewail their Mother and by that means provoke their Father Moreover another accusation was laid to their C charge whereat the King was greatly moved for he was informed that Alexander and Aristobulus did often bewail their Mother and lament her hard fate and cursed him and that often when he bestowed some of Mariamne's Cloaths upon his latter Wives they threatned that in a short time they would make them change them for Mourning Whereupon though Herod feared the fierce spirits of the young men yet because he would not take away all hope of amendment he called them to him as he was to go to Rome and as a King threatned them in few words and like a Father gave them many admonitions and requested them to love their Brethren promising them forgiveness of their former offences The two Brothers excuse themselves before their Father Herod so that hereafter they mended all But they beseeching him not to believe Accusations forged against them upon malice and answering D that the effect of matters would easily acquit them requested him not so easily to believe tales but to refuse malignant people opportunity and recourse unto him for that there would always be some that would malitiously invent tales to tell whilst there was any one that would give them the hearing and believing For they knew that Salome was their enemy and Pheroras their Uncle and both of them much to be feared especially Pheroras who was fellow with his Brother of all saving the Crown and had his own Revenues amounting to an hundred Talents a year and received all the Profits of the whole Countrey beyond Jordan which were given him by his Brother Herod also had obtained of Caesar to make him Tetrarch and had bestowed upon him for his Wife his own Wife's Sister after whose decease he offered E him his eldest Daughter and three hundred Talents with her for a Dowry But Pheroras falling in love with a mean person refused so honourable a Match whereat Herod being angry married his Daughter to his Brother's Son who was afterwards slain by the Parthians Yet after some time he pardoned Pheroras's offence Divers formerly were of opinion that in the life time of the Queen he would have poysoned Herod and Herod although he loved his Brother very well yet because many who had access unto him told him so he began to misdoubt And therefore examining by Torture many that were suspected at last he came to some of Pheroras's Friends but none of them confessed the Poyson but only that he was determined to flee to the Parthians with her whom he was so in love with and that Costabarus Salome's Husband F was privy thereunto unto whom the King had married her after her first Husband for suspicion of Adultery was put to death Salome her self was not free from Accusation for Pheroras accused her that she had purposed Matrimony with Syllaeus who was Procutator to Obodas King of Arabia a great enemy of the King 's And she being convicted both of this and all things else whereof her Brother Pheroras accused her yet obtained pardon as likewise Pheroras did so that the whole Tempest of all the Family was turned against Alexander and fell upon his head The King had three Eunuchs whom he loved extremely Alexander corrupteth his Father's Eunuchs and telleth them he is to succeed in the Kingdom and every one known
could not be so severe as to judge other men's Sons to death The two other Delegates also affirmed the same and some others followed their advice But Volumnius was the first that pronounced the sorrowful Sentence after whom all the rest followed some to flatter Herod some for hatred they bare him but none for any indignation against the young men Then all Judaea and Syria expected an end of this Tragedy yet no man thought Herod such a Tyrant as to put his two Sons to death Herod caused his Sons to be brought to Tyre and from F thence by Ship he conveighed them to Caesarea bethinking himself what death he should put them to Tyro an old Soldier exclaimeth against Herod's cruelty In the mean time there was an old Soldier of the King 's named Tyro who had a Son belonging to Alexander and highly in his favour and he himself greatly loved the two young men who being very much grieved in mind at that which had past went about crying that Justice was trodden under foot Truth opprest the Sentiments of Nature extinguished and the Actions of Men full of iniquity and whatsoever else grief could put into the mind of a man who nothing esteemed his own life At last this Tyro came boldly to the King and said unto him O King thou seemest to me most unhappy who givest credit to wicked and vile persons against thy dearest Sons for Pheroras and Salome thou believest before thine own Children whom G notwithstanding thou hast often sound to have deserved death and thou perceivest not that they do this to the intent to make thee want lawful Successors and leave thee none but Antipater whom in their hearts they would have King because they can rule him as they list But bethink thy self O King how all thy Soldiers will hate him for the death of H his two Brethren for there is no man that doth not pity the two young men and many of the Nobility are displeased hereat After he had spoken this he named them who were displeased Whereupon the King commanded them and him and his Son to be laid hold on Tyro with his Son are by the King's Command laid hands on And presently one of the King's Barbers named Tryphon shewing himself to be in I know not what fury came forth and said to Herod Tyro perswaded me to kill thee with my Razor promising me that if I would so do Alexander would give me a great reward Herod hearing this caused Tyro and his Son and the Barber to be tortured Ant. lib. 16. cap. 13. the two former denied all and the Barber affirmed nothing more than he had already said Then he commanded Tyro to be more tormented whereupon Another false Accusation against Tyro his Son moved with compassion towards his Father promised to disclose all I the matter to the King if he would pardon his Father and being released of his torments presently declared that his Father through Alexander's means and procurement was purposed to have killed him Many that were present thought it was a device of the young man to free his Father from torments but others were perswaded that it was true Upon this Herod made a speech unto the people wherein he inveighed against the Officers of his Army and Tyro and made the people arm themselves Herod commandeth his Sons to be strangled and to be buried with Alexander their Mother's Uncle and kill them with staves and stones After which he sent his Sons to Sebaste which was not far from Caesarea and there he caused them to be strangled and having quickly dispatched the matter he ordered them to be brought to the Castle Alexandrium there to be buried with their Mother's Uncle And this was the K end of Alexander and Aristobulus CHAP. XVIII Of Antipater's Conspiracy against his Father Herod ANtipater now hoped without all controversie to succeed in the Kingdom Ant. lib. 17. cap. 21. but he became generally hated of the whole Nation for it was openly known that he by false calumniations had caused his Brethren's death And on the other side L he stood in no little fear of their Children whom he perceived to begin to grow to years For Alexander had by Glaphyra two Sons Tygranes and Alexander and Aristobulus had by Bernice Daughter to Salome five Children to wit three Sons Herod Agrippa and Aristobulus and two Daughters Herodias and Mariamne Herod after he had put Alexander to death sent away Glaphyra with her Dowry into Cappadocia and married Bernice Aristobulus's Wife to Antipater's Uncle for Antipater had devised this Match to become friends with Salome whom before he hated and envied Antipater striveth by Gifts and Bribes to creep into men's favours He also by his great Gifts sought to get Pheroras's favour and the Friendship of such as were Friends to Caesar sending to that end great summs of money to Rome He gave Saturninus and all the rest great Riches in Syria But the more he M gave the more he was hated of all men for every one considered his Presents not as proofs of his Liberality but as effects of his Fear so that he got not the love of them upon whom he bestowed them and they to whom he gave nothing were so much the more his enemies Yet he continued his bounty rather than diminished it when he saw against his expectation Herod made much of these Orphans whose Parents he had slain Intending to shew how much he repented their deaths by the pity and compassion he took of their Children For assembling together his friends he caused the Children to be placed by him and the tears standing in his eyes he said Since my ill Fortune hath taken away from me the Fathers of these Children Herod grievously bemoneth his Sons expressing the same by his commisseration towards their Children there is no care so great which Nature and my compassion of their present condition obligeth me not to N take of them Wherefore I will endeavour that seeing I have been a most unfortunate Father I may be a most affectionate Grand-father and leave them who are most dear unto me to reign after me In order whereunto Brother Pheroras said he I betroth your Daughter to Alexander 's eldest Son to the end that this Alliance may oblige you to serve in stead of a Father to him and to your Son Antipater said he I assure the Daughter of Aristobulus Herod betrotheth his Nephews that so you may be the same to her and my Son Herod Grand-son by his Mother to Simon the High Priest shall marry her Sisster This is my will and pleasure touching this matter and let no man who loveth me seek to alter it And I beseech Almighty God to prosper these Marriages to the good of my Countrey and of these my Nephews and to look upon these Children with a more favourable eye than he did upon their Fathers O Having thus spoken
resolution For he caused the chief men of every Town and Village in all Judaea to be assembled together and then he shut them up in a place called the Hippodrome And calling unto him his Sister Salome and Alexas her Husband I know said he that the Jews will make Feasts for joy of my death yet if you will do what I desire it shall be mourned for and I shall have a remarkable Funeral As soon as I have given up the Ghost cause my Soldiers to encompass these men whom I have here in hold and kill them all By this means all Judaea and every N Hous-hold thereof shall have cause to lament The Ambassadors signifie 〈◊〉 death and bring Letters that authorize Herod to punish Antipater After he had commanded this to be done those whom he had sent to Rome brought him Letters wherein was shewed how Acme Julia's Servant was by Caesar's Command put to death and Antipater adjudged worthy to die yet Caesar writ that if his Father had rather banish him he permitted it Herod with this news was something pleased yet presently his pains and a vehement Cough seized him with that violence so that he thought to hasten his own death Herod overcome with pain would have 〈◊〉 himself and taking an Apple in his hand he called for a Knife for he was accustomed to cut the meat which he did eat and then looking about him lest any standing by should hinder him he lift up his arm to strike himself But Achab his Nephew run hastily to him and stayed his hand and presently there was made great lamentation O throughout all the King's Palace Ant. lib. 1◠cap. 16. as though the King had been dead Antipater having speedy news hereof took courage and promised the Keepers a piece of money to A let him go But the chiefest of them did not only deny to do it but also went presently to the King and told him what Antipater requested Herod hearing this lifted up his voice with more strength than was meet for a sick man and commanded his Guard to go and kill Antipater and bury him in the Castle called Hircanion And now again he altered his Testament Antipater's death and appointed Archelaus his eldest Son King and Antipas his younger Brother Tetrarch Five days after the death of his Son Antipater Herod died Ant. lib. 17. cap. 12. having reigned thirty and four years after he slew Antigonus and thirty seven years after the Romans had declared him King In many things he was as fortunate as any man for being born but a private person he got the Crown and kept it and left it to his Posterity But in his Domestick Affairs he was most unfortunate B Salome before it was known to the Soldiers that the King was dead went forth with her Husband and released all those that were in Hold whom the King had commanded to be slain saying that the King's mind was altered and therefore he gave them all Licence to depart Herod's death signified to the Soldiers And after their departure the King's death was published to the King's Soldiers who together with the other multitude were assembled in the Amphitheatre at Jericho by Ptolomey Keeper of the King's Seal who made a Speech to them and told them that Herod was now happy and he comforted the multitude and read unto them a Letter which the King left wherein he earnestly requested the Soldiers to favour and love his Successor After the Epistle read he recited the King's Testament wherein Philip was appointed Heir of Trachonitis and the places thereunto C adjoyning Antipas Tetrarch and Archelaus King He commanded his Ring to be carried to Caesar to whom he referred the cognizance and disposal of all with full Authority requiring that as to any thing else his said Testament should be performed This was no sooner read Archelaus proclaimed King after his Father's decease but presently the Skies were filled with the voices and cries of the people who congratulated Archelaus and the Soldiers and the People promised to serve him faithfully and wished him a happy Reign This done the next care was about the King's Funeral on which Archelaus spared no cost but buried the King with all Royal Pomp possible Herod's pompous Funeral The Herse whereon he was carried was adorned with Gold and Precious Stones upon it lay a Bed wrought with Purple whereupon was D laid the dead Corps of the King covered also with Purple a Crown and Diadem of pure Gold on his head and a Scepter in his Right hand About the Herse were his Sons and Kinsfolk and the Guard and Bands of Thracians Germans and Gauls all went before in order as though they had gone to Wars The rest of the Soldiers in Warlike order followed their Captains and Leaders and five hundred of his Servants and Freed-men carried Perfumes And thus the Corps was carried the space of two hundred furlongs from Jericho to the Castle of Herodion where as himself had appointed it was interred H THE SECOND BOOK OF THE WARS of the JEWS I Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the Second Book 1. Of Herod's Successor Archelaus how he entred into the Temple and the Mutiny that arose for the revenge of those that were executed for taking away the Golden Eagle 2. Of the Fight and Massacre in Jerusalem between the Jews and the Sabinians K 3. Varus Governour of Syria for the Romans represseth the Insurrections in Judea 4. How the Jews had an Ethnarch constituted over them 5. Of the Impostor Alexander Herod's pretended Son and how he was taken 6. Of the Banishment and Death of Archelaus 7. Of Judas the Galilean who established a fourth Sect and of the three Sects amongst the Jews 8. Of the Cities which Philip and Herod built and of Pilat's Government L 9. The Emperour Caius orders Petronius Governour of Syria to constrain the Jews by Arms to receive his Statue into the Temple Petronius forbears to do it The death of Caius saves him from Punishment 10. The Roman Army declares Claudius Emperour Of the Reign and Death of Agrippa 11. Of divers Tumults in Judea and Samaria 12. Of the Tumults in Judea under Foelix 13. Of Albinus and Florus Presidents of Judea M 14. Of Florus his cruelty against the Jews of Caesarea and Jerusalem 15. Of another Oppression of the Citizens of Jerusalem by Florus 16. Of Politianus the Tribune King Agrippa's Speech to the Jews exhorting them to obey the Romans 17. Of the Rebellion which the Jews begun against the Romans 18. Of the death of Ananias the High Priest Manahem and the Roman Soldiers 19. Of the great Massacre of the Jews at Caesarea and in all Syria N 20. Cruelties exercised against the Jews in divers other Cities and particularly by Varus 21. Fifty thousand Jews slain at Alexandria 22. Of the Massacre of the Jews by Cestius Gallus 23.
of the Garrisons mindful of the charge which Archelaus had given them refused him entrance affirming that they kept them more for Caesar than Archelaus Antipas elected King by Herod's former Testament striveth with Archelaus for the Kingdom At this time also Antipas one of Herod's Sons went to Rome with a design to obtain the Crown alledging that Herod's first Testament was of more force than the last and that he in the first was declared King and both Salome and divers others of his Kindred who sailed with Archelaus promised him their aid He took with him his Mother and Ptolomey Brother to Nicholaus in whom he had great confidence because he had been always faithful to Herod and was held by him in great credit But none had so much encouraged him as Irenaeus the Orator who had an excellent faculty of speaking Trusting to these he refused L the counsel of them who sought to perswade him to yield to Archelaus both as the elder and appointed by the last Testament of his Father Now when they were all arrived at Rome those of the Kindred that hated Archelaus and especially those that looked upon it as a sort of Liberty to be governed by the Romans favoured Antipas in hope that if their design of being freed from the Rule of Kings did not succeed they should at least have the comfort to be commanded by him and not by Archelaus Antipas accuseth Archelaus by Letters to Caesar And to further him the more he obtained Sabinus's Letters to Caesar wherein Archelaus was accused and Antipas commended Salome and the rest of the Complices presented Accusations against Archelaus to Caesar who after them delivered also his Justification in writing and withal his Father's Ring and an Inventory M of his Treasure Caesar calleth a Council of Roman Nobility by Ptolomey Caesar pondering with himself what both Parties alledged and the greatness and large Revenues of the Kingdom and the number of Herod's Children and having also read the Letters of Varus and Sabinus he called the chief of the Romans to Council where Caius the Son of Agrippa and his Daughter Julia whom he had adopted by his assignment sate in the first place and so he licenced the Parties to plead their Rights Antipaters's vehement Accusation against Archelaus Antipater Salome's Son being the greatest of all Archelaus's Adversaries spake first and said that Archelaus now only for form disputed for the Kingdom of which he had already possessed himself without waiting to know Caesar's Pleasure and that he did now strive in vain to render Caesar favourable to him whom he would not attend to judge of his Lawful Succession That after Herod's N death he suborned some to offer him the Diadem And that sitting on a Throne of Gold in Kingly manner he had changed all Orders of the Soldiers disposed of Offices and granted unto the people their Requests which could not be effected but by a King That he had also set at liberty many men who for great Crimes were imprisoned by his Father And having done all this he came now to Caesar to crave the shadow of the Kingdom the substance and body whereof he already possessed so that herein he left nothing to Caesar to dispose of but the bare Title Moreover he alledged that Archelaus did but counterfeit sorrow for his Father's death feigning himself to mourn in the day time Antipater 〈◊〉 to vehemency in accusing Archelaus and in the night he would be drunk and Riotous By which carriage he said that he had caused the Sedition of the people and incurred O their hatred After these Accusations he insisted upon the horrid slaughter of the multitude about the Temple for he said that they only came against the Festival Day to A offer Sacrifice and that they themselves were sacrificed as they were offering the Sacrifices which they brought And that there were such heaps of dead bodies in the Temple as never in any Foreign War the like had been seen That Herod foreseeing his cruelty never judged him worthy of the Kingdom till such time as his Understanding failed him The Will changed during Herod's Sickness when being more sick in mind than body he knew not whom he named his Successor in his last Will whereas he had nothing whereof he could blame him whom in his former Will he had appointed his Successor when he was in health Antipater against Archelaus both of mind and body Yet said he put the case Herod in his extremity knew what he did yet Archelaus hath rendred himself unworthy of the Kingdom by having committed many things against the Laws For said B he what will he be after he hath received Authority from Caesar who before he received any hath murthered so many Antipater having spoken more to this effect and at every Accusation taking Witness of his Kindred that stood by ended his Speech Then Nicolaus stood up Nicolaus defendeth Archelaus and first of all shewed that the slaughter of them in the Temple was necessary and unavoidable for they for whose death Archelaus was now accused were not only enemies of the Kingdom but also of Caesar And for other Crimes objected he shewed how that they were done even by the counsel and perswasion of the Accusers He also urged that the second Testament might be of force for that therein Herod had referred it to Caesar to confirm his Successor And C he who had such remembrance as to leave the Arbitriment of his Will to him who is Lord of all could not be thought to mistake himself in appointing his Heir nor yet deprived of his Senses Archelaus humbleth himself at Caesar's feet seeing he knew by whom he should be established When Nicolaus had ended his Speech and declared all that he thought might make for Archelaus Archelaus coming into the midst of the Council prostrated himself at Caesar's feet Caesar's Bounty and Humanity towards him Augustus courteously raised him from the ground and declared him worthy to succeed his Father Yet did he not pronounce a definitive Sentence but the same day the Council being dismissed that he might deliberate with himself at more leasure whether any one single person of those nominated in the two Wills should succeed their Father in the Kingdom or that the Kingdom should be divided amongst the D whole Family because they were many in number and had all need of Estate to support themselves with honour CHAP. II. Of the Fight and Massacre at Jerusalem between the Jews and the Sabinians BEfore Caesar determined any thing concerning this matter Ant. lib. 17. cap. 14. Malthace the Mother of Archelaus Sedition in Jerusalem fell sick and died and many Letters came out of Syria signifying E that the Jews had rebelled Which Varus foreseeing after the departure of Archelaus from thence had gone to Jerusalem to repress the Authors of that Sedition And because the multitude
at Caesarea and in all Syria AT the same hour on the self-same day it happened as it were by God's Providence that the Inhabitants of Caesarea massacred the Jews that dwelt among I them so that at one time above twenty thousand were slain and not one Jew left alive in all Caesarea For those that escaped Florus took and brought them forth bound to the people The Jews spoil the Villages and burn the Cities of Syria After this Massacre done at Caesarea the whole Nation of the Jews was enraged And dividing themselves into Companies they wasted and destroyed in short time all the borders of Syria and the Cities thereabout to wit Philadelphia and Gebonitis Gerasa Pella and Scythopolis Also they took by force Gadara Hippon and Gaulanitis pulling down some places and firing others From thence they marched towards Cedasa a City of the Tyrians and Ptolemais Gaza and Caesarea and neither Sebaste nor Ascalon could resist them but they also were consumed with fire Likewise they destroyed Anthedon with Gaza And most places belonging to K these Cities were sacked to wit the Fields and Villages and a mighty slaughter was made of them that were taken in these Towns The Syrians made as great a Massacre of the Jews as this among them for all the Jews inhabiting among them were murthered not only for an old grudge but also to render their own danger less by diminishing the number of their enemies By this means all Syria was in a most deplorable condition and every City was exposed to the disorders and violences of two several Armies each of which placed their safety in making a great Effusion of Blood The days were spent in blood-shed and the nights in fear worse than death it self For though they only pretended to destroy the Jews yet were they drawn to suspect other Nations that followed the Jews Religion and because they were as it were L Neuters the Syrians thought it not good to destroy them but on the other side for their agreeing in Religion with the Jews they were constrained to hold them as enemies Many of the contrary part who before seemed modest were now through Avarice incited to meddle in this Murther so that every one took the Goods of them that were slain All Syria full of miserable calamities and carried them to other places as Conquerors He was most renowned that had stolen most or killed most There might you see in several Cities the dead bodies of all Ages unburied old men and children and women lying in most shameful manner their secret parts being uncovered Briefly all the Countrey was filled with exceeding great calamity and the fear of yet greater misery to come was unspeakable M These were the Conflicts between the Jews and Strangers Jews against Jews But afterwards making incursions upon the Borders of Scythopolis the Jews there dwelling became their enemies For they conspiring with the Citizens of Sythopolis and preferring their own Commodity and Security before Kindred and Consanguinity joyned with the Gentiles against the Jews and yet for all that they were suspected for their forwardness For the Scythopolitans fearing that they would assault the City by night and excuse their revolting by their great misery commanded all the Jews that if they would shew themselves trusty to the Gentiles they with all their Children should go into a Wood hard by The Jews forthwith did as they were required suspecting nothing and the Scythopolitans were quiet for two days after and did nothing But the third N night they sent forth Scouts to see what they were doing The Scythopolitans kill thirteen thousand Jews who finding most of them asleep they surprized them in a moment and killed them all who were in number thirteen thousand and afterwards took their Goods Here I think it not amiss to speak of the death of Simon who was the Son of Saul whose Race was very Noble He was a man of great courage and strength of body both which he used to the great hurt of his own Nation Simon daily killeth many of his Countrey-men in Scythopolis for he daily killed many Jews who dwelt near Scythopolis and often scattered divers Companies and put whole Armies to flight but at length he had an end worthy of his deeds and the murther of his Countrey-men For when the Scythopolitans had compassed the Wood about so that none could escape their hands they killed the Jews in every part thereof Simon not drawing his Sword made O no resistance to any of his enemies for he saw that it was bootless to strive against such a multitude But pitifully crying out I receive O Scythopolitans a worthy reward for A that which I have done who to shew my fidelity towards you have killed so many of mine own Countrey-men And it is a just Plague that a strange Nation should be false to us who impiously forsook our own Brethren I am not worthy to receive death from the hands of my enemies and therefore I will kill my self with my own and this death will be a sufficient Punishment for my Offences and a full Argument of my magnanimity that none of my enemies may boast of my death nor insult over me When he had thus said he beheld all his Family with compassion and rage mixt together as his Wife and Children and aged Parents Simon kills his Parents his Wife and Children and at last himself And first taking his Father by the hair of the head he stood upon him and thrust him thorough after him he killed his Mother who was willing to die after them his Wife and Children every one of them as it were offering their bodies to the B Sword and desirous to prevent the enemies When he had slain all his Kindred himself remaining alive he stretched forth his arm that they might see what he would do and thrust his Sword into his own body up to the Hilts. A young man who for his magnanimity and strength of body was worthy to be pitied yet he had a just and deserved end for uniting himself to Strangers against his own Countrey CHAP. XX. Cruelties exercised against the Jews in divers other Cities and particularly by Varus C AFter this so great A Massacre of the Jews at Scythopolis Another Slaughter of the Jews other Cities also where they inhabited rose against them and two thousand five hundred were slain at Ascalon The Cities in Arms against the Jews and two thousand at Ptolemais and the Tyrians killed divers and put more in Prison Likewise they of Gadara and Hippon slew the most valiant and those of least courage they cast into Prison Also all other Cities who either feared or hated the Jews rose up against them Only they of Antioch Sidon and Apamea spared those that dwelt with them and neither killed nor imprisoned any of them perhaps they stood in no fear of them if they should have risen because their City
them whom they had just reason to fear at revengers of their impieties Wherefore if you make any account of these mens prayers vouchsafe laying your Weapons aside to come into our City like Friends and be your selves Judges between us and them whom you come to help .. Jesus requireth the Idumeans to judge the discrences between the Zealots and them And consider what favour we shew them who permit them to plead their own causes before you they being guilty of so hainous crimes and having put to death persons of such account never accused nor permitted to speak for themselves yet this favour we will grant them for your sake But if you continue your indignation against us and refuse this offer to be our Judges then let us entreat you that L leaving both parts you would neither imbrue your hands in our blood nor lend your aid to those miscreants against your Mother-City And if you suspect any of us to be Confederates with the Romans you may keep all the passages and then seek to defend your Metropolis when you have proof of any such matter as is alledged against us and punish the Authors of that Treason when you have convicted them The enemies cannot prevent you because you are already planted so near the City The end of Jesus Oration to the Idumeans If you like none of these marvel not that we shut our gates against you coming in an armed and hostile manner But the Idumeans being angry were not moved hereby and so much the more for that entrance into the City was denied them and their Generals were exceedingly displeased thinking it shameful to lay down their Arms at the command of others who had no Authority over them K Then one of the Captains named Simon Simons answer to Jesus the Son of Cathla having with much ado gotten his Souldiers to be silent stood up in a place where the High Priests might hear him and said That he now did not wonder that those who maintained Liberty were besieged in the Temple since they of the City now shut their Gates against them the City being common and free for all the Nation and that perhaps they were ready to open the City Gates to receive the Romans That they spake to the Idumeans from a Tower and commanded them to cast down their Arms The Idumaeans are displeased because the City gates were lockt against them which they had taken only for the Liberty of the City when they durst not trust their own Nation to keep the same and yet would have them Judges of the discord and that accusing others for killing some not convicted they themselves would condemn M all our whole Nation by the ignominy they did to their Country-men against whom they had now shut the City gates which were open to all strangers to enter into for Religion-sake Did we make haste saith he towards you to fight against our own Nation when we came only to preserve your Liberty The reproaches the Idumaeans object against the high Priest and Citizens But this is as true as that they whom you thus besiege have wronged you and as the accusation you forge against them But your keeping in hold those that are the defenders of the Common-wealth shutting the City gates against Men of your own Blood you impose upon us contumelious commands Who can any longer endure this your mockery that perceiveth how contradictory your allegations are For who can justly accuse those that ye keep shut up in the Temple because they presumed to punish Traytors whom you grace with the title of Noble and Innocent because they were your Confederates Only in N this they are blame-worthy that they did not begin with you first but left alive such members of that Conspiracy Except also you will say that the Idâ—means shut you out of your City you your selves not permitting us to come and offer Sacrifice But though they were too merciful yet we the Idumeans will preserve the House of God and will fight for the common good of our Country and will be revenged both of the Enemies that are without the City and the Traytors within And here will we remain before the City till either the Romans come and deliver you or till you change your minds and bethink your selves what advantage it is to have Liberty O A CHAP. VII Of the Massacre of the Jews by the Idumeans ALL the Idumeans assented with a loud cry to these speeches of Simon And Jesus departed sorrowful seeing that the Idumeans would agree to no reason and that thereby their City should suffer a double War For the Idumeans were no less disquieted who took the matter in great disdain that they were not permitted to enter into B the City and also because they thought the Zealots so strong as they had believed and they themselves were ashamed that they could not help them so that many repented that they were come thither The Idumeans pitch their Tabernacles near the Walls Yet would they not for shame return nothing being done by them and so rashly placing their Tabernacles near the City walls they determined to stay there But that night there arose a most furious Tempest for there was a great stormy Wind A huge Storm and an exceeding great Rain mixt with fearful Thunder and horrible Lightning and an Earthquake with strange Noises so that all men thought this motion of the Earth would overturn the whole order of Nature or at least portend some great Calamity The Idumeans and Townsmen were both of one mind For they thought that God was angry with them for bearing Arms against their Metropolis C and perswaded themselves that they could not escape death if they continued in their purpose Ananus and his followers perswaded themselves that they had now overcome them without War and that God had fought for them against the Idumeans But they were false Prophets and what they judged would befall their Enemies fell upon themselves In the mean while the Idumeans lay as close together as they could and covered their heads with their Shields by which means the Rain did them not so much harm The Zealots consult to break open the Gates to assail the Watch and let in the Idumeans The Zealots were concern'd for the Idumeans more than for themselves and devised which way they might succour them The boldest amongst them advised the rest by force to set upon the Guard and so to get into the City and open the Gates to the Idumeans that were come to help them for it was easie to surprize the Watch by D reason that many of them were unarmed and unfit for War and the Citizens could not easily be assembled together seeing every man because of the Tempest kept his house And though there were danger in the attempt yet were it better to endure all mischiefs that might ensue than to permit such an Army shamefully to perish
now lay murthered and naked in the open streets left as it were a prey to be torn in pieces by Doggs and wild Beasts Was Virtue ever more insolently outraged And could she N without shedding Tears behold Vice thus triumph over her A The FIFTH BOOK Of the WARS of the JEVVS B Written by Flavius Josephus The Contents of the Chapters of the Fifth Book 1 OF another Massacre and of the Return of the Idumeans and the Cruelty of the Zealots 2 Of the Civil Discord amongst the Jews 3 Of the Yielding of Gadara and the Massacre there C 4 How certain Towns were Taken and the Description of Jericho 5 Of the Lake called Asphaltites 6 How Gerasa was Destroyed the Death of Nero Galba and Otho 7 Of Simon of Gerasa Author of a new Conspircy 8 Of Galba Otho Vitellius and Vespasian 9 Of Simon 's Acts against the Zealots 10 How Vespasian was chosen Emperour 11 The Description of Aegypt and Pharus 12 How Vespasian Redeemed Joseph from Captivity 13 Of Vitellus his Death and Manners D 14 How Titus was sent against the Jews by his Father CHAP. I. Of another Massacre and of the Return of the Idumeans and the Cruelty of the Zealots SUch was the end of Ananus and Jesus After whose death the Idumeans and E the Zealots massacred the People as though they had been a flock of pernitious Beasts and very few escaped the Butchery The Nobility and chief sort of men were put in Prison The cruelty of the Idumeans and the Zealots in hope that by deferring their death some of them would become partakers with them Yet none was hereby moved but every one desired to die rather than impiously to joyn with these Wretches against their own Country Whereupon they were most cruelly whipped before they were put to Death their Bodies being made as it were one sore place by Whipping and Stripes and when they could not endure these Torments any longer they were killed Who so was taken in the day time was in the night carried to Prison and those that died in Prison and Torments they cast their dead Bodies out F that they might have place to imprison others in their room The People were so terrified that none durst weep openly for his Friend nor bury the dead Body of his Kinsman yea those that were in Prison durst not openly weep but secretly looking about them lest any of their Enemies should see them For whosoever mourned for any that was afflicted was presently himself used in the same manner as he had been for whom he lamented Yet sometimes some in the night scraped up a little earth with their hands and therewithal covered the dead body of their Friend and some bolder than the rest did the like in the day-time 12000 of the Nobility executed And in this general slaughter were twelve thousand young Noblemen slain in this manner After which being hated for these Massacres they mocked and flouted the Magistrates and made no account of their Judgments So that when they determined to put to death Zachary the Son of Baruch one of the chief of G the City because he was an Enemy to their wickedness and loved the virtuous and one that was rich by whose death they hoped not only to have the spoil of his goods but also to be rid of one who might be able to resist their bad purposes they called seventy of H the best amongst the common People together as it were in Judgment with a pretended Authority and before them they accused Zacharie that he had betrayed the Common-wealth to the Romans and for that intent had sent to Vespasian but they neither shewed any evidence or proof thereof but only affirmed it to be so and therefore would have credit given to their words When Zacharie perceived that under pretence of being called to Judgement Zacharie condemned to death by the Zealots he was unjustly cast into Prison though he had no hope of Life yet he spared not to speak freely his mind and began to scorn the rage and pretence of his Enemies and purged himself of the crimes whereof he was accused and converting his speech against his Accusers he laid open all their Iniquities and much lamented the miseries and troubles I of the City In the mean-while the Zealots gnashed their teeth and could scarcely contain themselves from drawing their Swords and were desirous that their pretended Accusation and Judgment might be ended He also requested them who by these Miscreants were appointed his Judges Seventy Judges absolve acquit Zacharie to remember Justice notwithstanding the danger they might incur by it The seventy Judges all pronounced that he was to be absolved and freed as guiltless and rather chose to die than to cause his death who was Innocent This Sentence being pronounced the Zealots began to shout and cry with a loud voice and they all were angry at the Judges Zacharie slain in the midst of the Temple who did not understand to what end that counterfeit K Authority was given them Then two of the boldest amongst them set upon Zacharie and killed him in the midst of the Temple and insulted over him saying Thou hast now our Sentence and Absolution far more certain than the other was And presently they cast him down from the Temple into the Valley below and then contumeliously with the Hilts of their Swords they beat the Judges out of the Temple yet they did not kill them to the end that being dispersed thorow the whole City they might tell the People as Messengers from them of their miserable condition The Idumeans were now sorrowful for their coming One of the Zealots discovereth their cruelty and barbarous dealing to the Idumeans for they misliked these proceedings and being assembled together one of the Zealots secretly told them all that their Faction had done from the beginning that it was true the Idumeans had taken Arms L because they were informed that the Metropolitan City was by the Priests betray'd to the Romans but they might perceive there was no proof nor sign of any such matter and that indeed the Zealots who pretended themselves Defenders of the Liberty of the City were indeed Enemies and had exercised Tyranny over the Citizens even from the beginning And though they had associated themselves with such wicked persons and made themselves partakers of so many Murthers yet they ought now to cease from such wickedness and not assist men so impious to destroy their Country and Religion For though they took it in bad part that the City Gates were shut upon them yet now they were sufficiently revenged of those that were the cause thereof That Ananus himself was slain and almost all the People in one night whereof M many of them ere long would repent and that they might now themselves perceive the cruelty of those who requested their aid to be more than barbarous had not
Captains about Josephs liberty who was yet in hold But calling Mutianus and the rest of his friends C together first of all he told them how Valiant Joseph had been and what difficulty he had to win Jotapata only because of his Valour and then his Prophecies which at that time he esteemed only Fables fained for fear but now time and event had proved them true Wherefore it seemed an unreasonable thing that he who had been the foreteller of his Exaltation and a Messenger to him from God should still continue in bonds like a Captive and be left in adversity So calling for Joseph he commanded him to be set at liberty This fact of his made the Captains under him hope for great reward at his hands seeing he had been so kind to a stranger Titus being there present said It is meet O Father that as you acquit Joseph from Captivity so you also take away the shame of that which he hath already endured For if we D not only unty his Chains but also break them in sunder he shall be as though he had never been in bondage for this is the manner used for redress when any one being guiltless is commited to bonds Vespasian hereto agreed and so one came with an Axe and hewed his Chains in pieces Thus was Joseph rewarded for his Prophecy and thenceforward he was esteemed worthy to be believed CHAP. XIII Of Vetellius his Death and Manners E WHen Vespasian had answered the Embassadors and disposed of all the Commands of his Army according to every ones merit he went to Antioch and there deliberated whither to go first Vespasian bethinks himself to return to Rome and it seemed best to him to go to Rome rather than to Alexandria for he knew that Alexandria was quiet firm but Rome was held by Vitellius Wherefore he sent Mutianus into Italy with many Troops of Foot and Horse who fearing to go by Sea went thorow Cappadocia and Phrygia for it was Winter-time Antonius Primus who was Governour of Moesia brought from thence the third Legion remaining there and march'd against Vitellius Vitellius sent Caecinna to meet him with a great Army who departing from Rome met with Antonius at Cremona a Town of Lombardy F situate upon the confines of Italy but beholding the discipline order of his Forces he durst not fight with them and thinking it very dangerous to flie design'd to revolt and so calling to him the Centurions and Tribunes of his Army he perswaded them to go and joyn with Antonius after he had extenuated Vitellius his Power and extolled that of Vespasian Cecinna perswades the Souldiers to forsake Vitellius and honour Vespasian affirming the first to have only the bare name of the Emperour and the last to have also all Vertues meet for an Emperour Moreover that it would be better for them to do that of their own accord which otherwise they should be compelled to and seeing themselves already surpassed in number it was Prudence to prevent all danger For Vespasian was able without their assistance to subdue all the rest but Vitellius was not able with their help to keep that he had And speaking to this effect he perswaded G them to all that he would have done And so with his whole Army joyn'd with Antonius The same night the Souldiers repenting themselves of what they had done and also lest fearing Vitellius should get the upper hand who sent them against Antonius drew H their Swords and would have slain Cecinna And they had done it had not the Tribunes come and entreated them to the contrary wherefore they did not kill him but kept him bound meaning to send him to Vitellius as a Traitor Primus Antonius hearing this went with his Army and assaulted them who revolted from him Caecinna is apprel ended for Treason and they a while resisted yet at last forced to retire they fled to Cremona and Primus accompanied with Horsemen prevented their escape and so slew most of them before they got into the City and afterward setting upon it he gave his Souldiers the spoil of it Many Merchants of other Countries many Townsmen were slain all Vitellius Army consisting of 30200 men Antonius lost in this battel 4500 of those whom he brought out of Moesia And delivering Cecinna from Prison Vespasian honours Caecinna with unexpected honours and is acquitted of Treason he sent him to carry the news hereof to Vespasian who praised I him for his fact and honoured him above his expectation in reward of his Treason Sabinus who was at Rome hearing that Antonius was at hand greatly rejoyced and took courage and gathering together the Companies of the City-watch in the night-time he seiz'd on the Capitol Sabinus takes the Capitol and leaves Vitellius and in the morning many of the Nobles joyned with him amongst others Domitian his Brothers Son who was a great cause and help to obtain the Victory Vitellius little esteeming Primus turned his anger against Sabinus and those that had revolted with him as it were naturally thirsting after the blood of the Nobility he sent all the Army he brought out of Germany with him to assault the Capitol where many valiant deeds were shewed on both parts and at last the Germans being most in number got the Capitol Hill Domitian with many brave Noblemen as it K were by Gods providence escaped safe the rest of the multitude were there slain Sabinus was carried to Vitellius and by his commandment instantly put to death and the Souldiers taking away all the gifts and treasure in the Temple set it one fire The day after Antonius arrived Vitellius slain and Vitellius his Souldiers met him there was fighting in three several places of the City the forces of Vitellius were all defeated whereupon Vitellius came out of his Palace drunk and full gorged with delicate meat he was imediately seiz'd upon and drawn thorow the midst of the streets and after many contumelies slain having reigned Eight months and five days if he had lived longer the whole Empire had scarce been sufficient to have maintained his Gluttony There were slain above 50000 of other people And this was done the third day of October The day after L Mutianus with his Army entred Rome and repressed the Souldiers of Antonius who still sought about in every place for Vitellius's Souldiers The people of Rome proclaim Vespasian Emperour and many of his favourites and slew whom they thought good not examining any matter by reason of their fury and bringing out Domitian he declared to the people that he was to govern the City till his Father came The people being delivered from fear proclaimed Vespasian Emperour and made Feasts and Triumphs both under one for his establishing in the Empire and for joy that Vitellius was deposed CHAP. XIV M How Titus was sent by his Father against the Jews WHen Vespasian came to Alexandria
good portion thereof for them and presently uncovered that part of her Son which she had left uneaten at which sight they trembled and horror fell upon them But the Woman said This is truly my Son and my doing eat you of it for I my self have eaten thereof Be not more effeminate than a Woman nor more merciful than a Mother If Religion make you refuse this my Sacrifice I have already eaten of it and will eat the rest The B Seditious departed hereat greatly trembling and how great soever their ravenousness was they left the rest of this detestable food to the wretched Mother Presently the report of this heinous Crime was bruited all about the City and every man having before his Eyes this execrable fact trembled as though himself had done it And now all that were vexed with this Famine wished their own deaths and he was accounted happy that died before he felt this Famine The calamity recounted to the Romans This unnatural fact was soon after recounted to the Romans some of them would not believe it others pittied them within the City and many hereat encreased their hatred towards the Nation Titus to justifie himself before Almighty God protested That he was not the cause of this misery having offered the Jews Peace General Pardon and Oblivion for all C their Offences past but they rather chose War than Peace Sedition than Quietness Famine than Wealth and Plenty having with their own hands begun to set on fire the Temple which he had preserved for them that therefore such like meat was fit for them and that he would bury this abominable Crime of eating their own Children in the Ruines of their Country and that he would not in any part of the World suffer the Sun to shine upon such a City 4 Reg. 6. Ant. l. 9. c. 4. wherein Mothers eat their own Children and where the Fathers were no less culpable than the Mothers because for all their miseries they would not yet cease from Arms. Having thus spoken he considered the Desperation of the Enemies and that they would not recall themselves who had already endured all such Calamities which might if it had been possible have altered their Opinions rather D that to have endured the same CHAP. IX How the Wall was taken and the Temple burnt THE Eighth day of August two of the Roman Legions having finished their Mounts began to place their Rams against the East-Galleries without the Temple having E six days together without intermission already beaten the Wall with their strongest Rams and nothing prevailed the Stones being so strong that the Rams could not move them Others of the Romans laboured to dig up the Foundations of the Porch that was on the North side and after much toyl they only could pull away the outward Stones but the inner Stones still supported the Porch At last the Romans seeing they could not prevail by their Javelins and other Instruments set up Ladders to ascend into the Galleries The Jews did not greatly labour to hinder them from getting up but when they were within the Galleries then they came and fought with them and cast some of them down headlong forcing them to retire others they slew that stood in it and others that were upon the Ladders going down before they could defend themselves F with their Shields The Jews overcome the Romans and seize their Ensigns were with Swords strucken down they also thrust down some Ladders full of armed men So that there was a great Massacre of the Romans who fought most to recover their Ensigns which the Jews had taken from them esteeming the loss thereof a great shame to them At last the Jews kept their Ensignes and slew those that bore them and the rest terrified with their death went down again although not one of the Romans died who before he was slain did not some valiant act Besides those Seditious persons who in the former Battels had shew'd themselves valiant Eleazar Son to the Brother of Simon one of the two Tyrants got great honour Then Titus perceiving that he spared the Temple of the Jews to his loss and with the death of his Souldiers commanded fire to be put to the Porches of the Temple whereupon Ananus G of Emmaus the most cruel of all Simons followers Two of Simons guard revolt from him and Archelaus the son of Magadatus fled to Titus who for their Cruelties committed determined to put them to death though they hoped for pardon because they had now forsaken the Jews when they had H gotten the better But Titus affirmed they came not of good will but for necessity and that they did not deserve to live for forsaking their Country now set on fire by their Crimes Yet his promise bridled his wrath and he dismissed them but they were not so much esteemed as the rest Titus promise 〈…〉 his wrath The Roman Souldiers had already put fire to the Temple Gates and the Silver plate wherewith they were covered being melted the flame quickly fired the wood and encreasing took hold presently of the next Porch The Jews seeing themselves invironed with flames None of the Jews go about 〈…〉 were now altogether discouraged and their hearts failed them and being amazed no man sought to extinguish the flame and so they stood still beholding the fire yet not lamenting that which was set on fire nor endeavouring to save the rest and so that day and all the next night the fire encreased I for the Porches were burnt by little and little and not all at once The next day Titus caused part of his Army to quench the fire Titus calleth the 〈…〉 before him and calling to him his Captains and six that were the chifest among them to wit Tiberius Alexander his Lieutenant General Sextus Sâ—reaâ—â—s Commander of the fifth Legion Largius Lepidus of the tenth 〈…〉 Titus Frigius of the fifteenth Aeternius Fronto Commander of the two Legions that came from Alexandria and Marcus Antonius Julianus Governour of Judaea besides some other Collonels and Captains he deliberated with them what was to be done concerning the Temple Some counselled to use the right of War for that the Jews would never live peaceably whilst their Temple was standing Titus counsel concerning the Temple for all their Nation wheresoever living would assemble themselves thither at certain times Others perswaded K Titus to save it if so be the Jews abandon'd it and ceased to defend it but if they fought for it then to burn it for it was to be considered as a Castle not a Temple and if any man were offended hereat it would not be imputed to the Romans or to their General but to the Jews who constrained them to do it and he should not offend they forcing him to fire it But Titus affirmed that although the Jews made use of their Temple as of a Fortress yet it should not be destroyed
Aristotle in Clearchus recounting moreover at large his admirable abstinence and chastity Of whom they that are desirous to know more are recommended to Clearchus Hecateus 〈◊〉 brought up with King Alexander for I am loth to write any thing superfluous So now it is evident how Clearchus by the way of digression speaking of another matter maketh mention of us But Hecateus Abderita a Philosopher and one brought up with King Alexander and dwelling with Ptolomeus Lagus did not only briefly make mention of us but also writ a whole Book of our Nation the Jews out of which I will briefly note some few points that occur but first I will shew of what Antiquity he is For he recordeth the I time when Ptolomeus near unto Gaza fought with Demetrius which happened the eleventh year after Alexanders death in the hundred and seventeenth Olympiad as Castor writeth who speaking of this Olympiad saith That in this time Ptolomeus Lagus overcame Demetrius the son of Antigonus at Gaza in fight which Demetrius was called Poliorcetes and all men confess that Alexander died in the hundred and fourteenth Olympiad So that it is evident that at the time wherein Alexander lived our Nation flourished And Hecataeus saith That after that battel fought at Gaza Ptolomeus was made Lord of the places bordering about Syria and that many men hearing of the Clemency of Ptolomeus followed him into Egypt and conversed with him amongst the which one was called Ezekias K the Jews high Priest a man about threescore and six years old and of chief notice and dignity of all his Nation A thousand and five hundred Priests receive the Jews tenths and most prudent and eloquent one also who in all affairs had more experience than any man else He likewise reporteth That the number of the Jews Priests who received their tenths and rule all in general is a thousand and five hundred or thereabout And again making mention of the same Ezekias he saith This man being in reputation and honour and conversing with us by the help of some about him declared all things wherein we and this Nation differ and shewed unto us the place of his dwelling and the manner of his conversation which he had in writing After this Hecateus sheweth what manner of People we are and how religious in our L Laws and how that we will rather endure all torments and death it self than violate them in any thing and that we account it a worthy thing so to do adding moreover That being much hated of our neighbours and having suffered all Contumelies both at the hands of the Persian Kings and their Officers yet we could not be forced to change our Opinions but that we are continually exercised to give a reason thereof He also recordeth an example of the constancy of our mindes The Jews constancy against Alexander For Alexander quoth he being at Babylon and purposing to re-edifie the Temple of Bell commanded all his Souldiers to carry Timber to the building thereof and the Jews only disobeying his command endured many stripes and torments till such time as the King freed them from it And they saith he returning to their own Country destroyed all the Temples and Altars that they found there and M some of them were by the Officers therefore punished others escaped free Adding That we may justly be admired for these things and that our Nation is exceeding populous He shews likewise that many of us were carried Captives into Babylon and there served the Persians And that many more were disperst into Egypt after Alexanders death for a tumult begun in Syria He also recordeth the greatness of our Country The largeness of Jury and the fertility thereof They inhabit saith he a Country that hath almost thirty hundred thousand acres of most fertile ground Fifty â—â—ounds are almost six German 〈◊〉 for Jury is of this largeness and that in times past we inhabited a large and very great City which was very populous he speaketh also of the building of our Temple in this manner The Jews have many other Towns and Villages in every Province but they have N one most strong City the compass of whose Walls is fifty furlongs and in it inhabit a hundred and fifty thousand men and thâ—s City they called Jerusalem in the midst thereof is a building of stone with four Porches a hundred cubits about it hath also double Gates wherein is a foursquared Altar made of unhewn stones joyned together and it is twenty cubits square every way and ten cubits high and about it is a most huge Building wherein is on Altar and a Candlestick both of gold weighing two Talents and there is kept a continual Light night and day which never goeth forth But in it there is no Image nor Grove about it as about other Temples The Priests do dwell in the Temple and drink no Wine It is inhabited by the Priests who spend their time there in great continence both night and day absteining from all manner of Wine The same Author gives an account of an action perâ—ormed by one of our Nation who O was a Souldier under some of Alexanders successors and the Authors words are these A As I went saith he to the Red Sea a certain Jew one of the Horsemen that conducted us named Mosollamus a couragious man and one who excelled all Archers else both Greeks and other Nations This Jew every one hasting on forward of his journey and being will'd by a Soothsayer to stand asked for what cause the multitude stayed and went not forward Presently the Soothsayer shewed him a Bird which he diligently viewed and told the Jew that if that Bird did stand still in the place then it was expedient for them to stand and if the Bird did mount up and flie that then they ought to march on forward but if it slew towards the place from whence they came that then it was wisdom to retire The Jew hereat was silent yet drawing his Bow he shot an arrow and killed the Bird whereat the Soothsayer and certain others were offended and cursed him But he taking the unhappy Bird in his hand B said unto them Are ye so mad as to think that this Bird not having the foresight to preserve her self from this death is able to direct us in the success of our journey Had this Bird foreknown future events she would have eschewed this place for dread that Mosollamus a Jew should have strucken her with an arrow But we will now leave the testimony of Hecateus for every one that list may read his Book and there understand it more at large I will not omit the Testimony of Agatarchides Agatarchides his Testimony of the Jews a man of no evil in his own opinion yet indeed one who hath used detraction to our Nation This man speaking of Stratonice how leaving her husband Demetrius she came into Syria and how Seleucus would not
his parents next after God and commandeth that those Children that do not shew themselves grateful unto them The honour due to Parents or in any thing do grieve them that they should be stoned to death It also commandeth all young men to reverence old Men because God is Elder to us all It permitteth not friends to conceal any impiety for God is not their friend who doth not disclose them And if friends fall out that do know one anothers secrets yet they are commanded not to bewray them If any Judge take a bribe he is to be punished with death for omitting Justice and assisting the guilty Against theft and usury No man must take any thing away that he himself placed not and no man must take that which is not his own No man for lending must take usury M and many such like things our Law commandeth concerning cause of Communion between us and others It is also not amiss to recount how our Law-maker provided for the entertaining of strangers amongst us For he seemeth so to have provided that to our knowledge we neither corrupt our own Laws nor deny to impart them to others but he entertaineth all liberally that will come and live under our Laws judging the community of mans life not so much to consist in the Nation whereof we come as in the unity of our minds and conversation He forbiddeth others that are strangers and come not with that intent to be admitted to our solemnities yet he commanded us to exhibit unto them all other things necessary and that we should give unto all men fire water meat and bury N them being dead He hath also most mildly determined how we ought to deal with our Enemies that we neither destroy their Country with fire nor cut down their Fruit-trees We are also forbidden to rob and spoil those that are slain in fight and deal injuriously with our Captives How we ought to 〈…〉 Enemies and especially if they be Women yea he so endeavoured to teach us humanity and mildness that he provided that we use even unreasonable beasts courteously and only employ them to serve our lawful need and no further for he forbiddeth us to kill any tame thing bred in houses and that we should not kill the old birds and their young together and because many wild Beasts enemies to mankind do assist us in our labours he commanded to spare them also And in every point he O established humanity and mildness amongst us using as is beforesaid Laws to direct A us therein enacting also other how they who infringe the foresaid Laws may be with all severity punished For the punishment allotted to the violaters hereof is for the most part death As if any man commit Alultery ravish a Virgin use the sin against nature with another or suffer himself to be so abused We also have Laws concerning our Servants A repetition of the precepts of the Law and our Measures and Weights and unlawful bargains and sales or deceit if either one take any thing that is another mans or which is not his own all these are to be punished not as other Nations punish them but much more grievously But whosoever either injureth his Parents or committeth impiety against God he shall presently be destroyed But they that observe this Law are rewarded not with gold or silver nor with a Crown beset with precious stone but B every one having his Conscience to witness doth greatly profit and gain Eternity as both our Law-maker prophesieth and God himself doth most assuredly promise to them that observe them The reward of such as keep the Law And if it chance that we be forced to suffer death for them yet do we joyfully go to execution nothing doubting but that we shall so exchange this Life for a better I should be loth to report this if our deeds did not make it manifest for many of our forefathers only for that they refused to speak against our Laws or otherwise than our Laws permitted have most manfully and constantly endured all torments and death it self If our Nation were unknown to all the world and that this our voluntary observaâ—ion C of our Laws were not manifest to all the people if any man should report unto the Greeks that either he had read this which I have declared or else that he had found People in a strange Land such as we be having so pious and honest opinions concerning God and who had for many ages persevered therein I doubt not but they would all admire and wonder hereat considering the great mutability amongst themselves To be short The continuance of the Laws amongst the Jews there are some who stick not to deride them who have lately written of the Government of Common wealths and Laws as though they had written things fabulous and altogether impossible And to speak nothing of other Philosophers who have written of this Argument that divine Plato amongst the Greeks a man who in honest life Plato admired amongst the Greeks virtuous speech and sound Philosophy excelled all others this man is D almost continually scoffed at by them who in their own conceit are skilful in civil affairs and brought in to their Comedies Whereas whosoever considereth his Writings with diligence shall often and easily find matter agreeable with most mens manners yea this Plato himself confesseth that he dare not by reason of the common peoples ignorance set down the true opinion of God But many think Plato's words full of vanity Lycurgus the Law-mâ—ker amongst the Lacedemonians and licentiousness and admire Lycurgus and the City of Sparta for that it so long time persevered in his Laws It is therefore an evident demonstration of Virtue to remain in their Laws But if those who so admire the Lacedemonians do compare them with us and the time during the which their Laws were in force with the time of our Common-wealth they shall find that ours hath E continued more than two thousand years They shall also find that the Lacedemonians did only perfectly observe their Laws during such time as they were in prosperity and liberty and that when their Fortune changed they then became unmindful of their Laws But we who have felt many thousand mis-haps by reason of the often change of Princes in Asia have not in these our last miseries and evils forsaken our Law Neither can any man say that liberty and licentious Life is the cause why we so diligently observe them The Jews compared with the Lacedemonians seeing that whoso please may see sufficient proof that they tye us to more strict Life and laborious than those of the Lacedemonians did them For they neither tilled the Earth nor used any handy-craft but ceasing from all labours and pains-taking F lived in their City fat and in fair liking having both their meat and all other necessaries provided and prepared for them by others
also some are desolate others newly erected as men please Whereas contrariwise they ought most constantly to keep their opinion of God and his Religion Apollonius Molon was one of these proud Fools but those Grecians that followed the B true Philosophy were not ignorant of what I have said of the Nature and Essence of God but agreed with us in our Opinions and laughed at these ridiculous Fictions Which Plato well seeing Plato decreed that no Poet should be permitted in a Common-wealth affirmeth that Poets are not to be permitted in a Common-wealth and sendeth Homer away very honourably crowned and anointed lest that he with his Fables should destroy or deprave the true opinion of God For Plato of all others especially imitated our Law-maker as he did herein also commanding his Citizens that all of them should perfectly learn his Laws and that for no casualty any strange forreign Custom should be admitted into their City but that their Common-wealth should be pure and they persist in the observation of their Laws But Apollonius Molon not respecting this inveigheth against us for not receiving into our society C men of strange opinions in Religion whereas not only we do so but commonly all Greeks yea and the most prudent amongst them The Lacedemonians expelled all strangers The Lacedemonians did expel all strangers and did not permit their Citizens to travel into other Countries fearing that both wayes their Laws might be corrupted They therefore are to be spoken against rather than we seeing they neither admit strangers to converse with them nor to inhabit amongst them nor impart their Religion unto them but we though not desirous to learn the Religion of other Nations yet do we not deny to impart ours to strangers who desire to embrace it which if I be not deceived is a token of magnanimity and clemency in us but this shall suffice concerning the Lacedemonians D Apollonius was ignorant how matters stood with the Athenians The Athenians manners who boast that their City was free to all Nations But they did most severely and without all mercy punish those that did but speak any word against their God For what was the cause of Socrates his death he neither betrayed the City to Enemies nor destroyed their Temples but only swore by a strange Oath which as he said whether in jest or in earnest a Devil taught him and for this offence he was put to death by drinking Hemlock his Accusers alledging that he corrupted young men and contemned the Laws and Religion of his Country Socrates a Citizen of Athens Anaxagoras And this Socrates sustained being a Citizen of Athens Anaxagoras was of Clazomenia and for that he affirmed the Sun which the Athenians worshipped for God to be a fiery stone he was by the sentence of some few condemned E to dye They also proclaimed that whosoever would kill Diagoras of Melus should be rewarded with a talent for his labour A talent is 600 Crowns only for that this Diagoras was said to deride their mysteries Protagoras also had been by them taken and put to death had he not escaped only for that they supposed him to have written certain doubts of the Athenian gods And what wonder is it that they used their men at this rate when they practised the same cruelty upon their Women one of their she Priests being put to death for worshiping a strange God their Laws appointing that who ever brought a strange God into their City should be punished with death It is therefore evident that they who enacted such strait Laws believed not the gods of other Nations for had they believed in them they would not have deprived themselves of the benefit of many F gods The very Scythians who delighted in man slaughter so much The Scythians that they very little differed from bruit Beasts yet did they think themselves bound to maintain their own Laws as best so that they slew Anacharsis a famous Greek that came unto them only for that he seemed to attribute too much unto the Grecian gods yea thou mayest find many among the Persians who for this cause have been tortured And it is evident that Apollonius approved the Persian Laws The Persians manners for when the Greeks admired their fortitude and concord of opinions concerning God I mean the fortitude they shewed at the burning of their Temples this Apollonius in all things imitated the Persians violating other mens Wives and putting out their Childrens Eyes whereas our Laws adjudg him G to death that so useth unreasonable beasts And neither the fear and terrour of Potentates nor the favour of them whom all men reverence could ever cause us to forsake or abandon these Laws The Jews constancy in their Laws neither do we exercise fortitude to deprive other men of their H goods and fortunes by War but to keep our own Laws and we who patiently put up all other injury yet if any man do in our Religion provoke us we presently seek revenge not respecting our own ability yea though thereby we work our own utter ruine and calamity What therefore should move us to imitate the Laws of other Nations when they that made those Laws yea even the Law-makers themselves did transgress them or how can the Lacedemonians avoid reproach for their inhospitality and neglecting marriage Against the Law-makers of the Gentiles Or the Elians and Thebans for accompanying with men contrary to the Law of Nature which fact most shameful they deemed good and necessary Yea not content to do so themselves they also ascribed the like unto their gods to be done by them which the Greeks also now of late have done and for this cause they I refused to marry with their own Women judging their satisfaction to be contrary to the prescript of Nature The injustice of Law-makers But I will speak no more of punishment neither how great malefactors those first Law-makers freed from punishment being bribed with money and how unjust they were in the Laws appertaining to Wedlock It is long to examine what great occasions of Impiety they gave For many have already long ago forsaken their Laws The Jews strict observation of the Law which cannot be said of us who for our Laws have suffered loss of our Cities Fortunes and Lives we keeping and persisting in our Laws even unto death and if any Jew be in a strange Country where there is a Tyrant King yet doth not he so fear him that he would for his command in any jot transgress our Laws If therefore we do valorously endure thus much for our Laws all men must needs K grant our Laws to be very good But if they say we suffer all these Calamities to maintain wicked or naughty Laws what punishment are they not worthy of who having as they say better Laws than we do so easily forsake them whereas we do maintain ours even with our Lives
Statue by the blood of so many innocent Victims without sparing either Women or Men This Order gave Petronius much trouble by reason that on the one side he knew K Caius could not endure the least delay in his obedience and on the other side he saw the execution of his Commands very difficult because the Jews would suffer a thousand deaths rather than suffer any violation of their Religion For though all other people are tender of their Laws yet it comes far short of the bigottry of the Jews who look upon theirs as Oracles given by God himself They were brought up in it from their youth They have it ingraven in their hearts They forbear not to admire it They receive into the number of their Citizens such Strangers as imbrace it Look upon those as Enemies who despise it And have so great a horror for every thing that contradicts it that there is neither grandeur nor fortune nor any temporal felicity able to tempt them to violate it Nor is there any greater evidence of their Respect and Veneration for their L Temple than that it is certain death for any of them to dare to enter into the Sanctuary But for the rest entrance is free to all those of their Nation of what Province soever Petronius revolving these things in his mind found the Enterprize so dificult that he made no hast to put it in execution and the more he considered this affair the more he was perswaded not to touch upon our Religion as well because Justice and Piety obliged him to alter nothing therein as because of the danger he was like to encounter not only from the Judgement of God but from the Resistance of the Jews who by that action would be driven to despair He considered likewise the numerousness of that Nation which is not like the rest crowded up in one Province but dispersed in so great numbers almost quite over the World both upon the Continent and in the Islands that M they are well nigh equal in number to the Natives And this gave him occasion to apprehend that assembling together from all parts they should kindle a War that could not easily be extinguished seeing they were already very strong in Judea no less Politick than Valiant and ready to dy with their Swords in their hands with invincibe Courage rather than abandon the Laws of their Fathers so excellently Just though their Enemies would needs have them to be Barbarous This wise Governour was apprehensive likewise of such of that Nation as inhabited beyond the Euphrates in Babylon and those Provinces for he knew for certain as having seen it with his Eyes that they sent every year to the Temple under the Title of First-fruits the money which they called Holy without considering the danger of the ways N how great soever it was and all because prompted by a principle of Devotion So that he believed and not without reason that as soon as the Jews should have notice of the Consecration of this Statue they would put themselves instantly into the Field and block him up on every side These thoughts detained him for some time but it put his mind into great agitation and trouble when he considered he had for his Master a young Prince who knew no other Justice than his Will who could not endure to be disobeyed let his Commands be never so unequal and whose pride and presumption transported him to that excess of folly that causing him to forget his Humanity he would needs pass for a God So that he could neither execute nor decline the execution of his Orders without manifest danger O of his Life only there was this difference he might save it perhaps in the War A where the events are uncertain where as it was impossible to escape if he refused obedience to his unmerciful Prince CHAP. XIV Petronius gave Order for this Statue but it went on but slowly He endeavoured in vain to perswade the Jews to receive it The Jews forsake the Towns and the Country to wait upon him and begg of him not to execute an Order that would B be more insupportable to them than death but to give them leave to send their Deputies to the Emperour THE Roman Officers who with Petronius had the greatest charge in the affairs of Syria were all for a War because knowing the fury of Caius they doubted not but if they declin'd it he would discharge his indignation upon them in confidence that they must needs be accessory in this disobedience But by good fortune it hapned that they had time to deliberate whilst the Satue was making for there was none sent out of Italy which I suppose God in his mercy so ordered for the safety of his People as also that there was no direction to take the hansomest and best wrought that could be found C in Syria for without that the War had broke out so suddainly that no remedy could have been found for so great a mischief Petronius having concluded to have a Statue made caused the ablest Statuaries in Phenicia to be sent for furnished them with materials and appointed Sydon to be the place as the most proper for such a business Having done so he sent for the Chief Priests and Magistrates of the Jews declared to them the Emperor's Command and exhorted them to submit and not run themselves into Calamity and Troubles which would be otherwise unavoidable for the greatest part of the Army in Syria had Orders to proceed with fire and sword in case of disobedience And Petronius did not doubâ— but if he could have prevail'd with them they could have perswaded the rest of the People but he D found himself mistaken for this discourse went so near them that after for a while they had stood still as immovable they brake out into Rivers of Tears tore their beards and their hair and cry'd out with a voice interrupted with sighs Have we then lived to this hour to see what our Ancestors never beheld But how can we possibly see it who will choose rather to lose our Eyes and our Life than be spectators of so horrible an impiety This report being spread abroad in Jerusalem and in all Judea the Jews left their Houses and Fields as it had been by consent and repaired to Phenicia to wait upon Petronius Their innumerable multitude made those People believe who were ignorant how populous a Country Judea was that it was a great Army marching against Petronius of which they gave him immediate advice but they had no other Arms then their sighs and their E cryes which fill'd the Air with such a noise that it ceased not when they laid them by and had recourse to their Prayers which the excess of their sorrow put into their mouths They were distributed into six Classes three on the one side the Antient the Young Men and the Children and three on the other the old Women the young
may know by one of the Letters of C. Norbanus Flaccus of which I have brought you a Coppy C. Norbanus Flaccus to the Magistrates of Ephesus Greeting The Emperour has writ to me that in all places under my Government where there are any Jews I should permit them to assemble according to their ancient Customs and to raise mony to be sent to Jerusalem I do advise and require that you give them no interruption Doth not the favour and affection of Augustus to the Jews appear clearly hereby seeing he permits the Jews to assemble publickly to collect their First-Fruits and perform other actions of Piety and Devotion F I will give you another proof and that no less considerable He commanded that a Bull and a Ram should be offered every day at his charge in honour to our God which is observed to this day without any discontinuance yet he knew that there was no Image permitted either within the Temple or without and no person surpassing him in knowledge he thought it but reasonable that there should be a Temple peculiarly dedicated to the invisible God in which there should be no Image and where men might utter their Prayers and Devotions with confidence of relief The Emperess Julia your Majesties great Grand-mother imitating the Piety of her incomparable Husband adorned our Temple with several inestimable Vessels of Gold without any Image ingraved upon them because though Women do not G easily comprehend invisible things yet her Wit and inclination to great matters had so elevated her in that as in other things above the pitch of her sex that she understood intellectual things as well as sensible and she was perswaded that the later H were but Types and Shadows of the former Since then you have so many pregnant Examples at home of the great affection of your Predecessors to us Continue I beseech you what they from whom your person and succession is derived have so carefully preserved They are Emperours who intercede in the behalf of our Laws to an Emperour They are great Princes to a great Prince They are Grand-fathers and Grandmothers to a Grand-child Several to one single Person all of them admonishing as it were in these terms Do not you abolish what we have established and what has been alwayes observed but consider that though the subversion of this Order may possibly produce no ill effects immediately yet the uncertainty of future Events ought to make I the most hardy to fear if they have not wholly renounced the fear of their Creator Should I go about to recount all my Obligations to your Majesty the day would fail me before I had finished and yet it troubles me to pass them over too soon But so great benefits will publish themselves You have beat off my Irons but those Irons incumbred but part of my Body and the pain that I now suffer oppresses my Soul You have delivered me from the apprehension of Death and afterwards reviv'd me when a greater apprehension had put me into such a state that I was lookt upon as dead Preserve then I beseech you that Life that you have restored and would not doubtless have restor'd to have prolong'd my misfortunes Your Majesty has advanced me to the greatest honour that can be aspired you have K given me a Kingdom and added to that Kingdom Trachonitis and Galilee After such extraordinary Favours do not I beseech you refuse me another so necessary that the not granting of that will make the other unprofitable and when you have rais'd me to so glorious so illustrious a condition do not humble me down again into darkness and sorrow I do not beg of you to continue me in that high sphere where your favour has plac'd me All that I beg is That you would not interfere with the Laws of my Country and if you deny me that what will my Country-men what will the whole World think of my Interest with you Will not they have reason to believe that I have either L betrayd my Country or lost the honour of your favour which are two the greatest Evils that I dread Nevertheless I must of necessity fall into one of them seeing I must either be Cowardly or Perfidious in deserting an Interest that ought to be so dear to me Or else I must have lost my Interest in your kindness if imploring your Mercy for the preservation of the Temple and my Country you should not think fit to use me with the same favour that former Emperours have shown to all such as they did honour with their kindness If I be so unfortunate as to be pleasing to you no longer do not cast me into Bonds as Tiberius did but put me immediatly to death For why should I desire to live having lost you Majesties favour in which only I repos'd my greatest confidence and M hopes N O A CHAP. XVII Caius was wrought upon by Agrippa's Letter and sent to Petronius to do nothing in the Temple at Jerusalem But he repented presently and caused a Statue to be made in Rome which he ordered to be sent privately to Jerusalem at the same time when he should go to Alexandria where he likewise resolved to be acknowledged for a God The B Injustice and Cruelty of that Prince WHEN King Agrippa had seal'd and dispatch'd this Letter to Caius he expected the success with all imaginable impatience as judging that not only the Conservation or Ruine of Judea was at Stake but the Interest of the whole Nation of the Jews spread abroad over the whole Earth This Letter produced great agitation in the mind of Caius He could not with patience behold his Pleasure disputed and yet he could not but be touched with the Reasons and importunity of Agrippa He blam'd his affection for them who were the only People that durst withstand the Consecration of his Statue and yet he could not but approve C prove the sincerity of that Prince as proceeding from the nobleness and generosity of his mind At length his kindness for Agrippa prevailed against his Choller he was mollified by degrees returned him a favourable answer and granted him the highest of all favours that he would desist from the aforesaid Consecration After which he writ to Petronius to make no farther alteration in the Temple but he blended his grace with such severe Conditions as gave them always occasion to tremble for he added this Clause to his Letter But if in any other Town beside Jerusalem any body thinks fit to erect any Statue or Altar to me or mine and any one be found so audacious as to oppose it it is our pleasure that he be punished upon the place or sent Prisoner to us Was not this to revoke or cancel his favour at the same time when he granted it seeing D those words could not be considered but as seeds of Commotion and War For who doubted but those People who were Enemies to the
Father 104. I. dies 128. O. Eleazar kills an Elephant 322. D. slain 558. N. Eleazar upbraideth Hircanus 348. E. Eleazar an arch thief surprized 620. K. Eleazar exerciseth cruelty 619. C. Eleazar one of the Zealous 690. L. causeth the Idumaeans to be sent for ibid. L. Eleazar kills himself 704. K. Eleazar taken 768. M. whipt ibid. exhorts the Jews to submit 768. O. Eleazar Captain of the Sicarians 771. C. besieged in Massada 772. A. shews the Romans tyranny 776. H. Eleazar brought to Antiochus 817. F. whipt 818. M. his answer to Antiochus 818. I. his death 819. A. B. Election of a King 113. B. C. Eli High Priest 142. L. had wicked sons 143. E. his and their end foretold 144. L. hearing of the Ark lost died 145. B. Genealogy 145. C. Eliab a Workman of the Tabernacle 80. L. 89. C. Elias fed by Crows 226. C. entertained by the widow of Sareptha ibid. D. restores the widows son ibid. G. prophesieth rain to Achab 228. B. reproveth the superstition of the people 227. L. confirms his doctrine and slays Baals Priests 228. A. B. flees from Jezabel ibid. B. prophesieth revenge to Achab and Jezabel 229. B. reproves Ochozias messengers 335. O. prayeth that fire consume his Captains 236. B. and foreshows his death ibid. B. is taken from men ibid. D. Elimelech goes to Moab and why 142. M. his and his sons death ibid. M. his heritage seized 143. D. E. Elizaeus calling 228. E. foretelleth of water and of victory 235. I. relieveth a poor widow and how 237. O. adviseth Joram to beware of Adad 238. A. B. discovereth his ambush ibid. B. leadeth the Syrians into Samaria 238. E. foretells plenty of victuals 239. L. also Adads death and Azaels cruelty 240. G. visited by Joas 247. H. foresheweth his treble victory ibid. I. his death and event thereof 247. I. K. Eloquence of Moses 67. B. 74. K. Embassadours of David abused 183. C. of Ezechiâ—s ill intreated 252. F. G. of Jonathan to Demetrius 337. K. of Herod 602. N. Embassadours to Pompey 363. E. Embassadours send to Joseph 12. K. 14. I. hope to get Tiberias 16. L. their false accusations 17. B. Embassage of Moses to the Idumaeans 103. E. to Sebon 104. L. Balacks to the Midianites 105. E. his and their first and second to Balaam ibid. E. Embassage of the nine Tribes to the other two 127. I. of the Galaadites to Saul 152. K. of the Syrians to Achab 229. L. Embassage of Balad 257. L. of the Jews 281. M. of the Jews to Rome 470. K. Emmor King of the Sichemites slain 49. C. Emperours of Rome why called Caesars 214. M. Emperours strife to be at peace with the Jews 729. C. 729. C. D. Empire of Rome in an uproar 705. D. Empire of the Persians 788. O. End of captivity 274. E. End of Antiochus Epiphan miserable 321. K. End of the Jews answerable to their lives 771. F. Engines 666. N. fired 666. N. 734. H. 740. M. Enemies of the Israelites to be destroyed 111. A. and why ibid. Enemies how to be used 810. O. Enemies to be buried 116. I. Endeavour of Agrippa c. 626. H. Enlargement of the Kingdom of Israel 248. G. Enneus Abrahams friend 37. F. Enoch son of Jared 31. C. taken up to God ibid. D. 236. D. Enos Cains first son 29. F. Enosa the first City builded 29. F. Enquiry for Jonathans kindred 182. N. Ensign of the Romans 662. M. N. Entertainment given to Antipater 599. D. to Vespasian at Rome 763. C. Enumeration of the Countries subjected to the Romans 626 N. 627. B. 628. I. Envy of the Serpent 28. L. of Abimelech 43. F. of Leas to Rachel 46. M. of her to Leas ibid N. of Josephs brethren 50. O. of the Egyptians towards the Israelites 62. M. of Saul against David 160. N. of Herodias 492. O. of John 640. M. Ephod 87. B. Ephraim son of Joseph 56. 1. Ephramites get Bethel 129. E. displeased with Jeptha are appeased 139. B. slain by Jeptha ibid. D. Epicrates sells Scythopolis c. 348. A. Epilogue of the Antiquities 542. N. Epitaphs 135. F. and 178. H. 260. D. Erection of the Tabernacle 81. B. Errour of Epicures confuted 273. O. Esay the Prophet 256. B. comforts Ezechias 256. B. foretold Senacheribs overthrow and death ibid. B. assureth Ezechias of life 257. I. K. foreshews the captivity ibid. M. Esau son of Isaac 43. E. called Seir and why ibid. E. foretold to be author of a Nation 43. E. his wives 44. I. went a hunting ibid. K. denied the blessing and why 44. N. foretold to be mighty yet his brothers vassal ibid. N. wept for loss of the blessing ibid. D. selleth his birth-right 50. L. Eschol Abrahams friend 37. F. Esdras the Lawyer 282. B. assembled the Jews in Babylon 283. E. repairs to Jerusalem c. 283. H. his prayers for the Levites 283. K. reads the Law 284. B. Esseans a sect 239. M. 477. E. 612. L. swear not 613. C. have their goods common 612. M. their religion and labour 613. A. in compassion and helping their choice 613. C. observe the Sabbath 616. H. live long ibid. I. they prophesie 610. M. their opinion of the soul 614. K. believe not the resurrection ibid. marriage 612. L. apparel 612. N. obey Governours 613. C. just 613. E. Essen what it is 87. C. D. Esther made Queen 287. H. resorteth to the King and why 289. I. accuseth Aman and why 290. F. Estate of Solomon declined and why 217. I. K. Ethnarch a Governour 610. I. Ethnicks punished and why 304. D. E. Eve created 28. I. tempted transgresseth ibid. L. her punishment 28. N. cast out of Paradise 29. A. her children ibid. B. Evening what 27. E. Event of the battel foretold 171. E. Event of battel changeth 746. I. Evilmerodach releaseth Jechonias 270. F. dies ibid. F. Evidence against Antipater 598. L. M. Eunuchs of what gift deprived 117. E. Euphrates a River of Paradise 28. K. called also Phora ibid. Euricles wins Herods favour 440. M. relates Alexanders words to Herod 441. B. 592. I. K. gets money by craft 441. B. 592. H. plays the Ambodexter 591. F. G. 592. H. I. Of Exactions a mitigation craved 405. B. C. denied ibid. Example to do evil 157. A. 221. C. Example of the Athenians c. 626. M. Excursions See Incursions Excuse of Davids absence 164. O. of Malchâ—s 574. H. of the two brethren 589. D. of Antipater 600. L. M. Execration of Saul 155. D. E. Exercise of the Romans 660. M. N. Exhortation of Moses to the people 71. F. 74. M. Exhortation to maintain liberty 511. N. to contemn death 775. B. Exhortation to be obedient to Gods will 110. K. Exhortation of Saul to War 152. M. Exhortation of Solomon to the people 212. C. of Azarias 214. M. of Josaphat to his Subjects 234. E. of Ezechias to the Priests 252. F. G. of Matthias to his Sons 316. A. of the Princes to the people 624. K. of Samuel to the
l. marrieth a wife ib. m. propoundeth a riddle ib. m. his acts against the Philistines 141 d e f. prayeth and why 141 d. betrayed by Dalila 142 h. the slaughter of the Philistines and of himself ibid. k. Samuel his parents 144 i. consecrated to God ibid. i God called him thrice ibid. k. fore-shewed the death of Eli and his sons 144 l. offereth sacrifice 148 l. comforteth the people ibid. his victory and recovery of lands 148 n. committeth the Common weal to his sons 149 b. troubled and why 149 e. bidden to create a King ib. f. sheweth the people's estate under a King ibid. anointeth Saul King 150 o. justifieth himself and why 153 b. striveth to reconcile Saul to God 157 c. killeth Agag 158 i. telleth Saul of God's displeasure 157 f. anointeth David King 158 n. his death burial and praise 168 l. Sanballat Governour of the Samaritans 293 k. followeth Alexander 294 b. buildeth a Temple ibid. f. Sanctuary 93 b. 209 h. 211 i. Sanctuaries or places of refuge for whom 109 â— Sand like glass 616 m. Sara daughter of Aram 35 o. Abraham's wife ibid. d. her beauty 36 l. King of Egypt enamoured on her ibid b. bringeth Agar to Abraham 38 i her age when she conceived Isaac 38 o preserved from Abimelech and how 39 e. brought forth Isaac ib. caused Ismael to be expelled c. 40 k l. affecteth Isaac ib. m. her death 41 f. Saraeus high Priest took Prisoner 265 l. Saturninus President of Syria 438 o. 4â—9 a. permitteth Herod to enter Arabia ib. b. his indifferent sentence 444 m Saul seeketh the lost Asses 150 k anointed King by God's commandment ib. o. confirmed therein 15 b. hideth himself ibid. f. saluted by the people for their King ib. f. promiseth the Jabesites assistance 152 l. killeth King Naas ib. n. sacrificeth and is reproved 154 l. overcometh the Philistines 155 e. would have slain Jonathan 156 h. always a conqueror ib. k. taketh and spareth Agag 157 b. slayeth the Amalekites and razeth their Cities 156 o. offendeth God 157 b. loseth his Kingdom and why ib. f. denied pardon renteth Samuel's garment ib. g. slew the Philistines 160 m. resolveth to kill David 162 i. darteth his Javelin at David 163 b. prophesieth 163 f. questioneth about David's absence c. 164 n. maketh an Oration to his Captains 165 f. pursueth David 167 e. condemneth himself and justifieth David 168 k. pursueth David again and his life saved 169 f. banisheth diviners 171 a. by a sorceress is foretold the event of the battel ib. c d. praised 172 k. is slain 173 f g. Scarcity fore-signified 55 e. how to be prevented 55 f. among the Israelites 95 e. very great in Claudius his time 97 d e. in Samaria 238 g h. Scarcity of corn 413 i k. Scaurus maketh peace with Aristobulus 362 b. Presidenâ— of Coelosyria 363 n. his war against Aretas 364 h. 5â—5 a. bribed ibid. Science of the celestial bodies 30 k. Schisar King of the Assyrians 133 b. oppressed the Israelites ibid. b. Scopas General of Ptolomy's Army 306 a. discomfited ib. overcometh the Jews 306 a b. Scythopolitans kill 3000 Jews 634 l. Sea of Pamphilia divided it self 72 n. Red Sea divided at the stroke of Moses's rod 72 k. returning to his course drowneth the Egyptians ibid. l. Brazen Sea 209 l. Sebas 196 e. Sebaste a haven 455 a. Secretary or Priest fore-telleth Moses's greatness 62 n. willeth him to be killed 64 n. Security promised to Rahab and hers 122 i. Sects of the Jews 339 m. 477 a. 612 l. Secrets of Syllaeus disclosed 599 d. Sedechias a false Prophet 231 e. contradicteth Micheas ib. e f. Sedechias King of Juda 262 d. revolteth ib. seduced ib. 263 h c. neglecteth the Prophet's counsel ib. o. surprised 264 f his eyes put out 265 h. his death ib. n. Sedition against Moses 95 e. 99 b. and 100 i. of Chore for the Priesthood 99 d. Sedition against Roboam 219 h. of the Samaritans against the Jews 298 b. among the people 312 k. of the Jews 494 h. betwixt Senate and people 516 h. Sedition at the Passover 464 l. between the Jews and Samaritans 534 l. for the golden Eagle 605 d. in Jerusalem 607 e. 621 d. between Greeks and Jews 634 h. threefold sedition 711 f. took the City 723 b. Seditious more impious than the Sodomites 724 h. Seditious 620 k l. beaten 615 f. bribe Albinus 621 d. fly to the Temple and why 624 n. gave not ear to those in authority 629 f put the Romans to flight 675 e. agree among themselves 712 o. 724 i. challenge the sodden child 749 a. summon Titus to parley 754 m. take away the King's Treasure 756 i. their utmost hope 756 m. kept in Acra and in Vaults 757 f. Seed of the Woman 28 n. shall bruise the Serpent's head ib Seeds at first grew out of the earth 27 f. Seeds not to be mixed together 113 d. Sehon King of the Amorites denieth passage to the Hebrews 104 m. overthrown by them ib. o. is slain ib. Seir what it signifies 43 e. Seir Esau's dwelling place 49 a. Seleucus Nicanor privilegeth the Jews 305 b. Seleucus Soâ—er reigneth in Asia 31â— f. Sem Noah's third son 32 o. covereth his father's shame 35 a. his progeny ib. b Semochonitis a lake 680 m. Semiramis built not Babylon 788 k. Senaar a plain 32 o. Senabarus one of the five Kings of Assyria 37 a. Senacherib surpriseth the Cities of Judah 255 l besiegeth Jerusalem ib. m. his Army stricken with the Pestilence 256 f. himself slain ib Senate perswadeth Claudius to resign 516 i. Senate's decree c. 378 f. Senate's answer to Agrippa 617 f. their repair to Claudius ddd 618 i. Senselesness of Achaz 252 b. Sentence against Herod's sons 593 e. Sephora Moses's wife 66 n. Sephoris walled 478 i. spoiled 22 h. entertaineth the Romans 635 b. Sepâ—lchre of David 202 o. of Memnon 618 l. Serpents tempting of Eve 28 l. his subtilty ib. l. his punishment ib. o. enemy to man ib. o. wherein his strength lyeth and how easily killed 29 a. Serpents very hurtful destroyed 65 d e. Servant of Elizeus 238 c. Servants of Solomon happy and why 215 e. Servant of Abraham taketh his oath 42 k. his prayer and care in discharge of his message ib. k. and 43 a b. Service of God neglected 252 b. Service of forreign gods 216 o. 248 b. 252 b. Service of Antipater 574 m. Services of the Gabeonites 125 a. Servitude of the Egyptians great 61 o. of the Hebrews insupportable 62 n. 67 a. and 68 i. Servitude of the Israelites 133 b. and why ibid. 134 k. 729 e. c. Seth son of Adam 30 i. a virtuous man ib. i. left a godly issue ib. k. his age and death 31 b. Sethosis King of Egypt 786 h. Seven men of Saul's kindred punished 195 n. Seventy Jews with John and Simon sent into Italy 765 f Seventy Interpreters 302 o. 801 a. Severity of Herod 416 e Sextus