The famous and memorable vvorkes of Iosephus, a man of much honour and learning among the Iewes. Faithfully translated out of the Latin, and French, by Tho. Lodge Doctor in Physicke

THE XVII. BOOKE OF [ G] THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE IEWES,

WRITTEN BY FLAVIVS IOSEPHVS.

The Contents of the Chapters of the 17. booke. [ H]

• 1 Of Antipaters malice, who was Herodes sonne.
• 2 Of Zamaris the Babylonian Iew.
• 3 Of Antipaters treacherous practises against Herode his father.
• 4 How Herode sent Antipater vnto Caesar.
• 5 Of Pheroras death.
• 6 How Pheroras wife was accused for intending to poyson the king, and how Herode knew Antipa∣ters practises against him.
• 7 How Antipater was condemned to die, and imprisoned.
• 8 Of Herodes sicknesse, and the sedition amongst the Iewes. [ I]
• 9 Of Antipaters death.
• 10 Of Herodes death, his testament, and funerall.
• 11 How the people began a sedition against Archelaus.
• 12 Of the sedition of the Iewes against Sabinus, and how Varus punished the authors thereof.
• 13 How Caesar ratified Herodes testament.
• 14 Of the false Alexander.
• 15 How Archelaus being againe accused, was banished vnto Vienna.

CHAP. I.

Of Antipaters malice, who was Herodes sonne. [ K]

AFTER that Antipater had made away his brothers thorow the extreme im∣pietie and vnbridled furie, wherewith Herode their father was incensed and whetted against them; yet incontinently obtained he not that which vn∣doubtedly he hoped for. For being deliuered and discharged of that feare he conceiued, least his brethren should be partakers with him in the king∣dome, he found it a difficult and dangerous matter for himselfe to finde the meanes how he might obtaine the kingdome: so strange and hainous a ha∣tred had all the nation conceiued against him. On the other side, in shewing himselfe proud and loftie, he more and more whetted and encreased that hatred which the souldiers had fore concei∣ued [ L] against him, in whom notwithstanding the securitie of the kingdome consisted, if it should fortune so to fall out that the people should attempt any alteration. All which mischiefes were begotten by his owne sinnes, and the vnnaturall murther of his brothers. Naithelesse he gouer∣ned the kingdome with his father, liuing in no lesse authoritie then himselfe: Herode also reposed more confidence in him euen in those things, for which he was worthie to lose his head. For the king conceiued that in confirmation of his good affection towards him, Antipater had accu∣sed his brethren, as vnder resolution to continue his father in securitie, and not for any hatred he bore as well vnto them, as to his father; though indeed he hated them for his fathers sake being transported with furie. But all these were but as it were many subtill stratagemes to insinuate himselfe into Herodes counsailes and sauours, and these did he craftily make vse of, to cut off the [ M] occasion least any should preuent, or accuse him of that which he pretended to doe, and that He∣rode might be depriued of all meanes and manner of reliefe, if so be Antipater should bend his forces against him. For the treason he complotted against his brothers, proceeded from the ha∣tred he bare vnto his father: but at that time was he the more egged on to prosecute his intended purposes, without any delay or procrastination. For if Herode should happen to die, it was a matter most assured that the kingdome should be his; and should his life conti•…•… any longer

time, and the practise Antipater went about should be discouered, seeing himselfe inuironed [ A] with these dangers, he should be inforced to make his father his enemy. For which cause he vsed verie great bountie and liberalitie to all those that were about his father, and thorow the great largesse he bestowed vpon them, he strangled and extinguished that hatred which all of them bare vnto him: and aboue all things he continued himselfe in credite with those friends, which Herode had at Rome, by sending them diuers presents, and namely to Saturninus, who was go∣uernour of Syria. He hoped also by bribes and rewards to draw his fathers brother into his fa∣ction, and to corrupt the kings sister also, who was married to one of the kings most esteemed friends in court. Furthermore, he was a subtill and politike man in entertaining those men with colourable and cloaking shew of friendship, with whom he conuersed, and to draw himselfe in∣to credit with them: contrariwise, he was sufficiently practised to dissemble his malice and discon∣tents, [ B] which he had conceiued against any man. Notwithstandig all this, he could not deceiue Salome his Aunt, who of long time before had sounded his inclination, and who was not so sim∣ple as to suffer her selfe to be deceiued; but had already by all cunning means that might be pre∣uented his malice, although she had a daughter married vnto his vncle, by the mothers side. This daughter was first of all wedded to Aristobulus, and afterwards by Antipaters meanes espoused to his vncle. For Callaeas her husbands sonne had married the other. But neither could this affi∣nitie colour the matter so much, but that his malice was discouered; neither could that former consanguinitie extinguish the deserued hatred conceiued against him. Herode constrained Sa∣lome (who thorow amorous passion had thought to haue married her selfe to Syllaeus the Arabi∣an) to marrie with Alexas, and that by the mediation and perswasion of Iulia Caesars wife; who [ C] aduised Salome not to refuse that marriage, for feare least he should prooue her vtter enemie. For that Herod had made an oath, that if Salome condescended not to marrie Alexas, he would neuer make account of her: For which cause she followed Iulias aduise, who was Caesars wife, and coun∣selled her also to her profit and preferment.

At the same time Herode sent his daughter to king Archelaus, who had been married to A∣lexander, presenting him a dowrie out of his owne treasurie, least there should any different arise betweene them, and he himselfe most carefully brought vp his sonnes children. For Alexander had two sonnes by Glaphyra, and Aristobulus begat on Bernice Salomes daughter, three sons and two daughters. These sometimes would he present and commend vnto his friends, and bewai∣ling the misfortune of his sonnes would beseech God that no such ill fortune might befall their [ D] children, but rather that they might encrease in vertue and acknowledge their education and bringing vp, with all dutifull respects vnto their parents. He prouided them also each of them with a wife, at such time as they were ready for marriage, namely, the daughter of Pheroras for the eldest of Alexanders sonnes; and the daughter of Antipater for Aristobulus eldest sonne: and one of Aristobulus daughters was married to Antipaters sonne; and the other he espoused to Herode his owne sonne, whom he had begotten of the daughter of the high priest. For it is law∣full in our countrey, and according to our custome, to haue diuers wiues at one time. The king procured these marriages thorow the compassion he had of those Orphelins, thinking by these mutuall alliances to cause Antipater to be their friend. But Antipater conceiued no lesse ha•…•…ed toward the children, then he had done malice towards their fathers. For the care that Herod had [ E] of them increased his hatred, in that he pretended to be the greatest among his brethren; and he especially feared least when they should grow to mans estate they would resist his power, being assisted by king Archelans, as his sonnes in law; and Pheroras who was a Tetrareh should doe the like, for that he had married his sonne to Alexanders daughter. And so much the more was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 incited, because all the people had compassion of these Orphanes, and had conceiued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against him, who neuer ceased to expresse his malice against his brethren. He therefore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all the meanes that were possible to dis•…•…ll those de•…•…es, which his father ha•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this effect, being very loth that they should euer liue to be partners with him in the kingdome. So that at last Herod condescended to Antipaters demaund, which was, that he might marrie Aristo∣bulus daughter, and his sonne be espo•…•…sed to Pheroras daughter, and thus were the promised and [ F] forementioned marriages wholy cut off; yea euen against Herodes former 〈◊〉〈◊〉 At that time Herod had nine wiues, namely, Antipaters mother, the high priests daughter, by whom he had a sonne that bare his name, and a daughter of his brothers, and a cousin of his owne, by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had no children. He had another wife also, that by nation was a Samaritane, by whom he had two sonnes Antipas and Arohelaus, and a daughter called Olimpi•…•…; who was afterwards married to Ioseph the kings cousin. As for Archelaus and Antipas they were brought vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rome, with a

certaine priuate friend of his. Moreouer, he espoused one that was called Cleopatra, that was [ G] borne in Ierusalem, by whom he had Herode and Philip, which Philip was brought vp at Rome. By Pallas he had Phasaelus: by Phedra and Helpia he had two daughters, Roxana and Salome. As touching his eldest daughters, Alexanders sisters by the mothers side, whom Pheroras had refused to take in marriage, he matcht the one with Antipater his sisters sonne, and the other he wedded to Phasaelus his brothers sonne, and this was Herods progenie.

CHAP. II.

Of Zamaris the Babylonian Iewe.

AFter this intending to assure his estate in the country of Trachonite, he resolued to build [ H] a burrough of the bignesse of a Citie in the midst of the countrey, as well to warrantize his countrey as to be in better •…•…adines to repulse his enemies, and to repulse them with more expedition. And hauing intelligence that a certaine Iewe was come from Babylon with fiue hundreth archers on horsebacke, and about one hundreth of his kinsmen, and had aduentu∣red to passe Euphrates, and was in the countrey adioyning Antioch neere vnto Daphne in Syria, where Saturnine generall of the Roman army had giuen him a Castle, called Valatha to inhabite, he sent for him and his followers, promising him to giue him both lands & lordships in the signi∣orie of Batanea, which confineth on Trachonite, intending that he should make head against those that would assaile him, and promising him that both his land and his souldiers should be exempt from all tributes, & paiments of customes. This Babylonian Iew was induced by these [ I] offers of his to come, and take possession of the place, where he builded a burrough called Ba∣thyra. This man opposing himselfe against the Trachonites defended them of the countrey, and those Iewes that came from Babylon to Ierusalem to offer sacrifice, from all incursions and rob∣beries of the Trachonites, and diuers that obserued the religion of the Iewes resorted vnto him from all places; so that this countrey was verie well peopled, by reason of the enfranchisement of the Tribute which continued during Herodes life time.

But Philip, who succeeded him, exacted afterward some small tribute of them, and that but for a little while. But Agrippa the great, and his sonne of the same name, vexed them very grie∣uously with taxations; yet permitted them to enioy their libertie, whose successors the Romans imposed many grieuous tributes vpon them, yet continued their freedome, of whom hereafter [ K] we will more particularly and largely discourse in due place, and in processe of my historie. Now this Iew Zamaris, to whom Herod had giuen the possession of this countrey, died, after he had li∣ued vertuously, and left a vertuous ofspring behinde him, amongst whom was Iacim renoumed for his dexteritie on horsebacke, who with his troup of horse was of the king of Babylons guard. This Iacim died when he was verie olde, and left his sonne Philip to succeed him, a man valiant in armes, and addicted to all sorts of vertue, as much as anyone that hath been renoumed in wri∣ting, for which cause king Agrippa loued him and put his trust in him, and committed the trust and training of his souldiers vnto him, who led them also foorth if any occasion of seruice was proffered.

CHAP. III. [ L]

Antipater conspireth against Herod.

WHilest the estate and affaires of Herode were thus disposed, all mens eies were fixed vpon Antipate•…•…, after that Herode had permitted him to intend his particular profit. This permission was granted him vnder the hope that his father had, that he would behaue himselfe faithfully, and affectionately towards him: but he abused this authoritie more audacious∣ly then could be expected; for he traiterously coloured his conceiued malice, and easily drewe his father to beleeue him in whatsoeuer he said. He was feared by all men, not onely for his force and authoritie, but for his subtilties and pollicies. But aboue all the rest, Pheroras respected him most, and was inlike manner as greatly esteemed by him. For Antipater had circumuented him [ M] by the meanes of certaine women, who fauoured his faction: For Pheroras was commanded by his wife, his mother and sister in law, notwithstanding that he hated them, by reason of the out∣rage they had offered to his daughters who were virgins; naithelesse he was enforced to dissem∣ble all things, because he could doe nothing but that they were alwaies round about him, and had such masterie of his affaires, that they wrought him to performe whatsoeuer they pleased. To these likewise •…•…as Antipater neerely tied, both of himselfe and by his mother: for these foure

women were of one minde and affection in all things, and spake as it were by one mouth: yet was [ A] Pheroras at ods with Antipater vpon some sleight mislikes, and she that wrought this debate be∣twixt them was the kings sister, who had of long time espied all their drifts, knowing that the frendship they bare one another tended to the ouerthrow of Herode: neither refused she to ex∣presse what her opinion was therin. And they knowing wel that the king disliked this their inward familiaritie, and that he was priuie to that which they pretended, which was his vtter ruine, re∣solued betweene themselues to refraine their pub like familiaritie, and to make a shew that they were at ods one with another, to which intent they reproched one another, especially at suchtime as they were either in Herods presence, or there was any one with thē, who (as they thought) wold certifie him therof. But in secret they intermitted not their accustomed friendship, and continued their intercourses with more priuie affability, & such was their ordinary demeanour & behauiour: [ B] yet was not Salome ignorant hereof, neither when they first deuised this drift, neither afterwards when they put it in execution: for she diligently noted all things, & aggrauated the same in her re∣ports to her brother, whō she informed of their secret assemblies & bāquetting, vrging their secret consultations, which (as she said) had no other issue but his ruine, except vpon their discouery he soughtto represse them in time. Further, that for the present they behaued themselues like enemies in outward shew, & all their speeches tended to disgrace one another; but that in secret they were friends, and that in priuate they entertained their amitie, & promised each other their mutual assi∣stance to strengthen themselues against those to whom they were loth their friendship should be discouered. These things obserued, she with all diligence signified the same vnto her brother, who of himselfe had alreadie many probabilities thereof. But he durst not make shew therof, because [ C] he knew that his sister was a woman too much addicted to reprochfull accusation.

There was amongst the Iewes a sect of people that were called Pharisees, who were too much addicted to selfe-opinion, and boasted themselues to be the exactest obseruers of the law in all the countrey, to whom these women were verie much addicted, as to those who were much beloued of God, as in outward appearance they made shew for. These were such as durst oppose them∣selues against kings, full of fraud, arrogancie, and rebellion, presuming to raise warre vpon their motions, and to rebell and offend their princes at their pleasures: whereas therefore all the nation of the Iewes had sworne to be faithfull to Caesar, and to the estate of the king; these onely refused to take the oth, & of this sect there were to the number of sixe thousand. For which cause the king hauing imposed an amercement vpon them, Pheroras wife paid it for them; for which cause they [ D] pretending to gratifie her, and being esteemed for such as were skilfull in foretelling such things as were to come, by reason of their often communication with God, foretold her that God had decreed to bring the kingdome of Herode and his posteritie to an end, and would bring to passe that the crowne should descend to Pheroras and his sonnes. Salome had got an inkling hereof, and had told Herode no lesse: and how they likewise corrupted euery one of his courtiers; for which cause he put those to death amongst the Pharisees, who were the principall authors of this aduise, and with them also the Eunnch Bagoas, and Carus who was his darling, and one of the goodliest men of that time. He afterwards cut off all those amongst his household seruants, who were of the Pharisees faction: For Bagoas was bewitched with that hope by them, that he suffe∣red himselfe to be called the father and benefactor of the king, who should be established accor∣ding [ E] to their prediction, and who should haue the gouernment of al things, & should be strength∣ned by marriages, and descent of his lawfull and naturall children.

But after that Herode had punished those amongst the Pharisees, who were conuicted to haue beene of the conspiracie, he assembled a Councell of his friends, before whom he accused Phe∣roras wife, and ripped vp the outrage that was done vnto his daughters, as it hath beene declared, ascribing the same to the pride of this woman, obiecting it for a crime against her, for thereby she had iniued his honour. Besides this, he accused her that she had of set purpose stirred vp mu∣tinies, and by all meanes possible both in word and in effect, contrarie to all law of nature, shee stirred vp debate betwixt him and his brother; and that the fine that he had imposed vpon his aduersaries, was satisfied at her charge: so that no •…•…ot of that conspiracy was contriued without [ F] her priuitie, and consent.

For which causes (said he) brother Pheroras, it shall not be amisse for you of your owne accord to driue such a wretched woman from you, before you be requested, and the sentence be prouounced against her, otherwise she will be the cause to kindle a warre be∣twixt you and me. For if at this present you will continue the friendship and brotherhood be∣twixt you and me, separate your selfe from her: in so doing I will account you for my brother, and you shall lose nothing by the affection which I beare vnto you.

For the bond of brotherly

loue cannot continue safe and vnuiolate, vnlesse you put her away. Now although Pheroras was [ G] moued with the importance and waight of this discourse, yet said he, that for the loue he bare vn∣to his wife, he would forget nothing of that dutie which consanguinitie required at his hands in regard of his brother: but that he had rather die then to liue without her company, whom he loued more deerely then his life. Herode although he tooke this answere of his brothers for a most gricuous iniurie, yet forbare he to discouer his displeasure towards him: he onely forbad Anti∣pater and his mother, and in like manner Pheroras to frequent the one with the other any more. He commaunded the women likewise that they should giue ouer their familiar entertainments the one with the other, which all of them promised to performe. Yet this notwithstanding vpon fit opportunities and occasions, they visited one another, and Antipater and Pheroras feasted one another by night. The report also went that Antipater had the company of Pheroras wife, and [ H] that his mother was the meanes and minister of their priuie meetings.

CHAP. IIII.

Herode sendeth Antipater vnto Caesar.

ANtipater suspecting his fathers dislikes, and fearing least his hatred should by increase bring him into hazard, he wrote vnto his friends in Rome, requiring them to write their letters vnto Herod, requesting him to send Antipater vnto Caesar, with al expedition as was possible. Which being brought to passe, Herode sent him thither with diuers royall presents, and gaue him his testament and will with him, wherein he had bequeathed the kingdome to Antipater. [ I] And if it should happē that Antipater should die before him, then bequeathed he the same to his son Herod, whom he had by the high Priests daughter. About the same time Syllaeus the Arabian repaired to Rome, notwithstanding he had neglected those things that Caesar had giuen him in charge. Him did Antipater accuse before Caesar, for the same defaults wherewith he was charged by Nicholaus. Syllaeus also was accused by Aretas, for murthering diuers of the best account in the citie of Petra, contrarie to his mind: amongst the which was Sohemus (a man of much ver∣tue and honour) and Phabatus Caesars seruant, of which crimes Syllaeus was accused vpon that occasion which ensueth: There was a certaine man of Corinthus, who was one of the kings gard, and such a one as he putvery great trust in: him did Syllaeus perswade by store of money and bribes, to kill Herode; which he promised to performe. Phabatus made priuie to Syllaeus mind, he [ K] presently told it to the king, who caused him to be apprehended and tortured; who confessed the whole matter. He laid hands also on two Arabians, perswaded by this Corinthians confessi∣on, one of which was a man of commaund in his countrey, and the other was Syllaeus chiefest friend. They being examined confessed that they came thither to solicite and egge forward with many exhortations the Corinthian to execute the murther, and to assist him if he stood in need of them. Which being fully approued by Herode before Saturnine, he sent them to Rome, there more amply to be proceeded against, and so to be punished.

CHAP. V.

Pheroras death. [ L]

HErode perceiuing that his brother Pheroras did constantly continue his affection towards his wife, he commaunded him to retire himselfe into his owne dominion: whereupon he willingly departed to his Terrarchy, protesting by many solemne othes that he would neuer more returne into the citie, vnlesse he were assured that Herode was dead. Not long after it hapned, that the king falling sicke, he was sent for to receiue certaine secret instructions, as from the mouth of a dying man; but Pheroras would not obey him in regard of his oth. This not∣withstanding Herode dealt more kindly with him, and continued his loue and affection towards him: for he came vnto Pheroras as soone as he heard of his first sicknes, and being vnsent for also, and after he was deceased he sent his bodie to Ierusalem, and honourably entombed him in that [ M] place, and grieously lamented his death. This was the beginning of all Antipaters mishaps, who at that time was departed to Rome. For it was Gods pleasure that at last he should be punished for the murther of his brethren. This matter will I discourse of at large, that it may serue for an example vnto many kings how they ought to practise and follow vertue in all their actions.

CHAP. VI. [ A]

Pheroras wife is accused, and Herode is aduertised of Antipaters conspiracies.

AFter Pheroras death, two of his freemen, who were Taphnites by birth, and such as Pheroras in his life time both inlie trusted, and dearely loued, came vnto Herode, requiring him not to suffer his brothers death to passe vnpunished, but to make diligent enquirie of that vnfortunate and vnexpected misaduenture. Herode lent a willing care vnto their suite, perceiuing that the matters they importuned him in, were likely and verie credi∣ble. Whereupon they told him, that Pheroras, the day before his vnexpected sicknesse, had supt [ B] with his wife, and that hauing receiued an vnaccustomed poison with his meate, he was dead. That this poison had been brought thither by a woman of Arabia, who in her speech protested that it was some potion to increase loue, but in effect it was to bring Pheroras to his end. For the women of Arabia amongst all others are skilfull in poisons, and are great sorcerers, and she that was charged with this fact, was esteemed a great freind and sauourer of Syllaeus best beloued. That Pheroras mother and his wifes sister went into those quarters vpon purpose to buy that poyson, and returned backe, and brought this woman with them the day before the supper. The king mooued by these words of theirs, tortured both those maidseruants of theirs, who were their bondwomen; as also certaine other of their free seruants. Now when the fact would not be ex∣torted, by reason that none of them confessed the same, at length shee that was last of all put to [ C] her triall, ouercome by the paines shee endured, said nought else, but that shee praied God that Antipaters mother might feele the like torments, since shee was the cause of all those mischiefes which they endured.

These words of hers made Herode the more eager and inquisitiue, so that by force of tortures he wrought out all the secrets of these women, their banquets, their secret assemblies, and those verie words that Herode had spoken apart betwixt his sonne and himselfe, which had beene re∣ported vnto the women that Pheroras entertained: namely, that he would giue him one hundreth talents, prouided he would vse no conference with Pheroras. Moreouer, they reckoned vp the hatred that Antipater bare vnto his father, the complaints that he made vnto his mother of the too long life and continuance of his father: for that in regard of himselfe he was already waxen [ D] olde; so that although the kingdome should fall into his hands presently, yet could he receiue but verie little contentment thereby. Moreouer hee alleadged, that diuers brothers and brothers children were brought vp togither with him, so that he might not securely hope for any thing, for that already if he should fortune to die, the kingdome was to descend not to his sonne, but to his brother: besides this, he was accustomed to accuse the king of diuers cruelties committed by him, and of that murther which he executed vpon the persons of his children. That for feare least he should practise his tyrannie against those that remained, Antipater had found out the de∣uise to be summoned to Rome, and Pheroras withdrew himselfe into his Tetrarchy. These words, which as he knew had reference vnto that which his sister had often informed him of, were not by him held incredible; so that being pressed with the malice of Antipater, he sequestred Doris his [ E] mother from his presence, spoiling her before her departure of all her iewels, which were valued at many talents: and from that time forward he shewed himselfe more fauourable towards those women of Pheroras household. But nothing did more whet Herods displeasure against Antipa∣ter, then did a certaine Samaritane, who was also called Antipater, who had the ordering of the affaires of Antipater the kings sonne. For he being brought in question and tortured, declared amongst other things, that Antipater had mixed a mortall poison, and deliuered the same to Phe∣roras his vncle, commanding him to practise the kings death in his absence, and by that meanes least suspected. That this poison was brought out of Aegypt by one called Antiphilus, Antipa∣ters friend. That it was sent to Pheroras by one called Theudion, Antipaters mothers brother. That this poison was kept by Pheroras wife, and was committed by her husband to her custodie. [ F] She being examined by the king hereupon, confessed no lesse, & hastning forth as if she intended to fetch the same, she cast her selfe downe headlond from the toppe of the house: yet did she not murther her selfe, because she fell vpon her feet. Now after she was recouered out of her swoune, and the king had promised all securitie both to her selfe and her family, if so be she would disco∣uer the truth; and contrariwise threatned her with extreme torments, if she obstinately continu∣ed in concealing these treasons, she sware that she would discouer all things according as they

were acted, and as many men thought at that time she tolde nothing but the truth. That poison [ G] (said she) was brought by Antiphilus out of Aegypt, and bought there by the meanes of a brother of his, who was a physition. After this Theudion brought it to our house, and I hauing receiued it from Pheroras hands, kept the same, but bought by your sonne Antipater to poison you that are his father. Now therefore after that my husband fell sicke, and you in kindnesse came to visit and comfort him, he being mooued with compassion, and conquered by your brotherly kinde∣nesse, by your good affection and louing care in giuing order for his health, called me vnto him, and said: O Wife, Antipater hath circumuented me, whilest by his pestilent counsailes and poiso∣ning practises he desireth to cut off his father, and depriue me of a kinde brother.

Now therfore since as I perceiue there is no part of my brothers louing and naturall affection diminished to∣wards me, wherewith he was wont to entertaine me, and that my latest houre of life approcheth, [ H] God forbid, that being ready to sleepe with my forefathers, I should present them with a ghost soiled and sweltred in my brothers bloud: Dispatch therefore, and burne this poison before mine eies. Hereupon said she, I presently brought it forth according as my husband commaunded me, and burnt the greatest part of the poison; and the rest I reserued, that if after my husbands death your grace should vse me vnkindly, it might serue me to escape those extremities that would betide me.

After she had spoken thus, she brought forth before them all the poison, and the box where∣in it was kept. After her another of Antiphilus brothers, and the mother to them both confessed no lesse, being constrained thereunto by force and violence of torture, and acknowledged the box. The kings wife also, who was the daughter of the high priest, was accused for confederacie [ I] and concealement of all these treasons. For which cause Herode put her away from him, and raced his sonnes name out of his testament, wherein he had bequeathed him the kingdome after his decease. He displaced also his father in law Simon the sonne of Boëthus from the priesthood, and placed Matthias the sonne of Theophilus, who was borne in Ierusalem, in his steed. In the meane space Bathillus Antipaters freeman returned from Rome; who being tortured, confessed that he brought a poison with him to deliuer it to Antipaters mother, and Pheroras, to the ende that if the first poison were not effectuall enough to dispatch the king, they might make vse of this other, to cut him off speedily. There came letters also to Herods hands from his friends in Rome, written and deuised by Antipaters meanes, to accuse Archelaus and Philip, for that verie often they had refreshed the memorie of Alexander and Aristobulus death, contriued by their father; [ K] and for that they lamented the miserable fate of them, who were innocently betraied; and that now also they themselues were called backe into their countrey for no other cause, but vpon their arriuall to be made partakers of their brothers miserable destinie. These things did Antipaters friends certifie Herod of, in that by many and mightie presents he wrought them thereunto. He himselfe also wrote vnto his father colourably, after a maner excusing the young men, and impu∣ting their words to their indiscretion & young yeers. Meane while he busied himselfe in accusing Syllaeus, and coutted the chiefest Romans buying diuers ornaments and iewels to present them with, to the valewe of two hundreth talents. And it is to be wondred at, that so great matters being brought on foote against him seuen moneths at least before his returne into the countrey of Iudaea, that no inckling thereof came vnto his eares. But the cause partly was, the diligent [ L] search and watch that was kept vpon the high waies, and partly the hatred that all men had conceiued against Antipater. For there was not any that would put himselfe in hazard to procure his securitie.

CHAP. VII.

Antipater is condemned, and cast into prison.

HErode concealing his displeasure, answered Antipater his sonnes letters (wherein he gaue him to vnderstand, that as soone as he had dispatched his affaires as it behooued him, he would returne) charging him to hasten homeward, for fear least during his absence, some [ M] vr expected inconuenience might betide him. He likewise after a temperate manner complai∣ned vnto him of his mother, promising notwithstanding to remit the fault vpon his returne, and by all meanes he made shew vnto him of much kindnesse, fearing least he apprehending any sus∣pition should defer to hasten his returne homeward, and lingring too long at Rome should con∣triue some traiterous stratageme, to the preiudice of himselfe, and the ouerthrow of his king∣dome. These letters did Antipater receiue in Cilicia, and alreadie had he receiued others at Ta∣rentum,

by which he vnderstood of Pheroras his vncles death, whereat he was sore grieued; not [ A] for the loue he bare to Pheroras, but for that he died before he had murthered his father, accor∣ding as he had promised him. As soone as he came to Celenderis a Citie of Cilicia, he grewe doubtfull whether he should returne or no, and grieuously was he distracted by his mothers dis∣graces, who was banished from the court. Sundrie also were the opinions of his friends in this behalfe: for some of them counsailed him to stay, and expect th•…•…euent of these troubles in some place: other some on the other side, aduised him to delay no longer his returne into his countrey, for that vpon his arriuall he might easily satisfie all those obiections and accusations that were inforced against him, because his accusers had nought else to strengthen their cause with; but his absence: This latter aduise liked him best; so that he betooke himselfe to sea, and at last arri∣ued in the port of Sebaste so called, and builded by Herode to his great charge in honour of Caesar. [ B]

And now alreadie it manifestly appeared that Antipater was vpon his downfall: For no man came out to salute him, no man entertained him, as they did vpon his departure, when as all of them accompanied him with praiers and happy acclamations: but contrariwise they boldly and openly spake against him, and bitterly cursed him, telling him that he was iustly punished for the wickednesse he had committed against his brothers.

About the same time Quintilius Varus, who was sent to succeede Satumine in the gouern∣ment of Syria, was at Ierusalem, and drew thither at that instant vpon Herodes request, to assist him with his counsailes in his present and weightie occasions. Now whilest these two sate and consulted togither, Antipater came in before any man expected him, and in that purple garment [ C] and royaltie, that he was accustomed to vse, entered the pallace. The guard of the gates suffered him to enter in, but they excluded all those that were with him. This first of all affrighted and appauled his spirits, in that he already perceiued into what calamities he was fallen; and now al∣so when he drew neere his father, he thrust him from him, accusing him of the murther of his brethren, and reproching him with that intent he had to poison him, telling him that the next day Varus should both heare and iudge all his misdemeanors. He altogither amazed at the great∣nesse of that vnexpected mischiefe, which he both heard and saw, departed presently from them wholy amazed, and in the way met with his mother and his wife (which was Antigonus daugh∣ter, who had been king of the Iewes before Herode) by whom he was aduertised of all that which had hapned, and for that cause more diligently prepared himselfe for his triall. The next day Va∣rus [ D] and Herode sate in iudgement, accompanied by their friends on both sides; thither also were cited the kings kinred and his sister Salome, and certaine others, who could discouer his secret practises, some of which had been tortured, and namely Antipaters mothers seruants, who a lit∣tle before his arriuall, had been apprehended with a letter to this effect:

That he should take heed that he returned not into the countrey, because his father was made priuie to all his practises, and that for the present he had no other refuge but onely to Caesar, and to take care likewise least he should fall into his fathers hands.

Hereupon Antipater humbling himselfe on his knees before the king his father, besought him not to condemne him before his cause were heard, but to suspend his iudgement vntill such time as he had heard his iustifications. But Herode after he had commaunded him to withdraw him∣selfe [ E] into the midst of the court and assembly, deplored his infelicitie in begetting such children, and bewailed his mishap, that in his olde age he was reserued for an Antipater. After this he reckoned vp the cares he had spent in their education and instiution, and how bountifully he had bestowed vpon him as much riches as he required: he furthermore alleadged, that none of all these fauours could preserue him from falling into lapse of the losse of his life by their policie, to the intent that they might iniuriously possesse the kingdome before either the lawe of nature, or the will of their father, or their owne rights could challenge the same. But aboue all the rest, he wondered at Antipater, with what hope he could possibly be puffed vp to attempt so auda∣cious and wicked an enterprise. For by his testament he had made him the heire of his king∣dome, and in his life time also had made him equall partaker of his dignitie, glorie and power: [ F] that he receiued annually fiftie talents of reuenue, and to furnish his voiage for Rome had three hundreth talents giuen him. Moreouer, he accused him for his slaunderous accusations against his murthered and slaughtered brothers, who if they had been wicked, why did he imitate them? but if they were innocent, why without cause produced he his slaunderous accusations against those, who were his naturall brethren? For in his owne respect he had neuer found any thing against them, but by his report: neither had he giuen sentence against them, but by Antipaters

aduice, who for the present were absolued by him, because he was become the heire of their pa∣tricide. [ G] In vttering these words he began to weepe, being vnable to vrge his griefes any further; for which cause he besought Nicholas Damascene, who was his deere friend, & conuersed ordinari∣ly with him, and was priuie to all that which had passed, to prosecute the rest that appertained to the inquest and approbation of his crime.

But Antipater turning himselfe towards his father, began to iustifie himselfe, vrging the same testimonies and fauours that his father had shewed vnto him, and the honours hee had receiued at his hands, which he would neuer haue shewed him if he had beene vnworthy of the same, and had not by his vertue deserued these fauours. He alledged also, that by his vertue he had preuen∣ted all that which might haue hapned, and that where the cause required his labour or diligence, he dispatched all things with his owne industrie; that it was vnlikely that he, who had deliuered [ H] his father from those treasons, which were intended against him by other men, should himselfe attempt the like: and as farre from probabilitie that he should go about to extinguish that ver∣tue (whereof euen vntill that day he had giuen testimonie) to the end that alwaies hereafter he might be defamed for such an indignitie. For long before this time he was named and entitled to succeede him, and to enioy those verie honours whereof alreadie he pertooke no small part; whereby he protested that it was vnlikely, that he, who might enioy the halfe of all that his father had, in all securitie, vertue and honour, should desire the whole with infamy, and daun∣ger; yea and with incertitude to obtaine the same; considering in especial that the punishment, which had befallen his brothers (whom he had both disclosed and accused at such time as they were hidden) was procured by him, who, if he had listed, might haue concealed them in secret, [ I] and whose wickednes towards their father (after it was approued) he himselfe had reuenged vp∣on them: neither (as he said) repented he himselfe of that which he had done, for that action of his might be an argument to approue how incorruptly he loued his father. And as touch∣ing that which he had delt in at Rome, Caesar himselfe was witnes thereof; who could be no more deceiued then God himselfe: whereof those letters bore record, which were written by him; which in equitie should be of no lesse force then the slaunders of those, who fought to set them at oddes: the most part of which obiections and reproches had beene complotted and deuised by his enemies, who haue had the leasure to pursue the same during his absence, which they could not haue performed in his presence. Finally he auowed, that all those confessions were false which were extorted by torture, in that it ordinarily falleth out, that such as are put to the triall [ I] confesse many things by force of torment that are vntrue, to satisfie them that put them thereto: briefly without all fauour, he offered himselfe to the racke in iustification of his innocencie. Vpon these his protestations, all the councell and assistants were confounded. For all of them had great compassion of Antipater, who was wholy drowned in his teares; so that his verie enemies began to pitie him. And Herode himselfe made it appeare, that he seemed in some sort to be alte∣red in his opinion: notwithstanding he enduoured to conceale the same.

But Nicholaus, according as he was requested, prosecuted that accusation which the king had begunne, vrging all things to the vttermost, and producing all the witnesses, and those manifest prooues, that were gathered from their examinations who were tortured. In especiall he amply discoursed of the kings vertue, which he had fatherly expressed in the education and instruction [ L] of his children; for which he had beene so vnkindly and vnnaturally required. Moreouer that his first childrens foolish rashnes was not so much to be wondred at, for that being yong, they had beene corrupted by the malice of their counsellors, & had blotted out of their hearts al the lawes of nature, rather through ambition of rule then desire of riches. But that Antipaters boldnes was both wonderfull and wicked, who more cruell then the cruellest beasts (who toward their bene∣factors acknowledge each good tume) was nothing mollified by his fathers so great indulgence; neither terrified by his brothers calamitie, but that he must needs emulate them in their crueltie. And thou thy selfe (said he) O Antipater, wett the Iudge of their attempted treasons, by thy in∣quisition they were indited, thou didst execute the iustice against them being conuicted. Neither do we disallow that thou didst prosecute them with iust indignation, but rather admire thee for [ M] that thou imitatest their intemperance, & we easily gather that those acts of thine were not attēp∣ted for thy fathers securitie, but intended for thy brothers ouerthrow, that by detesting their ma∣lice, thou mightst insinuate thy selfe into the allowance and good liking of their father and thine, that afterwards thou mightest more cunningly and securely bring him to his end, which at length thou hast attempted to performe. For whilest thou adiudgest thy guiltie brothers to death, and sparest their confederates, thou makest it manifest in all mens eies, that thou art in good liking

liking with them, whose assistance thou mighest hereafter vse in oppressing thy father. Thou hast [ A] therefore taken a double pleasure worthy thy manners; the one openly, as if reioycing and glo∣rying, that by thy brothers death thou hast atchieued a matter of honour: the other secretly, by indeuouring with greater wickednes, but more secret fraud to make an end of thy father; the reuen∣ger of whose iniuries thou pretendedst to bee. For if thou haddest truely detested their malice, thou hadst neuer esteemed the same to be worthie of thy imitation: For thou haste not cut them off for committing such capitall offences, as were answerable vnto thine, but for that they had a more iust and rightfull title to succeed in the kingdome then thou hast: And thou hast thought good to mixe the murther of thy father with the slaughtered bodies of thy bro∣thers, for feare least thou shouldest be sodainly conuinced in thy conspiracies against them, and to the end that the punishment which thou well deseruest to suffer, should light vpon thy vnfor∣tunate [ B] father, proiecting with yourselfe such a patricide, and so rare and hainous a murther, that to this day the like thereof hath not beene heard of amongst men. For thou being his sonne hast practised these treasons, not onely against thy father, but against him that loued thee aboue mea∣sure, and did thee good beyond hope, with whom thou hast actuall participation of the gouern∣ment of the kingdome, and who had appointed thee his heire in the same, being no waies hinde∣red, eyther for the present or in times past to participate the pleasure of soueraigntie, and be∣ing assured of the hope of succession both by the will and writings of thy father. But you haue measured the course of your affaires, not according to Herodes vertue, but accor∣ding to your owne appetite and malice, intending to depriue such a father of his part, who graunted you the whole; and seeking in effect to murther him, whom in words you pre∣tended [ C] heretofore to protect from iniurie. And not content of your selfe to practise these tre∣cheries, you haue poisoned your mother also with no lesse corruption, and in steed of the loue that should haue beene amongst brethren, you haue filled your family with mutinies and ha∣treds: And after and besides all these things, thou hast beene so audacious, as to call thy father beast; being of thy selfe more malignant then those beasts that are most venemous, vsing thine owne venome against thy deerest friends, and such as haue best deserued at thy hands, strengthing thy selfe with his guard, and diuers trecheries both of men and women against one olde man, as if thy cursed mind alone were not sufficient to satisfie thy hatred. And now after so many men and women slaues and free men tortured for thy cause, after the open and manifest te∣stimonies of thy parties in the conspiracy, thou art so impudent as yet to contradict the trueth: [ D] and thou that lately hopedst to depriue thy father of his life, doest now as much as in thee lieth, endeuour to abolish that law that was instituted against malefactors in thy kind, herewithall Va∣rus equitie, and all whatsoeuer iustice is in the world. Dost thou therefore accuse them of false∣hood, who were examined in torments to the end thou mightest endaunger their credit, who were the preseruers of thy fathers life? shall we beleeue thee more then them in their torments? Wilt thou not (O Varus) deliuer the king from the iniuries of those, who are his owne flesh and bloud? wilt thou not put this wicked beast to death, who hath murthered his brothers to pre∣tend a loue towards his father, and who hath at last beene discouered to bee the most mor∣tall enemie of them all, to the intent that at one instant hee might establish the king∣dome in himselfe? Thou knowest that Patricide is no priuate crime, but a publike in∣iurie [ E] to life and nature, which is no lesse lothsome in the thought, then it is in the act: which who so punisheth not, is of himselfe guiltie of an iniurie offered to our common mo∣ther nature.

After these speeches, he annexed certaine points as touching Antipaters mother, which tho∣row feminine frailtie had beene blabbed out by her, to wit, that she had asked counsaile of south∣saiers and diuiners, to whom the kingdome should befall: And that she had offered sacrifices, and made prayers for the death of the king. And moreouer he declared what lasciuious pranks Antipater had plaied with Pheroras women, in banqueting and amorous and wanton dalli∣ances. The informations likewise that were presented by such as were tortured, with sundry te∣stimonies of diuers men, some suborned; the other found out to be incontinently produced and [ F] confirmed. For each man seeing that Antipater was exposed to the accusations of those men, who had the gouernment in their hands, and that the good fortune that had long time accompa∣nied him, had openly deliuered him into the hands of his enemies, they manifestly discouered the insatiable hatred which they had conceiued against him, whereas before time the feare that they had of him inforced them to be silent: yet was he not so much burdened with other mens ha∣treds, as with his owne wickednes, namely his deadly hatred against his father, his breach of

amitie amongst his brethren, wherby he filled the kings houshold with seditions and murthers, [ G] of some complotted, and acted by other some; neither giuing place to hatred according to iustice, nor to amitie according to good affection, but according as it might stand with his pro∣fit. Which for that diuers men perceiued long before that time, they iudged of euents according as they had reason, and the rather because that being voide of hatred, they spake but their opini∣ons: And whereas heretofore they had cried with a lowd voice against him, at such time as they were shut vp; at this time when as they were depriued of their feare, they declared al things that they knew. And whereas there were diuers produced of the mischiefes committed by him, yet seemed there nothing to be fained, for that the accusers neither spake in fauor of the king, neither concealed any thing for feare of perill, but condemned all Antipaters wicked actions, and iudged him worthy of death and punishment, not so much for his fathers security as of his own deinerit. [ H] Neither did they onely accuse him, who were by iustice tied thereunto, but diuers voluntarie wit∣nesses also brought in their euidence; so that although he was a verie cunning dissembler, and colourer of his lies, and most impudent in his assertions, yet durst he not once open his mouth or mutter against the same.

As soone as Nicholas had finished his discourse and accusations, Varus cummanded Antipa∣ter to answere to those crimes, that were obiected against him, if he had any thing to alleadge, that he was not guiltie of those forfaits or hainous crimes that were laid vnto his charge. For of himselfe he desired nothing more, and knew well that Herode his father desired no lesse, then that he should iustifie himselfe, and maintaine his innocencie. But he humbling himselfe vpon his face, and lowly bending his body to the ground, besought God, who was the searcher of all [ I] hearts, to approoue his innocencie by some euident signe, how he had neuer attempted anything to his fathers preiudice. For this is the custome of all wicked men, that as often as they attempt any hainous act, they engage themselues in all wickednesse, without any respect of Gods iustice; and when as by their misdeeds, they are fallen into perill, then call they God to their mindes, by whose inuocation and testimonie they desire to be deliuered, making a shew that they commit all things to his determination. The like whereof at that time happened in Antipater, who, wher∣as before time disposed all his actions in such sort, as if there had been no God that had the o∣uersway of humane affaires, at such time as iustice ouertooke him, and he was disfurnished of the benefit of the lawe, had his recourse to Gods power, alleadging that he was reserued by God to this end, that he might diligently intend his fathers safetie. Hereupon Varus, when as by often [ K] questionings he could wrest nothing from him, but that he onely cried vpon God, seeing that o∣therwise there would be no end of these debates, he commaunded the poison to be brought forth before them all, that hee might make experience of what force it was: which being presently brought vnto him, and ministred to one that was condemned to die, it presently killed the man. Which done, he arose and departed out of the councell, and the next day went to Antioch, where for the most part he was wont to haue his residence, for that it was the chiefe Citie of the Assyrians. But Herod presently commanded his sonne to be put in bonds, no man knowing what talke had been betweene him and Varus vpon his departure, but all mens opinion was that the king did nothing in imprisoning him, but by his counsaile. When as therefore he had fast bound him, he sent vnto Caesar, and wrote his letters vnto him, as touching Antipater, sending [ L] certaine appointed messengers, who by word of mouth might certifie him of his cursed trea∣sons.

At the verie same time there was a letter intercepted, sent by Antiphilus to Antipater, which Antiphilus remained in Aegypt, which letter being opened by the king, was written to this effect. I haue sent you Armes letter, hazarding thereby mine owne life: for you know that I am in dan∣ger of the displeasure of two mightie families, if I should be discouered. As for your selfe, be∣thinke you well of your affaires in this respect. Such were the contents of this letter. The king made diligent search for others also, but he could finde none: for Antiphilus seruant, who had brought that which was read, denied that he had any other. But whilest the king was in this doubt, one of his seruants and friends perceiued that the inside of the messengers vnder-coat was newly [ M] sowed: for he had two garments the one vpon the other, and coniecturing that the letters might be hidden in the sould thereof, as indeed they were, he ripped the same, and found them. The tēnour thereof was this: Acme to Antipater, Health: I haue written the letters to your father, according as you gaue me instructions, and haue counterfaited the copy of my letter, as if it had been sent by Salome my mistris. I assure my selfe, that when he hath read the same, he wil punish Salome as one that hath practised treason against him. But that letter that was supposed to haue

been written by Salome to Acme, was of Antipaters inuention, and written in Salomes name, ac∣cording [ A] to his inuention, and in Acmes stile. The contents were these: Acme to king Herode, Health: Whereas I haue an especiall care, that nothing be concealed from thee that concerneth thy securitie, hauing found a letter of Salomes written against thee vnto my Ladie, I haue not without danger taken the copy therof, and sent it vnto you, in which she required that she might haue licence to marrie Syllaeus. Teare this copy, least thorow the knowledge of the same, I grow in danger of my life. Now in that which she had written to Antipater, she had discouered that she had written these words to Herode, according to that commandement he had giuen her, as if Salome had conspired to worke some treason against him. She sent also the copy of those coun∣terfaite letters in the name of Salome, and sent them vnto her mistris to worke treason.

This Acme was a Iew borne, and chambermaid to Iulia Caesars wife, and did that which is a∣boue [ B] written for the loue which she bare to Antipater, whom he had hired by great summes of money, to the end, that she should assist him to execute the mischiefe, which he practised against his father, and against his Aunt. Herode made almost desperate by the great mischiefes of Anti∣pater, was stirred vp on the sodaine to shorten his daies, for that he was the only meanes that stir∣red vp these great tempests of sedition in his kingdome, and who not only practised against his father and his Aunt, but against his sister also; and had in like sort corrupted Caesars familie. Sa∣lome also incensed him the more, beating her breasts and offering her selfe to all deaths, if any such like matter might be duely prooued against her. For which cause Herod sent for Antipater, commanding him to speake freely all that which he had to say without feare. But he hauing not one word to answere for his defence, Herode said vnto him: Since that on all sides thou art conui∣cted, [ C] and surprised in thy wickednesse, delay not, but discouer those that are of thy confederacie. Whereupon he laid all the fault vpon Antiphilus, and named none other. At that time Herode being wounded by extreme griefe, would haue sent Antipater to Rome vnto Caesar, that he might receiue his iudgement from him, but afterwards he feared least by the interest of his friends he should escape the danger, for which cause he kept him bound and fettered in prison, as he had done before. And in the meane while sent certaine messengers with letters to Caesar, to accuse his sonne, and to declare wherein Acme had been his confederate, producing the copy of the letters. These embassadors therefore resorted to Rome, instructed in those things they were to answere to those interrogatories that should be offered them, and with them he sent his letters.

CHAP. VIII. [ D]

Herodes sicknesse, and the sedition amongst the Iewes.

MEane while Herode fell sicke, and made his will, and appointed his youngest sonne to suc∣ceede him in the kingdome, for that through Antipaters instigations he had conceiued a hatred against Archelaus and Philip. He sent also one thousand talents vnto Caesar, and fiue hundreth to his wife, and to his children, friends and freemen. He bestowed also money, rents, and lands vpon his own children: he gaue his sister Salome an ample possession, for that she had alwaies perseuered in louing him, and had neuer offended him. And hauing lost all hope of recouerie, for that he was about seuentie yeeres olde, he became verie tutchie and froward in [ E] whatsoeuer his affaires. The cause hereof was, that opinion he had conceiued, that he waxed contemptible, and that the whole nation tooke pleasure in those mishaps which befortuned him, which some of those who were fauoured by the people, made him the rather beleeue vpon this occasion which ensueth. Amongst those that were most learned among the Iewes, Iudas the son of Saripheus, and Matthias the sonne of Margalothus the most excellent interpreters of the lawes and ordinances of the countrey: and for this cause were in greatest estimation among the peo∣ple, by reason that they instructed and trained vp the youth. For all those that desired to obtaine vertue, spent all their time with them, who vnderstanding that the kings sicknesse was dangerous, they incensed the younger sort, counsailing them to ouerthrow all those workes that the king had caused to be made contrarie to the law and custome of the countrey; to the ende, that they [ F] fighting for pietie might obtaine the reward that attendeth the same. For in that the king had enterprised and done many things contrarie to the law, diuers vnaccustomed miseries had befal∣len him, and namely that sicknes wherewith he was detained. For Herod had done diuers things contrarie to the auncient lawe; against which Iudas and Matthias exclaimed openly. For he had erected ouer the portall of the great temple, an Aegle of gold of great valew. Now the law prohibiteth that they, who pretend to liue according to the same, should not in any sort erect

any image, nor represent any figures of liuing creatures whatsoeuer. For this cause these doctors [ G] counsailed them to pull down that Aegle: telling that, that although the matter seemed to want no peril, yet ought they rather to prefer an honest death before a pleasant life, if so be it be imploi∣ed for the defence of their countrey lawes and religion. For in so doing they should obtaine im∣mortall praise for the present, and a memorable and eternall glorie in time to come; neither that they should protract the execution therof for feare of danger, since death was a thing that might not be auoided; so that since by the generall course of nature, they must needly die, it should be∣come them brauely to forsake their liues with praise and honour in embracing vertue. For to die in the execution of some noble exploit (which cannot be atchieued without hazard or danger) their children should be richly rewarded with the fruits thereof, & their other parents that should ou•…•…liue them (of what sex soeuer) should reape the fruits of that glorie which was honourably at∣chieued [ H] by them. In these or such like words encouraged they the young men.

About that time there was a rumour spred, that the king was dead, which gaue verie great furtherance to the doctors resolution. For at high noone they went vp into the temple, they pul∣led and hewed downe the Aegle with their axes; in the sight and assembly of a great number of people that were in the temple. Now when the tidings hereof came vnto the eares of the kings captaine, he fearing least some further and more fatall tumult might be raised, drew out a strong companie of souldiers with him, to repulse those that were assembled to hew downe the Aegle, and charging the rude & disarmed multitude, who were gathered togither, he easily flew and dis∣persed the most; as for those 40. young men that valiantly addressed thēselues to resist, he appre∣hended them, and with them the authors of this sedition Iudas & Matthias, who thought scorne [ I] to submit thēselues, and led them to the king; who demanding of them how they durst deface the sacred image: they answered, that long before that time they had resolued it, and that now accor∣ding as they had resolued, they had like valiant men performed the same. For we (said they) main∣taine the honour of God and the doctrine of our lawe, whereof we are disciples: neither ought you to admire that with contempt of your ordinances we haue preferred the lawes of our forefa∣thers, which Moses hath left vs in writing, according as he was suggested and taught them by God: neither doe we refuse any death or punishment which thou shalt inflict vpon vs, being assured in our consciences, that we suffer not for our impietie, but pietie sake. Thus spake they all of them, continuing the like constant boldnesse in their answeres, as they had shewed in their actions, be∣ing also ready, constantly to endure any punishment for that which they had attēpted. Hereupon [ K] the king commanded them to be bound, and sent them to Iericho: then calling before him those principall Iewes, who had the gouernment vnder him; & being brought into their assembly vp∣on his pallat, by reason of his weaknesse, he recited vnto them the numberlesse trauels he had en∣dured for their sakes: in like manner, how vpon his great charges he had repaired and reedified the temple; whereas the Asmoneans for the space of 125. yeeres, wherein they raigned, could not performe such a building in the honour of God. Moreouer he signified vnto them, how he had adorned the same with precious gifts, for which he hoped that after his death his memorie and glorie should suruiue. After this he expostulated with them for what cause they abstained not from offering him that outrage during his life time? And why at noon daies and in the sight of all the people, they had laid hands on those presents which he had dedicated vnto God, and [ L] had taken those things away violently, which though in words they appertained to him, yet in effect if the act were well examined, they had taken from God. The gouernors suspecting his crueltie, and fearing least his vnbridled passion should vrge him further, by which meanes they might be assured of some seuere punishment, answered him: that those things were not done by their consents, and that in their opinion the iniurie ought not to be let slip without punishment. At that time Herod shewed himselfe more fauourable towards the rest, but he caused Matthias to be depriued of the priesthood, as one in part who had been the cause of that which had hapned; and in his place substituted Iozar one of his wiues brethren. During the priesthood of this Mat∣thias it hapned also, that an other high priest was elected that verie day, wherein the Iewes did vsually celebrate their fast. For Matthias the night before the day of the fast, seemed in his dream [ M] to haue had the company of his wife; and whereas for this cause he was vnfit to offer the deuine sacrifice, he had Ioseph the sonne of Ellemus appointed him to be his assister and substitute, by rea∣son of his alliance. Herode therefore deposed Matthias: and as touching the other Matthias, who had mooued this trouble, both he and his companions were by his commandement consu∣med with fire.

This verie night the moone was ecclipsed, & Herods sicknesse grew more vehement. For God

punished those sins which he had committed. For he was inflamed with a lent or slow fire, which to [ A] the outward sense seemed not so vehement, but Inwardly searched and afflicted all his entrails: he had also a rauenous and an vnnaturall appetite to his meat, which might no waies be satisfied. Be∣sides that, he had an vlcer in his bowels with a strange and furious colicke. His feet were swolne with moist and shining f•…•…egme, and his stomacke was no lesse affected also. His members rotted & were full of crawling wormes, with a filthie and no lesse troublesome Priapisme, accompanied with an intollerable stench: besides all this, he had a strong con•…•…ulsion of his nerues, and short∣nesse of breath. For which cause it was a generall opinion amongst holy men, and such as had the knowledge of prophecie, that the king was thus punished for his infinite impieties and sinnes committed against the maiestie of God. And although he was tormented with an vnsupportable sicknes; yet had he hope to escape: and for that cause he sent for phisitions from all places, and [ B] refused none of those remedies which they thought behoouefull for him. He therefore past ouer Iordan and went into the hot bathes of Calliroes, the waters whereof are potable, besides other vertues they haue against all other kind of sicknes: this water dischargeth it selfe into the lake cal∣led Asphaltite. Being there it was thought good by his phisitions, that he should refresh himselfe in those waters: There being set by them into a bathing tub be filled with oyle, he waxed so sicke, that they held him for dead. Whereupon all his household seruants wept and grieuously lamen∣ted; and all his familiar friends crying out and bewailing him, with their great noise caused him to come to himselfe: and seeing himselfe wholy out of hope to escape, he gaue order that there should a distribution be made to euery soldier the summe of fiftie drachmes, and he offered great presents to their captaines & his friends. Afterwards he returned to Iericho, where a melancholy [ C] humour possessed him, which made him vnsociable, and displeased against all men; so that seeing that he must needlie die, he bethought him of this facinorous action that followeth. For the noblest men among the nation of the Iewes, resorting vnto him from all parts (vpon his commaundement vnder the expresse penaltie of losse of life to whosoeuer should neglect the same) the king shewed himselfe to be displeased, as well against those whom he thought guiltie, as against them who had giuen him no occasion of discontent. For he caused them to be shut vp in a place called the Hippodrome, which was the tilt yard to runne horses in, and sent for his sister Salome, and Alexas her husband; telling them that his end was at hand, for that his griefes did incessantly tormēt him: which as he said he ought to beare patiētly, because it was an end that should happen to all men. But that which most grieued him was, that he saw himselfe depriued [ D] of those mournings and lamentations, which a king deserued. For he was not to seeke of the Iewes affections, neither how his death was desired and longed for by them, since that in his life time they presumed so farre as to reuolt, and dishonour and deface those gifts, which he had bestowed vpon the commonweale. It therefore behooued them to afford him some solace in that his bitter anguish, for that if they refused not to performe that which he had contriued in his mind, the la∣mentation of his death should be magnificent, & as great as any king euer had: and the pleasure and laughter that might accompany his death, should be abated by their sorrow; who should vn∣fainedly lament for the whole nation. He therefore willed them that at such time as he should giue vp the ghost, they should cause the Hippodrome to be inuironed by his soldiers, as yet vnaduer∣tised of his death (which he would not haue published before this execution were ended) and to [ E] commaund them to shoot their arrowes at those that were shut vp therein. And that when they had slaine them all after this manner, they should make him triumph & reioice in a double ioy; first, for that in his death his commaundement should be ratified by effect: secondly, for that he should be honoured by a memorable lamentation, Thus weeping, he besought his kinsfolke for the loue they bare vnto him, and for the faith they bare vnto God, that they should not suffer him to die frustrate of this last honour: and they protested that they would not transgresse any point of this his commandement. Hereby may a man coniecture, what his nature was, who tooke plea∣sure in these aboue named impieties, and who through the desire he had of long life, hath af∣ter this sort delt with those of his bloud: and it may be coniectured by these his last comman∣dements, that he had nothing in him that fauoured any humanitie: for that departing out of the [ F] world he had such a mind, that all the nation and all such as were most affectioned towards him, should be driuen to sorrow and desolation; commaunding that in euery house one should be slaine, yea such as had not in any sort offended him, and were not accused of any misdeed com∣mitted against any other: whereas they that haue any vertue, finding themselues at that state, haue beene accustomed to lay aside the hatred which they haue before time borne vnto their enemies.

CHAP. IX. [ G]

Antipaters death.

WHilest he deliuered these instructions to his kinred, he receiued letters from those Em∣bassadours which he had sent to Rome vnto Caesar; the effect whereof was, that Acme was put to death by Caesars commaund, who was displeased with her for that she had beene of Antipaters conspiracy, who was remitted to Herodes pleasure like a king and father to vse him, as best pleased him; either to exile and banish him; or if it so pleased him, to put him to death, Herode receiuing these newes, recouered his spirits a little thorow the pleasure he receiued in the contents of those letters, both of the death of Acme, as of the power that was granted [ H] him to punish his sonne. But being assailed afresh with grieuous dolours, and vrged with a desire to eate, he called for an apple and a knife: for before time he was accustomed to pare his apples himselfe, and to cut a little; and afterwards to eate it: when as therefore he had gotten holde of the knife, he looked round about him, determining to giue himselfe a mortall wound therewith, and had surely done it, had not Achiabus his nephew hastily stept within him, and staied his hand, and called for assistance. At that time the sorrow and lamentation was renewed in all the pallace, as if the king had beene alreadie dead: and Antipater certainly beleeuing that his father was de∣parted, began to hope (and confirmed no lesse in his words) that being deliuered out of prison, he should obtaine the possession of the kingdome without any difficulty: and deuised with the Gaoler as touching his deliuerāce, offring him great presents both in hand, & hereafter, as if there [ I] had beene no other question but of that. But so farre was the Gaoler from obeying that which Antipater demaunded, that he presently went and certified the king what his intent was, and what offers he had made him. Herode, who had alreadie conceiued a sinister opinion of his sonne, hearing what the Gaoler had said, began to exclaime, and to beat his head, although he was al∣most at the vttermost gaspe, and lifting himselfe vp vpon his elbowes, he commaunded that one of his guard should presently haste and kill him; and that done, that he should be buried in the castle of Hircanion without any honour.

CHAP. X.

Herodes will, death, and buriall. [ K]

AFter this hauing changed his mind, he made a new testament. For he appointed Anti∣pas Tetrarch of Galilee and of Peraea, whereas before that he had instituted him for his successour in the kingdome. He created Archelaus king; he gaue the prouinces of Gaulo∣nites, Trachonites, Batanea and Paneade to Philip his sonne, and Archelaus brother by the mo∣thers side; to be Tetrarch ouer those places. He gaue his sister Salome Iamnia, Azot and Phasa∣elis, with fiftie thousand crownes of gold. He prouided also for his other kinsmen, all whom he left rich in money, which he gaue them, and reuenues which he assigned them. He gaue Caesar ten millions of drachmes in siluer, amounting to the summe of eleuen hundreth thousand francs, besides a great quantitie of gold and siluer plate, and of precious moueables. To Iulia [ L] Caesars wife, and to certaine others, he bequeathed fiue millions of drachmes, amounting to fiue hundreth and fiftie thousand francs, or there abouts. After he had in this manner disposed all things, some fiue daies after he had caused Antipater to be executed, he departed this life: ha∣uing raigned after Antigonus death, for the space of thirtie and foure yeeres, and thirtie and se∣uen yeeres after he was elected and approued king by the Romans: a man without respect cruell, and seuere towards all men; slaue to his wrath: Lord of the lawes: yet so fauoured by fortune, as no man more; for from a priuate man he became a king, and being inuironed with many pe∣rils, he alwaies happily escaped them, and he liued also a verie long time. And as touching his family and children, in this also in his owne opinion was he happie, in that he ouercame his ene∣mies and aduersaries: but in my opinion, he was most vnfortunate. [ M]

But before the kings death was thorowly knowen, Salome and Alexas discharged those that were locked vp in the Hippodrome, and sent euerie one of them home vnto his owne house, telling them that the king commaunded them to depart and follow their household affaires, and till their land: wherein they performed a most noble action, and benefited the whole nation with an especi•…•…ll good turne. After that the kings death was bruited abroad, Salome and Alexas caused all the men of warre to be assembled in the Amphitheater in Iericho, and first of all they caused

Herods letters to be read after which were addressed to the soldiers, in which he gaue them thanks [ A] for the fidelitie and good will which they had expressed towards him, praying them to continue the same to Archelaus his sonne, whom he had appointed to be their king after him. That done, Ptolomey, to whom the king had committed the custodie of his seale, recited his testament, which was to take no effect except that Caesar approoued the same. Thereupon all of them began to applaud and honour. Archelaus for their king. The men of war flocked about him in troupes, accompanied with their captaines, promising him to serue him with no lesse will and affection, then they had done his father, praying God to yeeld him his assistance.

At that time also the kings herse was prepared, and Archelaus gaue order that his obsequies should be most royallie performed, and bestowed all the furniture that was requisite for that fu∣nerall and princely enterment. He was carried out in a gilded litter, distinguished with diuers [ B] precious stones, the couer thereof was of azure colour. The dead body was apparelled in a pur∣ple raiment, hauing a diademe vpon his head, ouer which there was set a crowne of gold, and a scepter was couched in his right hand. About this litter marched a great number of his children and kinsfolke; and after them followed the men of warre, disposed in bands and troupes, accor∣ding to the manners of euerie nation. The first of these were the Archers of his guard: after them went the Thracians: and lastly marched the Germans, and Galathians; all of them in their war∣like abiliments and discipline. After them followed all the army, marching in order in like man∣ner as when they were addressed to battell, each one vnder his corporall and captaine. Next these followed fiue hundreth of his houshold seruants, bearing perfumes, and all these in this e∣quipage marched to the Castle Herodion, distant some eight stades or furlongs off. For there [ C] was he entombed, according to the tenor of his testament. Thus died Herode. Archelaus con∣tinued his mourning for seuen daies space in honour of his father. (For the law of the country ordaineth no lesse.) And after he had feasted the people, and laid aside his mourning apparell, he ascended vp into the temple. All the way as he went, all the people with shouts and acclamati∣ons cried, God saue the king; and with praiers and praises honoured him to their vttermost; and he being conducted vp to a high station and state, which was made for the purpose, and placed in a throne that was embelished with gold, entertained the people verie gratiously, taking plea∣sure in their acclamations and congratulations that they bestowed vpon him. He gaue them thankes also for that they had blotted out of their remembrance the iniuries, that his father had done vnto them; protesting in his owne behalfe, that he would enforce himselfe to requite their [ D] kindnes, with an intire affection. He likewise tolde them that for the present he accepted not the stile of a king, because the honour was bequeathed vnto him with this condition, that Caesar should ratifie his fathers testament. For this cause, although the souldiers that were in Iericho enforced themselues to set the diademe vpon his head, yet would he not accept that vncertaine honour, because it was not as resolued whether Caesar, who was the principall partie in the gift, would grant him the gouernment or no. He alleadged likewise, that if his affaires succeeded according to his desire, he would not according as his honour commaunded him, forget their loue, or leaue their good affection vnrequited. And that in the meane while he would enforce himselfe by all meanes to further those things that concerned them, and entertaine them with more kindnesse then his father had done. But they, according as it is the custome of the com∣mon [ E] people, thinking that those that enter into such dignities, declare and open their mindes at the first day, the more Archelaus spake kindely and curteously vnto them, the more they applauded him, and presented him with diuers petitions, for certaine grants and donations from him. Some of them cried out vnto him, that he should cut off some part of their taxes and tal∣lages, which they paied annually: Othersome cried vpon him, to deliuer those prisoners that were committed by Herode, of whom diuers had pined a long time in prison: Others instantly vr∣ged him to cut off those tributes which had been imposed by him vpon bargaines and sales, which was to pay the halfe of the bargaine. Whereunto Archelaus did not in any sort contra∣dict, striuing to the vttermost of his power to please the people, for that he knew full well that their good affection would be no small aduantage toward him in the confirmation of his king∣dome. [ F] That done, he sacrificed vnto God, and afterward fell to banquetting and entertain∣ment of his friends.

CHAP. XI. [ G]

The people mutinie against Archelaus.

MEane while certaine men among the Iewes that were desirous of innouation, in their priuate conuenticles bewailed Matthias and his confederates, whom Herode had put to death and condemned for racing and defacing the golden Aegle: for that incontinent∣ly after their decease, they had neither been publikely honoured, nor lamented for, by reason of the feare that the people had conceiued of Herode. For which cause at that time they required with lamentations and great cries, that their obsequies might be solemnized, and as if the dead bodies had receiued some contentation by their teares and tempest of exclaimes, they vttered many hainous and disgracefull speeches against Herode; and assembling themselues togither they [ H] required Archelaus to doe them iustice against those, that during Herodes life were in authoritie; and especially they demaunded, that the high priest who was aduanced by his father, should be deposed, and that an other more lawfull and vpright might be placed in his steed, to offer and exercise the high priests place. Now although Archelaus was sore displeased at these their violent proceedings, yet notwithstanding he conformed himselfe to their good likings, in that he was with all expedition to repaire vnto Rome, to vnderstand and attend Caesars pleasure. He therfore called for the general of his army, willing him to perswade them not to seeke a reuenge for those men, who were dead, notwithstanding they were their friends; because whatsoeuer was done, was done according to lawe; and that no enquirie might be made thereof, except to the great preiudice of his reputation and hazard of his state, in regard of the incertaintie of the time: that [ I] it was more expedient for him to studie for the maintenance of peace, vntil such time that being established in the kingdome by Caesars consent, he should returne backe againe vnto them, and that then he would consult with them for the common profit, according to their iust demaunds, wishing them for the present to containe themselues, and to take heede least they stirred vppe sedition.

When he had thus instructed his Generall, he sent him vnto them. But they cried out with a lowd voice, and would not suffer him to speake, but for feare of danger and death they put him to silence. And if any other were so forward as to speake vnto them, and perswade them to some moderation, and to alter their sinister resolutions, he was also in danger; for that they had this perswasion, that all things ought rather to be ordered according to their pleasures, then by the [ K] authoritie of their superiours; supposing that although during Herodes life time they had been depriued of their deerest friends, it should be now a matter vnworthy their courages, after his death to be cut off from the priuiledge to demaund their reuenge. For they were transported with their owne opinions, and held all that for lawfull and vpright, which was in any sort con∣formable to their pleasures, without foreseeing the danger that might happen thereby: so much were they pleased to be reuenged on those, whom they reputed to be their enemies. Now wher∣as diuers were sent by Archelaus, to consult with them; and diuers came vnto them, not as mes∣sengers from him, but as friends and louers of peace of their owne motion, with an intent to pa∣cifie them, they would not permit any of them to speake; and thorow their rage there arose a great tumult, which had growne to a further extremitie, if a greater number of people had ioy∣ned [ L] themselues with them.

At that time fell the feast of vnleauened bread, which is called Pascha, which is a memoriall of their deliuerance out of Aegypt, at which time all m•…•… doe most willingly present their sacri∣fices, and a greater number of beasts are slaine at that feast, then at any other time. To this so∣lemnitie also an infinite number of people assembled from all parts, to honour God: whereby the seditious (supposing that they had gotten a fit opportunity) lamented Iudas and Matthias, who were the expositors of the law, and kept themselues within the temple, whither they had gathe∣red good store of victuals, which they were not ashamed impudently to begge for. But Arche∣laus, fearing least their rage should produce some more grieuous effect of mischiefe, sent out a band of armed men, with a captaine, and a regiment of a thousand men, to represse their head∣long [ M] furie, before the rest of the people were infected with their follies; and to bring them like∣wise vnto him, whom they found to be the forwardest in that commotion. Against those th•…•… seditious cried out, with great clamors, and incensed the people against them, so that al of them rushed in vpon the men of war, and slew diuers of them. The rest of them escaped with their cap∣taine, yet not without diuers wounds. That done, they which were within the temple returned againe to their diuine seruice.

Now Archelaus supposing that his whole fortune was endangered, except he repressed the [ A] rage of the multitude, he sent out all his footmen with a certaine number of horsemen, to pre∣uent least they that were without should yeeld assistance to those, who had taken vp their lodging in the temple, and to put those to the sword, who hauing escaped the violence of the footmen, supposed themselues to be in securitie. These horsemen slew about three thousand men, the rest retired themselues into the mountaines that were neere adioyning. Hereupon Archelaus made proclamation, that each one should repaire vnto his owne house. For which cause they departed and abandoned the feast, for feare of greater mischiefe; notwithstanding they had spleen enough, as it is the ordinarie custome of the ignorant multitude.

After this Archelaus accompanied with his mother, betooke himselfe to sea, and led with him Nicholas and Ptolomey, with diuers other his friends, committing the gouernment of all his hous∣hold [ B] and kingdome to his brother Philip with him also departed Salome Herodes sister, leading with her her children. There went also diuers other of his kinred, who said that they would all of them labour for Archelaus, that he might obtaine the kingdome, but in effect it was to con∣tradict him with all their power: and in especiall to vrge that against him with great vehemencie, that was done in the temple. Sabinus Caesars Viceroy in Syria, posting into Iewrie to take charge of Herodes money, met with Archelaus in Caesarea. But Varus arriuing in the meane while de∣tained him from finishing that voiage; for Archelaus had sent for him to come thither by Ptolo∣mey, and Sabinus willing to doe Varus a pleasure, would not seaze the fortresses of Iewrie; nei∣ther sealed vp Herodes treasuries, but left them in Archelaus possession, vntill such time as Caesar had giuen order for the estate; and after he had made this promise he staied in Caesarea. [ C]

After Archelaus had set saile towards Rome, and Varus was departed for Antioch; Sabinus went to Ierusalem, where he seazed the kings pallace, and calling before him the kings agents, and the captaines of his gatrisons, he required them to deliuer vp their Castles into his hands. But they, according as Archelaus had commanded them, continued the possession in their accu∣stomed manner, according to the kings direction, pretending to keep the same in Caesars behalfe. At the same time, Antipas Herods sonne trauailed to Rome likewise, vnder the hope to be elected king, in regard of Salomes promises; and for that he better deserued the same then Archelaus, con∣sidering that in the first testament, which should be of more force then the latter, he had been ap∣pointed king. He led his mother also with him, and Ptolomey the brother of Nicholas, who had been one of Herodes most esteemed friends, and was well affected to further and set forward his [ D] title. But especially he was stirred vp to seeke the kingdome by Ireneus, a man very eloquent, and to whose charge in regard of his sufficiencie, the affaires of the kingdome had been committed. For which cause, although he were perswaded to giue ouer the kingdome vnto his elder brother, who was confirmed in the kingdome by his fathers testament, yet would he not giue eare there∣unto. But Antipas no sooner arriued in Rome, but all his kinsfolke reuolted from Archelaus vnto him, not so much for the loue they bare him, as for the hatred they had conceiued against Ar∣chelaus: and aboue all, for the desire they had to recouer their libertie and to draw themselues vnder a Roman gouernour. For they thought that if there were any contradiction, that Antipas, for whom they indeuoured to procure the roialtie, should be more profitable vnto them then Archelaus. Sabinus also by his letters accused Archelaus to Caesar: But Archelaus by Ptolomey [ E] exhibited vnto Caesar a supplication containing his right and title to the kingdome, his fathers testament, and the account of the money which Herode his father had sealed vp, togither with his ring, and expected the issue.

But when he had read these letters, and those which Varus and Sabinus had sent him, and vn∣derstood what summes of money he had left, and what the annuall reuenue was, and how Anti∣pas challenged the kingdome, and appropriated it to himselfe, according as his letters made men∣tion: he assembled all his friends to haue their aduise thereupon. Amongst them was Caius the sonne of Agrippa and his daughter Iulia, adopted by him, whom he caused to sit in the chiefest place: which done, he commanded the assistants to speake what they would touching this mat∣ter. At that time Antipater Salomes sonne, a man verie eloquent, and a great aduersarie to Ar∣chelaus, [ F] spake first saying, that it was a mockerie for him at that time to speake of the kingdome, •…•…nsidering that before Caesar had granted it him, he had alreadie seazed the forces of the state; when as vpon a festiuall day he had slaine so many: who although they had deserued that punish∣ment, yet ought the iustice thereof to haue been reserued to a lawfull power, and not to haue bin vsurped by him, either being king with Caesars preiudice, whose authoritie he had contempned; or by being a priuate man, which was a greater ouersight. For which cause he vndeseruedly at

this time hoped for his approbation, whom already as much as in him lay, he had depriued of [ G] the title and authoritie of his allowance. Moreouer he obiected against him, that of his owne authoritie he had chaunged certaine chieftaines of the armie, and that he had seated himselfe in the royall throne, and like a king had determined certaine causes, and had granted certaine de∣maunds of the people: finally, that he had left nothing vndone, which he might haue performed, had Caesar confirmed his title: He alledged also, that they who were inclosed in the Hippodrome were dismissed by him, and diuers other acts, partly true, partly probable, in regard of the ambi∣tion of young men, who desirous to gouerne do ordinarily commit such things: besides this, his neglect in mourning for his father, and withall his reare banquets all night long at that verie time his father died; whereat the people began to mutinie, seeing the smal regard he had of his fathers death, from whom he had receiued so great goods and honours. How all the day long he made [ H] a shew of his sorrow and teares in his pauilion, but all the night tooke pleasures like a king; and being such, if Caesar should grant him the kingdome, he would behaue himselfe no lesse vnkindly towards him, then he had done towards his most kind father. That it was no lesse then a hainous crime in him, to delite himselfe with songs and daunces at his fathers death, as if he had beene his enemie: That he now came to Caesars presence, to the intent to obtaine the kingdome by his consent, whereas alreadie he had behaued himselfe no otherwise then if he had alreadie beene established king by his authoritie. But most of all he exaggerated the slaughter he had commit∣ted in the temple, and the impietie perpetrated so neere to the feast of Easter, at which time di∣uers both straungers and citizens had beene slaughtered after the manner of sacrifices, and the temple filled with carcasses, not by a straunger, but by him, who vnder the colour of religion [ I] desireth the gouernment of the kingdome, to the end he might satisfie the vniustice of his nature in exercising each way his tyranny toward all men: for which cause his father neuer thought, nor euer dreampt to substitute him king in his place. For he knew both his life and disposition, and by his former testament (and that of greatest force) had ordained his aduersarie Antipater to be king. For he had beene allotted the kingdome by his father, not when his mind was dead before his bodie, but when both his iudgement was sound, and his bodie in health. Yea although at that time Archelaus father had such a conceit of him, as in his latter testament and bequest he pre∣tendeth, yet that he had alreadie declared what kind of king he was likely to be, who contemned Caesars authoritie in confirming the kingdome, and being as yet a priuate man doubted not to murther the citizens in the temple. This said, Antipater (to giue greater credit to his words, brin∣ging [ K] diuers of his kindred as witnesses of that he had said) ended his Oration.

Whereupon Nicholas arose, and alledged in Archelaus behalfe as touching the slaughter, that it was to be imputed to their impietie, who could not be restrained from their tumults and vprores, before Archelaus was enforced to appease them by force, alledging that they were so much the more guiltie, for that they had not onely exercised their malice, but also had enforced others to attempt so hainous a reuenge against them: for their insolencie seemed in appearance to concerne Archelaus; yet in a sort their contumacie pertianed to Caesars iniurie. For those that had beene sent by him to appease and represse their sedition, were against all law and right char∣ged and slaine by them, without respect of God or regard of the solemne feast: whose defence Antipater was not ashamed of, without respect of equitie; so that he might satisfie that hatred [ L] which he bare vnto Archelaus. That therefore it was their fault, who first of all abstained not from iniurie, but whetted those swords, which were drawen in maintenance of the peace, against their owne bosomes. He enforced all other things also, whereof they had accused Archelaus a∣gainst themselues, saying, that none of these things were done without their consents: and that the offence was not so grieuous, as they intended it should be esteemed, to the end they might dis∣credit Archelaus. So great a desire was in them to hurt their kinsman, a man both well respected, and affected by his father, as also kind and officious towards them in all things that concerned them. As for the testament, that it was made by the king when he was in perfect estate of minde and bodie, and of greater force then the former, because the authoritie and confirmation thereof was ascribed to Caesar the soueraigne of the world. Further that Caesar would not imitate them [ M] in that wrong they did vnto Herode, who being during his life time bountifully graced by him, by many benefits, do now after his death go about to violate his last and truest testament: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that rather like a friend and confederate he would confirme his will, who like his faithfull and sworne welwiller had committed all things to his trust. For that there must needs be a great diffe∣rence betweene their malice and Caesars vertue and faith, which was renowmed thorow the whole world. For which cause he would not iudge his decree to be inconsiderately past, who left

his succession to his well deseruing sonne, and referred all things to his trust. For that it was vn∣likely [ A] that he should erre in the choise of his successor, who had so discreetly submitted all things to Caesars iudgement. After this manner Nicholas also finished his discourse. Hereupon Caesar courteously raised Archelaus, who lay prostrate and humbled before his feet, telling him that he was most worthie to be king, by giuing an apparant testimony, that he was constant in his resolu∣tions, pretending that he would do nothing but that which should be answerable to Herodes te∣stament, and Archelaus profit; and seeing the young man was confirmed in some good hope with this his promise, he determined nothing more for that time, but dismissing the councell, he debated with himselfe whether he should ratifie the kingdome to Archelaus onely, or deuide it amongst Herodes kinred, especially since all men had need of his assistance.

CHAP. XII. [ B]

The Iewes mutinie against Sabinus, and how Varus punisheth the authors of the sedition.

BVt before Caesar had determined any thing certainly in this behalfe, Marthalce Archelaus mother died of a sicknes, & Varus the presidēt of the Iews in Syria, had sent letters, which certified the emperor of the rebelliō of the Iewes. For after Archelaus departure, al the na∣tiō was in an vprore. To pacifie which Varus resorted thither, & punished the authors of the same, & after he had in this sort appeased all things, he returned to Antioch, leauing a regimēt of soldi∣ers in Ierusalem to restraine the factious invocations amongst the Iewes: yet preuailed he nothing by this his pollicy. For as soone as Varus was departed, Sabinus, who intēded Caesars affaires, remai∣ning in that place, grieuously burthened the Iews, trusting to that power that was left him, & sup∣posing [ C] that he was alreadie enabled to withstand the multitude. For he armed diuers souldiers, and made vse of them to oppresse the Iewes, and to prouoke them to sedition. For he enforced him∣selfe to surprise their fortresses, and forcibly to make search after the kings treasures, for his priuate lucre and couetousnes sake. When as therefore the feast of Whitsontide was come (which is one of our festiuals) diuers thousands from all parts repaired to Ierusalem, not onely for religion sake, but also for the despite and hatred they had conceiued against those violences and iniuries, which Sabinus had offered them. And not onely were those of Iudaea grieuously offended (but diuers also resorted out of Galilee and Idumaea, from Iericho and the Cities scituate on the other side of Iordan, desiring all of them to be reuenged on Sabinus. And deuiding their campe into three bands after this manner, the one part of them tooke vp the Hippodrome, and of the other two [ D] the one seazed the southerne quarter of the temple, and the other the easterne, and the third, which was in the Hippodrome were planted to the westward, where the kings pallace stood; and thus prepared they al things that were necessarie to set vpon the Romans, whom they had be∣sieged on all sides. At that time Sabinus fearing their number, and resolution, who were resol∣ued either to die or to ouercome, sent present letters vnto Varus, requiring him with all expedi∣tion to send him a supply, because the regiment that was left by him, was in great daunger; and must needs vtterly perish without his speedie rescous: as for himselfe he withdrew into the tower and dungeon of the castle Phasaelus, which was a fortresse which was builded and so called in honour of Herodes brother, who was slaine by the Parthians; and from the top thereof made a signe to the Romanes, that they should sally out vpon the Iewes, being afraid to trust himselfe [ E] to his owne friends, and supposing that the rest ought to expose their liues to daunger in maintenance of his seruice. The Romans hauing made this sally, there arose a desperate skir∣mish, wherein the Romanes diuers waies had the vpper hand; yet were not the Iewes any waies discomforted, notwithstanding they had lost many men, but wheeling about so long till at last they seazed the outward galleries, and those that encompassed the temple, and in that place there was a hot assault: for they flung downe stones with their hands and slings, and there were cer∣taine archers mixed amongst them, who in that they had recouered a place of aduantage, grie∣uously gauled the Romans which were below, in that they had no meanes to auoid their shot, but were in such sort exposed therunto, as their enemies had the better. And with this disaduan∣tage fought the Romans a long time, till at length sore aggrieued at this their present indignitie, [ F] they secretly fired the galleries and porches, without any disc•…•…uery of those that were therein; which fire brought thither by many, and fedde with such matter as would speedily flame, in∣continently tooke holde of the roofe, because the roofe was couered with pitch and waxe, and guilded vpon the waxe; so that these great and excellent buildings were burnt downe to nothing in a moment, and they that were resorted thither were all of them consumed before they were aware. For some of them fell with the roofe of the Galleries; other∣some

shot at and slaine by those that stood round abouts; othersome despairing of their [ G] liues, and amazed at the mischiefe, either cast themselues into the fire, or slew themselues with their one swords; and all those that retired vnder hope to saue themselues by that way they ascended, were encountred by the Romans, who slew them all in that they were discouraged and disarmed, though furiously desperate: so that no one of them that ascended the porches esca∣ped with life. Afterwards the Romans thrusting forward one another by those waies, where the fire was aslaked, entred the treasure house where the sacred money was kept, by which meanes a great part thereof was stolne away by the souldiers, and Sabinus to all mens knowledge carried away foure hundreth talents. But the Iewes being afflicted with a double calamitie, first of all with the losse of their friends in that fight: and lastly, with the spoile of the treasurie; yet assem∣bled they a troupe of the most valiantest souldiers, and besieged the pallace, threatning to burne [ H] the same, with Sabinus and all other the Romans that were therein, except they speedily depar∣ted; and in so doing, they promised both them and Sabinus all assurance and securitie, whereby it came to passe that diuers of them that were in the pallace, issued out and submitted themselues vnto them. But Rufus and Gratus hauing three thousand of those valiant souldiers vnder their charge, who had serued Herode, ioyned themselues with the Romans. The like did those horse∣men which followed Rufus, who in like manner submitted themselues to their direction: yet for all this, the Iewes continued and intended their siege vndermining the wals, and exhorting their aduersaries to depart, and not to exempt them of their libertie, which they had long time enioi∣ed vnder their predecessors. Sabinus was willing to depart from thence with his souldiers; yet durst he not trust them in regard of their former attempt, and he suspected ouer much the ouer [ I] liberall offer his enemies had made him: but neglected the same, because he expected Varus. At the same time infinite other troubles were raised in diuers other places of Iudaea, according as each man either was incensed with a desire of gaine, or a wil to reuenge. For two thousand men of warre, who had sometime serued vnder Herode, and being at that time cashierd, liued at home, assembling themselues togither assailed those of the kings faction, who made head against them, vnder the conduct of Herodes nephew Achiabus, who neuer daring to encounter them in a place of equall aduantage, in that they were olde souldiers, and well exercised in warre, defended him∣selfe, and that he held and kept himselfe as neere as he could in the mountaines and places of ad∣uantage. Moreouer, Iudas the sonne of Ezechias the Archthiefe, whom Herode ouercame with so much difficultie, at Sephoris a Citie of Galilee, gathering vnto him a band of desperate men, [ K] made incursions vpon the kings dominions. And hauing taken all those armes and weapons, which he might recouer in that place, he armed from the first to the last all those souldiers that were with him: he tooke away all that money which was reserued for the king, in that place: and affrighting the inhabitants round about him, he spoiled all those with whomsoeuer he met; aspi∣ring to the kingdome and affecting the same, not by lawfull meanes of which he was vnskilfull, but by a libertie to do iniurie.

Whilest these troubles ranged in euerie place, Simon also, who had been one of Herodes ser∣uants, and both for his shape, stature, and strength was esteemed amongst all men, vndertooke the kingdome, and being attended by a mightie army, and proclaimed king by them, who were a wicked and vnbridled multitude, and perswading himselfe that he was worthy to be king aboue [ L] any other, he first of all set fire on the pallace in Iericho, and spoiled all that which was there∣in. He burnt also diuers other royall pallaces, belonging to the king, which were in diuers pla∣ces of the countrey, giuing them free licence, who were his followers in the action, to beare away the prey that remained: and farre more licentious prankes had he plaid, had not his practi∣ses been speedily and wisely preuented. For Gratus, who with the kings souldiers had coupled himselfe with the Romans, and gathered all the forces that he had, went out against this Simon. And after a fierce battell, they on the other side of Iordan, were put to flight, and fighting rather vnder courage then militarie discipline, they were ouercome. And whilest Simon in trauersing a valley sought to saue himselfe by flight, Gratus met with him, and cut off his head. About the same time also the royall pallace of Amatha, that was fast by Iordan, was burned by men of as [ M] bad disposition as Simon was. And thus thorow the whole nation raigned this raging rebellion, for that the countrey had no king, who by his vertue might gouerne and moderate the people▪ for that the strangers, who were sent to represse these mutinies, did rather incense them thorow their violence and auarice. For a certaine obscure and base man (neither esteemed for vertue, nor worthy regard for his riches, but being a shepheard vtterly vnknowne before time, and on∣ly famous for his huge stature and strength) called Athronges, was so audacious, as to aspire to

royall dignitie, and tooke pleasure to offer violence setting light by his life, & exposing himselfe [ A] to all hazards for the onely vnbridled affection he bare to soueraigntie. He had foure brothers of as goodly stature as himselfe, who were es•…•…emed for men of valour and execution, whereby they imagined they had the meanes offered them to occupie the kingdome. Each one of these had the commaund ouer a companie. For a great companie of people resorted daily vnto them, the charge of whom was committed vnto his brethren, at such time as any occasion of warre was offered, and he in the meane while wearing the diademe on his head, ordered, counsailed, and commaunded all things. The power of this Gallant endured a long time, who was not called king for nought: for he disposed all things according to his owne pleasure, and both he and his brethren were flesht with the slaughter of the Romans, and those of the kings side, whom he ha∣ted alike; these, by reason of the insolence they had vsed during Herodes life time: the other, in [ B] regard of those iniuries, which lately they supposed themselues to haue receiued by them. This hatred of theirs daily increased more and more, and there was no man that could escape their hands, both in respect of the gaine they sought, as for the custome they had to shed bloud. They therefore at that time set vpon the Romans and surprised them on the sodaine neere to Emmaus, at such time as they carried victuals and munition vnto their campe; and hauing enclosed the Centurion Arius with fortie of their most valiant footmen, they shotte him thorow with their darts. The rest that expected nothing lesse then life, were saued by Gratus, who came in vpon them with the kings souldiers: whereupon leauing the deadbodies, they retired. Continuing their warre after this maner a long time, according as occasion was offered, they had done much mischiefe to the Romans, and farre more iniurie to the nation of the Iewes. Finally they were [ C] surprised, the one in an encountrie betwixt them and Gratus: the other, in fighting against Pto∣lomey. The eldest was taken by Archelaus, & the last being dismaid with these accidents, and see∣ing no meanes to escape (for besides his other mishaps his souldiers were afflicted with sicknesse) he with the rest vpon Archelaus faith and oath submitted himselfe vnto him. But this was done some little while after.

At this time was all Iudaea full of robberies, and as many seditious assemblies as drew togither, so many kings were there elected, who were raised to the vtter ruine of the common weale. A∣mongst the rest, the Romans were they that smarted least, but the murthers were executed a∣gainst those that were of the countrey. But Varus vnderstanding by Sabinus letters, in what dan∣gers they were, and fearing the vtter ouerthrow of his third legion, he tooke with him the two [ D] other (for to the vttermost in Syria there were but three) and with the assistance of the kings and Tetrarches he hasted into Iewrie, to relieue those that were besieged, commaunding those that were sent out before he dislodged, to meete him at Ptolemais, and passing by the Citie of the Be∣rythians he receiued a thousand, & fiue hundreth soldiers at their hands, to attend him in his war. Arctas also, who was Lord of Petra; drawing himselfe into confederacie with the Romans, in regard of that hatred he bare toward Herode, sent him horsemen and footmen. When all these forces were assembled at Ptolemais, he deliuered a part thereof to his son, and one of his friends commanding them to make warre vpon the Galileans, who bordered vpon that Citie, who ente∣ring that region, and putting all those to flight, whosoeuer durst make head against him, he tooke Sephoris, and selling the inhabitants vnder the speare, he consumed the Citie with fire. Varus [ E] himselfe marching towards Samaria with his army, violenced not the Citie in that he knew it was free from the contagion of the seditious, but he pitched his campe in a certain village, which was Ptolomies possession, called Arus. The same did the Arabians burne, reuenging themselues on Herodes friend for his sake, and marching onward the Arabians spoiled also an other village called Sampho, and for that it was strongly fortified burned the same. Besides, in that iourney nothing escaped their hands, but they put all to fire and sword. For both Emmaus was burned by Varus commaund, and in reuenge of his souldiers that were sl•…•…ine in that place, it was left de∣solate and void of inhabitants. From thence drawing neere to Ierusalem, those Iewes that be∣sieged the legion on that side, vpon the sodaine view and approch of the army of the Romans, fearefully fled, giuing ouer that siege which they intended. But those Iewes of Ierusalem, being [ F] grieuously reprooued by Varus, alleadging in their excuse, that the people in regard of the feast were assembled in that place, and that the warre was not begunne by their consent, but vnderta∣ken by their boldnesse who resorted thither from diuers places; and that they were so farre off from assailing the Romans, as they rather seemed to be besieged by them. And long before this Ioseph king Herodes nephew, Gratus and Rufus with their souldiers were gone out to meet Varus, and those Romans that had sustained the siege, had done no lesse. But as touching Sabinus, he

would not appeare in Varus presence, by stealing away priuily out of the Citie, he fled vnto the [ G] seaward. Then Varus sending a part of his army thorow the whole region, sought out the authors of this sedition, and those that were noted men in the action, some of which, who were most guiltie, were punished: the rest were deliuered. Now of those that were punished for this occa∣sion, there were about two thousand crucified; and that done, seeing that his army stood him in little steed, he dismissed them. For diuers disorders and outrages, contrarie to Varus expresse commaund, were acted by his souldiers, who sought after nothing more then to increase their meanes by other mens miseries. And hearing that ten thousand Iewes were assembled togither, he hasted to apprehend them: but they not daring to hazard their fortune in a fight with him, by Achiabus aduice submitted themselues. But Varus hauing pardoned the people for this their rebellion, sent all those that were the ringleaders thereof to Caesar, who discharged diuers of [ H] them. But he chastised certaine of Herodes allies, and such as bare armes with them: for that neither in regard of kindred, nor respect of iustice, they had abstained from rebellious insurre∣ction. After that Varus had in this sort appeased all the troubles in Iewrie, and left the first legion in garrison in Ierusalem, he returned to Antioch.

But Archelaus was crossed in Rome by an other occurrent that arose vpon this occasion: Certaine Embassadors of the Iewes resorted thither by Varus permission, requiring, that it might be lawfull for them to liue according to their owne lawes: these presented themselues to the num∣ber of fiftie, and were backt by eight thousand Iewes, that inhabited the Citie. And when as Caesar had assembled the councell of his friends, and chiefest citizens in Apolloes temple, which he had builded to his mightie charge, thither resorted the Embassadours, who were followed by [ I] a troupe of Iewes; and Archelaus also attended by his friends. But the kings kindred neither stood by Archelaus in regard of the hate they bare him, and yet disdained they to assist the embassadors, for that they were ashamed in Caesars presence to oppose themselues against their neerest friend and kinsman. Philip also was present at that time, who by Varus perswasion resorted thither out of Syria, especially to the intent to plead for his brother, to whom Varus wished all good fortune: besides that, hoping not a little that if the Iewes should obtaine the libertie to liue according to their laws, it might come to passe that the kingdome being deuided amongst Herods children, he might also light on some part thereof. After therfore the Embassadors of the Iewes had obtained licence to propose their demaunds, pretending with themselues wholy to extinguish the royalty: they began to rippe vp Herodes disgraces, alleadging how onely in name he had been a king; [ K] whereas otherwise he had vsed all the tyrannous practises that the most wickedest person could haue inuented toward the destruction of his nation, and that not content with these, he had of his owne head practised and inuented new. Neither that it needed them to reckon vp how many he had depriued of life, when as the estate of those that were aliue was farre more desperate, whom he not onely affrighted with perpetuall terror and seueritie, but also with iniurious hands had not abstained from their goods. By which meanes it came to passe, that he not only builded, but beautified forraine Cities inhabited by forraine nations, to the ende he might the rather vt∣terly spoile those by exactions, which were scituate and seated in his owne countrey: and that he inforced his nation to extreame pouertie, which he receiued in most happy estate, whilest he spoileth those nobles of their estates, who vpon weake probabilities were condemned to die, or [ L] granting them life depriueth them of their possessions. Furthermore, whereas yeerely tributes were imposed on euerie one; yet seuerally was the rauenous & couetous desires of his friends and courtiers to be satisfied, yea and of his seruants also, who had the authority to exact these things, that by this meanes they might redeeme their iniurious vexations. As for the deflowring of vir∣gins, and the scornfull betraying of a matrons chastitie, they couered them vnder silence, for that it is a great comfort to those that suffer such outrage, if their disgraces be but knowne to a fewe. In briefe, that Herode had in no other sort gouerned, then as if the gouernment of them had been committed to a most sauage beast. For which cause, whereas in times past that nation had bin afflicted with many calamities and murthers, yet that there is no example extant amongst their monuments of antiquitie, that may be compared with their present calamitie vnder Herode. For [ M] which cause vpon iust respects they had with one consent named Archelaus their king, supposing that whatsoeuer king might befall them, he would alwaies demeasne himselfe more affably then Herode had done; and that to honour Archelaus they had mourned with him for his father, to gratifie him in other things, to the intent they might tie his good affection vnto them. But he without delay and all at once had made manifest to the whole nation, what opinion they were to conceiue of him, notwithstanding that as yet he was not confirmed king (for that it lay in Caesars

hands to bequeath it yea or no) and as if he had beene afraid least he should assuredly be ac∣knowledged [ A] for his fathers sonne, he had shewed an example of his vertue, moderation and good gouernment, that he would vse towards his subiects, by the first act which he hath committed, not onely against God, but also against men. For in the temple it selfe he hath caused three thousand of his owne countrimen to be slaine. And how can he chuse but •…•…e iustly hated, who besides his other cruelties, obiecteth against vs the crime of rebellion and mutiny. The effect of their request therefore was this, that they might not any more be gouerned by a king, nor any such like gouernment, but that they might be annexed vnto Syria, and submit themselues vnto those uernours that should be sent thither. That in so doing it should truly appeare whether they were seditious, and addicted to chaunges, or whether they would liue in peace at such time as they had fauourable gouernours. After the Iewes had spoken to this effect: Nicholas dischar∣ged [ B] the kings of those accusations that were obiected against them, and namely Herode, who (as he said) had neuer beene accused all his life time, and that it was no reason that they, who iust∣ly accusing him, might haue caused him to be punished during his life time, should now addresse their accusations against him after he was dead. And as touching those things that were obiec∣ted concerning Archelaus actions, it ought to be imputed to their insolence, for that engaging themselues in matters contrarie to law, and hauing begunne to murther those who sought to appease the tumult, they accused such as had kept them in obedience. Besides this, he obiected a∣gainst them, that they were addicted to alterations, and tooke pleasure to stirre vp seditions, for that they knew not what thing it was to obey iustice and the lawes, and that there was no nation in the world so headstrong as that of the Iewes; for that they would haue the vpper hand o∣uer [ C] all. Thus spake Nicholas.

CHAP. XIII.

Caesar confirmes Herodes testament, and appointeth his children to be his successors.

WHen Caesar had heard these things, he dismissed the assembly. But some few daies after he desirous to make an end of this matter, declared Archelaus not king, but Lord of halfe that gouernment that appertained to Herode, promising him to bestow a royall dignitie vpon him, if so be he behaued himselfe vertuously, according as it became him. As for the o∣ther [ D] moitie, he deuided it betweene two, giuing a seuerall part thereof to each of Herodes sonnes, Philip and Antipas, who debated with his brother Archelaus for the whole kingdome. The same Antipas also had the countrey on the other side of Iordan, and Galilee, with two hundreth ta∣lents of annuall reuenue. As for Philip, he had Bathanea, Trachonitis, and Auranitis, and part of the pallace that was called by Zenodorus name, with one hundreth talents. As for Archelaus, he had Idumaea, Iudaea & Samaria, which were discharged of the fourth part of the tributes by Caesar, for that they had not ioyned themselues with the rest of the people during the time of the sedi∣tion. Besides that, Archelaus had the tower of Straton, Sebaste, Ioppe, and Ierusalem. For Gaza, Gadara, and Hippon were cities of Greece which Caesar had dismembred, and adioyned to Sy∣ria. Archelaus had fiue hundreth talents of yeerely rent out of his countrey. Thus was the pa∣trimony [ E] deuided among Herodes sonnes. As for Salome, besides that which her brother had gi∣uen her in his will, which were the cities of Iamnia, Azot, Phasaelis, and halfe a million of siluer money, Caesar granted her a royall house in Ascalon; so as she receiued in the whole sixtie talents of annuall reuenue, and had her house allotted her within the dominion of Archelaus. All other of Herodes kinred, receiued that which was bequeathed vnto them by his testament. Two of his daughters that were vnmaried, were endowed by Caesar with a quarter of a million of siluer mony which he gaue them, beside their fathers portion, and they were maried to Pheroras sonnes. Moreouer he gaue Herodes sonnes, all that which he had giuen him by his testament, amounting to the summe of one thousand & fiue hundreth talents; contenting himselfe onely to receiue some fewe mooueables, not so much for their value, as in remembrance of the king, who had [ F] giuen them.

CHAP. XIIII. [ G]

Of the counterfaite Alexander.

AFter these things were in this sort disposed by Caesar, a young man and a Iew borne, brought vp in the citie of Sidon, by a certaine Roniane libertine, •…•…uded himselfe into Herodes kinred, for that all those that beheld him, reported that he resembled A∣lexander Herods sonne, who was slaine by him; and by this means, he began to aspire vnto the kingdom: whereupon calling to him a companion, who was his owne countriman, and a long beaten courteour, and his craftimaister, and fit to execute any dangerous and desperat acti∣ons, he by his instructions sained himselfe to be that Alexander Herods sonne, who was deli∣uered [ H] from death by the meanes of a certaine friend, who had the charge to see him executed; who executing others in their steeds, deliuered both him and his brother Aristobulus, & that they were both escaped in this manner. Being puffed vp by these toyes, hee failed not to deceiue other men; and as soone as he came to Creete, as manie Iewes soeuer as hee fell in conference with, hee perswaded them no lesse, and getting much money at their hands, he sailed into the Isle of Melos, where he gathered a great summe of money vnder pretext that hee was of the Kings bloud. And now hoping that he should recouer his fathers kingdome, and that he should remu∣nerate those who were beneficiall vnto him, hee hasted towards Rome, accompanied with his friends in great pompe. And being arriued at Puteol, he there also was entertained with no lesse fauour by those Iewes whom he deceiued by his colourable title, and diuers others, who had been [ I] Herods friends and familiars came vnto him, and entertained him as their king. The cause hereof was the natural dispositiō of men who take pleasure in false reports, together with the report of his resemblance. For they that had frequented verie familiarly with Alexander, held it for a matter most assured, that he was the man, & none other, and affirmed vnto other vpon their othes that it was he; so that this rumor at last came to Rome. And all the Iewes that dwelt there came forth to meet him, saving, that it was Gods handie worke, that he was after that sort preserued beyond all mens expectation: and they greatly reioyced in his mother Mariammes behalfe, from whom he was descended; and hee was carried in a litter thorow the streets with all the apparrell of a king, the charge whereof was defraied by those who were his friends. He was attended with a great multitude of men, and honoured with great applause, as it ordinarily falleth out at such [ K] time as beyond all expectation any one is found to haue been miraculously preserued. When this newes was brought to Caesars eares, he gaue small credit thereunto, perswading himselfe that it was a hard matter to deceiue Herode in a cause of so great importance: notwithstanding con∣forming himselfe in some sort to the opinions of men, he sent a certaine free-man of his called Celadus, who had very familiarly conuersed with Alexander and Aristobulus during their in∣fancy, giuing him in charge to bring Alexander vnto him, to the end he might see him; which he did, and was neuer the wiser in discouering him. This notwithstanding Caesar was not fully deceiued. For although he resembled him somewhat, yet was he not so neerely like him, that he could deceiue those who narrowly obserued him. For this counterfait Alexander had hard hands, in that he had beene accustomed to labour, which the true Alexander could not haue [ L] in regard of his tender and delicate education: and contrariwise this man was of a rough skin and hard flesh. Caesar therefore discouering the trecherie both of the counterfait scholler and lying master, and how they accorded in their confident iustifications, he enquired of them what was become of Aristobulus who was secretly hidde with him, & for what cause he presented not him∣selfe to enioy the honor that appertained to those, who were so nobly descended? It was answered him, that he remained in the Isle of Cyprus, for feare of dangers, to which they are exposed who saile by sea, to the end that if any misfortune should befall them, all Mariammes race should not be extinguished, but that at leastwise Aristobulus might be left aliue. Whilest he auowed these things, & the author of this fable iustified no lesse, Caesar drawing the young man aside, said vnto him:

my friend, if thou wilt not deceiue me, thou shalt haue this recompence, that thou shalt not [ M] be punished. Tell me therefore what thou art, & who hath emboldned thee to practise this fraud: for this malice is so great that it surpasseth thine age. Whereupon being vnable to conceale the truth, he discouered the trecherie to Caesar, how and by whom it was contriued.

At that time Caesar being loth to falsifie his promise that he had past to this false Alexander, and seeing that in times past he had trauailed with his hands, he caused him to be enrowled among the number of his say∣lers to row, & caused the other that induced him to this fraud to be put to death, contenting him∣selfe

that the inhabitants of Melos had lost their charges, which they had employed vpon this false [ A] Alexander, who had a shameful end, as it hath been heretofore declared.

CHAP. XV.

Archelaus is accused anew, and afterwards banished, and sent into Vienna.

AFter that Archelaus had taken possession of that Soueraigntie that was allotted him, he came into Iudaea, where he deposed Ioazar the son of Boëthus from the high priesthood, accusing him to haue fauoured the seditious, and established Eleazar his brother in his place. After this he reedified the pallace in Iericho, and sumptuously adorned it, drawing away [ B] the halfe of those waters which serued the burrough of Neara: and conuaying them thorow a field which he had planted with palme trees; he builded a burrough in that place, which he na∣med Archelais, and contrarie to the lawes of his country, he married Glaphyra Archelaus daugh∣ter, who had been his brother Alexanders wife, by whom also he had diuers children, notwith∣standing the lawe of the Iewes forbiddeth a man to marrie his brothers wife. Neither did Elea∣zar enioy the priesthood any long time, but during his life time Iesus the sonne of Sias was substi∣tuted in his place.

The tenth yeere of Archelaus gouernment, the chiefest gouernours among the Iewes and Samaritanes vnable any longer to endure his crueltie and tyrannie, accused him before Caesar, and especially after they had vnderstood that he had transgressed Caesars commaund, who had [ C] charged him to behaue himselfe gratiously towards them. Which when Caesar vnderstood, he was sore displeased, and caused Archelaus agent to be called before him, who was then at Rome, and sent for Archelaus also, and esteeming it too base an indignitie for him to write vnto him, Go (said he) vnto him with all expedition, and bring him vnto me without delay. He posting for∣ward with all diligence, at length arriued in Iudaea, where he found Archelaus banquetting with his friends, and hauing certified him of Caesars pleasure, he incited him to hasten onward of his way. As soone as he came to Rome, after that Caesar had heard certaine of his accusers and his iustifications, he banished him, and confined him in the Citie of Vienna in France, and confis∣cated all his goods.

But before Archelaus was sent for to Rome, he reported vnto his friends this dreame which [ D] ensueth. Him thought that he sawe tenne eares full of wheate, and verie ripe, which the oxen broused vpon, and as soone as he awoke he conceiued an opinion that his vision presaged some great matter. For which cause he sent for certaine soothsaiers, who made it their profession to interpret dreames. Now whilest they were debating one with an other (for they differed for the most part in their exposition) a certaine man called Simon an Essean, hauing first of all obtained securitie and licence to speake, said that the vision pretended, that a great alteration should befall in Archelaus estate, to his vtter disgrace. For the oxen signified afflictions, in respect that those kinde of creatures doe ordinarily trauell; and as touching the change of estate it was signified by this, in that the earth being laboured by the trauell of the oxen, retained not the same estate: and as touching the ten eares of corne, they signified the like number of yeeres. And therefore when [ E] as one sommer should be ouerpast, that then the time of Archelaus soueraigntie should be at an end. Thus interpreted he this dreame. And the fift day after the vision therof, his factor Archelaus by Caesars commandement came into Iewrie to summon him to Rome. Some such like matter happened to Glaphyra his wife also, the daughter of king Archelaus, she (as we haue said) marri∣ed Alexander Herods sonne when she was a maid, and brother to this Archelaus; who being slaine by his father, she was married the second time to Iubaking of Mauritania, and he also be∣ing dead, she liuing with her father in Cappadocia was married to Archelaus, who put away Ma∣riamme his wife for the loue he bare vnto Glaphyra. She liuing with Archelaus, was encountred with such a dreame. She thought that she sawe Alexander fast by her, who cherishing and em∣bracing her, checked her saying: Glaphyra, Thou approouest the truth of that prouerbe, which [ F] saith, Women haue no loyaltie. For hauing giuen me thy faith, and maried with me at such time as thou wert a virgin, and borne children by me, thou hast forgotten and neglected my loue, tho∣row the desire thou hast had to be married the second time. Neither hast thou contented to haue done me this wrong, but hast taken vnto thee likewise a third husband, lewdly and impu∣dently intruding thy selfe into my family; and being married with Archelaus, thou art content to admit my brother for thy husband. This notwithstanding I will not forget the loue that I haue

borne there, but will deliuer thee from him, who hath done thee this reproch, by retaining thee [ G] for mine owne, as heretofore thou hast been. After that she had told this vision to certaine wo∣men that were her familiars, she died verie shortly after. Which accident I haue thought good to register in this place, in that I was to intreat of those kings; and otherwise the matter seemeth to be a signall example containing a most certaine argument of the immortalitie of soules, and Gods prouidence. And if any one deeme these things incredible, let him reserue his opinion to himselfe, and no waies contradict those, who by such euents are incited to the study of vertue. Now when the gouernment of Archelaus was annexed to Syria, Cirenius, who had been Consul, was sent by Caesar to taxe Syria, and to dispose of Archelaus house.

Notes

• The yeare of the world, 3961. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie, 3. Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 1. Antipater af∣ter hee had made away his brothers, grew hatefull both to the soldiers and the people
• Antipater go∣uerned the kingdom with his father.
• Antipater wish eth his fathers death.
• The yeare of the world. 3961. be∣fore Christs birth 3. Antipater spa∣red no cost to winne his fa∣thers friends.
• Antipater could not de∣ceiue his aunt.
• Herode com∣pelleth Sa∣lome to mar∣rie Alexas.
• Glaphyra som∣times Alexan∣ders wife is sent back to Arche∣laus king of Cappadocia. Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 2. Herode brin∣geth vp his sons children.
• Antipater ha∣teth his bro∣thers children.
• Antipater la∣boreth his fa∣ther to breake of the maria∣ges he 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Herodes nin•…•… wiues.
• The yeare of the world. 3961. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie. 3.
• Herode buil∣deth a castle in the region of the Tracho∣nites, and ma∣keth Zamaris the Iew that came from Ba∣bylon gouer∣nour therein.
• Iacim & Phi∣lip the sonnes of Zamaris.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 3.
• Pheroras de∣ceiued by wo∣men.
• The yeare of th•…•… world. 3961. be∣fore the Natiui∣tie of Christ. 3.
• Salome disco∣uereth to He∣rode the con∣spiracies of the Ladies and others.
• The Pharisees subtill and arrogant.
• The Pharisees would not sweare obedi∣ence but were finde. Pheroras wife paieth their fine, for which benefit they promise her the kingdome. Bagoas, Carus and others are put to death by Herode.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap. 4. Herode accu∣seth Pheroras wife, and com∣mandeth him to put her away
• The reare of the world. 3961. be∣fore Christs birth 3. Pheroras refu∣seth to put a∣way his wife. Herode inter∣dicteth Phero∣ras and Anti∣pater their priuic mee∣tings, and for∣biddeth the Ladies no lesse
• Herod sendeth Antipater to Caesar.
• Antipater ac∣cuseth Syllaeus at Rome be∣fore Caesar. Aretas accu∣seth Syllaeus, for killing Phabatus and others.
• A traitor that sought the kings death is apprehended.
• Anoth solēnly obserued.
• Pheroras in his sicknes is visited by He∣rode, and be∣ing dead is honourably buried by him.
• The yeare of the world. 3961. be∣fore Christs birth 3.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 5. Pheroras free∣men accuse his wife for poiso∣ning him.
• Herode tortu∣reth the La∣dies bond wo∣men, and soun∣deth out Anti∣paters & their secrets.
• Herode thrus∣teth Doris Antipaters mother cut of his pallace. Antipater the Samaritane declareth how Antipater the kings sonne had prouided poison for his father.
• The yeare of the world, 3961. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie, 3. Pheroras wife confesseth that she hath the poison, and casts her selfe downe head∣long from the roofe.
• The yeare of the world, 3962. be∣fore Christs na∣tiuitie, 2. The king put∣teth away his wife, and blot∣teth his sonne out of his te∣stament. He degradeth Simon, and en∣stateth Mar∣thias in the Priesthood. Archelaus and Philip are ac∣cused by An∣tipaters means
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 6. Herod writeth friendly let∣ters to Antipa∣ter, and calleth him home from Rome.
• The yeare of the world. 3962. be∣fore the Natiui∣tie of Christ. 2. Celenderis in Cilicia.
• Sebaste a ha∣uen builded by Herode in ho∣nour of Caesar: Antipater vpō his returne is saluted by no man.
• Quintilius Va∣rus gouernout of Syria.
• Herode calleth his son in que∣stion before Quintllius Va∣rus.
• Antipater ac∣cused by Herod
• The yeare of the world. 3962. be∣fore Christs birth 2.
• Antipaters an∣swere to his fa∣thers obiectiō.
• Nicholas Da∣mascene prose∣cuteth the kings accusa∣tion.
• The yeare of the world. 3962. be∣fore Christs birth 2.
• Patricide the publike iniurie of life and na∣ture.
• The yeare of the world 3962. be fore Christs Na∣tiuitie. 2.
• Antipater ac∣cused by all men.
• Varus giueth Antipater li∣cence to iustify himselfe. Antipater stri∣ueth by his protestations, and inuocati∣ons of God to iustifie him∣selfe.
• The poison is ministred to a condemned man, and it killeth him. Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 7.
• Herode impri∣soned his son & sent embas∣sadors to Caesar to certifie his abuses. Antiphilus letter to Anti∣pater.
• Acmes letter to Antipater.
• The yeare of the world. 3962. be∣fore Christs birth 2. Acmes letters to Herode.
• Herode infla∣med with ha∣tred against his sonne.
• Antipater lay∣eth all the fault vpon An∣tiphilus.
• Hedio & Rus∣sinus, chap. 8. Herode falling sicke maketh his will and leueth his suc∣cession of the kingdome with his other goods to his friends and kinsfolkes. Herode impa∣tient in his old age and won∣derous way∣ward. The yeare of the world, 3963. af∣ter Christs birth 1.
• A golden Ea∣gle vpon the greatest gate of the temple.
• The yeare of the world, 3963. af∣ter Christs Na∣tiuitie, 1. Contempt of death.
• The yong men pulling downe the goldē ea∣gle hew it in peeces with their axes. Iudas & Mat∣thias with for∣tie other yong men being brought to the kings presence iustifie their actiōs with ioy and the king sendeth them bounde to Ie∣richo.
• Herode assem∣bleth the go∣uernours of the Iewes, and expostulateth with thē about this cōmotion.
• Matthias is de∣priued of the hie priesthood and Iozar is assigned his place. Ioseph Ellemi for one day hie priest. Matthias and Iudas burned
• The Ecclipse.
• The yeare of the world. 3963. af∣ter Christs birth 1. Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Herodes hor∣rible sicknes.
• The hot bath•…•… of Calliroes that flow into the lake As∣phaltite.
• Herode be∣stoweth a di∣stribution a∣mong his soul∣diers. Herode com∣mandeth that the noblest of the Iewes should be slain after his death.
• The yeare of the world. 3963. af∣ter Christs Na∣tiuitie. 1.
• Letters are sent frō Rome that Acme was executed by Caesars com∣mand, and that he had autho∣ritie to vse Antipater at his pleasure. Herod calling for a knif•…•… and an apple, in∣tendeth to stab himselfe. Achiab with∣holdeth his hand. Antipater thinking his father to bee dead, dealeth with his kee∣per for his de∣liuery, which Herod heating of, comman∣deth him to be slaine.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 10. Herods will is changed.
• His legacy to Caesar and Iu∣lia his wife.
• Herods death.
• Herods muta∣ble & strange fortune. Salome and Alexas after the kings death dismisse the Iewes y^t were shut vp in the Hippodrome.
• The yeare of the world. 3963 af∣ter the Na•…•…∣tie of Christ. 1. Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap. 11. Herods tha•…•…s∣giuing to his armie and te∣stament read, & Archelaus is applauded by the people. Alias. cap. 12. Herods corps is buried with great pompe and solemnity in Herodion.
• The Germans and French serued vnder Herod.
• Archelaus banquetteth the people.
• Archelaus pro miseth that with Caesars approbati∣on hee will carefully in∣tend the de∣sires and pro∣fits of the peo∣ple.
• The yeare of the world. 3963. af∣ter Christs birth 1. Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 12. •…•…l. 13. The seditious people bewail Matthias, and those that were executed with them.
• They would be reuenged on Herods friends and would de∣pose the high priest. The yeare of the world, 3964. af∣ter Christs na∣•…•…, 2.
• Sedition at the feast of the Passeouer.
• The yeare of the world. 3964. af∣ter Christs birth 2.
• Three thou∣sand Iewes slaine.
• Archelaus re∣paires to Rome and many of his faction fol∣low him.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 13. al. 14.
• Sabinus repai∣reth to Ieru∣salem with an intent to leaze Herodes trea∣sures & castles. Antipas vnder hope to reco∣uer the king∣dome saileth to Rome.
• Antipater Sa∣lomes son ac∣cuseth Arche∣laus before Au∣gustus Caesar.
• The yeare of the world, 3964. af∣ter Christs Na∣tiuitie, 2.
• Nicholaus ex∣cuseth Arche∣laus.
• The yeare of the world. 3964 af∣ter the Natiui∣tie of Chris•…•…. 2•…•… Caesar pro∣nounceth Ar∣chelaus to be worthy o•…•… the kingdome. Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 14.
• Marthace Ar∣chelaus mo∣ther dieth. Varus pacifieth the seditious at Ierusalem.
• Alias, chap. 15. Sabinus aua∣rice raiseth a great sedition in Ierusalem at the feast of Penticost.
• A most bloudy battel fought betwixt the Romanes and Iewes neere vnto the tēple.
• Diuers Iewes are slaine and burned in the roofe of the porches.
• The yeare of the world. 3964. af∣ter Christs birth 2. A greater part of the sacred treasure taken away by the soldiers. The pallace besieged by the Iewes.
• Rufus and Gra∣tus captaines of Herodes army ioyne with the Ro∣manes.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 15. Diuers tu∣mults in Iury. Two thousand of Herodes soldiers assaile the kings peo∣ple. Iudas Ezechi∣as sonne the archtheefe.
• Simon Herods seruant.
• Gratus conflict with Simon. Simon behea∣ded. The Iewes al∣most enraged in rebellion. Athronges strong in body and goodly in stature at∣tempreth roy∣all dignitie.
• The yeare of the world. 3965. be∣fore Christs birth 3.
• Athronges and his bre∣thren taken.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, cap. 16.
• Arus burned by the Arabi∣ans.
• Sampho and Emmaus bur∣ned. Varus repai∣reth to Ierusa∣lem, and deli∣uereth the le∣gion that was besieged.
• The yeare of the world 3965. af∣ter Christs Na∣tiuitie. 3.
• The punish∣ment of the conspirators.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 16. al. 17.
• The yeare of the world. 3966. be∣fore Christs birth 4. The embassage of the Iewes to Rome. Archelaus and the embassa∣dors of the Iewes appeare before Caesar. Philip Herod•…•… sonne.
• The embassa∣dors of the Iewes rip vp Herodes and Archelaus ini∣quitie.
• The yeare of the world. 3966. af∣ter Christs birth 4.
• Nicholas ex∣cuseth Herode and Arche∣laus.
• Caesar maketh Archelaus an Ethnarque, & bestoweth the one halfe of the kingdome on Philip and Antipas.
• Salome.
• Herodes two daughters that were vir∣gins maried to Pheroras sons.
• The yeare of the world, 1966. af∣ter Christs Na∣tiuie, 4.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap. 18. Alias, chap. 17 The false A∣lexander.
• The false A∣lexander com∣meth to Rome.
• The false A∣lexander can∣not deceiue Caesar.
• The false A∣lexander is condemned to •…•…g at an oate.
• The yeare of the world. 3966. be∣fore Christs birth 4.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 19. al. 18. The priest∣hoed is taken from Ioazar, and deliuered to Eleazar, and from him to Iosuah the sonne of Sia. Archelais builded.
• Archelaus ba∣nished and confined.
• Simon the Es∣sean interpre∣teth Arche∣laus vision.
• Glaphiras dreame.
• The yeare of the world. 3973. af∣ter Christs Na∣tiuitie. 11.
• Quirinius Censor of Syria.