The ancient history of the Septuagint written in Greek by Aristeus near two thousand years ago ; being his voyage to Jerusalem, as ambassadour from Ptolomæus Philadelphus, unto Eleazar, then High Priest of the Jews, concerning the first translation of the Holy Bible by the seventy two interpreters with many other remarkable circumstances, no where else to be found ; first English'd from Greek, by the learned and reverend Dr. John Done ... now revised, and very much corrected from the original.

King Ptolomeus Philadelphus to Elea∣zer, High Priest of the Jews.

COnsidering the great Multitude of Iews inhabiting within our Territories, (of whom some have been led from Ierusalem in the times when the Persians had the Power, and others followed our de∣ceased most honourable Lord and Fa∣ther, being joyned with him, where∣of many were received into his pay and ranked as his Souldiers, and Mi∣litary Men: the most faithful and trusty of which were established in the strongest Forts for Garrisons, by that means to curb the inso∣lences of the Aegyptians.) We since being come to the Crown, and ha∣ving singular Inclinations to exercise Liberality and Munificence towards all Persons, and particularly to the Citizens, have infranchised and set at Liberty more than a hundred thousand, ordaining that out of

our Money a just ransome should be payed to all those that held them Prisoners, valuing every head at a certain rate, as desiring to go∣vern with Reason, and to restore them to Peace and tranquillity, whom the Impetuosity, Cruelty, and Disorder of War hath disturb'd and diverted from Right and Equity. In which we think to have done a good and pious act and a work grate∣ful to the great God for all the great favours received of his hands, ma∣king him this Offering, for ha∣ving signalized above all the world this our Kingdom with a most flou∣rishing Peace, Tranquillity, and eminent Renown.

And such others as have been Slaves and Bondmen in our Army, we have appointed Souldiers in our Militia, and those that have been found more worthy for their Faith and Fidelity, we have made Com∣manders, and preferred them to our Court.

Further, because it is our desire they and all others of their Nation, spread and scattered throughout the Universe, may be thankful for our favours: we have resolved to cause your Law Written in Hebrew Letters, to be Translated into the Greek Language; and that our Royal Library be adorned there∣with, as it is with other Books: you will do well then as a thing very agreeable to us, and answering our Design and Intention, if you elect out of every Tribe or Line of your Nation, six of the most Aged Persons, and such as shall be found of the best Breeding and Sufficience, and of greatest Authority in the Service of the Law, and that have the best Style in Writing to make this Translation: for so will the Truth thereof be better and more easily gathered, if the Set of Interpreters be men of mature Judgement, and well exercised in the Law: well weighing that to

effect well and worthily such an Interpretation and Translation: it is needful there should be Pains, curi∣ous Study and Reflection, which may be found in the endeavours of Many who are more sharp, more sub∣tile, and more discerning than One alone.

Moreover, we judge that by the accomplishing so great a work, there will redound to us great Honour and Glory.

For this cause therefore we have sent unto you, Andrea, Captain of the Guard, and Aristeus, men of Honourable place in our Court, who have Commission on our part to present you with Jewels for your sacrifices, and an Hundred Talents of Silver for other uses.

Herein you will give us great content and pleasure, and express a courtesie resenting Amity, if you have need of any thing, to require it for we will not fail to furnish and accommodate you therewith imme∣diately.

To which Epistle Eleazar answer∣ed as follows.