The works of Josephus with great diligence revised and amended according to the excellent French translation of Monsieur Arnauld D'Andilly : also the Embassy of Philo Judæus to the Emperor Caius Caligula :

[ A] The SIXTH BOOK Of the WARS of the JEVVS,

[ B] Written by Flavius Josephus.

The Contents of the Chapters of the Sixth Book.

• 1 OF Three Seditions in Jerusalem.
• 2 How Titus went to Jerusalem to see their strength, and how he was in danger.
• 3 How the Jews did issue out upon the Romans pitching their Tents.
• [ C] 4 Of the fight within the City upon the Feast of Unleavened-Bread.
• 5 Of the deceit of the Jews used against the Romans.
• 6 The Description of Jerusalem.
• 7 The Jews refuse to yield, and assault the Romans.
• 8 Of the fall of the Tower: and how two of the Walls were won.
• 9 How Castor the Jew did flout the Romans.
• 10 How the Romans did twice get the second Wall.
• 11 Of the Mounts raised against the third Wall, and a long Oration of Joseph, perswading the Jews to yield, and of the Famine within the City.
• 12 Of the Jews that were Crucified, and how the Towers were burnt.
• 13 How the Romans in three dayes space built a Wall about Jerusalem.
• [ D] 14 Of the Famine in Jerusalem: and how they built another Tower or Mount.
• 15 Of the Massacre of the Jews both within and without the City.
• 16 Of the Sacriledge about the Temple: and the dead Bodies that were cast out of the City: and of the Famine.

CHAP. I.

[ E] Of the three sorts of Sedition in Jerusalem.

TItus being thus come out of Aegypt by the Desart into Syria, he de∣parted for Caesarea, purposing there to set his Army in order. And whilst he was with his Father Vespasian at Alexandria, disposing of the Empires that God had given him, it happened that the Sedition at Jerusalem divided into three parts, and fought one against another: and well it was they were so equally divided.

We have already sufficiently declared who were the Authors of the Faction of the Zealots, whose tyranny over the City was the ruine thereof: and this may be said to [ F] be a Sedition out of a Sedition; which, like a hungry wild Beast, wanting his prey, turned his cruelty against his own bowels. So Eleazar the Son of Simon, who was the first that in the Temple divided the Zealots from the People, faining himself to be dis∣pleased with that which John every day did; yet in Truth, for that he envied that a greater Tyrant than himself should be Ruler, desirous to be Chief, and make himself Mighty, he revolted from the rest: and with him Judas the Son of Chelcias, and Simon the Son of Ezron, two of the most potent amongst them. Besides them, was also Eze∣chias the Son of Chobarus, a Nobleman, all of which had many of the Zealots following them: and possessing themselves of the inner part of the Temple, they set a Guard in the entrance, and in the sacred Gates, presuming upon the fulness of their Stores: for there was great quantity of sacred Provision, which they thought it no impiety to make [ G] use of; yet fearing their small number, they permitted many of the Company that were killed, to remain in the places where they were slain. John was superiour in number,

but inferiour in the quality of the place: for having his Enemies above his head, he [ H] could not without danger make incursions; yet his Rage would not suffer him to for∣bear infesting his Enemies, though thereby his party had more harm than those of Ele∣azars, and he still assaulted them to his own cost: Thus many Assaults were continu∣ally made, and many Darts cast, and the Temple was prophaned with murders. Simon the Son of Giora (incited by the People to be their Leader, in hope he would have assist∣ed them, having in his hands both the higher part of the City, and greater part of the lower) did now more boldly than before assault John and his followers, because they were assailed by those above: yet he being as it were beneath John and his party, sustained as much loss at their hands, as John himself did from them who were above him. Thus John was doubly engaged with Eleazar, who infested him from above, and [ I] Simon from below: But Simons assaults from below were easily repulsed, and it was not a little mischief he did those who gaul'd him with their Darts from above, by cer∣tain Engines that he invented, by which he cast Stones and Darts among them, and slew several both of their Souldiers and Priests, as they were offering Sacrifice to their God. For though they were generally too prone to all manner of wickedness, yet those that would were permitted to offer Sacrifice, watching and diligently guarding those of their Nation. For Strangers which came thither for devotion, were not mistrusted: But after these wicked People had permitted them to Sacrifice, when they had finished their devotions, they were made a prey, and consumed by this Sedition. For Darts and other shot with force of the Engines came into the Temple and Altar, and slew the [ K] Priests at the Altar. And many who came from the uttermost parts of the World unto that holy place, were slain as they offered sacrifice, and imbrued the Altar with their blood, which all the Greeks and barbarous People did reverence: The strangers and Priests were forced to remain promiscuously among the dead Bodies, and the place about the Altar was full of Blood. O miserable City! What didst thou suffer at the Ro∣mans hands, to be compared to this, although they set thee on fire to purge thee from Iniquity? Now thou wert separate from the service of God, and couldst not subsist long, being made a Se∣pulchre of thine own Inhabitants, and thy Temple by thy Civil Wars become a Grave of dead Bodies. Nevertheless, It is not impossible but thou mayst be restored to thy former Estate, if first thou appease Gods wrath that hath made thee desolate. But I must not give place unto sor∣row, [ L] and write a Lamentation of my miserable Country, seeing I have undertaken to write a History of all things that past there. Wherefore I will recount the rest of the Impieties of these Seditious.

The seditious People being divided into three Companies; Eleazar and his followers who had the keeping of the holy first-fruits, and all the sacred Oblations, came against John when they were drunk. And they who followed John spoiling the People, assault∣ed Simon, who was succoured by the City. Wherefore when John was assaulted on both sides, he turned some of his Souldiers against Simon, and the rest against Eleazar: against Simon he used Darts to cast from the Porches of the Temple; and against Ele∣azar he used Engines for shot. And alwayes, so often as they above his head ceased (as [ M] often they did, being either weary or drunken) he fiercely assaulted Simon and his men. Also as far as he drave them into the City, so far did he fire all, and burnt Houses full of Corn and other Necessaries; and that which he left unburned, Simon at his return (when John was gone into the Temple) set on fire: as if on purpose to give the Ro∣mans an advantage, they had consumed all their Provisions for the Siege.

To be short, all was consumed with fire about the Temple, and the City was levelled and made plain ground to fight in, and the Corn burnt that might have sufficed for ma∣ny years; by which means they were reduced by a Famine of their own making, which could not have been brought upon them had they not caused it themselves. The Citi∣zens were in every place a prey to those that were Seditious on one side, and to them [ N] that besieged them on the other; and like a great Body torn in pieces betwen these two. The old Men and Women astonished with these Calamities, prayed for the good suc∣cess of the Romans, and desired their forreign Enemy might deliver them from their Civil Dissentions.

This was the occasion of great fear and terrour among them all; and the more, be∣cause it was no time now to consult, and no hope left of accommodation, or flight to them that desired it. For all places were kept, and the Rebels within kill'd whoever they perceived well-wishers to the Romans, or did endeavour to fly to them, as common Enemies. However these wicked persons agreed in this, to put the just Men to death, who best deserved to live. Day and night nothing could be heard but the noise of them [ O] that fought one against another; yet the condition of them that lived in perpetual

[ A] fear was far more ••••••able, who every day had new causes and occasions of sorrow given them; yet durst they not publickly lament, for fear; and so not daring to shew their grief, they secretly sorrowed: no man observed any reverence to them that were alive amongst them, nor took any care to bury the dead. The cause of both which was, that every man despaired of himself. For whosoever were not joyn∣ed with the Seditious, grew to be careless of all things, as making account presently to die a thousand deaths. But the Seditious gathering the dead bodies upon heaps, continued their fighting, and trod upon them; and as it were encouraging themselves by the dead under their feet, they became more cruel, still devising new stratagems one against another, and immediately executing whatsoever they devised without any [ B] commiseration; omitting no kind of Murther, and leaving no cruelty unpractised: so that John prophan'd the holy things of the Temple, and made them Engins of War. For formerly the Priests and People had determined to underprop the Temple, and build it twenty Cubits higher, and King Agrippa, with great labour and expence, had sent them in Timber for that purpose from Mount Libanus. Which being put off by the Wars, John took the Timber and made use of it: for that design he erected a Tower to fight against those that assaulted him from off the Temple; and this Tower he built along the Wall over against the Chapter-house that standeth on the West side of the Temple; for he could build it in no other place so conveniently. And having thus impiously furnished himself with Engines, he hoped hereby to have de∣stroyd [ C] his Enemies. But God made his labour in vain, and before he could pre∣vail against them, brought the Romans against the City.

For after that Titus had gathered together part of his Army, and ordered the rest to meet him at Jerusalem, he departed from Caesarea, having three Legions that lately under the conduct of his Father Vespasian had wasted all Judea, and the twelfth Legion that sometime under Cestius were overcome, and put to flight by the Jews: who being valiant enough of themselves, were impatient to be imploy'd again against the Jews, to revenge themselves of their former disgrace. Titus commanded the fifth Legion to meet him at Jerusalem, and to march by Emmaus, and the tenth Legion by Jericho: the rest he took with himself, accompanied with the Kings forces that came [ D] to help him, having been reinforced with considerable Supplys out of Syria. Titus also brought forces with him to supply the number that was wanting, which forces were sent by Vespasian under Mutianus into Italy: for he brought two thousand select men from the Legions at Alexandria, and three thousand followed him from Euphrates, together with Tiberius Alexander his cheifest friend, and one next him in Authority, who before was Governour of Egypt, and thought a fit man to be Governour of the Army; for that he was the first that entertain'd the Emperour being new elected, and joyn'd faithfully with him before he knew what success he should have: he was present with him in all his affairs as his chiefest Counsellor, and was renowned both for his Wisdom and Experience. [ E]

CHAP. II.

How Titus went to Jerusalem to see their strength, and how he was in great danger.

TItus being now to go into the Enemies Country, caused all his Auxiliaries to march in the Van: after whom followed the Pioneers and those appointed to [ F] pitch the Tents: after them the baggage of the Rulers and Governours of his Army, & with them the armed Souldiers. Next these came Titus himself accompanied with his choice men, and many that bare his Colours: next, the Horsemen march'd immedi∣ately before the Engines. And the Prefects and Tribunes with certain chosen men, and their Companies followed. After them the Eagle, with many other Ensignes: and the Trumpets went before them. And after them followed the Army march∣ing six in a rank: then the multitude of Servants that followed every Legion did drive their baggage before them: lastly came the Hirelings, and those that were ap∣pointed to guard them. Marching in such comely and warlike manner, as the Ro∣mans are wont, he came by Samaria into Gophna, which place was already conquered [ G] by his Father, and then also was under the custody of the Roman Garisons. Stay∣ing there one night, he departed from thence the next day: and after a days journey

pitched his Tents in a place, which in the Jews language ••••••lled Acanthonaulona, [ H] that is, the Valley of Thorns, neer unto a Village named Gabah Saul, which signifieth the Valley of Saul, which is almost thirty Furlongs from Jerusalem. From thence accompanied with 600 chosen Horsemen, he went to Jerusalem, to view how strong it was, and of what courage the Jews were, to see if peradventure at sight of him they would yield without any further adoe. For Titus understood (and it was true) that the people desired Peace, but were overpowerd by the Seditious, and so durst not attempt any thing. Titus riding along the high-way that went to the Walls, saw no man: but turning aside towards the Tower Psephinos with his Horsemen, an infi∣nite number presently issued out by the Towers of Women, at a Gate opposite to Helens Tomb; brake his Guard of Horsemen into two parts, and advanc'd to hinder [ I] those Horsemen that were yet in the high way, from joyning with the rest that had crost the way, by which means they had divided Titus from the rest of his com∣pany, in so much as he could proceed no further for the Ditch of the Town-Wall on one side, and for the Garden Pales on the other side: and there was no way for him to return unto his Souldiers, the Enemies being between him and home. Many of his Souldiers not knowing their General was in any danger, but supposing him amongst them still, fled away. Titus seeing that he had only his own valour to trust to, turn∣ed his Horse against his Enemies, and with a loud voice exhorted his followers to do the like, and so he brake violently into the midst of them, hasting to get unto his Company. It was evident at that time that God giveth the Victory, and hath a [ K] particular care of Kings, Princes and Emperours. For notwithstanding that an infinite number of Darts and Arrows were shot at Titus, and he had no Armour at all (for as we have already said, he came to view, not to fight) yet had he not one wound, but all past him; as though purposely every one had striven to miss him. But Titus with his Sword made way, cut down many that opposed themselves against him, and with his Horse past over them. The Jews seeing Titus his valour, cried out and exhorted one another to set upon him; but whithersoever he turned, the Jews fled, and would not abide by it: likewise those Souldiers that were with him, encompassed him round. For every mans hope lay in charging through with Titus, before they were closed in and oppressed. Two of the most valiant amongst them [ L] were slain, the Horse of the one was killed with his master, but the others Horse was taken by the Jews. But Titus and the rest came safe into the Cam••▪ And thus the Jews being succesful at first, were mightily encouraged, and that encouragement being of moment, made them confident, or rather rash, a long time after.

CHAP. III.

How the Jews sallied out upon the Romans as they were [ M] pitching their Tents.

THe Legion that was to pass by Emmaus, being joyned to the rest of the Army over night, Cesar the next morning removed, and came to Scopos, where he had a full view of the City and Temple on the North part, the ground adjoyning unto the City being very low, and not improperly called Scopos, being distant seven Furlongs from the City: in that quarter Titus commanded two Legions to encamp themselves, and the fifth Legion to retire three Furlongs off, to the intent that the Souldiers who were wearied with travelling all night, might entrench themselves without fear or danger; no sooner had they begun their work, but presently the tenth Legion came, [ N] who were to pass by Jericho; which Vespasian had already subdued, and placed a Garison there. This Legion was commanded to encamp six Furlongs from Jeru∣salem, near Mount Olivet, on the East part of the City, and is enclosed with a deep Valley called Cedron. This great Army so suddenly arriving reconciled the dissentions within the City for some time: and the three Factions beholding with admiration the Roman Camp, became friends, and all differences were composed. They began to examine and consider what madness had caused them to suffer themselves to be en∣closed with three Walls, to their prejudice, and loss of their lives: and that they should stand still, and be spectators as it were of such dangerous preparations, without making the least Countermine or provision to defeit them; whilst some cri∣ed, [ O] We are only valiant against our selves, by our sedition massacring and murder∣ing

[ A] one another, till at last we shall betray our City into the hands of the Ro∣mans.

Thus being assembled they exhorted one another: and betaking themselves to their Arms they issued out of the City, first upon the tenth Legion, and with a great shout set upon the Romans that were entrenched in the Valley. The Romans being all at work in the Trenches, and most of them having laid down their Weapons (pre∣suming the Jews durst not have made any salley by reason of the variance amongst themselves) were so much surprized, that great part of them immediately fled; some of them stood to their Arms, but were slain before they could get into a posture of defence. The number of the Jews was daily increased by their first success, and [ B] though yet their number was but small, they thought themselves many, and so did the Romans think them too, because of their good Fortune. The Romans, who always observe Military discipline, were that time by their sudden assaulting, so troubled, they observed no order, and fled: yet whensoever they turned again upon them that followed them, they easily wounded the Jews, partly because their eagerness was such that they did not much seek to defend themselves, insomuch that they easily stay∣ed the Jews from pursuing them. Yet the number of them that pursued them still increasing, they were much disordered and at last forced to forsake the field, and leave their tents: and the whole Legion had been in great danger, had not Titus upon the news thereof speedily reliev'd them, and upbraiding their cowardliness recalled [ C] them from flight; who with them, and the chosen men he brought, encountring the Jews on one side, slew many of them, wounded divers, put the rest to flight, and forced them into the Valley. The Jews being now in the lower ground, and having endured much at the Romans hands, since fortune frowned upon them, turned a∣gain, and having the Valley between them, they fought with the Romans; And the fight continued till noon.

A little after mid-day, Titus guarding the the rest with those that he brought to suc∣cour them, and placing others to prevent the excursions of the Jews, commanded the rest to entrench themselves in the top of the Mountain. The Jews thought the Romans had fled, and their Sentinel upon the Walls, making a sign to them by sha∣king [ D] his Garment up and down, a great multitude of them ran violently upon the Ro∣mans, as though they had been Savage Beasts, so that none of their enemies were a∣ble to withstand them; but as though they had been stricken with some Engine; so all of them were diversly scattered and forced to fly into the Mountain. But Titus on the side of the Mountain remained with but few with him; notwithstanding his friends, who for their love to their Emperour stayed with him, and abode the danger, did earnestly perswade him to fly from the Jews, who desperately charged them, and not to endanger himself for them, who ought rather to abide it than he: That he should think upon his quality and condition, who was not a private Souldier, but Ge∣neral of them all, and Lord of the whole World, and not abide where there was such [ E] danger. But he pretended he heard them not, opposed himself against them that assaulted him, striking them upon the faces, killed those that made resistance, and pur∣sued the rest down the Hill, and forced them to retire. The Jews were amazed at his Valour, yet did not flie into the City, but avoided him both sides, and fled into the Valley: and he pursuing them hindred their flight. In the mean time those that were encamping above, seeing their Comrades beneath put to flight, fled likewise, thinking themselves not able to resist the Jews, and imagining that Titus was likewise fled: for had they thought he had made head, they never would have forsaken their quarters; but now in disorder, they knew not wherefore, some fled one way, and some another, till perceiving the Emperour ingaged, and fearing what might befal him, they with [ F] loud cries signified it unto the whole Legion. Whereupon the Romans turning a∣gain, and upbraiding one another for deserting their Emperor in such danger, they ral∣lyed and came with all the violence they could upon the Jews, and driving them down the Mountain, forced them to retire; yet the Jews fought in their retreat, and see∣ing the Romans too hard, because they were upon the higher ground, they drew down into the Valley. Titus assaulted them that were drawn up against him, and command∣ed the rest to go and finish their Trences. And he with those that were with him to defend the workmen, kept the Jews from molesting them. So, if I may speak with∣out flattery or envy, Caesar himself did twice preserve the whole Legion from destructi∣on, and gave the Souldiers opportunity to entrench themselves. [ G]

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CHAP. IV. [ H]

Of the fight within the City upon the feast of unleavened Bread.

DUring the intermission of the Foreign Wars, they fell to their former sedition again, which caused Civil Wars among them. And against the feast of Unleavened bread, which is the fourteenth day of April (for upon this day the Jews say that they were delivered out of the Bondage of Egypt) Eleazer and his Companions opened the Gates, to the intent that all that would might come in to adore and do their devoti∣on. [ I] But John used this Festival-day as a means to effect his deceit; and caused ma∣ny of his Company that were unknown, to enter in among the people with Weapons under their Garments, giving them charge when they were entring to possess them∣selves of the Temple: and so soon as they were within, they cast off their Garments, and shewed themselves in Armour. Presently a great tumult arose within the Tem∣ple; for all the people that were not of the Sedition, thought themselves betray∣ed: and the Zealots thought this Treason only practised to prejudice them; so that leaving the Gate which they kept before, and leaping down from the Towers without offering to fight, they fled into the Vaults of the Temple. The people flock about the Altar, and others were driven with them into the Temple, and killed with Clubs [ K] and Swords, and trodden under-foot. Many were slain upon private hatred, under pre∣tence of siding with the Enemy. And whosoever formerly had offended any of those Traitors, he was put to death, as though he had been one of the Zealots. But they who had cruelly raged against the Innocent, gave the wicked leisure to escape out of those Caves whereby they had no harm: and having gotten the inner part of the Temple, and all belonging thereunto, they did now more confidently than before fight against Simon: Thus the Sedition that was before divided into three parts, was now reduced into two. Titus being desirous to bring his Army nearer the City, sent out a commanded party of Horse and Foot, which he thought sufficient to hinder the excursions of the Jews from Scopos, and another Company he sent to plain all the [ L] grounds betwixt him and Jerusalem, who cut down all Hedges, and Pales, and Fences, and Wood (though they were fruit-trees) filled the Valleys, and made it plain ground; levelling the Rocks and Mountains that made the Country unequal; by doing of which all the way was plain'd from Scopos to Herods Monument, which is not far from the Lake of Serpents, called formerly Bethora.

CHAP. V.

The Jews stratagem against the Roman Souldiers. [ M]

ABout this time the Jews devised this stratagem against the Romans. The most couragious among the Seditious people went out unto the places called the Wo∣mens Towers, and pretended to be driven thither by that party in the City that desi∣red peace; and that fearing the Romans, they were come thither for shelter; others got up on the Walls, and pretended themselves Citizens, they called out for Peace and desi∣red their friendship; promising to throw open their Gates that the Romans might en∣ter: and whilst they were so doing they threw stones at their Companions aforesaid, pretending to drive them from the Gates. They pretend likewise great earnestness [ N] and importunity to the people for their consent, and as if that had fail'd they seemed to endeavour to force their passage to the Gates, sometimes advancing as if they would have gone off to the Romans, and then again retreating as men in great trouble and confusion. The Romans perceived not their designe but seeing the Seditious ready to fall into their hands, and the people (as they thought) ready to open the Gates, pre∣par'd in post-haste to have entred into the City. But Titus suspected their Kindness, as seeing no reason for it. For the day before, having by Joseph offered them peace, he perceived their minds far from any such thoughts: wherefore he commanded the Souldiers to keep their quarters and not remove; yet some of them, appointed to work in the Trenches, taking their weapons ran unto the Gates, and the Jews who [ O] seemed to be driven out of the City fled in appearance, but at last when they came unto

[ A] the Gates of the Towers, faced about and encompassed the Romans, and assaulted them upon their backs: and they that were upon the Walls cast all kind of Darts and Stones upon them, so that they slew many and wounded more; for it was not easie to escape being assaulted both behind and before. Moreover, they were conscious that they had offended, and in fear of being punished, caused them to resist the more stout∣ly; so that after a long conflict, and many wounds given and received, at last the Romans were worsted, and the Jews pursued them to Herods Monument. And having done them much mischief, the Jews returned with great joy, deriding the Romans for being so easily deceived, lifting up their Shields and Bucklers, by way of exultation.

The Roman Souldiers were highly threatned by their Captains, and Caesar accosted [ B] them with this speech: The Jews led only with desperation, do all things with advice and counsel, devising deceits: and fortune favoureth their practices because they are orderly, and true one to another. But the Romans (whom for their Obedience and Discipline fortune was wont formerly to favour) do contrariwise offend herein, and for their rash and unadvi∣sed fighting, are overcome: and which is worst of all, in Caesars presence offering to fight without Orders, contrary to military Law and Discipline; which I am sure my Father will be unsatisfied to hear. For he who from his infancy, hath been trained up in Arms, never offended in this sort; and what shall we say to our Law that punisheth the least disobedience with death, when our whole Army disobey the Emperours command? But (saith he) they who so arrogantly have disobeyed our command, shall presently understand, that among the Ro∣mans, [ C] Victory against the Generals command, is but infamy. Titus having spoken in an∣ger, declared what he would do, and how he purposed to punish them. Which strook them so deeply, they looked upon themselves as desperate, and people appointed to die. But all the other Legions flocking about Titus, besought him to pardon their fellow-Souldiers, and to remit the rashness of some few, for the obedience of the rest, assuring him that their future valour should be a recompence for this their offence. Whereupon Caesar was pacified, partly thinking it most profitable, partly to gratifie the rest; for he purposed to punish one man only, but to rebuke all, and signifie his displeasue, and so he was reconciled to his Souldiers; strictly charging them to be wiser for the future: after which he devised how he might be revenged on the Jews. [ D] When all the ground between the Walls of Jerusalem and his Army was in four days made plain; Titus being desirous to conduct the baggage, and the rest of the multitude in safety, placed the best of his men in good order, and caused them to march from the North part of the City unto the West, along by the Walls of the City, placing his Foot in the Front, his Horse in the Rear, and between them both the Archers, whereby the Jews were disabled to make any Salley. Titus Souldiers be∣ing thus disposed, the baggage of the three Legions and the multitude passed along without any interruption. And Titus himself being advanced within two Furlongs of the City Walls, pitched his Tent against that Angle that is called Psephynos, where the compass of the Wall from the North bends into the West: the other part of the [ E] Army entrenched itself against that part of the Wall that is called Hippicos, distant in like manner two Furlongs from the City. But the tenth Legion remained upon Mount Olivet where it was before.

CHAP. VI.

The description of Jerusalem.

[ F] JErusalem was compassed round with a treble Wall, only on one side it was inclosed with Valleys inaccessible: and on that side it had only one Wall. It was built upon two little Hills, opposit to one another, and separated with a Valley, wonderfully thick built with houses. One of these Hills is far higher and steeper than the other, insomuch that because of the strength of it, King David in times past called it a Ca∣stle (this David was the Father of King Solomon, who first builded the Temple in that place) but we at this day call it the high Market-place. The other Hill called Acra, is the place where the lower part of the City stands. Opposite against this Hill, there was also another lower than this Acra, and divided from it formerly with a large Valley, but afterward when the Asmoneans reigned, they fill'd up this [ G] Valley, to joyn the City unto the Temple, taking down the top of Acra, and making it lower, that it might not hide the Temple. The Valley, by which the two higher

Hills are separated is called Tyropoeon, and reacheth unto Siloa (which is a Fountain [ H] of sweet Water.) Without the City were two Hills compassed with deep Vallies: which Hills being rocky and steep, were every way inaccessible. The oldest of the three Walls, (by reason of the Valley about it, and the Hill whereon it stood) could not easily be taken; for beside the difficulty of the situation, it was very strongly built, and repaired by David, Solomon, and other Kings. This Wall, beginning at the Tower called Hippicos, passeth on to that called Xystus, and so to the Palace, and at last endeth in the West porch of the Temple: on the other side towards the West it begins at the same Tower; and passing by the place that is called Betiso, it descends to the Gate of the Esseans, and so into the South, and from thence again it bendeth into the East, where is also Solomons Pond, and reacheth unto the place called Oph∣lan, [ I] where it is joyned unto the East Porch of the Temple. The second Wall begin∣ning at the Gate that is called Genath (which is a Gate of the former Wall) and encompassing the North part of the City, it reacheth to Antonia, a Castle so called. The third Wall beginneth at the Tower Hippicos, from whence it goeth to the North-part, and from thence to the Tower Psephina, over against the Sepulchre of Helena, that was Queen of Adiabena, & Mother of King Izates: and passing along by the Kings Caves, it turneth towards the Tower near the Monument of Fullo, and in the Valley called Ce∣dron it joyneth with the old Wall. Agrippa encompassed that part of the City that he built, with this Wall; it being before all open and without defence. The City grew afterwards so populous, that by little and little they were forced to inhabit with∣out [ L] the Walls: and this Wall reacheth a great way, being joyned unto the Hill next the City on the North side of the Temple. There was also a fourth Hill inha∣bited, named Bezetha, situate against Antonia, but separated from it with very deep Ditches, made on purpose to render the approaches to the Fort Antonia more dange∣rous and difficult; the deepness of which ditches, made the Fort seem higher than it was. This place being added unto the City, is called in that Country-language Bezetha, which signifieth the new City. And the Inhabitants desired it might be for∣tified, Agrippa, Father to this Agrippa that finisht the Wall, begun the Wall aforemen∣tioned: But fearing Claudius Caesar, hearing how sumptuous a Wall he built, should suspect him for designing to revolt, he only laid the Foundation of it, and left it [ K] unfinished.

The City could never have been taken by force, had he finished that Wall as he be∣gan; it being built twenty Cubits long, and ten Cubits broad with hard Stone, which could neither easily be undermined, nor battered with Engines: and this Wall was built ten Cubits high, and no doubt had been raised higher, had not the libera∣lity of the founder been checked. Yet afterwards by the Jews industry the same Wall was raised twenty Cubits high; the Battlements hereof were two Cubits high, and the Tower three Cubits, and in all it was twenty four Cubits high, as before. Upon the Wall were three Towers, twenty Cubits broad, and twenty Cubits high, [ M] built four-square very strong, and of as firm a foundation as the Wall it self, which for the building and fair stone was not inferiour to the Temple above. Within this strong Tower, which reacheth twenty Cubits high, were Rooms for men to lodg in, and Cisterns to receive Rain-Water, and large turning stairs to every Room in it: and this third Wall had four-score and ten of these Towers, and between every Tow∣er were two hundred Cubits space. The middle Wall had fourteen Towers, and the old Wall had threescore, and the compass of the whole City was three and thirty Furlongs. And although the third Wall was admirable, yet the Tower of Psephina, which was built upon a Corner of the Wall, between the North and the West part of the City, was more admirable, (against which part Titus had encamped himself) for [ N] it was seventy Cubits high, had eight Angles, and was so fair a Prospect, that from thence upon a clear Sun-shine day, one might perceive Arabia, and see the uttermost parts of all the dominions of the Hebrews unto the Sea. Just opposite to this was the Tower Hippicos, and near unto it were other two, that King Herod builded upon the old Wall, which in bigness, beauty and strength, surpassed all the rest in the World.

For King Herod, besides his natural liberality and desire to adorn this City, pleased himself so much in beautifying these Towers, that they excell'd all other; and then he dedicated them to three most renowned persons, whose names they also did bear, to wit, to his Brother, his Friend, and his Wife: she (as is aforesaid) having been put to death for jealousie; and the other two been slain in the Wars, after they had fought [ O] and performed valiantly. The Tower Hippicos, called by the name of his Friend, had

[ A] four Corners, and every one of them was five and twenty Cubits broad, as many in length, and thirty Cubits in height, being no place hollow; and above the high places and stone-work, there was a Well to receive Rain-water, twenty Cubits deep: above it were houses with double roofs twenty five Cubits high, and divided into many rooms: and above them were Battlements two Cubits high: and Turrets three Cubits high: so that the whole height was accounted to be eighty five Cubits. The second Tower that by his Brothers name he called Phaselus, was in breadth and length fourty Cubits, and so many Cubits high, in figure of a square Pillar, all which height was solid, and not hollow within: and above this a Porch ten Cubits high, decked with Turrets and Pinacles. Over the midst of this Porch he built a∣nother [ B] Tower, distinguished into goodly Rooms and sumptuous Baths, that it should not want any thing necessary for a Prince: on the Top it was beautified with Tur∣rets and Pinacles, so that all its height was almost fourscore and ten Cubits: And it resembled the Tower Pharus at Alexandria, wherein continual light is kept to guide the Seamen that sail thither, but this was of greater circumference. In this house at that time Simon lodged, and tyrannized over the people. The third Tower was, ac∣cording to the Queens Name, called Mariamme, the Wife of Herod, twenty Cu∣bits high, all solid, and other twenty Cubits broad, having more magnificent and beautiful Houses and Lodgings than the rest. For the King thought it meet, that the Tower called by his Wives name, should be more beautiful than the other who only [ C] bare the names of men, but they were stronger than this that bare the name of a Wo∣man. This Tower was in all fifty five Cubits high.

These three Towers were of great height, yet by reason of their situation they seemed far higher: for the old Wall whereupon they were built was placed upon high ground, and the top of the Hill whereupon they stood was above thirty Cubits high, whereby their height was much increased. The richness also was admirable; for it was not ordinary stone, but all White Marble, every stone being twenty Cubits long, ten Cubits broad, five Cubits thick, and all so ingeniously contrived, that every stone by it self seemed a Tower; and every Tower seemed to be but one Stone. These were placed on the North side of the City; and adjoyning to them within the City [ D] was the Kings Palace, surpassing all that can be spoken of it: being for greatness and excellent work to be compared to the richest buildings in the World. It was compassed about with a Wall thirty Cubits high, adorned with goodly Towers round about, every one of like distance from other, beautified with dwelling Houses and Lodgings for a hundred of the Nobility. The variety of the Marble it was built with∣al was admirable, for there was no sort, how rare or costly soever, but was there. The Ceiling of the Rooms for the length of the Beams and the beauty thereof, passed all cre∣dit; and then their number; and richness of their furniture was extraordinary. In every room there were many Vessels of gold and silver, and many Porches round about, one an∣swerable unto another, and Pillars in every one. There were many pleasant Walks with [ E] divers Trees, and many Allies with Fountains and Waters-works, and Cisterns adorn∣ed with Brazen Images, from which ran out Water, and about the Water many Dove-houses full of tame Pigeons. But it is impossible sufficiently to declare the riches and beauty of the Kings Palace, and a grief to think what goodly things, and how rich, the Theives did there set on fire: for these things were not burnt by the Ro∣mans, but by the Seditious Thieves (as is before said,) at the beginning of this Re∣bellion, who consumed all with fire, even from the Castle Antonia from whence the fire came, and destroyed the Kings Palace, and the Covers and Tops of the three Towers. The Temple was, as is before said, built upon a hard Mountain, and at the first, the Plain upon the top thereof was scarcely big enough to contain it and the [ F] Temple-yard, the Hill being very steep. But when King Solomon, who also built the Temple, had compassed the East part thereof with a Wall, he also placed a Porch upon the Rampire, and so for many ages after, it lay unfenced on other parts: where∣fore the People every day bringing earth thither, at last made it plain and large e∣nough: and breaking down the North Wall, they took in all that space which the Temple had formerly taken up: and the Hill being now inclosed with a threefold Wall, it was a work beyond all imagination. In the finishing whereof many Ages were spent, and all the holy Treasure offered to God, even from all parts of the World, was employed therein, as well in the Buildings of the higher, as of the low∣er part of the Temple; the foundations whereof were laid three hundred Cubits deep, [ G] and in many places more: yet could not all the Foundations be seen, being buried in Valleys, that were filled up to make them equal with the strait streets of the City.

The stones of this building were of fourty Cubits: for the abundance of treasure and [ H] liberality of the people did effect that which was scarcely possible; and that which all men thought could never have come to pass, in time and by industry came to per∣fection.

The building was answerable unto these Foundations. For all the Porches were double, and every one was supported by Pillars, each of them being five and twenty Cubits high, and all of one piece, and of white Marble: the top whereof was all of Ce∣dar, whose natural beauty, for the good joyning of the wood and polishing thereof, did astonish all that beheld it, being adorned neither with painting nor carved works. These Porches were thirty Cubits broad; and the compass of them altogether, with the Fort of Antonia, was six Furlongs. The Court was curiously wrought and paved [ I] with all sorts of stones. The way to the Second Temple was inclosed with stones of Lattice-work, which were three Cubits high, and most beautifully wrought: in which were placed certain Pillars equally distant one from another, to shew the Law of purifi∣cation; some being written upon in Latine letters, others in Greek, forbidding all stran∣gers to enter into the Holy-place: for the second Temple is called the Holy-place. To go unto the second from the first, we must pass fourteen stairs, and it was foursquare a∣loft, and enclosed with a Wall by itself; whose outside being forty Cubits high, was all covered with stairs to ascend up into it; and within it was five and twenty Cu∣bits high: for all the part of the inner side was unseen, because it was built on the descent of a Hill. After the fourteen Stairs, there was a Plain made level with the [ K] Wall of three hundred Cubits: from thence passed on five other Stairs which lead to the Gates, whereof on the North-side and the South there were eight, four on each side, and two on the East. For it was necessary that there should be a peculiar place for Women to exercise their devotion in, which also was enclosed with a Wall. And so it was necessary there should be two doors: and against the first Gate there was opposite unto it, one Gate on the North-side, and another on the South, both separa∣ted from the rest, whereby we entred the Womens appartment, for it was not law∣ful for any to pass by any other Gate unto the Women, neither could they go beyond their own door, because of the Wall: for that place was common both to the Women of that Nation, and all strange Women that came for Religion sake. There was no [ L] Gate on the West part, but a Wall that reacheth along in that place. Between the Gates were Porches opposite one against another, reaching from the Wall unto the Treasure-house, supported with great and goodly Pillars, being as plain, and as big as they below. The Gates were covered with Gold and Silver, as also the posts and foreparts thereof were, one only excepted that was covered with Corinthian Brass, far surpassing in beauty the other that were covered with Silver and Gold. In every Gate there were two doors, each one thirty Cubits high, and fifteen Cu∣bits broad: and after the entrance where they were made larger, every one had on each side Seats thirty Cubits long, and large like a Tower, and fourty Cubits high, each one supported with two Pillars twelve Cubits thick. All the other Gates were [ M] of the like greatness, but that which was covered with Corinthian Brass, which was the entrance into the place allotted for the Women, and opened into the East Gate of the Temple, doubtless was bigger than the rest: for it was fifty Cubits high (the Gates whereof were fourty Cubits) and was more richly adorned than the rest: for the cover of Gold and Silver was thicker than it was in the rest, which Alexander Tiberius his Father had melted, to cover all the nine Gates. And there were fifteen Stairs, that went from the Wall that separated the Women, unto the great Gate of the Temple: for these Stairs were shorter by five steps than those that went to the other Gates. The Temple it self was situated in the midst of all, to wit, the holy Sanctuary, and had twelve Stairs to go unto it. The Front whereof was in [ N] height and breadth a hundred Cubits: and behind, it was fourty Cubits: and be∣fore it, was as it were two shoulders on each side rising up in height twenty Cubits. The first Gate hereof was seventy Cubits high, and twenty five wide, and had no door: for it signified that Heaven was spread over all, and might be seen in every place: and all the foreparts were guilded with Gold, and all the first building did ap∣pear and might be seen without, and all that was within and about the Gate glistered with Gold. The inner part thereof was divided into two Rooms, whereof only the first Room might be seen; which was in height fourscore and ten Cubits, and in length fourty, and in breadth twenty. The inner Gate was (as is already said) all guild∣ed with Gold, and all the Wall about it, and above it: it had a Golden Vine, where∣on [ O] were hanging Clusters of Grapes of Gold, every Cluster being as long as a man is

[ A] high. And because it was ceeled above, the inner Temple did seem to be lower than it was without: and it had Golden Gates, fifty five Cubits high, and sixteen Cubits broad.

The Hangings were also of the same length, being a Babylonian Vail, wrought with Violet, and Purple Silk and Scarlet, admirable to behold: the permixtion of which co∣lours had a mystical meaning, bearing as it were the signification of the whole World. For the Scarlet seemed to express the Fire, the Silk the Earth, the Violet the Air, and the Purple the Sea; partly in their colours resembling them, partly also as hav∣ing their beginning from them: for the Purple is ingendred in the Sea, and the Silk is produced by the Earth. In this Tapestry work was curiously wrought, and deci∣phered all the Speculations of the Heavens, only the Celestial Signs excepted. Being [ B] entred within, you come into a lower place of the Temple, which was sixty Cubits high, and as many in length, and 20 in breadth. Which place was divided into two parts, whereof first contained fourty Cubits, having in it three most admirable things, famous throughout the World, to wit, a Candlestick, a Table, and the Altar of In∣cense. Upon the Candelstick seven Lamps were placed, signifying the seven Planets, (for so many did there come all out of one stem of the Candelstick). Upon the Ta∣ble were standing twelve loaves of Bread, signifying the twelve Celestial Signs, and Revolution of the Year. By the Altar of Incense (out of which proceedeth thirteen Odours, coming partly from the Sea which is unhabitable, and partly from the Earth which is inhabited) is signified that all things are in the hands of God, and owe him [ C] obedience. The inner part of the Temple contained 20 Cubits, which also was separated from the other part by a Vail, and nothing was within it: this place was the Holy of Holies, and no man might enter, look into it, nor violate the same. On each side of the lower Temple there were many Lodgings and Doors to pass into, every one of them having three roofs one above another; and there was a Gate which led unto both sides of the Temple, and unto these Rooms: but the higher part of the Temple had not the like Rooms on each side, and therefore it was made so much narrower than the other, yet was it higher than it by 40 Cubits, neither was it so sumptuous as the lower. For the whole height was 100 Cubits, and the ground thereof 60. The outermost part was so curious and richly wrought, it was impossible to imagine any [ D] workmanship that it wanted: for it was all covered with a Massie Plate of pure Gold, which shined far brighter than the Morning Sun, so that it dazled the Eyes of the be∣holders, as doth the Sun when it is gazed upon. And afar off it seemed to strangers that came thither, like a white Mountain: for where the Temple was not guilded with Gold, there was it Milk-white. The top hereof was all set full of Rods of Gold, very sharp at the uper end like Pikes, lest the Birds should come and sit thereon, and so defile it: several of the Stones wherewith it was Built, were fourty-five Cubits large, five Cubits in length, and six Cubits broad. Before the Temple there stood an Altar fifteen Cubits high, being fourty Cubits broad, and as many long, and four∣square, having Corners made like Horns. The way to this Altar was on the South [ E] side, where by little and little it ascended from below to the Altar. This Altar was built without any Iron, and never Iron did touch it. The Temple and the Altar were enclosed with Stone-work very beautiful, which was a Cubit high, and separated the People from the Priests. Those that were troubled with flux of Seed, or Leprosy, were expulsed the City, Women also having their monthly courses; but those that were not unclean, might pass this foresaid limit. Likewise men that were not pu∣rified, were not permitted to come within the inner Temple; and those that were, might not come among the Priests: those also that descended from the line of the Priests, and for blindness did not administer their function, were notwithstanding admit∣ted into the place appointed for the rest of the Priests that were sound, and had share as [ F] they had yet did they go attired as Lay-men, for only he that did Sacrifice, might wear Priestly attire.

The Priests that were admitted to the Altar and Temple had no infirmity, they were cloathed in fine Linen, abstained from Wine, and lived in abstinence for reverence of Religion, lest they should sin whilst they offered Sacrifice. The High-Priest also ascended with the Priests into the Temple; yet not always, but every seventh day, and in the Calends of every month, or on a Festival, celebrated according to the custom of their Country, wherein all the people were present. When he sacrificed he was girded with a Vail, which covered his Thighs to his Privities, under which he wore a Linen Garment hanging down to his feet, and above it a round Violet Garment fring∣ed [ G] at the Skirts, and adorned with Bells of Gold, and Pomgranats of the same; the Bells signified Thunder, and the Pomgranats Lightning. Upon his breast he wore a Vest

of five colours; Gold, Purple, Scarlet, Silk and Violet, wherewith (as we have [ H] said) the Vails of the Temple were wrought. He had likewise a Rochet of the same enriched with pure Gold, and in shape like the Garment he wore on his Body to the Thighs: it was also buttoned with two Golden Buttons; made in the form of Asps, wherein was inclosed the greatest and most precious Sardonyx Stone that could be found, bearing the names of the 12 Tribes of Israel engraven. On the other side did hang 12 precious Stones, three and three in a rank, divided into four rows. In the first was the Ruby,, the Topaz, and the Emerauld: in the second the Carbuncle, the Jasper, and the Saphire: in the third the Agate, the Amethyst, and the Diamond: in the last the Onyx, the Beryl, and Chrysolite: in every one of which one name of the twelve Tribes was written. Upon his head he wore a Miter of Silk, which was [ I] crowned with Hyacinth: and aloft of it was another Crown of Gold, wherein was engraven sacred Letters, to wit, the four Vowels. The Garment that he commonly wore was not altogether so glorious; this he used only when he entred into the Sanctu∣ary, which was but once a year, and that alone, the whole Nation observing a Solemn Fast that day. But we will hereafter speak more at large of the City and Temple, the Laws, Customs, Ordinances and Observations, for these things cannot be briefly declared. The Castle Antonia was situate between the two Porches of the first Temple, which looked unto the West, and the North: and was built upon a Rock of Stone of fifty Cubits high, on every side was inaccessible: it was built by King Herod, to shew the greatness and magnificence of his mind. For first of all the Rock [ K] at the foot thereof was covered with thin and slender Stones like Slates. Which was both an ornament to it, and a security. Before the Battlements of the Fort there was a Wall three Cubits high, within which the Castle Antonia was built fourty Cubits high, being within richly furnished, and contrived like the Palace of a King, with all kind of Offices and other necessary Rooms. For there were Porches, Baths, and large Halls to place Tents in: so that in respect of the number and convenience of the Rooms it seemed to be a City, and for the magnificence thereof a Kings Palace. The Model of it was like a Tower invironed with four other Towers, at every Corner one, whereof they that were on the South and East-side were seventy Cubits high, the o∣ther two were but fifty. So that out of the two highest, there was a perfect view of [ L] the whole Temple. Where it joyned to the Porches of the Temple, there was on either side a pair of Stairs for the Souldiers to come down out of it into the Temple. For always the Roman Souldiers lodged there, and guarded the Temple in their Arms up∣on festival days, lest the people should attempt any Rebellion. For the Temple was as a Check upon the Town, and the Castle Antonia commanded the Temple: and had its Guards likewise, as there were also in Herods Palace, which commanded the higher part of the City. The Hill Bezetha was divided from the City, as is before mention∣ed; and being the highest part of all, was joyned to part of the new City, which hindred the prospect of the Temple on the North-side. And thus I have spoken suffi∣ciently of the City, and the Wall in this place, because we mean hereafter to describe [ M] them more at large.

CHAP. VII.

How the Jews refused to yeild, and sallyed out upon the Romans.

THe most warlike of the people joyned with Simon, being in number ten thousand, beside the Idumeans: and those ten thousand had fifty Captains, all subject unto [ N] Simon. The Idumeans that took his part were five thousand, and had ten Captains, the Chief of whom were Jacob the Son of Sosas, and Simon the Son of Cathla. John, who kept the Temple, had six thousand Armed men, over whom were twenty Captains: to these there joyned two thousand of the Zealots; and four hundred, who before had followed Eleazar, and Simon the Son of Jairus. So that warring one a∣gainst another, the people was their booty, and the multitude that was not so Sediti∣ous as they, was their prey. Simon kept the upper part of the City, and the great∣er Wall as far as Cedron; and all that part of the old Wall which is between Siloa, and the Palace of Monobazus, who was King of Adiabena, that lieth beyond the River Euphrates: he also kept all the Hill Acra (which is the lower part of the City) un∣to [ O] Helenas Palace, who was Monobazus his Mother. But John kept all the Tem∣ple

[ A] and the space about it, Ophla, and the valley of Cedron: and that which was be∣tween these two places which Simon and John kept, was consumed with fire, and made a place to fight in. For although the Romans Tents were pitched near unto the Walls of the City, yet did not this Sedition cease; for being flesh'd with their success at the Romans first coming, they returned presently to their former animosity. And dividing themselves again, every man fought for his own interest, doing all the Ro∣mans could have wish'd to be done. The Romans did them less harm than they did themselves: for by them the City suffered no new calamity, but indured far more mise∣ry before it was taken and destroyed by the Romans than it did at that time. The Romans by destroying it, did rather end than increase their misery. For the Seditious [ B] did take the City, and the Romans did overcome and take the Seditious, and the City was far stronger than the Walls: so that all their miseries may be ascribed to their own Nation, and nothing but Equity and Justice imputed to the Romans, as every one shall clearly see by that which ensued.

The City being in this estate, Titus with a select body of Horse went up and down without it, to espie where he might most easily assault the Walls. And being in doubt a long time what to do, for that by the Valley his Foot could not possible get up; and the Walls were not possible to be battered with Engines: at last he determined to assault it on that part where was the Monument of John the High Priest, for there the first Wall was lower than in other places; and not fortified with a second [ C] Wall, because that those parts of the new City were but little inhabited; so that from this place the Wall might easily be assaulted: whereby Titus was perswaded that the higher City, and the Temple, and Antonia, might easily be taken. As he was thus viewing the place, one of his friends, called Nicanor, came unto him; being shot in the left shoulder with an Arrow, as he attempted to come near Joseph, who went thither of purpose to perswade the Jews which were upon the Wall to yield: for Nicanor was very eloquent. Caesar perceiving their minds, by their violence to him who perswaded them to that which was most expedient for them, was moved, and began with more eagerness to besiege them: wherefore he permitted his Souldiers to demolish the Sub∣urbs, and to gather all the Rubbish, Stones, and Wood, and other matter toge∣ther, [ D] and make therewith a Mount. Then dividing his Army into three parts, he or∣dered what each of them should do, and in the midst upon the Mounts he disposed his Archers, and before them Engines for shot, wherewith he hindred the Salleys of his Enemies, lest they should annoy the Work, and beat those off from the Wall, who made any resistance from thence. After which all the Trees being cut down, the Suburbs appeared naked. The Romans having gathered the Wood together, were busied in the Work, and the Jews were not idle: For the people being tired with Murthers and Robberies, did hope to have an end of their misery, the Seditious people being busied against their Enemies: and they now hoped that if the Romans did overcome, they might berevenged upon them. John still kept where he was, fearing Si∣mon, [ E] yet were his followers very earnest to assault the Romans. But Simon being next unto the siege, did not rest, but placed all along that part of the Wall, men with Darts, which before were taken from Sesteis Governour of the Romans, and found in the Ca∣stle of Antonia. But the Darts did the Jews small pleasure, by reason that few of them knew how to use them; only some who were taught by some of the Fugitive Romans used them a little. Nevertheless they assaulted the Roman Souldiers that were build∣ing the Mounts with Arrows and Stones, made Salleys upon them by companies, and gave them disturbance: But the Roman Pioneers were defended by Hurdles, that were of purpose set before them: and every Legion had strange and admirable Engines against the excursions of their Enemy, and especially the Engines that the tenth [ F] Legion had to cast Darts, and others that cast Stones; which did not only repulse them by whom they were assaulted, but also those that stood upon the Wall: for every Stone though a Talent weight, was shot more than a Furlong, and slew not only those that were first struck, but also many that were striken with the rebound. But the Jews always saw the Stones before they fell (for they were white) and avoided them: and they were not only descryed by the noise they made in flying, but they might easily be perceived: by which means the watchmen in the Towers gave war∣ning always when these Engines were shot off, and when the Stones came, crying in their Country language, The Stone cometh: so the Jews upon the Walls knowing what they meant, avoided the Stones, and received no harm. Then the Romans de∣vised [ G] to black the Stones with Ink, that they might not be seen as they flew, and do the more Execution. Yet the Jews were not so terrified, as to permit the Romans

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peaceably to build the Mount, but Night and Day they hindred them with Stratagemss [ H] and Salleys. When the Romans had finished their Work, the Carpenter measured the space between the Mounts and the Walls, with a Plummet fastned to a line, which they cast from one place to another (for they could not measure it otherwise, because of the Darts from the Walls) and finding that they had Rams long enough; they set them up, and Titus commanded the Wall to be battered in three places; to the end that the Battery might not be hindred. The noise that these Rams made was heard round about the City, which was a great terror to the Citizens, and the Sediti∣ous were no less afraid. And seeing themselves all in the same danger, they deter∣mined to joyn unanimously together against the Romans: the Seditious upbraiding one another that they rather assisted the Enemy, than resisted them: and therefore [ I] exhorted one another mutually, at least for that time, to unite and make resistance a∣gainst the Romans. And Simon sent an Officer unto the Temple, to proclaim leave for all such as would, to come unto the Walls: which also John did permit, not∣withstanding he mistrusted Simon: so forgetting their old quarrel, they joyned all to∣gether against the Romans, and placeing themselves upon the Walls, they cast fire up∣on the Engines of the Romans, and those who manag'd them; throwing Darts against them without intermission, whilst the bravest amongst them in great companies leapt down, and destroyed that wherewith the Engines were covered, and assaulted those that stood to defend them; by which means they did the Romans much harm, and more by their desperate boldness than their skill. [ K]

But Titus was still at hand to succor them that stood in need: and placing Horsemen and Archers about the Engines, he repulsed the Jews who come to cast Fire, beat off them that cast Darts and shot Arrows from the Towers, and so gave the Rams time and opportunity to play; yet these Rams did not great execution, only a corner of a Tower was shattered by the Ram of the fift Legion. But without any detriment to the Wall: for the Tower being much higher than the Wall, when the Tower tumbled, it fell over the Wall, and carried nothing along with it. The Jews being repulsed, and for some time discontinuing their Sallys, perceived the Romans were grown secure, and dispersed carlesly over their Camp, as presuming their late ill fortune would dis∣courage the Jews from any new attack, but they were mistaken in their account: for the [ L] Jews Sallied privately at the Gate by the Tower of Hippicos, threw fire into their Tren∣ches among their Engines, and assaulted them bravely when they had done. But the Romans being quickly sensible of their danger, got immediately together, and with the excellence of their Discipline, repelled not only the first insult and fury of the Jews, but beat back all their supplys. So there began a grievous Battle about the Engines; the Jews striving to fire, and the Romans to hinder them; great noise and clamour there was, and many in the Front were slain on both sides. At first the Jews had the better; and their fire did some mischief upon the Engines: and all had been quite consumed, had not the Souldiers from Alexandria hindred it, who for the opinion that [ M] they had of themselves, did fight stoutly (being accounted the most valiant of all in this Battle) till such time as the Emperour with certain select Horsemen fell violently upon the Enemies: and himself slew 12 men, for whose deaths the rest fearing, fled, and were forced to retire into the City, and so the Engines were saved. It chanced that one of the Jews was taken alive, and Titus commanded that he should be crucified before the Wall, what perhaps the rest being terrified, might yield. After Caesar was reti∣red, John the Captain of the Idumeans talking upon the Wall with one of his friends, be∣ing striken in the breast with an Arrow by an Arabian Souldier, presently died: which caused great lamentation among the Jews, and sorrow amongst the Seditious, for he was very valiant, and wise. [ N]

[ A] CHAP. VIII.

The fall of the Tower, and how the two Walls were taken.

THE night following, there was a great tumult among the Romans: For Titus the Emperour had commanded to build three Towers, 50 Cubits high a piece, each one upon a several Mount, that from thence he might the more easily beat the Enemies from the Walls: But one of these Towers in the midst of the night fell down [ B] without any assault. And making a great noise with the fall, fear fell upon the whole Army; who suspecting it a Stratagem of the Jews, every one ran to his Arms, and so there was a great tumult in the Camp: and because no man could tell what it was a long time, they stood amazed, every one asking his fellow what had hapned. But see∣ing no Enemy come, they began to apprehend Treason amongst themselves; till such time as Titus understanding the matter, caused the truth thereof to be presently pro∣claimed throughout the Camp; and the Tumult (with much ado) was appeased.

The Jews bore up couragiously against all other dangers, but were much gauled from these Towers which Titus had erected; for they were slain and wounded from thence with small Shot, Darts and Arrows, for they could build nothing to defend themselves [ C] so high, nor, had they any hope to destroy them: for neither could they be thrown down for their weight, nor fired, being covered with Iron: therefore flying from the reach of the shot, they could not hinder the Ram from battering their Walls; which never ceas∣ing, at last prevailed somewhat. So the great Ram, which the Jews called Nicon, be∣cause it overcame all, at last battered the Wall; and the Jews being weary with fight∣ing, having watched all night before, out of sleepiness, or because they perswaded them∣selves that the Wall was superfluous, they having two more beside it, they all forsook their quarters, and retired to the second Wall; and the Romans entred the first, that the Ram called Nicon had battered. Then the Romans that had passed and entered the first Wall, went and opened the Gates, and let in the whole Army. Having thus got∣ten [ D] the Wall the seventh day of May, they destroyed the greatest part thereof; and also the North-side of the City which before Cestius had wasted.

Titus removed his Camp from thence, and went unto the place called the Assyrians Camp, and seized upon all between that and Cedron; and being without shot of an Ar∣row from the second Wall, he began again to assault it. Then the Jews dividing the Wall betwixt them to defend each others part, resisted most valiantly: John and his par∣takers defended all Antonia, and the North part of the Temple from Alexanders Tomb: and Simon defended all from Johns Tomb unto the Gate by the Tower Hippicos. And many times issuing out of the Gates, they fought hand to hand with the Enemy, but al∣wayes repulsed by the discipline of the Romans, only for want of knowledge in War∣like [ E] affairs; yet in all fights upon the Wall, the Jews had the Best; for though the Romans had the advantage in fortune and knowledge, yet the Jews being desperate, attaqued them without fear; for they are very couragious in Adversity. Moreover, the Jews were necessitated to fight to save their own lives; and the Romans were as hasty to conquer. Neither party was weary, neither party desisted in their assaulting of one another: In the day time the Jews in Commanded-Parties made their Salleys upon the Romans, who omitted no kind of fight from Sun-set, all the night long; which was more terrible to them both, than all the service of the day before: The Jews feared, lest the Romans should get the Wall; and the Romans apprehended lest the Jews should have Sallied out upon their Camp. Thus all night long they stood to their Arms, [ F] and early in the morning they were at it again. The Jews strove one with another who should undergo the most danger, and most deserve his Captains favour. Simons followers were so much at his beck, that if he should have commanded any of them to have killed himself, he would presently have done it. The Romans were encouraged to fight, by their discipline and success, as having never been used to be overcome. Again; their frequent Wars, continual Exercises, and large Dominions gave them great Courage, especially Titus their General being present to provoke them; for it was thought a heinous crime to be a Coward in the presence of such a Captain as Caesar was. Caesar himself beholding and looking on, was a witness of their deeds that behaved them∣selves valiantly, and rewarded every man as he behaved himself: It was an advantage [ G] to be known unto the Prince for a Valiant man: so that many of them shewed their alacrity was far greater than their strength.

At this time Longinus one of the Horsemen coming out of the Roman Army, pres∣sed [ H] into the midst of the Jews Forces, and casting them down that stood in his way, by violence slew two of the strongest of the Enemies, striking one of them over the Face, and slaying another with his own Dart which he took from him; who for this deed was greatly honoured, having broken through a strong Body of the Jews that were placed be∣fore the Walls, and cast Darts at him on either side. Many of the Romans by this his Example were inticed to do the like.

The Jews now regarded not what they suffered, but only devised which way to harm their Enemies; not reguarding death, so that they might kill any of the Romans. But Titus had as much care to preserve his Souldiers, as he had to get the Victory, attribute∣ing these rash Sallyes to the desperation of the Jews, and accounting that only Virtue [ I] which was done warily and with discretion.

CHAP. IX.

How Castor the Jew derided the Romans.

THen Titus commanded the Ram to be set up against the Tower on the North part of the City, wherein a crafty and politick Jew with ten men had hid himself, all [ K] the rest being fled: this Jew was named Castor. These men having lain still a while in their Arms, at last being afraid, and the Tower beginning to shake, they Iept up, and Castor stretching forth his hand, did as it were humbly crave favour at Caesars hands, and with a lamentable voice besought him to spare him. Titus seeing the mans simplicity, as he thought, and perswading himself that the Jews did now repent of their Obstinacy, he caused the Ram to cease from battery, and the Archers to hold their hands; and per∣mitted Castor to speak his pleasure. Castor said, That he desired to treat, and make a League of Peace.

And Titus answered, That he would grant it, if all the rest would be concluded, and that he would presently confirm a League of Peace between him and the City. Five [ L] of Castors fellows seemed to be willing, but the other five seemed to oppose it; Cry∣ing out aloud, That they would never be sleves to the Romans, whilst they could die in liber∣ty. Whilst Castor and his fellows were debating the matter, the battery ceased. In the mean time Castor privily sent word unto Simon, willing him whilst the Battery was stopt, to think of some expedient to be done in this necessity: for, for a while he would undertake to delude the Roman Emperour, and hold him in suspence. In the mean time he seemed to exhort his Companions, to accept the kind offer of Titus: and they as it were angry thereat, drew their Swords and struck upon their Corslets, and fell down, as though they had been slain. Titus and his Souldiers were amazed at their obstinacy, for being on the lower ground, they could not well perceive what was done; [ M] they wondred exceedingly at their desperation, and pittied their calamity. At the same time one struck Castor in the Buttock with a Dart, and Castor pulling it out of his flesh, shewed it unto the Emperour, and complained of it, as a breach of the Truce. Titus with sharp words corrected him that shot it, and forthwith would have sent Joseph to promise Castor pardon and peace. But Joseph denyed to go, affirming that Castor only dissembled, and hindred his friends that would have gone. At last one Aeneas, who had fled unto the Romans, offered himself to go. Castor invited him, as though he would give him something to secure him of his true meaning. Aeneas opened the skirt of his garment, thinking Castor would have cast him down something of worth; and when he came underneath the Tower, Castor took a great stone and threw it down upon [ N] him, yet hurt him not, because he was aware of it, and avoided the stone; but it wound∣ed another Souldier standing by. Then Caesar considering this deceit, began to think that Pitty and Mercy in War was hurtful, and that Cruelty was not so easily deceived; and being very angry at this deceit, he caused the Wall to be beaten with the Ram more than before. Castor and his fellows perceiving the Tower to shake, they set it on fire, and so passed thorow the flame, and conveyed themselves into a mine of the Tower; giving the Romans fresh occasion to admire their Courage, in passing thorow the Flames.

Titus assaulting the Wall on his part, took it five dayes after, and forcing the Jews from thence, He, accompanied with a thousand choice men, entred where the Wool∣men, [ O] Copper-Smiths, and Merchant-Taylors dwelt, which place was the new City,

[ A] with narrow and strait ways to go to the Wall. And had he presently beaten down a great part of the Wall, or, as he might have done by the Law of Arms, destroyed what he had gotten, he had obtained the Victory without any loss on his side. Yet hoping the Jews would yield, when they were in his power, he gave them more liberty to retire; for he did not think that they whose good he sought, would have been Traitors unto him who came to relieve them.

[ B] CHAP. X.

How the Romans did twice take the second Wall.

TItus having entred the City, suffered none of them that were taken, to be slain, nor the Houses to be burned, but permitted the Seditious (if they were so mind∣ed) to fight, and that without prejudice to the People: he also promised the People to restore unto them all their Goods. For many besought him to spare the City for them; and the Temple for the City. The People were glad hereof: and many of the warlike Jews thought the humanity of Titus to proceed from cowardize; and judged that Titus, for that he despaired to win the rest of the City, did now Coward-like propound these [ C] conditions. They likewise threatned the People, that whosoever should speak one word concerning Peace, and yielding unto the Romans, should presently die: and some of them did resist the Romans from out of their houses, others in the narrow ways: and others going out at the higher Gates renewed the fight, wherewith the Watchmen be∣ing troubled, fled from the Wall, and forsaking the Towers, retired themselves into the Camp. The Roman Souldiers within the City cryed out, because they were inclosed with Enemies, the Gates being shut, and assaulted without, by those who apprehended their Companions to be in great danger. The number of the Jews encreasing, and prevailing, for that they knew the ways and turnings of the Streets, many of the Ro∣mans were slain and violently born down, when they offered to resist in that necessity; [ D] for a multitude together could not flie, by reason of the narrowness of the Streets that went unto the Wall: and all that entred into the City had been slain, had not Titus succoured them. For placing at the end of every Street Archers, and himself being where most need was, he repulsed the Jews with Darts and Arrows, with the help of Domitius Sabinus, who in that fight proved himself a stout Warriour, and continued fighting with the Jews till all his fellow-Souldiers were got off.

Thus the Romans having got the second Wall, were beaten from it again; and the Citizens so encouraged, they were as it were drunk with their good fortune, thinking the Romans durst no more attempt upon the City, and that they themselves were in∣vincible, when they were prepared to fight. God, because of their Iniquity, had dark∣ned [ E] their understanding, so that they never considered the Roman Forces were far great∣er than those they had encountred, and the Famine that hung over their heads; for as yet they lived upon the destruction of the People, and drank the blood of a City: but the good People did even suffer Famine already, and many of them perished for want of food; yet the Seditious did rejoyce at the death of the Citizens, as though thereby they were eased of a great burthen, only desiring they might live that bear rebellious minds, and would joyn with them against the Romans, rejoycing at the death of the rest; and this was the affection they bare unto their Citizens. In this manner they armed themselves and resisted the Romans, who now again did attempt to enter the Breach: whilst the Jews threw down Stones and part of the Wall upon them as they came up, [ F] drave them back again, and valiantly sustained them for three dayes. But the fourth day being unable to withstand Titus his assault, they were forced to retire as before: and he having gotten the Wall, destroyed all the North part thereof, and placed a Gar∣rison in the Towers and Fortresses of the South part.

CHAP. XI. [ H]

Of the Mounts raised to batter the third Wall. A long Oration of Jesephus to perswade the People to yield: and of the Famine in the City.

TITUS now determined to batter the third Wall, conceiving the Siege would be now but short: He thought it convenient to give the Seditious some time to be∣think themselves, to see that if either by the taking of the second Wall, or terrified with Famine, they would repent. For there was little or nothing left in the City to [ I] supply them, and he was posted as he desired. And the time being come, for every Roman Souldier to receive his proportion of Victuals, Titus caused them to be led eve∣ry one in order into a place, where the Jews in the City might behold them; he caused his Captains to distribute money to every one, and the Souldiers (as their Custom is) all armed, and drawing their Swords out of their sheaths, marched along, the Horse∣men leading their Horses in great Pomp, and a great part of the Suburbs glistered with gold and silver. This spectacle was grateful to their own Souldiers, and terrible to the Jews: for all the old Walls, and the North part of the City, and many Houses were filled with the multitude of them who came to view this sight; and there was no part of the City that was not filled with People to behold it. This Spectacle struck a great [ K] fear upon the very boldest among the Jews, and perhaps would have caused the Sedi∣tious People to have relented, had they not despaired to have found mercy and pardon at the Romans hands for their offences committed; wherefore they thought it better to be slain fighting, than to be put to death shamefully, if they desisted from fight. That Destiny hindred this resolution, it being decreed that the innocent should perish with the wicked, and the City with the Seditious: hereupon for four dayes space they distri∣buted necessaries to the Souldiers; and on the fifth day, Titus perceiving the Jews were still obstinate, divided his Army into two parts, and about Johns Tomb he began to raise Mounts, and against Antonia, hoping by them to take the higher part of the City; and by Antonia to seize the Temple; which except he could effect, he could not safely take [ L] the City; Against either of these places he raised two Mounts, each Legion making one.

The Jews and Simons followers opposed the work that was begun before Johns Tomb, and John likewise with a great number of the Zealots hindred them that made the Mounts over against Antonia: who not only fought with the advantage of the higher ground, but had learned also the use of Engines: for continual use by little and little made them skilful: and they had 300 Engines called Balistaes; and 40 Engines to cast Stones, wherewith they greatly annoyed the Romans, and obstructed them in their work.

Titus foreseeing that Fortune would favour him, and that the City would be taken, [ M] pressed it what he could, never ceasing to perswade the Jews to yield: adding many Arguments to his importunity, for he knew that many times words prevail more than violence, wherefore he exhorted them to save themselves, and yield the City unto him, referring them to Joseph, who should make a speech to them in their own Language, and he hoped they would hear their own Country-man.

Then Joseph keeping himself out of the danger of their shot, called out unto them to com∣miserate themselves, the City, the Temple, the People, and not be more hard-hearted unto them than strangers. For the Romans had a reverence for the Holy-places, notwithstand∣ing they had no society or portion in them. That till that very day they had abstained from violating of them: whereas they who were brought up among them, and might save them, [ N] did wilfully cause their destruction. He advised them to consider, that their strongest Walls were battered down; and only the weaker remaining unbattered: He willed them to consider how they were not able to withstand the Roman Forces; and that it was no novelty to the Jews to be subject to the Romans. For although it be a good and commendable thing to fight for Liberty, yet that was to have been done in the beginning: for he that was once subject and rebell'd, having a long time lived under the obedience of the Romans, seemed rather to be de∣sirous of a shameful Death, than an honourable Liberty. Moreover, he reproached them that they should choose rather to be subject to a base People, than to them whom the whole World obeyed. For (saith he) What habitable place is it that the Romans have not Conquered? They themselves may perceive, how Fortune has still favoured them: and that God had [ O] setled the Universal Monarchy in Italy. That by the Law of Nature, and the Example of

[ A] Beasts as well as men we are taught to give place unto them that are stronger than our selves, and be contented to submit to their Victory that are valiantest in Arms. This (said he) was the cause that your Ancestors (who were far more strong aad politick than you, and had better means to resist) did submit themselves unto the Romans: which if God had not been pleased withal, he would never have permitted. And how could they hope to resist, seeing the City was as it were already taken, and the Citizens, whilst their Walls were whole, most of them destroyed? For the Romans well knew the Famine that was among them, how it every day wasted the people, and would in short time devour their Souldiers. For suppose (said he) the Romans would desist, withdraw their Siege, and offer no violence; there is a Civil War within the City, which you cannot overcome, or avert; unless you [ B] could fight against Hunger, and the adversity of Fortune. He added, That it was best, before intolerable Calamities befell them, to change their opinion, and whilst they had time, to be counselled by good advice. That the Romans would not punish them for what was already past, except they persisted in their obstinacy. For they are (said he) Kind, Courteous, Gentle to their Subjects, and prefer their Commodity before Revenge. They thought it their in∣terest to have the City in their Power, and the Country about it; and therefore the Emperour proposed to make a league of Peace with them: but if he took the City by force, he would spare none, seeing they were admonish'd so kindly before, and in their greatest necessity refused to obey him. He told them also, that the third Wall would in a short time be taken, as they might per∣ceive by the other two: and though the City were inexpugnable, yet the Famine would force [ C] it to yeild in despite of its Strength.

As Joseph did thus advise them, those upon the Walls rail'd at him, upbraided him, and shot at him. Joseph seeing he could not avert them from their imminent cala∣mities, recounted unto them out of their own Histories whatever made for his purpose. O wretches (saith he) and ungrateful to your Friends. You resist the Romans, and conti∣nue perverse, as though you had conquered others that came, as they now do, against you. When doth God the maker of all things deny help unto us if we be oppressed? Will you not re∣member your selves? For what cause did you enterprise these Wars? And how great a Friend and Protector do you daily offend? Do ye not remember the miraculous Works of your An∣cestors in this Holy place, and how in times past it was by the Enemies destroyed? But I [ D] tremble to recount the works of God to such unworthy hearers: But consider and you will find, that you do not only resist, the Romans, but God himself. Nechias at that time King of Egypt, who also was called Pharao, came, and with an infinite Army took away Queen Sara, the Mother of our Nation. And what did our first Father Abraham in this case? Did he betake himself to Arms to revenge that injury? though he had under his command three hundred and eighteen Captains, and under them an infinite multitude: Did he not rather desist from War, perceiving God not to accompany him? and lifting up his pure hands to∣wards this Holy-place, which now you have defiled and prophaned, implore the assistance of his invincible God? And was not the Queen the second night after sent home again unto him untouched? whilst the Egyptian adoring this Holy-place (which ye have polluted with [ E] Murders of your own Nation) and trembling at the Visions he saw in the night▪ time, fled, rewarding the Hebrews with Gold and Silver, whom he perceived to be so beloved of God. Shall I recount unto you the going of our Ancestors into Egypt? who having for four hun∣dred years been slaves to the Egyptian Tyrants and Kings, and able to have revenged them∣selves by force of Arms, yet did they rather expect and stay Gods leisure. Who knoweth not that then Egypt, in revenge of their tyranny to the Hebrews, was overrun withall kinds of Serpents, and infected with all kind of Diseases, the Earth became barren, Nilus dry, and the ten plagues followed one another; our Ancestors were safely delivered without bloodshed, God Almighty conducting them, as willing to reserve them for his Priests?

When the Assyrians had taken away from us the Holy Ark, did not Palestina and Dagon [ F] repent that fact? Did not the whole Nation that took it, weep and lament therefore? For their privy parts being putrified, their Bowels and meat came from them, and with un∣clean hands they were forced to bring it back again, with Cymbals and Trumpets, to make Satisfaction for their offence. It was God that did this for our Ancestors, because that, depositing their Arms, they resigned themselves wholly to his pleasure. Was Senache∣rib King of Assyria, with all his Power out of Asia incamping before this City, overcome by humane force? Did not our Ancestours wave their own force and betake themselves to prayer, and God by his Angel in one night destroyed an infinite Army? so as that the next day the Assyrian found a hundred fourscore and five thousand of his men dead and, fled with the rest from the unarm'd Hebrews, though they never pursued? You know also, [ G] that in the Captivity of Babylon, where the people lived the space of seventy years, they got not their liberty till such time as God disposed Cyrus to suffer them to depart into their

own Country. And continuing his assistance, they again (as the Priests in old time were [ H] wont) did serve and reverence their helper. In brief, our Ancestors did never atchieve any great matter by force of Arms, neither did they leave any thing undone wherein they ex∣pected Gods help, but still remaining quiet at home, they overcome their Enemies wholly by his Providence: and when they trusted to their own strength, they always miscarryed. For when Zedechias our King, contrary to the admonition of the Prophet Jeremy, went forth to fight with the King of Babylon at that time besieging the City, both he and his whole Par∣ty were taken, and this City destroyed. Yet consider how far your Generals are inferiour to that King, and your selves to the people of those times. For Jeremy declaring to the City, that God was offended at their iniquity, and that except they did yield, it should be taken by force; yet did not the King nor any of the people lay hands upon him. And you (that I [ I] may omit your iniquity done within the City, which though I would, I could not sufficient∣ly decipher) do revile and attempt to kill me for giving you wholsom Counsel for your good; only for that I put you in mind of your sins, which you have not patience to hear. The same happened also when Antiochus, sirnamed Epiphanes, besieged the City, God was highly dis∣pleased at our Ancestors, permited them to be slain, the Town spoiled, and this Holy-place for three years and six months to be made desolate. What should I shew unto you any more examples? Who first incited the Romans against the Jews? Was it not the impiety of our own Countrey-Men that did it? Whence was our bondage at that time? Did it not pro∣ceed from the Sedition of our Ancestors, when the fury of Aristobulus and Hircanus brought Pompey into our City, and God subdued them by the Romans, being grown unworthy of [ K] liberty? and at length after a three months siege, though they were not so great offenders as you are, and better able to abide the siege, yet they yielded themselves. Are we ignorant of the end of Antigonus the Son of Aristobulus, who invaded the Kingdom, and brought our Nation again into subjection; God laying this bondage upon them being provoked by the iniquity of our Nation? Herod the Son of Antipater, brought Sosius and the Roman Army, and besieged the City six months: and at last, for the greatness of our iniquity, it was, taken and punished, and sacked by the Enemies. Thus you evidently see that our Na∣tion never prevail'd by force of Arms. And assure your selves that even now the City will be taken. It is meet therefore that you who keep this Holy-place commit your selves wholly to God, and then you need not fear the forces of your Enemies, when your piety assures [ L] you of Gods help and succour. But what one Article of Gods Law have you observed? Nay, what have you not done that he forbad? How far greater is your impiety than theirs? and yet they suddenly perished for their sins. For making small account of secret sins, as Stealing, Deceit, and Adulteries, you violently take away mens Goods by force, you mur∣der whom you please, devise new ways to sin; have made the Holy Temple the place of your impieties; and what the Romans themselves did adore, is by your own Nation polluted and defiled, whilst you derogate from the honour of our Religion by the impiety of your actions, and yet hope for his help, whom you have so heinously offended: you are very just people and obedient, and it is with pure hands you beg assistance of God. Did our King pray so unto God, when he obteined, that in one night so many of the Assyrians should be destroyed? Or [ M] do the Romans commit such impiety as the Assyrians did, that you may hope of the like re∣venge upon them. The Assyrian received a sum of Money to save the City, and yet not regarding his Oath, indeavoured to destroy it. The Romans do only request the same Tri∣bute that was paid by our Ancestors: and if they may have it, will never destroy the City, nor touch our Holy things. They will also permit you to enjoy freely your Familes and Possessions, and suffer your Laws to remain inviolate. It is madness for you to hope that God will punish just men, as he did sinners and impious persons, seeing he can punish as he pleases. To be short, he destroyed the Assyrians the first night they encamped before the City. And if he had purposed to deliver you, and punish the Romans, he would have done it, when Pompey and Sosius came against the City, or when Vespasian wasted Galilee, or now [ N] when Titus made his assault. But neither Pompey nor Sosius suffered any harm, and both of them took the City. Vespasian prospered so well in his Wars against you, that he hath got the whole Empire. And the Fountains which yielded you no Water before, do give it to Titus in abundance. For you know that before his coming, the Fountains without the City and Siloa were so dry that Water was sold by measure, yet now they flow plentifully and do not only serve his Army, but water all the Gardens about. What this wonder foretelleth, you have already experienced, when the King of Babylon came with his Army and destroyed the City, took it, and fired it, and the Temple; notwithstanding that (as I am perswaded) the Jews at that time were not so wicked as now. I think therefore that God hath forsaken this Holy place, and is gone over to your Enemies. Will not a good man fly a wicked house, [ O] and abhor the impiety of the Inhabitants. And do you think that God will abide your im∣piety,

[ A] who beholdeth all secrets, and knoweth all things that are hid? But what is secret a∣mongst you? Or what do you seek to find? Nay what do you that your Enemies do not know? All your iniquities are apparent: and your contention with one another is, who shall be most impious, and with as much labour endeavour to be Vitious as others do to be Vertuous. Yet for all this it is not too late to amend, God's wrath will be appeased, if ye acknowledg your sins, and be penitent for your offences. Throw away your Arms then, and pity your Country now ruined by your own means. Turn your Eyes and behold the beauty of the Place, whose ruine you seek. How brave a City, how magnificent a Temple, how rich with the Gifts of all Nations! Who would fire these? who would desire the ruin of these? Or what is there [ B] in the World that better deserveth to be preserved? O hard-hearted people, more blockish and insensible than Stones! Or if you do not pity your Temple, let your Families move you; look upon your Children your Wives, and your Parents, all ready to be consumed, either with Sword or Famine. I am sensible my Wife, my Children, and Family, must perish with you (and there was a time when they would have been considered) and it may be thought it is to save their lives I give this advice; but kill them, and sacrifice me for your welfare: I am prepared to die, if my death may be a means to preserve you in being.

Whilst Joseph made this speech unto them the Tears trickled down his Cheeks; but the Seditious being nothing moved, replyed, that it was not safe for them to yeild. The [ C] people however were perswaded to fly: and selling their possessions and what they had at small rates, they swallow'd down the Gold which they received, lest the Thievs should take it from them. And when they had escaped to the Romans Camp, they emptied their Bellies, and found it again, and had wherewithal to buy them ne∣cessaries. Titus also permitted many to go away withersoever they pleased: which caused divers to flie, thereby to be delivered from the calamity which they endured in the City. But John and Simon were as diligent to stop the ways, lest the Citizens should escape, as they were to hinder the Romans from entring into the City: so that upon the least suspition of any mans flight, he was presently put to death. The richer sort, whether they stayed or fled, were slain for their wealth and possessions. The Famine of the City, and the desperation of the Thieves increased alike every day; and when no more Corn was to be found, the Seditious persons brake into the houses, [ D] and searched every Corner to find Corn; if in their search they found any, they beat the owners thereof for denying it at first: if they found none, they tortured them for ha∣ving hidden it. Whosoever was strong of Body, and in good liking they killed; upon presumption that he had some secret stores, or else he could not have been in so good plight and fat as he was. They that were pined with Famine, were slain; because they thought it no offence to kill them, who in a short time would die of themselves. Many gave all they had for one bushel of Corn, and shutting themselves up privately in their houses, eat their Corn as it was unground: others made bread thereof as ne∣cessity and fear required. No man in the whole City sate down to eat his meat at the [ E] Table, but snatch'd it greedily from the fire, and devoured it half raw and half roast.

Most miserable was this manner of living, and a spectacle which none without Tears was able to behold; the strongest still got the most, and the weakest bewailed their mi∣sery: for now Famine was their greatest calamity. And nothing doth arm men more than shame; during this Famine, no reverence was had towards any man: Wives took the meat out of their Husbands mouths, Children from their Parents, and Mothers from their Infants, which was the saddest spectacle of all. No body had now any compassion, neither did they spare their dearest Infants, but suffered them to perish in their Arms, by taking from them the very drops of Life. Yet could they not eat in [ F] such secrecy, but some or other still came to take away from them that whereupon they fed. For if in any place they saw a door shut, they conjectured that they who were in the house were eating meat, and forthwith breaking down the Doors, they came in, got them by the throat, and took the meat halfe-chewed out of their mouths as it was ready to be swallowed down. The old men were driven away, and not permitted to keep and defend their food: the Women were drawn up and down by the hair of the head, for that they hid between their hands some part of their meat, and would not forgo it. No pity remained either to old age or infancy; They took the young Babes, their mouths full of meat, and dashed them against the ground. If any had prevented these Thieves, and eaten their meat before they could get at them, they were more cru∣elly and more tyrannously handled, as having committed a greater offence against them. [ G] They devised most barbarous and cruel torments to extort food from others: for they thrust sticks or such like into the cavity of mens yards, and sharp thorny rods into their

Fundaments: and it is abominable to hear what the people endured to make them con∣fess [ H] one loaf of Bread, or one handful of Corn which they had hidden.

These Miscreants did not yet for all this feel either hunger or thirst: for then their impieties had been more tolerable; but they did it only to exercise their cruelty, prepa∣ring six days food for themselvs aforehand. Some poor creatures eluding the Roman-Guards had been abroad in the night to gather Wood or Grass in the Field, and return∣ing into the City were rejoycing in their felicity, having escaped the danger of the Enemy, but they were seized by these miscreants▪ their Herbs taken from them (though gotten with the hazard of their lives,) denying them a small part of that, for which they had undergone such danger, yea they thought themselves obliged though rob∣bed and spoiled, if they escaped the Swords of these Tyrants. These were the Calamities [ I] which the baser sort of people endured at the hands of the common Souldiers: but the Nobles & chief Men of the City were led to their Officers, accused before them of Intel∣ligence with the Romans; and for some forged Treason or other put to Death, Many times they suborned people to accuse them of intending to fly to the Romans. Those that Simon robbed were sent to John; and those that John spoiled were sent to Simon: drinking as it were one to another in the Blood of the People, and dividing their dead Carcasses between them; insomuch that though they disagreed in their desire of rule and domination: they both conspired in mischief and iniquity. For he that did not give the other part of what by his cruelty he had extorted from the miserable Citizens, was accounted ungenerous: and he that received not his share, complained of the injustice, [ K] as beleiving he had a right to the Rapine and Cruelty.

I am not able to recount all their iniquities: but in short, I think never any City endured the like, nor never any People since the memory of men were so cruel and bar∣barous: and that their impiety to strangers might seem the less, they spake evil of the Nation of the Hebrews, and cursed them, and openly confessed themselves to be slaves, People of divers Countries, united together in wickedness, bastards and abortives of their Nation. They demolished the City, and forced the Romans (though against their will) to except of a dismal Victory, hasting the Fire into the Temple, as though it stayed from it too long. Neither were they at all affected, when they saw the higher part of the City on fire; though many among the Romans beheld it with sorrow, as we will [ L] shew hereafter, when we describe the event of that business.

CHAP. XII.

Of the Jews that were crucified, and the burning of the Rampires.

THe Mounts and Rampires that Titus built, did greatly advantage him: Yet his [ M] Souldiers endured some loss by the Jews from the Wall, to recompence it what he could, upon intelligence that their rapine and plunder in the Town being not suffici∣ent to supply their necessities, the Jews were forc'd to seek out into the Valleys for food, he disposed certain parties of Horse, and other select men in Ambush to inter∣cept them; for though their exigences were very great, yet being for the most part poor people with Families in the City they durst not run over to the Romans, lest their Wives and Children should be murdered in their absence, wherefore they were for∣c'd to make private excursions in the night to conceal themselves from the Enemy, and having fallen unexpectedly into this Ambuscade, they fought it couragiously, as know∣ing it too late to expect mercy after such untractable obstinacy, but they were defeat∣ed, [ N] many of them taken, and tortur'd, and afterwards crucified before the Walls of the City. Titus looked upon their condition as very deplorable, for scarce a day past in which there were not 500 Jews taken and served in that manner by those partys of Horse, yet he thought it inexpedient to remove them, because they were a great secu∣rity to the rest of his Army: But his great design was by the cruelty of that specta∣cle to terrifie the City and hasten its surrender. Wherefore the Souldiers in hatred to our Nation, crucified all they took, one after one fashion, and another after another, in derision. And the multitude of the Captives was become so great, there was left no space for the crosses, nor indeed crosses for their bodies to be crucified upon. But the sedi∣tious Jews within the City were so far from relenting by this massacre, that rather their hearts were more hardned; so that herewith they terrified the rest of the multitude: [ O] for they carried the relations of those who were taken by the Romans to the Walls,

[ A] that they might see how those were used that fled to the Romans: the same sight they also shewed unto them that desired peace; affirming that they whom the Romans had so used, were those that fled unto them for succour, and not captives by them taken. This deterred many who would otherwise have fled to the Romans; till such time as the truth hereof was known. Yet some there were that ventured to the Enemy, as preferring Death and Torment at their hands, before the Miseries and Famine which they endured at home.

Hereupon Titus cut off many of the Captives hands, and sent them into the City to Simon and John, that their Calamity might testifie them to be Captives, and not such as had fled voluntarily to the Romans, willing them to admonish their Friends to yield, [ B] and not compel him to destroy the City: and to assure them that in so doing, they might still save their lives, their Country, and Temple, which had not the like in the whole World: and he continually went about the Rampires hastning the workmen in their business, as though he presently meant to effect that in deeds, which in words he had spoken. The Jews that stood upon the Walls, reviled both him and his Fa∣ther, affirming that they contemned Death; and would chuse rather to die, than be∣come slaves: That whilest they lived, they would to their power defend themselves a∣gainst the Romans, without any care either of themselves or their Country; which Caesar sent them word were both in imminent danger. Moreover, they said that the whole World was a Temple dedicated to God, far more excellent than theirs, [ C] which notwithstanding should be conserved by him that dwelt in it; whose help they hoped to enjoy, and did therefore deride all his threatnings, as things that could never come to pass without his divine permission. Thus did they opprobriously abuse the clemency of the Romans.

At this time arrived also Antiochus Epiphanes, and with him a considerable supply of Men, among which there was a company called the Macedonians, of equal years, and little older than young men, all trained up in Martial Discipline, and armed after the Macedonian manner, from whence they took their name: yet for the most part they did not answer the expectation that men had of the Macedonians. For the King of Comagne was the most fortunate and happy of all Kings that were subject to the Roman Em∣pire, [ D] till such time as he felt the frown of Fortune; who in his old age proved that none ought to be accounted happy before his death: whilest Comagne was in prosperity, his Son said, he marvelled that the Romans did delay to assault the City, and enter the battered Walls (for this young Man was a great Warriour, and of exceeding strength, to the which he trusting too much, did many things rashly.) Titus smiled, and an∣swered, that that was a work too great for the Romans. Upon which young Anti∣ochus, accompanied with his Macedonians, assaulted the Wall, and himself with his strength and dexterity avoided the darts of the Jews, and cast his darts at them: but his whole Party (a few excepted) were there slain: for obliged by their extravagant boasting, they continued longer in ••ight than it was expedient for them: at last many [ E] being wounded retired, perceiving that the Macedonians to win a Victory had need of Alexanders fortune. The Romans the twelfth day of May began to build their Ram∣pires: and labouring seventeen whole days, with much ado they ended them the nine and twentieth of the said Month. For they builded four vast Rampires, one of them over against Antonia, which was built by the fifth Legion opposit to the midst of the Struthian Waters: another was built by the twelfth Legion, twenty Cubits distant from the other. But the tenth Legion, which was of more account than the two for∣mer, erected a Mount opposit to the Pond called Amygdalon on the North-side: and the fifteenth Legion made the fourth, thirty Cubits distant from the other, over against the Monument of the High Priest John.

[ F] The Mounts being thus finished, John undermined that which was over against An∣tonia, and underpropped it with posts of Wood, and filling the Mine with Wood, Bitumen and Pitch, he fired it: so the posts that held it up, being burnt, the Mine fell, and the Mount also with a hideous noise fell into it: and first of all there arose a great smoak and dust, for the Mines covered the flame: at last the fire having consumed the matter that covered it, the flame appeared. The Romans at this sudden and un∣expected exploit were much amazed and disordered: so that thereby those who be∣fore made account of the victory as certain, began now to dispair. Two days after Simon and his associates set upon the other Rampires: for thereon were plant∣ed Rams, wherewith the Romans began to beat the Walls. Amongst the rest, a [ G] man named T••ptheus of Garsus a City of Galilee, Megassarus one of Queen Mariammes Servants, and with them one of Adiabena the Son of Mabateus, who for his fortune

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was named Agiras, which signified lame: these three taking fire-brands, ran unto [ H] the Engines, and there was none found in all the Roman Army more valiant than these men, nor more terrible: for they ran amidst the throng oftheir Enemies so bodly, as though they had gone amongst their Friends, and never made any stay, but breaking through the midst of their Enemies, they fired their Engines: and notwithstanding that on every side they were assaulted with Darts and Arrows; yet did they not give back, nor seek to avoid the danger, till such time as the fire had taken hold of the Engines. The flame mounting on high, the Romans came running out their Camp to succour their fellows: and the Jews upon the Wall with Darts and Arrows hindred them that sought to quench the flame, exposing their own Bodies. The Romans en∣deavoured to draw off the Rams: And the Jews were as earnest to hinder them: [ I] however the Romans preserved their Rams. From thence the fire caught hold of the Rampires, those that opposed themselves were burned: and the fire increased, so that it could not be extinguished; so the Romans invironed with the flame, and despairing to rescue their Works, retired into their Camp, and left them on fire. But the Jews were so much the more earnest, their number still encreasing by new supplies out of the City: and so encouraged by their Victory, they rashly adventured unto the Romans Camp and assaulted the Guard there. Which guard was a Company pla∣ced round before the Camp in Armour; with orders not to leave their ground upon pain of death. And these men esteeming it better to die gloriously, than ignominiously to suffer, resisted very valiantly: so that many that had fled retired themselves, [ K] back again to fight, both for shame that they had forsaken their place, and for fear of punishment thereof: and placing new Engines upon the Rampire of their Camp, they stopt the Jews from Sallying any more: for they came out unarmed, without any Arms of defence. For the Jews without any consideration came rashly upon their Enemies Pikes, and assaulted them with their fists. So that the Jews prevailed more by their courage, than their Arms: and the Romans fled more for the Jews boldness than any harm they sustained by them.

Titus repairing with all speed from Antonia, where he had been viewing a place for ano∣ther Rampire, blamed the Souldiers exceedingly; who having gotten the Enemies Walls, [ L] did notwithstanding suffer themselves to be repell'd; and were forced to abide that, which first the Jews did suffer being now as it were broken out of Prison; and so he with cer∣tain chosen men assaulted the Enemies on one side; who though desperately overpow∣ered, yet stoutly resisted him: and so joyning the Battle, the dust was so thick, that none could see one another, nor hear what was said, for the cries and noise were so great, no man could discern his friends from his foes. The Jews persisted still in the Battle, not for that they trusted to their force, or thereby prevailed, but because they were desperate. The Romans on the other part took courage, and fought stoutly for shame, and for that Caesar himself was in danger amongst them. So that I think, that had not the Jews retired into the City, the fury of the Romans had then consumed the [ M] whole multitude. The Romans were now sorrowful for the loss of their Rampires, who in one hours time had lost that, which with such labour they so long had been mak∣ing: and many of their Engines being now displaced, they dispaired to take the City.

CHAP. XIII.

Of the Wall which the Roman Army built about Jerusalem in three days space.

TItus deliberated with his Captains what was to be done; and they that were most forward amongst them, thought it best with the whole Army to assault the Walls: [ N] for that as yet the Jews had only fought with a part, and were not able to withstand the force of the whole Army, but would be all consumed with Darts and Arrows. The wiser sort perswaded Titus to repair his Rampires: but others counselled the coutrary, to hold themselves quiet there, and only to keep all places about, that no food should be conveyed into the City, and so famish it without fighting. For that the Jews being now desperate, and desirous to be slain, would not be overcome by force. But Titus, thought it dishonourable to lie idle with so huge an Army, and do nothing; yet he deemed it superfluous to fight with them who would willingly fight to be slain: and he could not make any Mounts, because he wanted Materials, and it was most difficult, of all to guard every place about the City, that none could go forth, for that it could [ O] not be beleaguered round on every side, by reason of the difficult places and great com∣pass

[ A] thereof, fearing also the dangers that might ensue, the Jews issuing out of the Ci∣ty. For the Jews seeing their open ways possessed by the Romans, they would devise some secret ways, both urged thereunto by necessity, and also because they knew all places thereabout very well. And if so be that the Jews should secretly effect any thing to prejudice them, that then their Siege was like to continue so much the longer: so that he feared that the continuance of time would diminish the Glory of his Victory. For though all those ways might be taken, yet he preferred Speed before Certainty: and if so be he would use celerity and safety, then it was needful for him to compass the whole City round about with a Wall: for so all ways and passages might be blockt up, and the Jews seeing no hope of safety, should be compelled either to yield the Ci∣ty, [ B] or to be consumed with Famine. Nor by any other means could be secure, but by erecting Mounts; having that Wall to defend them. And if any one think that work difficult, and not to be atchieved, let him consider that it did not become the Romans to make a base and slender piece of work: and that no man in the World could without labour effect any great matter, but God only. Having with these speech∣es encouraged his Captains, he caused them to lead the Souldiers, and dispose them all about these businesses. The Souldiers had as it were some divine vigour and cou∣rage faln upon them: for not only the Captains parting the circuit amongst them, but the Souldiers also strove who should first effect their part; and every Souldier la∣boured to please his Decurio, the Decurio to content the Centurion, and Centurion [ C] the Tribune, and the Tribune to please the chief Commander, and he to please Caesar, who every day went round about and beheld the Work: and so beginning at the place called the Assyrians Camp, where he was encamped, he drew a Wall all about, even to the new City; and from thence by Cedron and Mount Olivet; and so turned toward the South, and enclosed the Mountain with the Rock called Peristereonos, and the Hill next adjoyning thereunto which hangeth over Siloa: and from thence bending his Work to the West, he brought it down all along the Valley of the Fountain: from whence ascending to the Monument of Ananus the High-Priest, where Pompy pitched his Tents, he brought it about by the North side of the City, and coming along to the Village called Erebinthonicus, he compassed the Monument of Herod towards the East, [ D] and so joyned the Wall to his Camp, where he began. This Wall was nine and thirty furlongs about. Without this Wall he built also thirteen Forts, every one ten furlongs in compass. And all this whole work was finished in three days space, which yet requi∣red Months to have been built in: so that the celerity in the building thereof makes it scarcely credible. The City being thus encompassed with a Wall, and Gaurds placed in every Fort, Titus himself continued to go round the first Watch, to see all things in good order: the second Watch he allotted to Alexander: and the third to the Cap∣tains of the Legions, and the Watchmen appointed every one his turn to sleep: and so all night long some of them went about the Castle. [ E]

CHAP. XIV.

Of the Famine in Jerusalem: and of the building of the second Rampire by the Romans.

THe restraint of liberty to pass in and out of the City, took from the Jews all hope of safety; and the Famine now increasing, consumed whole Housholds and Fami∣lies: the Houses were full of dead Women and Infants; and the Streets of the Car∣cases [ F] of elder Men: and the young Men pale like Ghosts, walked about the Market-place, and fell down dead where it happened. And now the multitude of dead bo∣dies was so great, that they that were alive could not bury them; nor indeed cared they for burying them, being now uncertain what should betide themselves. And many endeavouring to bury others, fell down themselves dead upon them as they were burying them. Many being yet alive, went into their Graves and there died. Yet for all this Calamity, was there no weeping nor lamentation; for the Famine over∣came all affections. And they who were yet living, without tears beheld those, who being dead were now at rest before them. There was no noise heard within the City, and the still night found all full of dead bodies: and which was most miserable of all, [ G] the Thieves at night came and took away that which covered the dead bodies naked∣ness, went laughing away, and in their bodies they proved their Swords, and upon

pleasure only thrust many through, yet breathing. Yet if any desired them to kill [ H] him, or to lend him a Sword to kill himself, that so he might escape the Famine, they denied him. And every one that died, as he was dying, fixed his Eyes upon the Temple, and beheld it with grief, leaving the Seditious behind them. But they no longer able to endure the stink of the dead bodies that lay corrupted on the ground, first commanded that all such should be buried at the charges of the City: and at last finding no place wherein to bury them all, they threw them over the Walls into the Ditch. When Titus, going about the Walls, beheld all the Ditch filled with dead mens bodies, he lamented; and lifting up his hands to Heaven, called God to wit∣ness, that it was not his doing. Such was the estate of the City. But the Romans when none of the Seditious durst make any more excursions, passed their time in [ I] joy and mirth: for they neither suffered Famine nor sorrow, having abundance of Corn, and all other necessaries out of Syria, and the Provinces adjoyning, and many standing before the Walls, aud shewing their abundance of Victuals to the Jews, did so much more increase their misery. Yet were not the Seditious people moved at these Cala∣mities: wherefore Titus pitying the reliques of the Nation, and minding at least to save them that were left alive, hasted to take the City; and so he begun anew to build Mounts, though he scarcely found matter to do it withal. For all the Wood neer the City was consumed in the first works; so that now the Souldiers were for∣ced to fetch more Wood ninety furlongs off; and only against Antonia were erected in four places, four Mounts greater than the former. Caesar went about and hastened [ K] the Workmen; and now shewed the Thieves that were fallen into his hands. Yet for all this, they would not repent: and being as it were deprived of the exercise of their Wits and Bodies, they used both as though borrowed, and not their own. For nei∣ther did any affection move their minds, nor any grief there bodies: for they rent and tore the dead Bodies like Dogs, and filled the prisons with weak and languishing people.

CHAP. XV. [ L]

Of the Massacre of the Jews, both within and without the City.

AT last, Simon having tormented Matthias, put him to death notwithstanding that by his means he had obtained the City. This Matthias was the Son of Boethus a Priest, whom the people for his fidelity towards them greatly esteemed: he seeing the outrages of the Zealots towards the people after John was joyned with them, perswaded the people to call in Simon to help them, conditioning nothing with him before, for that they misdoubed no evil. And when he was come into the City, he held him for his Enemy as well as the rest; notwithstanding, that by his only advice he was received into the City, as though Matthias had only done it through weakness. [ M] Wherefore calling him before the people, he accused him that he favoured the Romans, and so condemned him to die, not suffering him to clear himself. And he put to death likewise his three Sons with him, for the fourth was before this time fled to Titus. Matthias requested Simon that he might be put to death before his Sons: but Simon, in regard that by his means he had gotten the City, caused him to be ex∣ecuted last of all. And so he was killed upon the murthered bodies of his Sons, in a place where the Romans might behold him: for so Simon commanded Ananus his Executioner, who was the Son of Bamadus. This man was the most cruel of all Simon's followers; who even when he was to kill Matthias, derided him, asking whether they could now help him, to whom he sought to fly: and he permitted not their bodies [ N] to be buried. After them Ananias a Priest, the Son of Masbalus a Nobleman, and chief Secretary to the Council, a valiant strong man, born at Emaus, and with him fifteen of the chiefest men in the City were put to death. They took also Joseph's Father and kept him in prison, and with the publick voice of a Crier proclaimed, that no man should talk with him, nor visit him, pretending fear of Treason: and who∣soever bewailed his estate, he was put to death without any Tryal. It happened that a certain man called Judas, the Son of Judas, who was one of Simon's Captains, and Governour of one of the Towers of the City, being moved with compassion to∣wards these that perished without desert, and more with fear of his own life, assem∣bled together ten of his most trusty Souldiers, and said to them: How long shall we en∣dure [ O] these Calamities? or what hope have we of life, in being obedient to the most impious of all

[ A] Famine consumes our City; the Romans are almost within our Walls, and Simon is cruel and faithless, even towards these that have well deserved at his hands, and we are in daily fear of his cruelty. On the contrary, the Romans keep their Faith inviolably. Wherefore let us deliver this Tower to them, and so save our selves and our City. And what punish∣mnt c an Simon suffer which he ha's not deserved? The ten men to whom in this man∣ner he brake his mind, agreed hereunto; and so he in the morning sent the rest of his Souldiers under his command into divers places, that they might not perceive his intent, and at the third hour of the day, standing upon the Tower, he called the Romans and told them his design. But some of the Romans proudly contemned the offer; others scarcely believed them, and the rest made no speed to come. In the mean [ B] time while Titus with certain armed men came unto the Wall, Simon had notice of the matter, and speedily got to the Tower, and slew those that were within, in the sight of the Romans, and cast down their bodies over the Wall. Joseph going about the Wall, and coming thither (for he never ceased requesting the Jews to remember their desperate estate) was struck on the head with a stone, and so amazed with the blow, that he fell down: whereupon presently the Jews made a Salley out of the City, and had carried him away prisoner into the City, had not Titus sent men to de∣fend him: and whilst they fought, Joseph was carried away, scarcely knowing what was done. The Seditious with loud cries rejoyced, as having slain him whose death they chiefly desired; and so they reported within the City. Hereupon the people [ C] were most sorrowfull, verily believing him to be slain, by whose intercession they had confidence of favour from the Romans.

When Josephs Mother, who was in prison, heard this, she said to those of Jotapata that were her Keepers, that she had no hope ever to see her Son again; and with ma∣ny tears lamenting to her Maidens, Is this the benefit (said she) of my having born a Son, that I shall not bury him, by whom I hoped to have been buried my self? But this false report did not long grieve her, nor comfort the Thieves: for Joseph was quickly healed of his wound, and recovered; and shewing himself, he cryed out to them, That ere long they should find he would be revenged on them for his wound; And he ceased not to exhort the people to remain faithful to the Romans. But the [ D] Seditious seeing him alive were astonished, and the people conceived good hope. Many (present necessity urging them) leapt over the Wall, and fled to the Romans; divers with stones going forth under pretence to fight with the Romans, yielded themselves; but they had worse Fortune there, than within the City; being now more harmed by plenty of Victuals which they found amongst the Romans, than with the Famine they suffered in the City: for being become by Famine all swollen, as though they had the Dropsie, upon the sudden filling of their empty Bodies they burst; and so all died, save only those who being wary, did by little and little accustom their bodies to food, which they had long wanted. Yet they who thus escaped, fell into another grievous misfortune: for one of the Jews that fled to the Romans, was found [ E] amongst the Syrians, gathering Gold (out of his own dung) which he had swallowed, as is before said, for that the Seditious did search all, and take that they could find from them: and there was very great store of Gold in the City, so that that was sold for twelve Atticks, which before was worth twenty five. This device being disco∣vered in one, presently a report was spread all over the whole Camp, that the Jews that fled from the City, came full of Gold. Whereupon the Arabians and Syrians ript up the Bellies of their poor suppliants, to see if they could find any Gold or Silver within them. And I am perswaded that there was no greater calamity befell the Jews than this: for in one night the Bellies of two thousand Jews were ript up. Titus hearing of this cruelty, resolved to cause the Authors hereof to be compassed round with Horsemen, [ F] and slain with Darts; and he had done it, had not the multitude of offenders much ex∣ceeded that of the Jews that were so murthered. Wherefore, he called together the Leaders of these Auxiliary Troops, and the Roman Captains (for some of the Romans also had committed this fault) and said to them in anger, Is it possible that any amongst your Souldiers are so barbarous to commit such horrid Acts for uncertain gain, and are not ashamed to enrich themselves after so execrable a manner? what? shall the Arabians in these Wars against Strangers do what they please, and presently cause the infamy of their vile Facts to redound to the Romans, by committing such murthers, and exercising such cruelty against the Jews? (for now all that bare Arms under him, were defamed with this vile report) He declared to them, That such as [ G] hereafter were found in that guilt, should be put to death. Also he commanded his own Legions to make enquiry, who were suspected among them for this matter,

and to bring him word thereof. But avarice is not terrified by fear of punishment; cruel [ H] people have naturally a desire of gain, and no passion can be compared to the desire of wealth; though sometimes it is bridled and restrained for fear. But now God who hath given over the people to Perdition, suffered all things to be turned to their destruction: for that which Cesar did so strictly forbid, was still secretly commited upon the poor Jews that fled for mercy to the Romans. So that now whosoever fled out of the City, the Souldiers first looking about them, left any of the Romans should see them, ript up their Bellies, and so got an ungodly and impious booty; yet in very few did they find that they sought for; for the most of them that were slain, had no Gold nor Silver found within them. And this mischief caused many that had fled to the Romans to return again into the City. [ I]

CHAP. XVI.

Of the Sacriledge committed about the Temple, and the dead Bodies cast out of the City, and of the Famine.

WHen John could rob no more, nor get any spoil from the Citizens, whom he had robbed of all they had, he presently fell to Sacriledge, and took away ma∣ny of the gifts that had been offer'd to God in the Temple, and of the Sacred Vessels [ K] appointed for Divine Service, as Cups, Plates, Tables, and the Cruets of Gold that Augustus and his Wife had sent thither. Thus a Jew robbed and spoiled the Tem∣ple of those tokens of respect, wherewith the Roman Emperours and other Nations had honoured it: and he had the boldness to affirm to his Associates, that without fear they might use the Holy things of the Temple, seeing they sought for God and the Temple. Moreover, he dar'd to share amongst them the Holy Wine and Oyl, which the Priests kept for Divine Sacrifice in the inner part of the Temple. I will not cease to speak that which grief compelleth me: I verily think, that had the Romans forborn to have punished so great Criminals, either the Earth would have swallowed the City up, or some deluge have drowned it, or else the Thunder and Lightning which [ L] con••umed Sodom, would have light upon it: for the people of the City were far more impious than the Sodomites. In brief, their wickedness and impiety were the cause that the whole Nation was extinguished. What need I recount every particular mi∣sery? Mannaeus the Son of Lazarus, flying to Titus out of the Gate that was commit∣ted to his custody, and yielding himself to him, related to Titus, that from the time that the Roman Army encamped near the City, from the fourteenth day of April un∣til the first of July were carried out of that Gate he kept, a hundred and fifteen thousand eight hundred and fourscore dead bodies; and nevertheless, he had reckoned only those, the number of whom he was obliged to know by reason of a Publick Distribution, of which he had the charge. For others were buried by their Parents; and this was their [ M] burial, to carry them out of the City, and there let them lie. And certain Noble∣men flying to Titus after him, reported that there were dead in the City six hundred thousand poor people which were cast out of the Gates; and that the others that died were innumerable: and that when so many died that they were not able to bury them, that then they gathered the Bodies together in the greatest houses adjoyning, and there shut them up. And that a bushel of Corn was sold for a Talent, which is six hundred Crowns: and that since the City was compassed with a Wall by the besiegers they could not go out to gather any more herbs, so that many were driven to that necessity, that they raked Sinks and privies to find old dung of Oxen to eat; and even the dung that was loathsome to behold, was their meat. The Romans hearing this, were moved [ N] to compassion; yet the Seditious within the City, who beheld this miserable sight, were nothing moved, nor repented, but suffered them to brought to this Calamity: for their hearts were so blinded by God, that they perceiv'd not the precipice into which they were going to fall with all this miserable City. [ O]

Notes

• The year of the World, 4034. after the Nati∣vity of Christ, 72.
• A threefold Sedition in Jerusalem.
• The fight be∣tween John and Eleazar.
• Simon and John skirmish in the Temple.
• Great slaugh∣ter in the Temple.
• John assaulted on both sides.
• They of Jeru∣salem had wel-nigh burnt all their Corn.
• A wretched calamity in Jerusalem.
• Lamentation and mourning in Jerusalem
• The cruelty of the Seditious in Jerusalem.
• John made use of the Wood, that was kept for holy uses, to make En∣gines of.
• The order of Titus Army.
• Titus com•••• to Judea▪
• Titus repairs to Jerusalem to ••ound the dispositions of the people.
• Titus in dan∣ger.
• Titus fighteth valiantly with his Enemies
• Titus putteth his Enemies to flight, and re∣turns in safety to his Camp.
• Titus Camp was 7. stades o•• the City.
• The Seditious agree among themselves.
• The Citizens assail the Ro∣mans.
• The Jews drive the Ro∣mans from their Camp.
• The fight of the Jews with the Romans.
• The Romans are dispersed by the Jews, and driven to the Mountain.
• Titus Valour against the Jews.
• Fear and trouble among the Romans.
• The Jews fight in their retreat, and are driven unto the Val∣ley.
• John entreth and seizeth the inward Temple and all the furni∣ture thereof, putteth the Zealots to flight, and rai∣seth a mighty sedition.
• A threefold Sedition divi∣ded into two parts.
• Whatsoever about Jerusa∣lem is hollow or troubled with Valleys, is filled up.
• The alacrity of the Souldi∣ers among the Romans, con∣trary to Titus ordinance.
• The Victory of the Jews
• Caesar's sharp oration to his Souldiers.
• The Romans Souldiers be∣seech Titus for their fel∣lows in Arms.
• How and in what places Titus besieged Jerusalem.
• The treble Walls of Jeru∣salem.
• The Castle of David.
• Acra sustains the lower part of the City.
• The Fountain of Silo.
• The oldest Wall.
• The Second Wall.
• The third Wall.
• Bezetha the fourth Hill.
• Agrippa's cost in building the Wall.
• The third Wall had 90. Towers.
• Psephina was 70. Cubits high.
• Herod called three Towers by the names of three his most dearest Friend••.
• Hippicos 85 Cubits high.
• Phaselus 90 Cubits high.
• Mariamme a goodly Tower 55 Cubits high.
• The Kings Pa∣lace.
• The Kings Palace burnt by the Theives and Rebels.
• The Temple built upon a most strong Hill.
• All the sacred Treasures spent in the building of the Temple.
• The Porches were built of white Marble∣stone, sustained by Pillars.
• A peculiar place destina∣ted for Women for Religion sake.
• Some of the Gates were of Gold, some of Silver, and one of Corin∣thian Brass.
• The Sacred Sanctuary.
• The Babyloni∣ans Vail of ad∣mirable work∣manship.
• The significati∣on of the Vail.
• Three admira∣ble works: The Candle∣stick, the Table and Censer.
• The outward Court of the Temple cove∣ed with massy Plates of Gold.
• The Priests in the old Testa∣ment, abstain∣ed from wine, and were so∣ber.
• The high Priests Gar∣ment.
• The precious stones in the high Priests Garment.
• The descripti∣on of Antonia.
• Antonia not much unlike a City.
• 15000 follow Simon.
• Simons Camp against John.
• The Seditious took the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the Ro∣mans over∣came and took the Seditious.
• Titus circuit∣ing the Wall, seeketh which way he should attempt his battery.
• Nicanor is wounded with an Arrow in the left shoul∣der.
• The darts did the Jews little good, because they were not expert in using them.
• Titus com∣manded the Wall to be bat∣tered in three places.
• The Seditious forgetting their hatred and discords joyn in one.
• The Ram shaketh a cor∣ner of a Tow∣er.
• Titus putteth the Jews to flight and driv∣eth them into the City.
• John Captain of the Idume∣ans, by the shot of an Arrow that wounds him in the breast, dieth.
• Nicon, that is to say, Victor, the Romans great Ram.
• The Romans get the first Wall.
• The Jews con∣flict with the Romans.
• The Jews bold∣ness.
• The custom of the Romans to Conquer.
• Longinus breaketh into the midst of the Jews army and disturb∣eth it.
• Castor a subtle and politick Jew.
• Mercy in Wars hurtful.
• Titus taketh the second Wall.
• They interpret warlike Titus's humanity for Cowardize.
• The Romans are driven out by the Jews.
• The Jews cou∣rage encreas∣eth.
• The People in want, and ma∣ny die for hunger.
• Titus once more getteth the second wall
• Titus surceas∣ing the Siege, commandeth mony to be distributed to all his Soul∣diers.
• Destiny had decreed that the innocent should perish with the no∣cent, and the City with the Seditious.
• The Romans in their labour are hindred by the Jews.
• Titus bounty towards the Jews.
• Josephs Orati∣on to the Jews
• Famine in the City.
• The Emperor striveth to be at Peace with the Romans.
• Joseph rippeth up the ancient Histories, and some foreign.
• Nechias, a King of Egypt.
• The Hebrews under the Ty∣ranny of Egypt four hundred years.
• The Sacred Ark taken a∣way by the Assyrians, and restored to the Jews.
• Senacherib. King of Assur.
• The Captivity of Babylon.
• The destructi∣on of Jerusa∣lem by the King of Baby∣lon.
• Josephs bitter invective a∣gainst them.
• The Jews sins against the Laws.
• The Romans use the same manner of overthrow a∣gainst the Jews, as the Assyrians did.
• God knoweth when to re∣venge.
• The Fountains that before-time were dry, now slow to Titus.
• God is wont to shew mercy to those who confess and be peditent.
• Joseph love and constancy towards his Country.
• The people flie with their money.
• A wonderful Famine in the City.
• The argument of store of meat▪
• A miserable kind of living, and a spectacle of great com∣passion.
• The souldie••s enter the hou∣ses, and take the meat un∣chewed out of the Citizens mouths.
• The Honoura∣ble and Rich are drawn before the Tyrants.
• The dissention between John and Si∣mon was for Rule, their concord was in wickedness.
• The poor peo∣ples misery.
• Titus crucifi∣eth many Jews, before the Walls.
• The Jews carried the kindred of those that were fled out of the City to the Romans▪ and shewed them the tor∣tures they suf∣fered.
• The Jews both curse Caesar and is Father.
• The insolence of Antiochus and the Soul∣diers.
• The Romans iu seventeen days build four huge bul∣warks.
• Three Valiant Jews.
• The Romans invironed with fire, lose the Mounts they had built▪
• A most bitter Law among the Romans against those that forsook their places.
• Titus accused his Souldiers of negligence▪
• The Jews re∣tire within the City.
• Titus confu••••∣eth with his Captains.
• Titus determi∣neth to inclose the City with a Wall.
• The Romans with ceasless labour build the Wall.
• One Wall of 39 Stounds, whereof one containeth 8 Furlongs or thereabout.
• The Romans plant their courts of guard in several Ca∣stles.
• The houses and ways full of dead men.
• The dead lie unburied in the streets.
• The year of the World, 4034. after the Nativity of Christ, 72.
• The cruelty of the Thieves a∣gainst those that lie a dy∣ing.
• Titus lifting up his hands to heaven, cal∣leth God to witness that the fault is not his.
• The Romans shew the Jews their abun∣dance of vi∣ctuals.
• Titus pitying the remainder of the Nation laboureth to save them.
• The blindness of the Jews.
• Simon's cruel∣ty against Matthias and his Sons.
• Ananus one of the cruellest Souldiers a∣bout Simon.
• Ananius the Priest, with fifteen of the noblest people slain.
• Josephs Fa∣ther taken.
• J••das consul∣tation with his companions
• Joseph wound∣ed in the head with a stone, the Rumour is spread through he City.
• Joseph reco∣vereth of his wound.
• Many that fled from Famine at home, met with more speedy death among the Romans.
• Two thou∣sand Jews imbowelled in one night. Ti∣tus displeased at this cursed act.
• Avarice is not terrified with any punish∣ment.
• John falleh to Sacrildge and taketh a∣way many Presents out of the Temple.
• Six hundred thousand dead carcases cast out of the Ci∣ty.
• Cow-dung and dirt ga∣thered toge∣ther is the Jews food.