Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4

and by his example the Phoenicians and Cyprians, being hardly used by the Persians revolted likewise, and sent to Nectonabus to joyue with him, making all manner of preparatious for war. And to the end that the King might not want matter of provocation, they spoiled his gardens, burnt up his hey, and abused his Officers, wherefore Artaxerxes prepared a mighty Army both of horse and foot to go against them, first sending out the Kings of Syria and Silicia, who being incountered by Tennes King of the Sidonians, or Phoenicians, holpen by Mentor a Rhodian with 4000 Grecians were beaten out of the Country again. But when Ochus approached, such a terror was stricken by the excessive greatness of his Army into them, that Mentor sent Thessalius a faithful friend privately unto him, to promise him to deliver the Sidonians into his hands, and by his experience that he had of the Egyptian affairs, to help him to conquer that Kingdom also, if he would accept of him. The King giving him his hand, promised a great reward if he did thus, then he drew Tennes to the satne conspiracle with him, upon hope to regain the Kings favor also. He therefore first took 100 of the chief Citizens of Sidon, as authors of the revolt at a meeting pretended to be for consultation, and delivered them to Ochus, who used him friendly, but slew them forthwith. This being done, 500 of the Sidonians came humbly with olive branches to sue for peace, but when Ochus had consulted with Tennes, and was by him advertised, that he might take the City without conditions, he took and slew all these also. Then by his means he coming to be let into the City, and having gotten it into his possession, he smote the treacherous King also, as thinking him no further serviceable to him, as he was well worth, seeing that instead of a Protector he played the Traitor to his Kingdom. Sidon being thus gotten, all the rest of the Towns about readily yielded, but the Citizens seeing in what case they were, shut themselves into their houses with their wives and children, and setting fire upon them, were together with the whole City burnt, the very flooers of their houses being covered with melted gold and silver, of which Artaxerxes Ochus made many Talents. Then the King wrote to Idricus a Prince, to raise forces against the Cyprians, which being done, they were easily brought to submit themselves to the Persian again, although they were nine Cities, everyone having a petty King. After this he passed on to Egypt, having many Grecians added to his Army, and the Egyptians had likewise 20000 Grecians in his Army, and 20000 Africans, and 60000 Egyptians, wherefore the battle was stoutly upheld for a time at Pelusium, but when they heard that Nectanabus their King was fled out of Pelusium to Memphis, that City was soon yielded. Mentor also by promising courteous usage to all that would return to Ochus, but threatening such destruction to all that stood out, as came to the Sidonians prevailed to bring in many other Cities, and then Nectanabus not daring to abide at Memphis to defend his Kingdom by battle, but utterly despairing of holding it any longer, fled into Ethiopia, there to live in exile all the rest of his days. Thus Ochus easily brought that whole Kingdom under his obedience again, and having broken down the walls of their Cities, and spoiled their Temples, he returned full of rich spoils to Babylon, leaving Phecendales to govern over Egypt. But Funccius relateth before this out of Eusebius his overthrowing of Apodasmus a City of the Jews, and carrying them to Hircania, by the Caspian Sea, and placing them there. But Paulus Orosius saith, that they were carried out of Egypt thither, and therefore this being the first time of this Kings coming into Egypt, it must needs be at this time and no sooner. The King being returned home from the Egyptian war, began to reward Mentor with 100 Talents of silver, and the Prefectureship of all the Asiatic Coast, and he accordingly did him great good service in subduing partly by fraud, and partly by force, many of his rebels. From henceforth I find nothing more memorable touching Ochus, but that as he began his reign in blood, by killing of his brethren, so he continued cruel and bloody to his end, in so much that Athenaeus propounds his saying to his son, when he asked him how he had held this Kingdom so long, Pietate erga Deos, & justatia in homines, for a paradox. And as his life had been, so was his death, by a just judgment his life was also taken away by poisoning, when he had reigned according to some 23, according to others 26 years. And this was done by Bagoas an Egyptian Eunuch, who he had made Tribune of his soldiers, reposing the greatest trust in him, that he did in any man. The cause was an hatred conceived against the King, because when he subdued Egypt, he derided their superstitions, and caused Apis their god to be killed, and part of his flesh to be eaten at his table, wherefore after divers years he wrought his death by his Physician, whom he corupted with gifts to poison him. Being dead he cut his body in pieces and cast it to cats, as Elianus saith, and of his skin made scabberds for swords.

He being dead, he set up his youngest son Arses, killing all the rest of his brethren. To return a little to the Jews, In the tenth year of Ochus, Jadduah was made their High-priest, and solived two years, that is to the time of Alexanders Monarchy. He had a brother called Manasseh, who contrary to the Law of God married the daughter of Sanballat, Prince of the Samaritans, at this, the Elders of the Jews being grieved, came to the High-priest, and desired that either he should put away his strange wife again, or else be put from the Altar. Manasseh therefore went to Sanballat, and told him, that although he loved his daughter well, yet he would not for her sake be put from the Priesthood, which was amongst the Jews counted a great dignity. He answered, that if he would keep her still, he would obtain of Darius the Persian King, leave to build him a Temple upon Mount Gerizim in Samaria, in which he should be High Priest as his brother was at Jerusalem. Now whilst this was plotting, Alexander came against Darius, and having overcome him, Sanballat turned to Alexander▪ with 8000 men, and of him he being friendly received, obtained leave to build a Temple upon Mount Gerizim, and to make Manasseh High Priest there, pretending, that it would make for the Kings benefit, because thus the power of the Jews might he divided, and the more easily subdued. Manasseh being thus advanced, many resorted to him that had married strange wives, or been otherwise delinquents against the Law, by which means he was the more confirmed in his Pontificality, and so continued all the time of King Alexanders Reign and after.

But to proceed in the History of Philip where we left it, there was now peace made betwixt Him and the Athenians, in the time whereof he removed the inhabitants of one Country into another by exchange, and so made one large Kingdom of Macedonia of them all, thinking by this means to keep them the more quiet. And at this time came Aristotle to him, and was made Tutor to his Son Alexander, being then 14 years old. Then Philip with a mighty Army invaded the Illyrians, and having wasted their fields, and overthrown many Cities, returned home with a rich prey. At which time Alexander being but a youth, hearing it, is said to have grieved, saying, that his Father would leave nothing for him to do whereby he might win any glory.

The next memorable thing done by Philip was his war against Chersobleptes the King of Thracia, for when he invaded many Cities of Greece about Helespont, Philip went with a great Army against him, fought many battles with him, and brought them so much under, that the Thracians thenceforth pay their tenths to the King of Macedonia: And he built some strong places in Thracia, whereby the better to keep them in awe, whereby the Grecians hearts were so won unto Philip, that they willingly associated themselves unto him in his wars, thus Diodorus, but Justinus saith, that he circumvented the Thracian King by fraud, and so made a prey of him. Things succeeding so well unto Philip, he cast in his mind how to win all Greece, and because Byzantium stood so, as that no corn could be transported thither but by this City, and without it they could not live, he first bends his Forces against Byzantium and Perinthus near unto it, and being, as it were, the base Town thereof. The men of Byzantium seeing the great Forces brought against them, sent to Athens for aid. The Athenians taking this invading of Byzantium for a breach of the peace on Philip's part, by the persuasion of Demosthenes sent a great Navy of 120 ships to aid them, which Philip seeing, renewed his peace again with the Athenians, and departed towards Scythia, being sent for by Marthea the King to aid him against the King of the Istrians, promising to make him his succcessour in that Kingdom. But whilst he was upon the way, the King of the Istrians died, and then the Maccdonians were sent away derided, and unpaid their charges. Philip being much displeased at this, thought to be revenged, but for a color he sent to the King of Scythia, that he might have leave to come to the mouth of Istrus, and set up an Image to Hercules to procure his favor in his wars. The King smelling out fraud herein, returned answer, that if he would send an Image to be set up he would see it done, but if otherwise he would come against his will to set it up, he would surely pull it down again, to make arrow heads to shoot at him. Philip yet being unsatisfied made great preparations to go against the Scythians, and then went and took great spoils, when he had overcome them 20000 women and children, and 20000 excellent mares for breed: but in his return, the Scythothracians would not let him pass, unless he would give them part of his prey, whereupon an hot battle was sought, and Philip was wounded on his thigh, through which his horse was slain under him, and whilst his men thinking that he had been slain, came about him, the prey was carried away, and Philip lost all that he went for, endangering his life also. But when he was healed of his wound, the peace betwixt him and the Athenians being broken, he went to war against them and the Thebans with 30000 foot, and • 000 horsemen. They likewise came to fight against him with a greater number in Cher • naea of Boeotia. Then Philip leading one wing, committed the other to his son Alexander, being now 19 years old, who behaved himself so valiantly, that when he had fought long and could not prevail, at length he brake in amongst his enemies, and made them to flee after great slaughters. Philip seeing this, enforced himself likewise, and beat back and overthrew those that were placed against him, and so after the fall of 2000 and 2000 taken prisoners, he got the victory▪ and by that means the Empire of all Greece. But the way whereby he compassed it was this. Making the Thebans subject to him, and selling the Captives taken of them, and placing Magistrates over them, he sent to make a league with the Athenians, and restoring their Captives gratis, he sent to call a Council together of all the Grecians, wherein he complained of the wrongs done to the Greeks by the Persians and to their gods, saying, that he had in his mind to go into Asia, and to be revenged therefore, if they would choose him Emperor of all Greece. And when he had obtained this, he mustered the forces of Greece, to prepare for his expedition into Asia, and found them to be 200000 foot, and 15000 horse, besides his Army of Macedonians. Whilst this preparation was making, Philip put away his wife Olympias, for suspicion of adultery, and married Cleopatra, the niece of Attalus, one of his greatest Commanders. At this marriage, when Attalus was merry with wine, he told the Macedonians that they should now pray to the gods for a worthy successor to Philip by this marriage. But Alexander being vexed at his words said. Et quìd nos tibi sumus scelus, num adulterini videmur? and taking up a cup, was ready to throw it at him: Philip being moved at this, rose from his place with his sword drawn to strike at Alexander, but by the way he stumbled and fell, at which Alexander mocking, said, is he likely to lead the Macedonians into Asia, who cannot go from one bed to another without falling? which was the part of an undutiful son, howsoever he was provoked, and therefore God suffered him not to live long, as he hath promised to children, that honor not their parents. Hereupon Alexander placing his mother Olympias in Epirus, with that King her brother went away into Illyria. Philip then sent Attalus, Permenion, and Amyntas, with part of his Army into Greece before him, but staying still till the next year, called home his son Alexander to him again, by the persuasion of his friend Damaratus. Philip then gave his daughter Cleopatra in marriage to Alexander King of Epirus, who was her uncle, and for the solemnization of this marriage, made great preparations. Amongst other shows then prepared, there was one of the twelve gods of Greece most curiously wrought, carried about with great solemnity, and after them a thirteenth of Philip, in like manner adorned, whereby the proud man took now upon him, as if he also were a god. But for this his pride he soon perished by the hand of a young man, one Pausanias who was angry with him, because that being made drunken by Attalus, and then his body exposed to gross abuses by him, he coming to himself had complained to Philip without any amends. When the King therefore was most secure, and walked without his guard about him in a long white robe between two Alexanders, the guard being commanded to follow after him, Pausanias took his time to thrust him through, and then fleeing towards his horse, which was ready at the gate, his foot was snarled in a vine, and so Perdiccas coming upon him with others, slew and cut him in pieces. Thus Philip died, Anno 25 of his reign, of his age 47. And Justin saith, that Pausanias was thought to have been moved to this murder by Alexander and Olympias his mother mad for the divorce, when he complained to them of the wrong done unto him without punishment. And some sign there was hereof, because the mangled body of Pausanias being hanged, Olympias sent a Crown of gold to be set upon his head, and when the Kings body was burned, according to the manner, she caused his body to be burnt upon it, and his ashes to be buried in the same place with his. And touching Cleopatra and the child which Philip had by her, which Justin calls a daughter, Diodorus a son, she having killed the child in the mothers bosom, saith Justin, she hanged her: but Pausanias saith, that she put them both into a vessel of brass, and so making a great fire about it, tormented them to death. If Alexander had any hand in this murder, here was another evident cause why he was so soon cut off.

Whilst Philip was thus preparing against the Persian, Narses the King thinking not to take away Bagoas for his insolencies, was by him prevented, when he smelt what he went about, and treacherously slain, both he and his children when he had reigned three years. Then Arsanus a valiant man was chosen King, say some, there remaining neither brother nor child, but Diodorus saith, he was the son of Arsanus the brother of Artaxerxes Ochus, his name Darius, but the other, that this name was given him for the more honor. He being King, when Bagoas had thought to have made him away also by a poisoned Cup, he called him friendly to him, and then compelled him to drink it, and so he was at length taken in his own trap. Darius hearing of the Macedonian preparations against his Countries, began both diligently to make ready his forces against the Grecians, that were come into Asia, and by great gifts to stirreup the Athenians, Thebans, and other people's in Greece, against the King of Macedonia, to effect which he also hired Demosthenes with 70 Talents. But when he heard, that Philip was dead, he had at the first no fear of Alexander for his youth, yet Alexander at the first entrance into his Kingdom doing great exploits against the Illyrians, Thracians, and others in those parts, whom he thought it not safe to leave, but first wholly subdued, when he should go into Asia, Darius began again to look about him, and by his instruments and gifts wrought many Greek States to a revolting from Alexander, whilst he was absent, & to move them the more, it was given out, that Alexan. was slain in Thracia. But he with great celerity having subdued those parts returned into Grecia, which made his enemies to fear, and the Athenians having soon reconciled themselves unto him, the Thebans yet stood out against him. Wherefore he came against them with 30000 foot, and 3000 horsemen: but the Thebans being most valiant and resolved to die in battle for their Countries liberty fought stiffly a long time, and made many of the Macedonians to flee. This Alexander seeing, opposed them with his band so fiercely, that he by and by turned the fortune of the battle and drave them into the City, rushing in together with them, and so obtained a wonderful victory, 6000 of them being slain, and 30000 taken prisoners, who were sold for 440 Talents of silver. Then the walls of Thebes were beaten down, the King being stirred up to make an utter destruction of this State by the Phocians, Plateans and others, who had holpen Alexander in this war, complaining of their treacheries and wrongs done formerly to them, and their complying with the Persian King to betray the liberty of all Greece, wherefore he would show no favor, but selling for slaves all that remained, he distributed their Lands amongst his Macedonians. Yet when his heat was over, he was sorry for that which he had done, and laid all the fault upon the Phocians, &c. and used such Thebans as afterwards happened to come into his hands more gently. The Athenians hearing what was done, were greatly terrified, but sent ten of their principal men to Alexander to congratulate his victory, and then he demanded nine of them to be delivered unto him, whereof Demosthenes was one, for being authors of former troubles, and of their revolt from him in that City. Phocion then an enemy to Demosthenes moved that they might be delivered, and said, that it was an unworthy part in them to refuse to die for the safety of their Country. But Demosthenes having made an Oration, Dametes the President was so moved hereby, and by five Talents given unto him by Demosthenes, that he undertook to go to Alexander, and to pacify him touching these men, which he did and prevailed. Then Alexander returned into Macedonia, and consulted with his Princes about his going to war into Asia: but Antipater and Permenion his two special friends, advised him first to take a wife, by whom he might have an heir, and after that to pass thither. This counsel his stirring and valiant mind would by no means embrace, wherefore resolving the spring following to go into Asia, he spent the winter, in the mean season, in many pleasures. And before he went, he caused all the kindred of his mother in law, whom Philip had highly advanced, to be slain, not sparing those that were of his own kindred, lest any new stirs should by their means in his absence arise, but this his cruelty went not long unrevenged. He also sent Hecataeus into Asia to take Attalus, who being Uncle to Cleopatra, Philip's second wife, had been by Philip sent thither with an Army before, or to kill him, because he had heard that Demosthenes had written to him before to turn from Alexander to the Grecians.

Attalus hearing that Alexander was displeased with him, sent him Demosthenes Letters, and wrote also flatteringly to him, yet Hecataeus intended his charge so well, that he soon cut▪ him off unawares. In the spring, Alexander having committed Macedonia and all Greece to Antipater sailed over into Asia, in 50 long ships, having with him 30000 foot, and 5000 horse-men. So soon as he came on the shore he stuck down his spear, saying, that the gods had subdued unto him all Asia, and vowing the erecting of 12 Altars for good success, as if he had already the possession, he distributed all that he had in Europe to his friends, saying, that Asia alone would suffice him. The Persian Captains hearing of Alexanders coming, entered into counsel, Memnon the Rhodian persuading to spoil all the Country before them a great way; that the Macedonians finding no provision, might be forced to return home again, and to send Forces over into Greece, that hereby they might be moved, but others to fight with them, to avoid the imputation of cowardice, and to save the Country from spoiling, and this prevailed. Then they marched into Phrygia towards Helespont, by which way Alexander came, pitching their tents so, that they might have the River Granicus on one side for a defense, and kill the Macedonians as they should come over to them. But Alexander hearing where they were, came with speed to the place, and got his men so early over the river the next morning, that the Persians could not be ready time enough to resist them in their passage. Then a bloody battle began, first between the horse-men, being on the Persians side 10000, and their foot 100000, wherein Alexander was so forward, that he soon spurd his horse amongst the Persians, and encountering hand to hand with Spithrobates Darius his son in law, slew him with no small hazard to himself, and then forced the rest to flee, killing 10000 foot and 2000 horse-men, and taking 20000 prisoners. The terror stricken into men by this victory, made the Sardians to yield to Alexander as soon as he came at them, and Ephesus, and many Aeolick, and Ionick Cities more. Then he marched to Miletum, a City to which Memnon and the rest fled, besieged it and took it in a short time, the Citizens falling at his feet were spared, but the Soldiers were many of them slain, many taken and made slaves, the rest fled with Memnon to Halicarnassus, the greatest City of Caria. Alexander following besieged them there, and began to batter the walls, till that the Persians making an irruption out in the night, fired their engines, and slew many of the Macedonians coming to quench them, and soon after Ephialtes a mighty man an Athenian, issued out with 2000 most valiant, killing many, and after him came Memnon with other fresh supplies, making the Macedonians to give way, and putting Alexander himself to his trumps. But at length the old Macedonian Soldiers taking new courage to them, set upon the Persians so valiantly, that they compelled them to flee into the City, and that night Memnon with his Army forsaking it fled into the Isle Con, leaving only some of his men in the Tower to keep that. The winter then coming on, Alexander after that he had taken almost all the Maritim Towns either by force or yielding, resting in those parts, sending over some of his young men to winter in Greece, and to bring with them at their return, as great Forces more as they could get. Memnon in the mean season declaring to Darius, how his counsel of invading Greece was rejected, whereupon things succeeded so ill, obtained of him a great mass of money, wherewith he prepared 300 sails to go against Greece, and subdued Chios, Lesbos, and almost all Eubaea, and many more parts of Greece, some by force, and some by gifts, so that Alexanders case now seemed to be somewhat doubtful. But Memnon soon sickned and died, and then great consultation was entered into between the King and his Princes, who should succeed him as General, and when some would have Darius to go in person, Charidemus an Athenian Captain, whom Alexander had expelled thence, being fled to the Persians, withstood it, because of the danger which might be to the whole Kingdom, by the Kings hazarding of his person, offering himself to this service, and when contention hereabout grew betwixt the Persian Lord's and him through their envy, the King in an anger caused him to be put to death, and thus having lost two such famous Graecian Captains as Memnon and he were, he soon came to ruin. Darius then being much grieved, but too late, for Charidemus, gathered an Army together of 400000 foot, and 100000 hotse, and so went from Babylon towards Alexander, together with his wife, son, and two daughters, whilst these things were in doing. Alexander had a great sickness, by which his life was endangered, and being recovered, another danger hung over his head, by another Alexander, Captain of the Thessalian horse-men, who offered for a reward to Darius to kill Alexander, sending him this word by Amynthas a Graecian run away, whereupon he sent Asisimes to him, to promise him in his name, that if he did it, he would make him King of Macedonia, and give him 1000 Talents of gold. but Asisimes being taken in his passage by Permenion, confessed all unto him, and that Alexander was taken and put in prison, that he could not effect his devilish design. Darius then went on with his Army, and when Alexander heard that he with his huge Army was within 30 furlongs, he prepared to fight, making an exhortation first to his Soldiers to be courageous, and then he leading one wing, committed the other to the Thessalian horse-men, and coming on, he bent himself wholly to that part of the Army where Darius was, where great slaughter by most valiant Soldiers was made on both sides. Then Orathres the brother of Darius, seeing the danger wherein the King was, hastened to rescue him, and after heaps of dead carcasses made by fierce fighting on both sides, the Kings chariot horses at length were wounded, then he being removed into another chariot fled, and his whole Army after him, they being then slain and trodden down by the horse-men, pursuing them to the number of 120000 foot, and 10000 horse-men, but of the Macedonians there fell but 300 foot, and 150 horse-men. Darius that he might flee with the more haste, lest his Chariot and rod on horseback, changing often till he was out of all danger. Then Alexander took his Tents, wherein he had 3000 talents, besides other riches in abundance, and his mother, wife and children, and many other great Princesses and Ladies. And when they lamented their condition, Alexander shown the greatest courtesy and continency towards them, that ever any Prince did in the like case. For he neither offered to do any of them the least dishonor, neither would he suffer any other, although he were young without a wife and they most beautiful: but he embraced the Kings son, being but six years, and kissed him, and carried himself towards Darius his mother, as to his own mother, and towards his wife, as towards his sister, insomuch, that Darius hearing of it, fell down upon his knees and prayed unto the God's, that if it were their will, that the Kingdom should now go from him, no other man might have it, but Alexander. Then he wrote unto Alexander to take one of his daughters to wife, offering with her all that part of his Kingdom, which lay next unto the Sea, unto which motion yet he was not willing to hearken, being desirous to win the whole World, unto the great spoils gotten in the tents of Darius, there were soon added more treasures laid up at Damascus, by the treachery of the Governor of that City, who to win favor with Alexander, sent unto him an offer to betray the City unto him, so he sending Permenion easily took it, but the traitor was punished in his kind with the loss of his head, which one of his fellows cut off, and carried to Darius. Then Alexander had many other places for fear yielded unto him, and the Sidonians also submitted themselves, and they of Tyre made a show of submission by their Ambassadors, offering to do his commands, but when he returned answer, that he would come to Tyre to sacrifice to Hercules, they denied him leave so to do, whereby he was greatly exasperated, and thought how to be revenged by taking Tyre. But it was both by nature and art so strong, that this might seem impossible. For it stood upon a little Island four furlongs from land, and was compassed with high and strong walls, had a mighty Navy and all manner of provision and wealth enough. Yet Alexander attempts it first by pulling down old Tyre, that stood upon the Continent, and herewith landing up the Sea towards it, in which work although he met with many difficulties, and especially when he brought it near the City, by their shooting from their walls at his men, yet at length he effected it, and battered and made breaches in the walls, and finally, although with great loss of men, and danger of his own person, took it after seven months, and then he slew all the armed men within the City, being 6000, and hanged up 2000 of them upon the shore, and made the rest slaves, and fired the City. But in the time of this seige, so active was he, that he took some of his forces and made an excursion into Antilibanus in Arabia, and took it, returning again in ten days. Then he also sent to Jerusi, to Jadduah the High Priest to help him, and to do so towards him, as he had formerly done towards Darius, but he answering that he was sworn to Darius, and therefore could not, during his life, aid any other against him. Alexander was full of wrath, and threatened, when he had overcome Tyre, to lead his Army against Jerusi, that all men might know to whom they ought to keep their oath. Tyre being destroyed according to the threatening of Ezekiel, Chap. 26. Alexander subdued also with ease other parts towards Egypt, but Gaza in the way towards Jerusi, stood out and would not yield, but he having overcome it in two months, marched towards Ierusi, at the hearing of which, Iadduah the High Priest was stricken with great fear: but fleeing to God, by assembling the people together to sacrificing and prayer, he had a dream the night following, wherein he was much comforted. For the Lord appeared unto him and told him, that Alexander should not do him or the City any harm. Wherefore go forth, saith he, to meet him clad with thy Priestly garments, and the other Priests according to their manner and the people in white, being secure of protection by my providence. This being by him related, they all rejoiced, and so the gates being opened, he went forth with a reverend train following him, until that he came near Alexanders army. Then Alexanders followers expecting, that he would have permitted him to their abusing, because he was incensed against him, it fell out clean contrary. For Alexander no sooner saw the High-priest in his ornaments and Mitre with the plate of gold upon his head, wherein the name of God was written, but he alone went out to meet him, and reverently saluted him, all men about him wondering at the thing. Then Permenion asking him the reason, he answered, that when he was yet in Dio in Macedon: deliberating with himself about this expedition into Asia, God appeared unto him in such a likeness, bidding him to be of a good courage, and to pass over into into Asia, for under his conduct he should obtain the Persian Empire, wherefore he now honored him in honoring his High-priest. Then going into the City, and to the Temple, he sacrificed and bade the Jews ask, what they would have him do for them, Jadduah asked, that they might live according to their own rights, and be free from tribute every seventh year, which he immediately granted. The Samaritans then seeing, how well the Jews sped, came and entreated him to visit their Temple, saying, that they also were Jews, and therefore craved of him the like Immunities, but he suspecting, that they were not Jews, and more strictly questioning, whether they were or not, they denied it, and so he deferred answering their petition, till afterwards. Jadduah also shown Alexander the prophesy of Daniel, which spake of him, and hereby being filled with more confidence, he departed towards Egypt, where Masazes the Viceroy under the Persian, having heard of Alexanders former great victory, soon yielded that Country unto him, receiving him most friendly into it. Then Alexander went to visit the Temple of Jupiter Ammonius, which was an Idol composed of Margarites and other precious stones, carried upon the shoulders of 80 Priests in a ship of Gold. This Temple stood in the midst of a most pleasant place, abounding with all manner of fruits, and clear springs, the compass of fifty furlongs. But to come to it, he must needs pass over most dry and sandy places, where the sands driven by the winds, made the passage most hard to be found, because there was no beaten way for which that Idol was called Ammon. But Alexander had water given him from Heaven, as he went, and Dragons and Crows went before him to direct him the way.

A Spring is also said to be near that Temple, the water whereof is warm in the morning, but waxing cool by degrees, it is very cold by noon, but at night it waxeth warm again; and so by degrees cometh to such heat, that by midnight it is very hot. Alexander being come to the Oracle, is first saluted thus by the chief Priest, Salve fili, & hanc à deo appetet: habe. Alexander answered, accipio pater, & tuus appellabor, modo imperium totius orbis mihi concesseris. Then a voice came unto him saying, that this god would most certainly effect that. Alexander then inquiring, whether the murderers of his father were all cut off, it was answered, that none could hurt his father but the murderers of Philip were all destroyed, and that none should ever be able to overcome Alexander, till he came amongst the gods. Lastly, to his followers, it is said, that a voice came, saying, that from henceforth they should worship him, not as a man but as a god. And all this was done, saith Justin, according to instructions given before by some sent by Alexander, he ambitiously seeking to turn that infamy which was upon his mother, whom Philip had put away for suspicion of adultery, into a glory, her being with child with him, being by this means taken to be by Jupiter, and he, if she were adulterous, who was a bastard, for a god. For Philip, saith he, a little before his death, disclaymed him, as none of his son, and whilst by this means he sought to wipe away the infamy of bastardy, he gave occasion to all men to hold him such and his mother an Whore. Orosius also saith that when he came to that Temple, he calling the chief Priest aside whispered unto him, what he would have him say, which was accordingly, and thenceforth Alexander would be called the son of Jupiter. Then he returned to Memphis, and went to the marrish of Mareotis, where he built a City of 80 furlongs compass, upon all the ground betwixt that marrish and the Mediteranean Sea, and called it according to his own name Alexandria. Then he called many of the Jews thither to inhabit it, giving as much honor to them as to the Macedonians.

After this Alexander having set a Governor over Egypt, returned to Tyre, and from thence to Thapsacus a City of Syria by Euphrates, to which River when he came, Mazeus, who was set there with 3000 horse men to defend the passage, fled away. Wherefore he without any trouble having conveyed over his army marched on towards Babylon, having Euphrates on the one hand, and the Armenian Mountains on the other, and within a few days hearing, that Darius was at the River Tigris, with an huge army he marched thither. But coming he found no resistance there, so that he passed over that River also with his army without resistance, thence marching along having that River on the one hand, and the Sogdian Mountains on the other, through Assyria he took some of Darius his horsemen, by whom he learned, that he was not far off, namely, at Arliela with an army of 40000 horse and 1000000 foot, and 200 Chariots barbed with iron, and 15 Elephants, whereas with Alexander were only 7000 horse, and 40000 foot. Then Darius sent Ambassadors to him to thank him for his courteous usage of his wife and children, offering again all that part of Asia, which lieth over the other side of Euphrates, unto him and his daughter to wife, and 10000 talents of Gold, and succession to all his dominions. This offer Permenion hearing said, that if he were Alexander he would accept of it, the King answered, so would I, if I were Permenion, then turning to the Ambassadors he bade them tell their Master, that the World could not bear two Suns, nor the earth two chief Princes, wherefore either we must fight again for the Chiefty, or Darius must acknowledge Alexander to be his superior, let him then either yield today, or prepare to fight too morrow. Darius seeing then, that there was no remedy, kept many of his horsemen in arms all night, lest Alexander should come upon him unawares. And indeed Permenion would have had him so to do, but he said, that he would not overcome after the manner of thieves, neither get the victory, as if he were ashamed of it. And this turned not a little to his advantage, for by this means Darius his men were weary with watching, before they came to the fight, but Alexanders taking their rest all night, fresh and active. The next morning the fight begun, and the chariots greatly troubled Alexanders Army, making a part of it to begin to flee, as not able to endure the violence thereof, so that they pierced even to their carriages, which whilst the Macedonians endeavored to save. Alexander fearing the loss of the victory by this means called them off to the fight. Then the battle being fought with all earnestness on both sides a long time, the chariot driver of Darius was slain, whereat the King being troubled fled, and so did all that part of his Army. But Permenion fighting in another part, was oppressed by his enemies, in so much that the Macedonians in his part were ready to flee, wherefore he called to Alexander for help, and whilst he came to their rescue, Darius got so far that he was past pursuing, and fled into Media. In this battle were slain of the Persians side 40000, of the Macedonians 300. From thence Alexander went to Babylon, into which he entered without resistance, being saluted by the name of the King of Asia, and had all Darius his treasures brought forth unto him, and after 30 days he went to Susis, which was yielded likewise: And leaving there the mother of Darius and his children with such as might teach them the Greek tongue, for his wife was dead before, he pursued after Darius into Media, travailing divers times day and night, but at length despairing to overtake him, he rested five days, and then word being brought him that Darius was taken, and carried bound in a chariot by Bessus, who had been under him Lord of the Bactrians, but now took upon him to be King of those parts, he hastened thither, and when they that were about Darius heard of his approach, they first mortally wounding the King fled, and of those wounds he died, before that Alexander came at him, when he had reigned six years, when he came to the place where he was he wept over him, and covering his body with his own coat, which was before clad in vile clothes, that he might not be known, caused him to be carried to Susis to his mother to be royally buried, and always after used Darius his mother as his own, and his children likewise, and a brother of his, and such as being in great place, that had been faithful to him, he continued in their honors, but pursued his murderers to be revenged on them.

Darius being dead, now began the Grecian Empire, so called, because Alexander a Graecian being Emperor before of Greece, now possessed the Empire of all Asia also, which before was the Persians, Anno mundi 3634, and in the sixth year of his reign. Being come to this heighth of glory, his former most admirable continency, brake out into most sordid luxury, for now he took him 360 concubines, as Darius had formerly, whereat his Macedonians were much vexed, and when he sought to pacify them with gifts, but could not, he was forced to take up arms, and to leave that idle course of life again. And now also an occasion was offered by Bassias, Prince of the Bactrians, who had murdered Darius, and took upon him to be Emperor of Persia, and Satibarzanes Prince of the Areans, to whom Alexander continued his place after the death of Darius, supposing that he would be faithful to him, but having treacherously slain Anaxippus, Alexanders friend, together with 40 horse men, who were associated unto him, revolted to Bessus. Wherefore he went with an Army into those parts, and first came into the country of the Areans with such expedition, that Satibarzanes having not gathered an Army of above 2000 together, was soon made to flee, and could not for that time be overtaken by Alexander, but after a while, having gathered more forces together, he fought against Alexanders Captains, neither would the Barbarians give in, till that he was slain by Erigius fighting with him hand to hand. Then Alexander went against Bessus, who with 7000 men fled before him, and having passed over the river Oxus, and burnt the ships, and wasted the Country of provision before his passage, thought that he was now safe, and in his cups mocked at the Macedonians. Alexander followed after him by the mountain Camastus, where all things were covered with frost and snow, and so travelled on with his Army in great want, insomuch that they were constrained to kill of the beasts that were for carriage, and to feed upon them. And when he came to the river, having no other means to get over, they stuffed leathers full of straw, and so swam over upon them. When Bessus heard that they were come over, he fled, but Spiramenes his friend with two others, despairing now of his affairs, sent to Alexander to offer to deliver Bessus unto him. Then he sent Ptolemy the son of Lagus, who with great speed came and compassed the City, in which he was, with his horsemen, offering that if they would deliver Bessus unto him, they should have no harm. Then Spiramenes went in to Bessus, and told him feinedly, that those two who were his fellow conspirators, did together plot his destruction, and if he pleased he would apprehend and bring them both bound unto him. But indeed they were so bound, that they might loosen themselves when they would, and therefore when they were thus brought before Bessus, he looking with a cruel countenance upon them, commanded them to be put to a cruel death. But they loosing themselves, together with their bringers, laid hold upon Bessus, and bound him, and so delivered him to Ptolemy. Then his treachery to his Master Darius being objected to him, he was scourged, and carried to Bactria, his ears being there cut off, and his nostrils slit, then he was delivered to Darius his brother to be tormented at his will, who after much contumelious usage, cut him into small pieces.

But whilst this was in doing, the Macedonians rambling about to seek food, the Barbarians to the number of 20000 came upon them, and slew many, and took more prisoners, but they were soon overcome by the Macedonians, and the prisoners restored, and their City yielded, although Alexander were now grievously wounded with an arrow in his thigh, which brought heaviness to his whole Camp. And now the Sogdians revolted from him, against whom he sent out Forces, but they by a stratagem were brought to destruction, to 2000 foot and 300 horse. Yet Alexander set his mind upon greater exployts, viz. to subdue the Scythians, and therefore sent before to build a City of 60 furlongs compass, near the river Tanais, that from thence he might with his Army go against them, calling it after his own name, Alexandria, and it was built with incredible celerity, viz. in 20 days, that is, a wall of that compass, about the place where the City stood. The King of the Scythians hearing of it, sent to beat it down again, but Alexander being then almost recovered of his wound, put on his arms, and so put such courage into his Soldiers, that presently passing over the river, and he with them, they put the Scythians to flight, and pursued them far, till they had slain 1000, and taken 150 prisoners. But now also Alexander was again in danger of his life, by corrupt water which he drank, when he and his men had labored with want of water, the weather being very hot all that day. When the report of his victory over the Scythians, who were thought invincible, was spread abroad, other barbarous Countries also in the North submitted to him, and the Asians ready before to revolt, returned to his obedience. Then he sought to be revenged on the Sogdians, and returning against them, overcame and took many of them, amongst the rest, 30 of great stature being brought to Alexander to be slain, seemed greatly to rejoice, and being demanded why, they answered, because they should be slain by so great a King, who had subdued all Nations, and so be gathered to their faith. Alexander hearing this was so moved that he spared them, and for this they were always after most faithful unto him.

Whilst the King was thus taking in countries, two of his most faithful friends who also had been much advanced by him, were cruelly cut off, Permenion and Clytus, the one whom he had preferred to be Prince of Media, he being incensed against him for the treachery of Philotas his son, who together with others had conspired the death of Alexander, wherefore he being cut off, he sent one with such speed with Letters from Philotas to Permenion his father, that he delivered them, before that he heard of his sons death, and withal thrust him through whilst he was reading them, as Alexander had given him in charge. The other whom he had set over another province he slew, when he was drunken at a feast which Alexander held with his Princes. For then Alexander extenuating the worth of Philip's gests, extolled his own, but Clytus contrariwise extolled Philip's, as wherein he and Permenion had a part, and extenuated Alexanders, saying, that Philip fought against men, but he against women, for such weaklings he counted the men of Asia. At this Alexander being enraged, took up a Javelin to thrust him through, but two of his Princes held him, and then two others took the Spear out of his hand. Hereupon the King cried, that he was taken by his own men, as Darius had been, and called for his Soldiers to help him, then they fell down upon their knees, beseeching him to repress his rage, and to defer execution till tomorrow. But he impatiently ran to the door it being now dark, and taking a Javelin from a porter standing there, asked each one who he was, as he came forth, and when Clytus offered to go out last of all others, asking him, and he saying, that he was Clytus, he presently thrust him through. But when he came to himself again, and saw what he had done, he took the same spear out of his dead body, and would have slain himself also therewith. But being held by his friends, he cried out most lamentably, desiring them not to suffer him to live, now that Clytus his friend was by his hands dead. Then finding no other way to come to his death, he refused to eat anything for three days, till at the last being persuaded that Clytus had suffered justly, because he was so bold to oppose and contradict his King, to whom he owed all subjection, he did eat and drink again, but came no more abroad for shame in ten days.

After this Alexander prepared to go against the Indians, to subdue their country also, taking for pledges many young men with him of those countries which he had conquered, that he might thus secure them in his absence. His whole Army consisted of 120000, which that they might be equal to the Indians in pomp, had targets plated with silver, and bridle bitts of gold. But whilst this army was in preparing, Alexander in great pride aspired after divine honor, as the son of Jupiter, and some sycophants there were, which sought to move the people to give it to him, praising this new Deity as greater then Hercules or Liberus. Only Calisthenes a wise and grave man, sent by Aristotle to write his gests, shown his dislike thereof. But this bred an enmity in the King towards him, insomuch that when Hermolaus and others conspired to kill Alexander, which was in due time discovered, and some of them suffered death therefore, Calisthenes, although innocent altogether of that crime, was amongst them apprehended and put to death also. The cause of this conspiracy was, because Hermolaus one of the Princes sons that attended upon Alexander, killed a wild Boar in Alexanders presence, which he had though • ght to have smitten, and the King being offended at it, caused him therefore to be beaten. For Hermolaus took this so heinously, that having drawn Sostratus to him and some others, they laid wait together to kill the King. But so it fell out, that upon the night wherein they had thought to have done it, Alexander continued drinking so long, that Epimenes who was one of them, suspected that they should have no opportunity that night, and by delaying there would be danger of discovering it, went and told his brother Eucilocus of it, and he immediately laying hands upon his brother, carried him to the King, to whom when it was discovered, he well rewarded Eucilocus, pardoned Epimenes, and took and committed the rest the same night, delivering them the next day after some expostulation, to their own band, who to please Alexander cut them in pieces,

Then Alexander leaving those parts to the government of Amyntas, departed towards India, where when he arrived, many petty Kings came and submitted themselves to him, as the son of Jupiter. But against the rest he sent out Ephestion and Perdiccas, he in the mean time going against the City Nisa, which was soon yielded. The people hereof boast, that they came of Liberus, whom Jupiter brought forth out of his thigh, but the truth is, Nisa signifieth a thigh in the Indian tongue, and because he was borne there, this fable was raised. From thence Alexander went against Masuga, in besieging which he was sore wounded, and thereupon said, I am called the son of Jupiter indeed, but do feel the pain of a sick body, yet when they within despaired of holding the City against the King, their Queen Cleope came forth unto him, and a number of Ladies following her with cups of gold in their hands, and so obtained favor to hold her royal dignity there still. Passing on from thence, he heard that divers people's forsaking their Cities, fled to a rock called Aornon, which they thought to be invincible, because Hercules once attempted to take it, but could not. This stirred up Alexander the more to attempt it, and after the loss of many of his men, by the incredible courage of the Macedonians, he took it, and built Altars there to Minerva and Victoria, and sacrificed. Then he went to the River Indus, where he found Ephestion and Perdiccas, with all things ready to pass the river, boats being made which might be dragged from one river to another, because they must pass over many.

Taxiles the King of those parts fearing the power of Alexander, sent to submit to his will, and meeting him with a great company, gave him for a present 56 Elephants, 3000 Bulls, and Chains of gold for him and all his friends, besides 80 talents of silver. And Alexander gave to him 30 horses trapped, and 1000 talents. From thence he went to the River Hydaspis, beyond which were two Kings, Abiasares and Porus, the one of which presently submitted by his Ambassadors, but Porus being sent unto to do the like, and for that end to meet Alexander at the entrance of his borders, he answered that he would meet him, which he did indeed with 85 Elephants, 300 Chariots, and 30000 foot, but to fight, not to yield, as he expected. And he met at the River Hydaspis which was so broad that it was like a Sea, four furlongs over, to hinder his passage, yet Alexander by his policy, when he had by sending forces another way, as if he would get over there, drawn away Porus, passed over, & having fought long doubtfully, at length obtained the victory, & took Porus having nine wounds given him in the battle, & used him for his great valor withal courtesy, taking care of his healing, as if he had fought on his side, and taking him to the admiration of all about him, into the number of his friends, gives him also a large Kingdom, wherefore he was always faithful to him afterwards. Alexander then marched into the furthest parts of India, all Countries yielding unto him, except the Cathaeans a most warlike & stout people. But after a sharp fight, wherein 17000 of them, & 100 Macedonians were slain, and 1500 Macedonians wounded, he wan the City and raced it to the ground, now thinking upon a return into his own Country. Yet his ambitious mind desirous to leave no parts unsubdued would not suffer him, until that being constrained by his Soldiers resolute denial to go any further with him, and urging him to give fighting over, with which they had been already over-wearied, he unwillingly after a while condescended to return. For having made Oration after Oration unto them to go on with him, but in vain, he at length sacrificed, and by the Wizards beholding the entrails of the beasts forewarned of ill success, if he proceeded, he caused it to be proclaimed through the Campe, that they should prepare to return to the great rejoicing of all their hearts, as their acclamations then made did declare. But first he would have twelve altars built like towers for a monument of his conquering so far, upon which he sacrificed to his God's for his preservation and victories hitherto obtained. There also he caused beds to be made five cubits long, and a trench three times as great as needed for the compassing in of his to deceive posterity. These things being done, he returned to the River Hydaspis, preferring Porus over all the Countries of the Indians, which he had conquered, being seven, and the Cities being 2000. And here he prepared a Navy to pass down the River to the Ocean, in which passage he took more Cities of the Indians, some by force, and some by yielding. Then hearing of a people called Malli and Oxidrates he hastened to them, before they should unite their forces together, because they were the most warlike of all the Indians, and coming near them within five days, he hardly escaped drowning. But coming on land, he went with the third part of his Army against the Malli, appointing another third part under Ephestion, to go by water, and another third to follow that three days after. Then he coming suddenly upon the Malli, slue many and put the rest to flight, who in great multitudes came to a certain strong City, which he therefore besieged, and in a short time brake in. Then the people betaking them to the tower, Alexander set up scaling ladders, and came first up to the top of the Walls thereof, making those that kept them to flee, after that he had slain some of them, then he leaping from the Wall to the tower, fought alone some time against them and slue their Captain, which caused, that none of the rest durst come near him anymore, but only darted and shot at him a far off, and such of his men, as by this time were come to him, of whom some being slain, Alexander himself at length was mortally wounded in his breast with a forked arrow, insomuch, that his spirits failing and his eyes darkened, he fell upon his shield. But his Macedoniams seeing it slue all that they could come near, and then bare him out of the battle, upon the shield. The Physician beholding the wound with the arrow sticking in it feared greatly, till that being animated by Alexander, he opened the wound wider, and took out the forked arrow, he sitting still and patiently bearing it all that time. But then so much blood came forth; that his spirits again failed him, till that the blood was flenched, and within seven days he recovered so, that he shown himself again to his army, who exceedingly rejoiced at it. Then those people's submitted unto him and sent him gifts, receiving Philip, whom he appointed to rule over them, and giving 1000 pledges After this many other people's were by Alexander subdued, but not without great loss of his men and beasts, by reason of the dry and barren places through which they passed. Finally, his navy being prepared, he returned into Persia, where Calanus one of the Wisemen of the Indians, who had hitherto accompanied Alexander, fell sick, but would not after the manner of other men lie by it, but desiring of Alexander that a fire might be made, and he might be brought unto it, that therein he might end his life, because he would not continue here to go from the felicity, wherein he had formerly lived, Alexander at the first dissuaded him, but seeing his resolution, he gave way to him, and so a fire being prepared, he was brought unto it, and being decked after his Country manner, he joyfully leapt into the flames, the trumpets sounding and the soldiers shouting, as he desired.

Then Alexander came to Susis, and there married many of his Macedonians, to 80 of the daughters of the most noble families of the Modes and Persians, giving to everyone gifts, and to 10000 others also of his Countrymen, that married in those parts, he gave gifts. He for his own part marrying, besides Roxanes, whom he had before, only Parasitis the eldest daughter of King Darius, and the youngest daughter of Ochus. And he added this to his Kingly magnificence, that he paid all the debts of his soldiers, amounting to 20000 talents, yet his Macedonians were not satisfied, because he did so much for those of Asia. After this, having dismissed many of them, who for age or other infirmities were unfit to follow the wars any longer, paying for their charge of return, and providing, that they might be honourably used in Greece, he also gave liberty to all the banished to return whereunto all other States of Greece obeyed, but the Athenians would not, whereby the King was much moved against them, and thought to be revenged. But he was herein soon prevented by death, touching which he had been forewarned by his Wizards, if he went to Babylon. Their warnings he at the first regarded, thinking therefore not to come there, but when many Ambassadors from foreign parts were come thither, he went to welcome them, and by excessive drinking amongst them day after day, both day and night he fell into a fever, and so into a frenzy and died. But some say that he was poisoned, and that by Antipater, saith Naucler: fearing otherwise such cruelty, as other worthy men had suffered at his hands, which Plutarch confuteth, because no signs of poisoning appeared after that he was dead. And this his death happened soon after the death of his dearest friend Hephestion, for whom he sorrowed excessively, and raged against the Physicians under whose hand he died, insomuch that he slue them and against the place, casting it to the ground, and was most profuse in his cost about his funeral. He died, when he had been King of Macedonia 12 years, and Monarch six years, neither did anything more worth the remembering happen to the Jews in his time, but only, that when he was in Babylon, and would have all men to help build the Temple of Belus being fallen down, they refused and were therefore punished, but afterwards pardoned and sent into their own Province, where they beat down Idols houses and Images, for which they were also compelled to pay great sums of money.

Next after Joannes, of whom about the beginning of this History, Jadduah was High Priest 27 years, beginning Anno 5 of Duke Hircanus, so that he attained to Alexanders reign, and continued till his fifth year, or rather his sixth, then he dying, Onias succeeded in the High Priesthood, Anno 7 of Alexander, and continued 27 years. But Duke Hircanus being dead a little before. Joseph became Duke of Judah seven years. The death of Alexander, according to Funccius, fell out Anno mundi 3640. So soon as he was dead, saith Josephus his Kingdom was divided into divers, as into the Kingdom of Asia under Antigonus of Babylon under Seleucus, of Hellespont under Lysimachus, of Macedon under Cassander, Egypt under Prolomee the son of Lagus. And by this means great contentions arose, and many men were slain, especially in Syria by Prolomee, falsely called Soter. He also came cunningly into Jerusalem upon a Sabbath day, when the Jews rested suspecting nothing, as if he came only to their sacrifices, and then ceased upon the City, and hardly handled the Jews, and carried many of them away into Egypt, commanding them to abide there. And when he understood how constantly they stood to their Oath made to Alexander, he set divers of them over his Towers, dividing the trust equally betwixt them and the Macedonians. Then many other Jews also came into Egypt, and being taken with the fruitfulness of the Country, settled themselves there. But at home great contentions, and often fightings arose betwixt the Jews at Jerusalem, and those of Samaria, the one affirming that all Sacrifices ought to be brought to the Temple at Jerusalem, but the other to the Temple at Mount Gerizim, hitherto Josephus. But others writing the same History more fully, say that Alexander was desired by his Princes to name his successor in the Kingdom, to whom he answered, let the most worthy man take it, but before he died, he gave his ring to Perdiccas, whereby all were moved to look at him, and offered the Kingdom to him. But whilst he, immodestly for a time refused it, one Meleager drew the people to Philip the brother of Alexander, as to whom, by the Law of Nations, the Kingdom belonged, and he was immediately saluted as King. But the Princes determined, that for so much as Roxane the Queen was with child, it, if a son, should be King, and Perdiccas and Leonatus. who were of the blood Royal should be Governors. Philip hearing this was terrified, and so was Meleager, but the people proceeded to set Philip in the Throne, and to put Alexanders garment upon him, Meleager then meditating nothing, but how to destroy Perdiccas and the Princes adhearing to him, to which whilst he was intent, Perdiccas gathered Forces, slue 300 of his followers, and he fleeing to a sanctuary was slain there. Then the Kingdom, saith Jerome, was divided into four, according to the Prophosie of Daniel, who set forth Alexander under the similitude of a gate having one great horn, but that being broken off, four horns towards the four parts of the world came up instead thereof: For Ptolemy obtained the Kingdom of Egypt, which was Southward, Philip the Kingdom of Macedonia, which was Westward, Seleucus Nicanor the Kingdom of Syria and Babylon, which was Eastward, Antigonus the Kingdom of Asia and Pontus, which was towards the North. So none of his posterity had his Kingdom, as Daniel saith, for the child that was borne of Roxane called Alexander, was together with his mother poisoned by Cassander, another son which he had by Barsine, called Hercules was slain at 17 years of age, by Polisperchonte, being hereunto allured by the said Cassander, when he was seeking to make him King, And his brother Philip, otherwise called Aridaeus, although he had the Kingdom of Macedonia, yet he was rather a shadow of a King then a King, as Plutarch speaketh, because although he were King, yet Antipater ruled, and he was by Olympias the mother of Alexandria, together with Eurydice his wife cruelly slain, and then she having a while reigned was slain by Cassander the son of Antipater, who also poisoned young Alexander and his mother Roxane, and so he reigned over Macedonia 19 years. Of all these four Kings before spoken of, Ptolemy and Philip were the first that became Kings, and although Philip were soon cut off, yet Ptolemy continued King 40 years. Antigonus came not to his Kingdom of Asia till six years after, and he reigned 18 years. He made war upon Ptolemy and Cassander, and afterwards Ptolemy made war upon him. Antigonus dying left his Kingdom to Demetrius his son, who reigned 17 years, and then yielded up his Kingdom to Seleucus King of Syria, and so the Kingdom of Asia was extinct, coming under the King of Syria. But he first obtained the Kingdom of Macedonia, Anno 7 of his reign after Alexander, and Antipater who had reigned four years next to Cassandar. This History is related by Nauclerus thus. Demetrius having by treachery circumvented Alexander, the son of Cassander, and slain him, called together an Assembly of the Macedonians, and declared unto them that this Alexander was worthily cut off, as being the offspring of Cassander, who had cruelly murdered the children and such as were near to Alexander the Great. But his father had always been a dear friend and fellow Soldier unto him, and therefore his royal offspring being now extinct, he might most justly of all others lay claim to the Kingdom of Macedonia, and so he was received for King. But when Ptolemy and Seleucus, and Lysimachus, joining all their Forces together, came against him, and he knew not how to escape, he yielded himself to Seleucus, who spoiled him of the Kingdom of Asia, so that it ceased to be a Kingdom anymore, there remaining now no more of the four before mentioned, but two, that is, the Kingdom of Egypt, and the Kingdom of Syria, being called from him Regnum Seleucidarum ever after. But it is reckoned to have begun 12 years after Alexanders death, it being so long before that Selcucus, called also Nicanor, came to be King. Neither indeed did Ptolemy of Egypt take upon him the title and ornaments of a King, as long as any of Alexanders children lived, but when they were murdered, as hath been already shown. And it is to be noted that Antigonus of Asia, and his son Demetrius, first of all others took upon them to be called Kings, and their Kingdom had first an end put unto it. The occasion which Antigonus took to proclaim himself King, and his son Demetrius also, was the good success of Demetrius first in Greece, whereat Athens and divers other places, he restored the people, who were kept under by Cassander, to Ptolemy, to their ancient liberties, and therefore was over honored by the Athenians: Then in Cyprus against Ptolemy, whom he overcame, killing many of his men, and taking many prisoners, so that Ptolemy fled away with a few ships only into Egypt. For when Antigonus heard the news hereof, he would thenceforth that both he and his son should be called Kings▪ and when Ptolemy heard this, he being nothing dejected in mind for his former overthrow, would be called King also, and the like did Seleucus, Cassander, and Lysimachus of Helespont. And this was about the 18 year after the death of Alexander the Great, to which time almost, Alexander the son of Roxane living, and Cassander thinking it high time to make him away, that he might continue absolute in that Kingdom, found means to effect it, and shortly after wrought so with Polyspercentes, who had Hercules his other son with him, that he was murdered also, as hath been before shown. But the wretched murderer Cassander, had both an hell in his conscience after this (for coming where Alexanders image was, he was taken with so great fear, that he was ready to fall down dead) and his children enjoyed his Kingdom but four years after him, being then treacherously slain by Demetrius, as he had slain the children of his Master Alexander; But of the revenge taken upon him and his family, Pausanias saith, that when he had reigned in much trouble 17 years, soon after that he had committed the foresaid horrible murders, he fell into the dropsy, worms being bred hereby, and breaking out of his skin, and so being consumed with misery he died. After his death his eldest son Philip died also forthwith of a consumption, his second son Antipater observing that his mother Thessalonica favored his brother more then him, slew her with his own hands, but was soon himself slain therefore by his father in Law Lysimachus. Then his third and youngest son Alexander, calling Demetrius to help him to be revenged for his mothers death, whilst he devised how to cut him off, was by him prevented, and suddenly slain. The death of his mother was not indeed revenged upon Antipater before Demetrius came, yet when he came Alexander was much grieved, as suspecting him that had been his fathers enemy, wherefore feigning love, he entertained him, but preparing a feast for him, he meditated the cutting of him off by treahery, when he should come unto it. This being discovered to Demetrius, he handled the matter so, that he avoided the danger at that time, and inviting Alexander, caused him to be slain. As for Demetrius who thus attained to the Kingdom of Macedonia, he had formerly made war upon Cassander, and brought him into great danger, when he restored liberty to many Cities of Greece, but Cassander seeing the danger wherein he was, for Demetrius had so great an Army, that he could not resist, sent to Seleucus King of Syria, to Ptolemy King of Egypt, and to Lysimachus King of Helespont to consider their own case by his, and therefore to join together against the King of Asia, lest he coming upon them one by one, should bring them all under, and so make himself Monarch over all. They hearing this prepared to go against Antigonus the father of Demetrius, being now a most aged King, viz. 80 years old. Wherefore he sent to call his son out of Greece, willing him to make peace with Cassander as well as he could. He being returned, a great battle was fought, and Antigonus was slain, and Demetrius fled into Greece, thinking to have aid from the Athenians, by whom he had formerly been unreasonably honored, but now they shut him out of their City. Then Seleucus ceased upon Asia and Babylon, and Ptolemy upon some part of that Kingdom, Demetrius the son of Antigonus, being for his and his fathers pride and cruelty shut out. For upon former victories they waxed so proud, that they would have none called Kings but themselves, others only Presidents and Governors. And Antigonus did a most cruel and treacherous act against Cleopatra the sister of Alexander the Great, for which it was to be expected, that he should by the just judgment of God be cut off. For when the sons of Alexander were dead, both he and Seleucus and Ptolemy, desired each one to strengthen himself by a marriage with her; and when Antigonus in whose Kingdom she was, perceived that she took better liking to Seleucus then to him, he employed some to slay her as she was passing towards Syria, but this being done, he dissembled grief therefore, and took the instruments and put them to most cruel deaths, and then most sumptuously buried her. Thus he cunningly hid this wickedness of his before men, but God found him out at length to be revenged upon him, and to expose his Kingdom to the dilacerating of others, whom he little feared in times past, when by warring upon them he brought some of them solow. Thus both the Kings Cassander and Antigonus that had imbrued their hands in blood seeking hereby to advance and stablish their own greatness, overthrew both themselves and theirs, and likewise whatsoever Kingdom is founded in blood shall not long continue. Contrariwise Ptolemy is noted to have been kind and loving, whereby he wan all men's hearts where he reigned and so was Seleucus, and therefore they flourished and left their Kingdoms much increased to their posterities for many Generations.

To return to Demetrius, when Alexander was slain, he was soon accepted by the Macedonians for King, but Lysimachus, whose daughter Antipater had married held part of the Kingdom in the right of his son in law, yet Demetrius increasing in power, and he having also other enemies ready to fight against him, restored the part, which he held to Demetrius, to enjoy his friendship. Then his son Antipater complaing, that he had taken his Kingdom from him, slue him. But Dematrius enjoyed not the Kingdom of Macedonia above six or seven years. For being puffed up with his good success in attaining it, he now meditated the recovering of his Kingdom of Asia again, and to this end prepared an army of 100000 foot and 12000 horse. Seleucus hearing of this joined with Ptolemy and Lysimachus, & these three kings altogether, wrote to Pyrrhus King of Epirus, a mighty man, to invade Macedonia promising him aid, moving him the rather hereunto, because his wife upon a dislike was gone from him, and married to Demetrius. Pyrrhus therefore invaded Macedonia, and Demetrius falling sick, wan it with it case, the people being in love with him for his great valor revolting unto him. Demetrius then disguized himself and fled, but afterwards gathering more forces he went against Seleucus, and when he was not able to stand against him he yielded himself unto him, but not being admitted to his presence, he was yet royally maintained with a strong guard placed about him, as long as he lived, which was three years after, Pyrrhus having gotten the Kingdom of Macedonia, held it not a whole year before he left it again to Lysimachus, because he durst not trust the Macedonians, whom Lysimachus had sought to win from him by telling them, that it was a shame for them to be subject to the Epyrots, who were strangers, and always formerly under the Macedonians. Thus then that kingdom came to a fifth alteration, since Alexanders death, 1 to Philip Aridaeus. 2 to Cassander, 3 to Demetrius, 4 to Pyrrhus, 5 to Lysimachus King of Thracia.

In this time Joseph Prince of the Jews being dead, Abner Semei succceded him, and ruled 11 years, and after him Mattathiah 12 years. And after Onias was Simon High-priest 13 years, and after Simon, Eleazar his brother 20 years, so Funccius, because although Simon left a son called Onias, yet he was but a child, when his father died. In the beginning of Eleazars High-priesthood, Selencus the king of Syria removed many of the Jews to certain Cities, which he had built, as to Antioch, Laodicea, Seleucia, &c. to the number of 120000 of them, making them equal with the Macedonians, in so great favor were they with him for the good and faithful service which they had done him in his wars. To return again to the kings, Pyrrhus having left Macedonia to Lysimachus, lived after this in quiet in his own kingdom, till that he had war with the Romans, but Lysimachus made war with Thracia and Heraclea, Ptolemy Lagi having first made Ptolemy Philadelphus his son king, died, after that he had held Egypt 40 years. Then reigned his son 40 years also, being called Philadelphus per antiphrasin, because he had slain both his elder brethren. He being king grew to greater power, then ever his father did, for he had 200000 foot, and 20000 horse, 2000 chariots, and 400 Elephants, 1500 long ships, and 1000 others to carry provision for his army. He also received out of Egypt yearly, 14800 talents of silver, and of come, 5000000 Arrabs, being a measure that containeth three bushels, and a third part, thus Jerome, who therefore applieth that of Daniel, touching a Prince of large dominion to him. By his desire was the Bible translated out of Hebrew into Greek, which translation is called the Septuagint's, because 70 of the Elders of the Jews, sent by Eleazar the High Priest to Ptolemy, did severally translate it, neither was there any difference amongst them all in anything, see Josephus, more at large upon this Lib. Antiq. 12. Cap. 2. About the same time that Ptolemy Lagi died, hot wars grew between Seleucus and Lysimachus, Lysimachus being 73, and Seleucus 77 years old, and these two were the longest livers of all Alexanders Captains, and now the desire of glory in their old age, brought them into the field against one another, the one being King of Asia and Syria, and the other of Macedonia and Greece, yet neither of them content with his own most large Dominions, but ambitious of all. In this battle Seleucus prevailing, Lysimachus was slain, as he was well worthy, for his unnatural murthering of his own son Agathocles, who had with good success fought many battles for him, but at length caused by him to be poisoned, and so were many of his sons more, being 15, insomuch that he had scarce a son left him when he died, and the like tyranny he exercised towards many of his Nobles, which made many of his subjects to revolt from him to Seleucus, to his great disadvantage in this his last battle. Seleucus had but short joy after this victory, for within seven months he also was slain by Ptolemy Cerannus brother to Lysimachus his wife, who thus came to enjoy the Kingdom of Macedonia, and Antiochus Soter the Kingdom of Syria, by the death of his father. Ptolemy having attained to the Kingdom of Macedonia, was much troubled about the establishing of himself therein, for he feared in respect of Antiochus, whose father he had slain, of Lysimachus his children, whose it had lately been, and of Pyrrhus, and the sons of Demetrius whose it had been before. But Pyrrhus being now to make war against the Romans, he made his peace with him, by aiding him with men and horses for that expedition. For the family of Lysimachus, he sought a marriage with his widow Arsino, being his own sister, promising to be a tutor and father to her children. But contrariwise having prevailed in his suit, he slew her children, and drew her out of her City Cassandria; banishing her into Samothracia. But this treachery went not long unrevengsd, for before that he had continued a year in his Kingdom, the French coming against him, overcame and slew him, and cutting off his head, carried it about upon a Spear. So God never suffereth bloodshed and treachery to go unrevenged. And the like may be observed of Arsinoe, when she was forced to see the death of her children, for she before was the instrument, whom Lysimachus her husband had used so unnaturally to poison his worthy son Agathocles, and some other of his children also, to whom she was step mother, and therefore forward to make them away, that hers might be the more favored. Ptolemy being dead, the French proceeded to waste and spoil the Country of Macedonia, but one Sosthenes a Macedonian, gathering forces together, set upon the French, and drave them away, and so having saved the Country from spoiling, obtained that Kingdom. About this time the Jews whilst Eleazar was High Priest, came into such favor with Ptolemy Philadelphus, by means of the Bible, which by 72 Elders was translated into Greek at his request, that they being 120000 of them dispersed in his Dominions, were set at liberty, and so returned home into their own Country. And whereas many of them were in bondage, and so without injury could not be taken from their masters, without paying their redemption money, he frankly paid for them all 460 talents of silver. But to put him on to this, God by his providence first stirred up Demetrius Phalerius the keeper of the Kings Library, when the King upon a time asked him how many books he had gotten together, and he answered 200000, and that he hoped ere long to make them up 500000, to tell the King that there were certain excellent books which the Jews had in their own tongue, moving him to send to Eleazar the High Priest for them, and six Elders of every Tribe, who had skill both in the Hebrew and Greek Tongues to translate them. And when the King liking well the motion, prepared to send one Aresteus a good man, and in great estenme with the King, moved him to set these men, whose God he acknowledged to be so worthy, and books so desirable, at liberty from their servitude, being seconded by Sosibias and Andreas, Captains of the Guard, whom Aristeus had desired before to be assistant unto him, when Ptolemy Philadelphus sent for the translators, he also sent great gifts to the Temple, viz. 100 Talents to buy Sacrifices, and other necessaries for the Temple, 20 golden vials, 30 of silver; and five goblets, and a precious table to be dedicated, in describing the sumptuousness of all which, Josephus is very large.

To return again to the Macedonians, the French increasing their Forces, saith Justin, to 150000 foot, and 15000 horse under Brennus their Captain, entered Macedonia, and then easily overcame Sosthenes with his small Forces that came against them, and made them flee into their Cities, they in the mean season, wasting and spoiling their Country. And not being content with these spoils, Brennus applied his mind to rob the Templeat Delphi also, saying in a scossing manner, that the gods being rich ought to lend unto men. They of Delphi being but 4000, being assaulted by 65000, slue many of them by casting down stones upon them, and then by an earthquake, a piece of the mountain falling upon them, most of them perished, others being wounded at Brennus his persuasion slue one another, and he being moved by the anguish of his wounds slue himself, of the whole Army all that remained being but 10000 were destroyed in divers places as they returned homeward. Thus presumption upon their own strength was punished in these French and contempt of the Deity, although he whom they contemned were no god, but a devil, yet because they knew none other, they escaped not.

Whilst these things were done in Macedonia, Pyrrhus King of the Epyrots being desired by the Tarentines, went and made war with the Romans. But although he were of great valor and had many Elephants, by which he much prevailed at the first, because by them their horsemen were disordered, yet he never fought against them without great loss, so that even when he had sometime the victory, he yet sought peace with them. But they would by no means agree to treat about it, unless he would first go out of their Country. At length Legates coming 〈1+ pages missing〉 shipwreck hastened with them being 200 to Sicily, where they besieged and took Panormus the chief City of the Carthaginians in all Sicily, and many other Cities yielded unto them. But passing from thence into Africa, they were repulsed, and having stickt a time in the quicksands, when they got off again they returned to Panormus, but at the very coming thither such a tempest arose, as caused 150 of their ships to perish. Thus these great conquerors had their Forces sundry times sore shattered and broken, wherefore the news hereof coming to the Senate, they supposing that those which went with their ships had not skill enough, made a Decree that thenceforth they would keep no more but 60 ships to defend the coast of Italy, and so they ceased for a time from their Sea fights.

Annoneundi 3695, Eleazar the High Priest being dead, Manasseh was High Priest 27 years. And after Mattathias Asarmahat was Prince of the Jews nine years, then Artaxad Nagid 10 years, and after him Hagajeli 8 years, then Mastoth Nahum 7 years, in whose fourth year Manasseh begun. But for anything done more touching the Jews all Manasseh his time, no rembmbrance is made by any writer.

To return to the Romans, they having by reason of their late great losses at sea, forborne to do anything against the Carthaginians two years, the Carthaginians now thinking them fearful and unable, sent forth Hasdruball with an Army of 30000 horse and foot, and 130 Elephants, who came to Panormus in Sicily, where Metellus the Consul was, and without any hindrance on the Romans part, approached near the City. But there without in the ditches, men being placed with darts and arrows, galled the Elephants, in whom their greatest trust lay, so as that partly by the wounds received from them, and partly from those upon the walls, they were turned into a fury, and killed many of their own men, and disordered their Army. This being by Metellus perceived, he presently came out of the City with his men, and slue and put to flight the whole Army of the Carthaginians, some of the Elephants also were slain, and above 100 taken and sent to Rome. The number of Carthaginians slain is said to have been 20000, but to be revenged upon their General Hasdruball, they condemned and hanged him. Then they sent Attilius Regulus, whom they had kept prisoner five years together with other Ambassadors to Rome to sue for peace and the exchange of prisoners, swearing him first, if he prevailed not, to return to Carthage again. He therefore having done his embassage, and being called into the Senate, to which he would not go without the other Ambassadors leave, said unto the Senators, that it was not for the profit of their Common-wealth to make peace, seeing they were so weakened by the destruction which was lately made by the Romans amongst them, that they were not able any longer to withstand their force, and as for changing of prisoners, there was no reason they should hearken to that, seeing they had many, but the Carthaginians no more but him an old man, and a few others. And when notwithstanding that which he said, he saw the Senate inclining for his sake to agree upon a change of prisoners, he told them that he had drunk poison, and therefore could not live long, and so at his own importunity being permitted, he returned to Carthage, and was put to a most cruel death, by being set in a narrow vessel full of pricks most sharp on all parts whereby he was compelled continually to stand upright, and so died for want of sleep. The Romans so soon as they heard of it, delivered the chief of Carthage whom they had prisoners there into the hands of Regulus his sons, who put them likewise to a cruel and tormenting death.

These things being done, the Romans prepare a great Navy again of 200 ships, and send with them their two Consuls into Sicilia, and there they besieging Lelibeus, which was a strong City with walls, ditches and towers, were manfully repulsed by Annibal the son of Hamilcar, who was sent with 4000 Carthaginians to defend it. Wherefore the Romans prepared for a longer siege, which being heard at Rome, another new Consul P. Claudius was sent with a supply of 10000 more, who came to Drepanum by the way, thinking to oppress Aderbal that kept the City unawares. But he seeing the enemies coming, although unexpectedly, took courage to fight against them, and suddenly having exhorted his men to fight courageously set upon them, which Claudius seeing, who looked for no resisting but yielding, he being much dismayed caused his navy to turn back, but the Carthaginians being nimbler and more expert at Sea-fights, and knowing the place better soon slue and took many of them, and 93 of their ships, Claudius escaping with only 30 ships. Diodorus speaks of more then 100 ships taken, and yet there were but 90 Carthaginian, and saith, that in this battle 8000 Romans were slain, and 20000 taken prisoners, but not one Carthaginian slain and few wounded, which purchased great glory to Adherbal amongst the Carthaginians, and much hatred against Claudius amongst the Romans so that he was adjudged to death. Florus saith, that Claudius had in contempt of a divination by chickens let out of a cave, that would not eat, bidden them to be cast into the Sea, saying, if they will not eat, I will make them drink. But it was noted, that in the same place his Navy was over thrown, and so he had sorrow for his profane mirth, as it was by those heathens accounted. In the mean season, whilst Junius was bringing provision by Sea to the Roman army, which besieged Lelibeus, Adherbal sent away Cathaloh with 30 ships to the Lelibean coast, adding also thereunto 70 more, which came from Carthage. This bred great troubles to the Romans: for now the Questors, who were sent before by Junius, being near the Coast were chaced away by Cathaloh, fleeing to land in another place, and at the hearing of this tumult, the Governor of Lelibeus came forth with his army upon the Roman besiegers, and overthrew them, and after this Junius, the Consul coming on with the rest of his Navy, not knowing what had happened, was also made to flee desperately to a dangerous part of the Sea, where the Carthaginians durst not follow, but there they were so shattered amongst the rocks, that they all perished, that is, the ships with their provision, but Junius by reason of the share being near escaped and came to Syracuse and so did most of his men. Then bethinking himself, what course to take to redeem his credit he got Eryco in Sicily by treachery, whereupon hot Wars arose between the Romans and Carthaginians divers years, but no notable exployt was done on eytherside all that time, the Romans since their great losses at Sea wanting a Navy.

In this interim Ptolemy Philadelphus died, when he had reigned 40 years, and soon after Antiochus Theos, King of Syria and Asia by poison, as was said before. In the Kingdom Egypt, Ptolemy Energetes succeeded his father, and in Syria Seleucus Callinius obtained the Kingdom, who was the son of Laodice his wise, which had poisoned him. He being King by the instigation of his mother put Berenice and her son to death, that he might reign the more securely. The manner was thus, she fled with her son into Daphne in the Suburbs of Antioch of Syria, and took sanctuary in Apollo his Temple. But being by Seleucus besieged there many came to aid her, and her brother the King of Egypt also prepared a great power to help her, but when Seleucus could not by force, he took her by policy and slue both her and her son before that Ptolemy could come. To be revenged for this murder Ptolemy coming into Syria, drew many of Seleucus his subjects to take part with him through a detestation of that his wicked deed and his mothers, for they hated them for their cruel murders. Then he took Laodice and put her to death, and subdued a great part of Syria, and invaded Babylon, yea, Jerome commenting upon that part of Daniel where this is prophesied of, saith, that he took also Silicia, and carried away into Egypt at his return 40000 talents of gold and precious vessels, and 2500 Images, which had been formerly carried out of Egypt by Cambyses, when he took Egypt, for which the Egyptians gave him the surname of Energetes, or Benefactour. And had it not been for the news of dissensions arising at home, which came unto him, causing his return, he would have spoiled Seleucus of all his Kingdom, so just are God's judgments even amongst the Heathens for cruelty and murder. For the Jews matters, Manasseh the highpriest dying about the time of Philadelphus his death, a new high-priest succeeded called Simon Justus, who lived after this 28 years, so Funccius, but Josephus placeth Onias, the son of Simon Justus next unto Manasseh, saying, that he was pusillanimons and covetous, insomuch that he would not part with tribute to Ptolemy Energetes being now by the conquest of Syria become Lord of Judea also. But Ptolemy sent unto him to threaten him, if he paid it not, to divide his Country amongst his Soldiers, and to bring in new colonyes. And when Onias was not moved by all this, but neglected the message, come what would come; there was one Joseph his sisters son by Tobias, that was much grieved at it, and therefore expostulated with his Uncle about it, and desired him if he were moved so much at parting with the money, to go to the King, and to get part of it remitted. But he refusing so to do he with his leave, undertook the Embassage, and having first comforted the people, and entertained the Kings Ambassador and given him precious gifts, whereby his affection was much moved towards Joseph, followed after him into Egypt. The King being before his coming stirred up by the good report of the Ambassador, to a desire to see him, entertained him very courtously when he came, bidding him to come up into the chariot. Then the Ambassador being present, began to accuse Onias of great neglect, but Joseph answered that he was an old man, and old men and children had oft times minds alike, but saith he, we young men will not be wanting to do our duty, so that there should be any just cause to complain. With this the King was so moved in his affection towards him, that he was lodged in his Palace, and eat bread before him. Now it happened so, that Tributes at this time were brought in from Coelosyria, Phoenicia, Judea and Samaria, unto 8000 Talents, but Joseph saying, that they had consented together to deceive the King, for there might twice so much be raised in those Countries, and he would undertake to do it, the King asked him what surety he would put in to do so, and he answering, good and honest persons, even the King and the Queen, which should be sureties to one another for him, the King laughed, and without sureties committed the gathering of Tributes to him. Then he desiring had 2000 horsemen allowed him, and coming to Askelon, where they derided him, he took and put to death 20 of the chief, taking their goods to the value of 1000 Talents▪ and sent them to the King. Others being warned by their example, opened their gates unto him, and so he gathered very much money, which he sent to the King and Queen, and great gifts to divers about the Court, whereby he got himself many friends. And so he lived 22 years in great honor and reputation, in which time he begat seven sons of one wife, and one called Hircanus, of his brothers daughter, whom he took to wise upon this occasion. Being at Alexandria, where he saw a fair woman at a feast, come up to dance before the King, he was taken with the love of her: but because she was an alienigena, and so it was unlawful for him to marry her, he dealt with his brother, who had a daughter there marriageable, by some means to procure him the enjoyment of that dancer, he promised to do his best, but preparing his own daughter brought her to his bed, and so he lay with her, and having done so divers times, and being more inflamed with love towards her, he complained to his brother, that he knew not how to get his affection off from this woman, then he said, that he should not need, for he might have her to his wife, being his daughter. Joseph being glad to hear this married her, and the son Hircanus, whom he had by her in wisdom excelled all his brethren. Therefore his father having tried him and them, when he was but thirteen years old; acknowledged him his only genuine son. Now he tried them thus, he sent them to be taught by skillful Masters, but after much time finding, that they profited not, he gathered, that they wanted wit: then he sent Hircanus with 300 yoke of Oxen afar off to plow and sow, but secretly withdrew the leather thongs, where with they should be tied together. The husbandmen, that went with him missing these would have had him sent one home to his father to fetch them, but he loath to lose so much time would not, but caused ten Oxen to be killed, and of their hides thongs to be made, and with the flesh he fed the men. This his father hearing applauded his wit and loved him above all the rest, for which they hated him and sought his death. Unto this Joseph Funcius reckoneth 60 years, but Josephus speaks only of 22 years, in which he continued Tribute-gatherer to the King of Egypt, and saith, that his Uncle Onias the High-priest died about the same time that hedyed, his son Simon succeeding him, and that after his death Joseph's sons sought the life of Hircanus, but he leaving Ierasalem dwelt beyond the River Jordan, where he fortified himself and made daily excursions upon the Arabians, and having lived thus seven years, till the King of Egypt was dead, and Seleucus the King of Syria also, whom Antiochus Epiphanius succeeded, he fearing his power, because he had spoiled the Arabians, slue himself, and so all his possessions came into the hands of Antiochus Epiphanes. Hitherto Josephus.

To return to Seleucus the King of Syria, when he lost so much of his Kingdom by Ptolemy, the Parthians also revolted from him, and set up a King of their own called Arsace, from whom all the Kings of Parthia since have had their names. After that Ptolemy was returned into Egypt, Seleucus prepared him a great Navy to bring those Cities again to his obedience, which had revolted from him to Ptolemy, but a tempest arising they were all broken, and his men for the most part drowned, which is to be noted, because he had formerly murdered Berenice and her son, whose innocent blood cried for revenge. But the people who had fallen from him, after they saw him thus punished, did voluntarily taking compassion upon his misery, submit themselves again unto him: But little joy had he of this, for he now meditating revenge upon Ptolemy, prepared an Army to fight against him, but was soon overcome and made to flee into Antioch the chief City of his Kingdom full of fear. From thence he wrote letters to his brother Antiochus, desiring his aid against Ptolemy, and offering him all Asia within the mountains of Taurus for his help. Antiochus hereupon, although he were but 14 years old, immediately began to think with himself, how he might get his brothers whole Kingdom from him, and therefore hiring many French men, he instead of helping, made war against his brother, having from hence the name of Hierax or Hanke, In that battle Antiochus prevailed, then the French thinking Seleucus to be slain, sought to kill Antiochus also, that they might more freely pillage the Country, but he perceiving it sen them away, giving much gold unto them. Of this dissention Eumenes the King of Bythinia taking advantage came against Antiochus and overcame him, and so possessed a great part of Syria, but the two brothers still seeking the destruction of one another, fought another battle, wherein Antiochus was overcome, and fled first to his father in law Artimenes King of Cappadocia, and when he could not be safe there, he went and yielded himself to Ptolemy Energetes, who put him in safe custody: but he by the help of an whore escaping, was slain by robbers as he fled away. And Seleucus his brother, when he had lived obscurely 20 years King, having lost his Kingdom by falling off his horse, died about the same time. Thus both he that perfidiously hauked after his brothers Kingdom, and his brother that feared not to reign the more securely to imbrew his hands in innocent blood, had their reward for a warning to all others.

To return again to the Romans, they having hitherto wanted a Navy, since the great loss sustained by Junius, now after divers years took heart to prepare one and to set to Sea again, the first occasion whereof was the revolt of certain French men from the Carthaginians for their ill usage of them, to the Romans, who all so betrayed a Garrison unto them, committed to their custody. For to some ships thus obtained, and some of private Citizens they added many more. And now first they hired foreigners also to serve in their Wars, which they never did before, when all their public treasure was spent in making ships, private persons at their own cost made someone, some two and some more Quinqueremes, after the Carthaginian manner, conditioning, if they had good success, to be repaid their charges again. Thus their Navy became 200, according to some 300 according to others, many more, when it was ready, Posthumus being Consul was held by the High-priest Metellus, because he was also a Flamen of Mars, to attend upon the sacrifices, so that he could not go out with it. Wherefore two Praetors were made, which might go forth, the one with the Tribune to war, and the other remain at home with the other Tribune to govern the City, and therefore after this there never went out two Tribunes to War together anymore. Pretors being made, Valerius one of them went with Catulus a Tribune, taking this whole Navy with them into Sicilia, where they first set upon Drepana, and when they had battered the walls, and almost taken it, Catulus was wounded in the thigh, being with much ado, carried out of of the fight. The Carthaginians hearing of the Romans coming forth again with a Navy, prepared theirs without delay, consisting of 250 ships, wherein they also carried great store of provision, thinking therewith to victual Eryce, and then the ships being lightened to fight with the Roman Navy. But Catulus fearing this, prepared to encounter with them, whilst they were heavy with their loading, and did so, and prevailed so far against them, that he sunk and took most of them, and Hanno the General of the Carthaginians sleeing back to Carthage with a few ships, was at his return taken and hanged up. The Carthaginians having their Forces thus broken, sent an Embassage to the Tribune, suing for peace. This he granted, being also sore shaken in his Forces by this fight, but his conditions were these. The Carthaginians wholly to leave Sicily. They must make no war with Hiero. They must not arm against the Syracusians. They must restore all Captains of the Romans gratis. They must pay 2200 Talents to the Romans in 20 years. But the Senate being consulted with, ten Ambassadors were sent, who added that they should pay 1000 talents more forth with, and 2200 before mentioned in 10 years, and leave all the parts between Italy and Sicily. Thus saith Polybius, the war which had lasted 24 years between the Romans and Carthaginians, had an end. But yet neither were the Carthaginians free from war after this, nor yet the Romans. For the Carthaginians were wasted with a civil war against their stipendaryes, who being dismissed by Hamilcar, and not paid as he appointed, that they might return everyone to his own home, made an head, and fought against the Carthaginians many bloody battles, and this was called the Lybian War, which according to some lasted three years, according to others four, in all which time the calamities suffered by the Carthaginians were very great, but at length the stipendaryes were overcome by Hamilcar, and fled away into Sardinia. During the time of this Lybian War, some of the Romans brought provision over to the stipendaries, but they were by the Carthaginians beaten at Sea, and their laded ships taken, and with them 500 men, who were put in prison. This was at the first taken ill by the Senate, but afterwards upon an Embassage sent by the Carthaginians, all men were prohibited carrying anymore provision to the stipendaryes, but allowed to carry what they would to the Carthaginians, and they sent home all the Carthaginian prisoners also, whom they had taken at the Sicilian War. The Romans whilst the Carthaginians had civil wars with their stipendaryes, had a short war with the Falisci, a rich people then in Italy, because they had abused a Tribune, a Tribune of the people. But the Consuls going both to fight against them, ended it within six days, slaying of the Falisci 15000 men, punishing them with the loss of half their land, and razing their City. And then first was the gate of Ianus shut, in token of the cessation of wars, but the next year it was opened again. Now Numa Pompilius was the second King of the Romans after Romulus, Anno Mundi 3251, and this shutting of the Gate of Ianus his Temple was, Anno 3727, that is, 476 years after, whereby we may see both what a long time the Romans were in growing to this greatness, and what an unquiet and turbulent Nation they have always been since Romulus their first King, from whom they take their name, who was both before his reign, and all the time thereof a great warrior. Before him, Italy was called the Kingdom of the Latins, being first founded by Kneas a Trojan, who came from Troy after the destruction thereof, to Latinus a King here, whom Funccius calls his father in law, Anno Mundi 2786, and therefore after his name it was called Latinum. In this Kingdom reigned Eneas three years, and after him his son Ascanius, and after him others to the number of 15, of whom Amulius Silvius was the last. For he having a brother called Numitor, that had one only daughter, to whom of right the Kingdom belonged, as being his elder, expelled him from the Kingdom, and that there might be no hope of issue by his daughter, he made of her a vestall virgin. But she Anno 27 of his reign, lost her virginity, and brought forth two children at a birth, called Romulus and Remus, for which she was buried alive, as the manner was, but her two children were exposed upon the banks of the River Tiber, and being found by Faustulus the Kings cowheard, they were brought home to his wife, whom the neighbors for her rapacity called Lupa. she also being beautiful played the whore for gain, and therefore from her to this day, the Stews are called Lupanaria. When these youths were but 17 years of age, they took Arms, and having gathered together a company of shepherds and robbers, they fought against Amulius, and having slain him, restored their Grandfather Numitor to his Kingdom. Then they built Rome, and after Numitor, Romulus reigned there 37 years, subduing divers people's about, for which he triumphed thrice. Numa Pompilius succeeded him, and reigned in great peace 43 years, till that he died with age. He was a most virtuous and moderate King all his days, giving himself wholly to sacred businesses, and to promote husbandry whereby sustenance might come in for the feeding of the people after him. Tullus Hostilius was the third King of the Romans 32 years, being at the last burnt with all his family in his own house falling on fire. Ancus Martius the fourth King 34 years. Tarquinius Priscus the fifth King, 38 years. Servius Tullus the sixth, who subdued Hetruria 44 years, and then was slain by Tarquinius Superbus, and he became the seventh and last King 25 years. From thence forward the City was governed by Consuls from Anno 245 of the Cities building, to 346, From thence Tribuni Mil. ruled until Anno 388. From thence the government returned again to Consuls, until Anno 707, at which time Julius Caesar became Emperor. Questors were ordained as before is said, in the time of Consuls, and Dictatours were before Emperors.

To return to the history of the Romans and Carthaginians, the stipendaries that escaped in the Lybian Wars, fled to Sardinia, and invited the Romans thither to their aid. They being willing to take any opportunity to enlarge their Empire, raised forces and went to Sardinia. The Carthaginians under whom Sardinia had hitherto been, fearing, after that they had been so much wasted with Civil Wars, to encounter again with so potent an enemy, although manifest wrong were herein offered unto them, yielded them Sardinia, and to pay moreover 1200 talents to continue their peace. But they sent out Hamilcar into Spain to subdue those parts, beginning also to revolt from them, who took with him his son Hannibal being but nine years old, and made him swear always to be an enemy to the Romans. In Spain Hamilcar having prospered nine years, at length was put so hard to it by King Otissen, at the siege of the City Helice, that he was forced to take into a River and was drowned there. Then Hasdrubal his son in law succeeded him, and having subdued 12 Cities in Spain, he built a City there by the Sea coast, and called it Carthage, but when he also had fulfilled nine years, he perished by poison treacherously given unto him by a familiar friend. All this while the Carthaginians enjoyed peace with the Romans, who were glad to renew it by reason of the French, of whom they were continually afraid. For they made great preparations against them, and therefore they were now busied altogether in preparing to resist them. At length the Romans had certain news of their coming beyond the Alps by Hetruria, at which both Rome and all Italy was terrified. For they had answer from their South-sayers, that the French and the Grecians should pass the City, whereupon they took a French man and woman, and a Grecian man and woman, and buried them alive in the Boian Market, thus seeking to fulfill the prophesy. But yet they could not but fear greatly, and send to the Venetians for aid and to other people's near the French, by reason whereof the French came but with 50000 foot and 20000 horse, the rest of their army being left to oppose the Venetians and others, if they should attempt anything against their Country in their absence. But the Romans went forth with all the power that they could make in Rome and in all Italy, neither old men, nor Priests being spared. So there were of their whole forces 700000 according to some, 800000 according to others, whereof part went to Ariminum, under L. Aemilins Consul, part to Hetruria with a Pretor, and part to Sardinia with Attilius the other Consul. Those that went to Hetruria with the Pretor, came first to the enemy towards night being 50000 foot and 4000 horse. The French in policy caused their foot to march away in the night, commanding their horse to follow them in the morning. The Romans when it was day light seeing none but horsemen set upon them, and as they went away pursued them. But when they were come to their footmen, they altogether fell so fiercely upon the Romans, that they slue of them 6000, and pursued the rest unto a certain hill to which they sled. But in the night following, hearing of another army that was coming against them, they consulted about going away with the huge prey, which they had already taken without staying at this time to fight anymore. For the Consul Aemilius was now come out of Ariminum to help the Pretour with his company upon the hill. He therefore finding, that the French were gone, pursued them, but whilst they were fleeing before him, behold the other Consul Attilius came also with his army out of Sardinia, and having learned by some fore-runners of the French army, whom he took▪ that the French were now enclosed betwixt his and Aemilius his army, he set so hastily upon them that he was slain, yet the battle in time went against the French, who fought most valiantly for their lives, and there were slain of them 40000, and 10000 taken prisoners, whereby the Romans were delivered from all their fear of them.

To return again to the Kingdom of Syria, Seleucus Calin: and Hierax his brother being dead, Seleucus Cerannus succeeded in that Kingdom, being son to Seleucus Celimachus. And finding that Attalus King of Pergamos had taken away a great part of his fathers kingdom as far as the mountain Taurus, he first prepares to fight against him joining with him Acheus a Prince, his kinsman, but when he had with him, and a great army proceeded as far as the said mountain, he before any battle fought perished by poison. Acheus his kinsman took and executed the traitors, and behaved himself so in managing this War alone, that he recovered again that part of Asia from Attalus, and when the people would have had him for their king being moved by his great wisdom and valor, he was so far from ambition, that he refused it, and kept it for the other son of Seleucus Calin: being yet very young, called Antiochus Magnus. And being by him set over those parts he was faithful unto him for the space of two years. But then partly being pricked with ambition for his good success, for he had driven King Attalus into his City Pergamos, taking all the Country home to Pergamos from him, and partly by the instigation of others, he took upon him to be King. Antiochus hearing of this, and being yet but a youth, he was advised by Epigenes the chief Captain of his army to take his forces, and in person to go and fight against his rebels: but Hermias, the Governor of the Kingdom of Syria under the King, being a wicked and cruel man, and hating greatly Epigenes, cried out against him, as seeking to draw him forth with a few to the hazarding of his life, and persuaded him rather to bend his forces against Ptolemy to be revenged for the wrongs done to his father, and to recover from him that part of Syria which he had taken away. And for Acheus he devised a letter, as if it had been by him written to the King, wherein he certified him, that Ptolemy had sought to move him to take the Crown upon him, promising great aid of men, money and ships. Hereby the young King coming to a better opinion of Acheus and his complices followed the counsel of Hermias, and prepared to go against Ptolemy. But one Molon, who together with a brother of his; had conspired with Acheus fighting against the Kings Captains in those parts, overcame them, and took certain Cities, of which Antiochus being advertised, he thought to desist from his enterprize against Ptolemy, and to go in person against his rebels. But Hermias again persuaded him that it was the unskilfulness of the other Captains which caused their overthrow, and therefore to send another more expert against them, and hold on in his way against Ptolemy, saying, that it was not fit for a King in person to go against Captains, but against a King. But when a new Captain was sent, he at the first encounter was also slain. Then the King consulted again with his Officers, and resolved to go in person against therebels, Hermias also being forced to yield unto it. But when they were upon the way money failed to pay the Soldiers, at which the King being much troubled, Hermias offered to supply him, if so be that he would send away Epigenes, because he said, they two should never agree. To this the King, though very unwilling, consented, and charging Epigenes to stay in Apamea, where they then were, he himself with Hermias and his Army being now paid, advancing forward, Hermias set a trap for Epigenes, by Alexis the keeper of the Tower of Apamea, whom he corrupted by gifts, so that he wrote Letters as coming from Molen to Epiganes, and procured a servant of his to put them secretly amongst other writings of his Masters. Then he challenged Epigenes for receiving Letters from the Rebels, but he denying it, Alexis sought amongst his papers, whereby he convinced him, and so he was executed. The King came to Antioch, and having wintered there, in the spring he went against the Rebels, till he came near unto them. Molons forces having begun to skirmish with his, he presently fearing the revolt of his Soldiers to their King, retired five miles back with his Army, and in the night attempted to set upon the Kings unawares. But this project not succeeding, because it was discovered, he was forced next day to fight with the King, but in the fight the left wing turning to the King, he despaired and slue himself, and so did many more of his complices. And this was a common remedy in those days to men that were in a desperate condition For Cleomenes also the King of the Spartans, together with 13 others with him, when they were in danger in Egypt to be taken by their enemis, and saw no way to escape, did the like. Antiochus joyful of this success, took the spoil, and pardoned the common Soldiers. Then he sent to Acheus to challenge him for his treachery, but because he had a greater desire to recover Syria out of the hands of the King of Egypt, he deferred to go against him, and turned to make this recovery. But by the way I cannot omit the just judgment of God upon Hermias, that out of his hatred against Epigenes, had procured his death most treacherously, as hath been before shown. Apollophanes the Kings Pysician being dear unto him, fearing least he might sometime be served by him, as Epigenes had been, upon a time told the King, that he had need look to himself, least by the treachery of Hermias, both he and his friends should be brought to destruction, telling him how he had dealt with his friend Epigenes. The King confessed that he hated him, and therefore took his Physicians counsel to feine himself sick for a time, that his Princes might withdraw, and only one by one take their turns to come and visit him. When Hermias came, it was so ordered, that the Physicians commanded the King to walk out to take the air, Hermias went with him, and the King after a while withdrew himself as weary: whilst Hermias waited his coming out again, he was suddenly dispatched by the Kings attendants, being thereunto before appointed, and when his death was heard of, so great was the people's hatred commonly against him, that the women fell upon his wife, and their children upon his children, and stoned them to death. To return to Antiochns his expedition to recover his Kingdom of Syria from the King of Egypt. Ptolemy Energetes was dead, and Ptolemy Philopator was King, invading, as Justin saith, the Kingdom by making away both his father and mother, for which cause he was per antiphr asin called Philopator, a lover of his father. But Polybius saith, that Ptolemy Energetes died of his natural death, and Philopator succeeding gave himself to nothing but to luxury and sensuality, having no regard to the affairs of the Kingdom, but committing them to others. Wherefore Antiochus having great advantage given him hereby goeth to War first against Hyppodronum in Syria, which he took partly by force, and partly by rewards and fair promises drawing some of the chief to his side. From thence he was invited by letters from Theodotus a Captain of Ptolemy, who was discontented at him, and meditated revenge, to come to Ptolomais, and had it soon delivered to him, and after that Tyrus and many other Cities. Ptolemy therefore leaving his pleasure gathereth a great Army of 70000 foot, and 4000 horse, and many Elephants, and Antiochus with the like forces came to fight against him near the City Raphias, upon the borders of Syria. Here many being slain on both sides, the victory at length fell to Ptolemy. Wherefore Antiochus fearing, least being thus foiled by the Egyptians, and Acheus also rebelling against him, he should prove contemptible to his people, sought and made peace with Ptolemy, that he might bend his forces against Acheus, who was then at Sardis. He made a league also with the King of Pergamos, Acheus his enemy, and then setting upon Acheus, prevailed and slue him. Ptolemy in the mean season sacrificed to the gods for his victory, & coming to Jerusalem he also sacrificed there. But when he would have gone into the most Holy place, Simon the High-priest and the Elders besought him not to presume so to do, because the Lord had straitly forbidden every man to enter in there except the High-priest, only once in the year, yet he being nothing moved by their entreaties would enter, till that Simon having prayed unto God to keep his house from being profaned by the Gentiles, he was suddenly smitten with such feebleness, that they who attended upon him, thinking that he would presently have died, carried him away. Being removed to another place, and recovering his strength again, he raged against the Jews, for their keeping of him out of the Temple, as a great indignity offered unto him, and therefore he would make them either to alter their Religion, and to conform to the Egyptians, or else destroy them all. Wherefore many for fear turned, but most refused, and by earnest prayer sought unto God to avert this great danger. Yet gathered together they were, and Elephants were prepared by drinking much wine, to stir them up to more fierceness to destroy them, and many people round about were gathered together to see the execution. But upon the day appointed, Ptolemy was taken so with sleep, that he arose not till late, and forgot what he had determined. But being put in mind of it by the Officers appointed over this matter, he set the next day for the execution, and when that was come, he thought no more upon it, till that he was likewise stirred as before by his Officers, but then he reviled them and said, that the Jews were his most faithful Subjects, and threatened those that spake against them. Yet after this again he bent himself to destroy them, and caused his Elephants and men to be prepared, and upon a set day went forth with them towards Jerusalem, but the Jews humbling themselves and praying to God, two terrible Angels appeared against his Army, whereat both he and his company were all amazed, and stood still, not able to go further, then the Elephants were turned back in a fury upon his men, and slue many of them. The King escaping this danger, turned most kind unto the Jews, and feasted them seven days, and at their request gave them leave to proceed against them that in the time of danger had revolted from their Religion, and so many hundreds of them were put to death, and the Jews in remembrance of this deliverance, instituted a feast of 40 days to be kept by their posterity, from the 25 of Pachon to the 4 of Epiphus.

To return now again to the Romans, after their great victory over the French, they sent forces to invade them in their own Country, and the Insubrians their neighbonrs, slaying many thousands of them. At length the French sued to the Consuls for peace, and when they could not prevail, they hired more Soldiers to the number of 30000, but being again overcome they yielded themselves to the Romans, and so an end was put to the French war.

Touching the Carthaginian affairs in Spain, Hasdrubal being dead, Hannibal although very young being the son of Hamilcar, was by the Carthaginians made General, who presently began to be famous for his subduing of the Olcads, another rich Nation in Spain, within the river Iberus, where were Mines of Gold and Silver, from whence he proceeded against other parts beyond Iberus, and although he were most strongly opposed, yet he subdued them all. Then he lead his army being 150000 against the Saguntines: for whom because they were Confederates with the Romans, they sent Ambassadors to declare so much to Hannibal, and therefore that he should desist from molesting them. But Hannibal not so much as giving them audience, battered the Walls of Saguntum, and at length wan it, but the desperate Citizens had first made fires in the City into which they cast all their Gold and Silver, and some themselves, so that the Carthaginians enjoyed no great prey, when they had taken it. The Roman Ambassadors being thus slighted by Hannibal, went first into other parts of Spain, to move them to join with the Romans against the Carthaginians then into France, but in vain. Wherefore they returned to Rome, and having told of the destruction of the Saguntines, the whole City was greatly moved at it, and grieved that they suffered their associates to perish, and sent no help unto them. Wherefore Ambassadors were immediately sent away to Carthage, to complain of this wrong against their league, and to require Hannibal to be delivered unto them, or else to denounce War. The Carthaginians denied any wrong to have been done to the Romans, by the destruction of Saguntum, because it was not mentioned in the league. But the issue was, one of the Ambassadors said, he brought in his bosom both War and Peace, and bad them choose, whether they would have, they answered, War, and so preparation was made to a second Carthaginian War, which lasted many years. For Hannibal leaving another Governor, and part of his army in Spain, passed into France and having obtained license to go through that Country with his army, he by most difficult journeys passed the Alps, to the loss of half his men. Yet when he came to fight against the Romans, many of the French revolting to him, he at the first prevailed so, that Scipio their valiant Consul was grieviously wounded and many slain, insomuch that the night coming on, wherein there was a cessation from fighting, he removed away by stealth to a strong hold, to which when Sempronius the other Consul was come with a great Army, another fierce battle was sought, to the destruction of very many on both sides, but specially of the Romans, who were so beaten, that the whole City was put into a great fear. For the Romans being greedy to fight went on with speed against the Carthaginians, of whom Hannibal had placed 1000 horsemen, and 1000 foot in ambush, who came forth in the midst of the fight, and then the victory fell soon to the Carthaginians, but they lost almost all their Elephants, and many men, so that Hannibal had no great joy hereof. It seemed good then to the Senate to send Cn. Scipio into Spain, who overcame Hanno and took him prisoner, and partly by agreement and partly by force, took all to the River Iberus. And Sempronius was again sent against Hannibal, but nothing memorable was done more in Italy, till that Flaminius and Servilius were Consuls. Then Flaminius going out first to fight against Hannibal, was drawn by his policy into such a place, between high mountains and a marrish before them, that they were by the Carthaginians on all parts coming upon them easily slain, unto 15000, and 10000 by force breaking through, were scattered about the Country by divers ways returning to Rome, and Flaminius himself was also slain. Then Servilius coming with 4000 to help his Colleague, not knowing what was done, was encountered by Hannibals brother, and put to flight, when he had lost most of his men in the fight. The Senate hearing of these things knew not what to do, but they soon resolved to make Qu: Fabius Dictator, that he alone might raise Forces, and order all things for the best for the defense of the City, against which they feared that Hannibal would come next. Fabius then joining to the Forces which Servilius had, two Legions more, some say four, went with his Army to the Picen field, where Hannibal was wasting and spoiling the Country, wisely taking order, that in all places that were undefenced, the people should depart, and leave no provision to be gotten by Hannibal, even burning that which they could not carry away. So soon as he was come near to Hannibal he brought forth his forces to fight, but Fabius kept his together at a distance, still marching in open places, and being always careful about searching the ways before he removed, lest his Soldiers should be circumvented. Yea, when the Catthaginians fired the fields in his sight, to provoke him to fight, yet he would not suffer his Soldiers to stir out of their Tents, insomuch that Minutius chief Captain of the horse did openly blame him of cowardice, and so did many Commanders more, and even at Rome he was for his delaying much traduced. But he drove out the Summer by such delays, whereby he got the name of Cunctator, and in winter was called home to Rome, Minutius being left with the whole Army alone. When he was gone, Minutius being provoked by Hannibal, fought with him, and slue 6000 of his men, but with the loss of 5000 of his own, yet hereby he came to be in such credit, that thenceforth the power was divided betwixt him and Fabius, wherefore Fabius returning again in the spring, divided all the horse and foot equally betwixt him and Minutius. This was no sooner done, but Hannibal coming again to provoke to the fight, he with his forces went against him, and was brought by Hannibals policy into great danger, many of his men by ambushments being destroyed and his whole Army was then in danger of perishing, but that Fabius seeing it came in with his power and so saved them, slue many of the Carthaginians, and put Hannibal to flight. Hereupon Minutius acknowledged the wisdom of Fabius, and called him his father and savior, and abdicating the power committed to him, left all again to the Dictatours disposing. And Hannibal himself extolled Fabius, saying, that he had overcome Minutius, but was by Fabius overcome, and that the cloud which hung so long in the air, had now rained abundantly. But before this, when Fabius was gone to Rome, because he feared him for his wisdom, he sought to procure him envy, and so to be discharged of his office, by sparing his field which was in his way from spoiling. For by this means he thought it would be conceived that there was some confederacy betwixt them two: But Fabius wisely prevented this by selling the said field, and with the price thereof redeeming almost 300 Roman Captains, to his great praise and glory.

Marvelous also was the policy of Hannibal, for besides other stratagems of War, he having many Italian prisoners told them, that he came not thither to fight against them, sent for them and to set them at liberty from the Roman dominion, and so he sent them home gratis to move the minds of their Countrymen to incline towards him, and to revolt from the Romans. At this time the Neopolitans sent 40 dishes of Gold of great weight to Rome, because they were grown poor through these Wars: but thanks being returned, they took only one of them of least weight and let the rest go. And the like they did to those of Vestus, presenting them with the like treasure. Because they thought it not fit, that Rome, the Lady of the World should be beholding to any inferiors for any gifts.

After Fabius, who had done so worthily, great contention was amongst the Romans, about new choosing Magistrates. But Varro by the help of his friends was made Consul, and L. Aemilius his Colleague, the one rash and proud, who detracted from Fabius, the other grave and wise, to whom also Fabius gave wise counsel, instructing him about the manner of Hannibals fighting. These Consuls together with those of the last year marched with a great army of 80000 against Hannibal, whose forces were not much more then half so great. And at the first the Romans skirmishing with some of them that were gone out for booty, slue above 1000, not above 100 of them being slain, at which loss yet Hannibal was not much grieved, as thinking it would be an occasion to make his plot against the Romans, the better to take. He therefore caused his men to forsake their tents, as if they had run away and to hide themselves behind the mountains, that if the Romans should come to take the spoil, they might from thence be suddenly upon them and overcome them. Varro hearing of their departure would have presently gone with his army against their tents, but at that time he was stayed by Aemilius, who would needs first have certain horsemen sent out for more certain intelligence. Hannibal then seeing that his plot was discovered returned to his tents, and making fires removed again from thence in the night, leaving some few tents only standing, that the Romans being held with a suspicion of treachery might be kept from pursuing him, whilst he went into Apulia, to get prey for the sustenance of his army, being then in a great stright for want. The Romans after a while perceiving, that he was gone indeed, pursued him and found him near a Town called Cannae, having pitched his tents so, as that he had the advantage of the dust blown by the wind in the face of the enemy, and of the Sun dazzling their eyes. When they approached, he provoked them to fight by his Numidian horsemen, but that day Aemilius ruling, he would not begin to fight. The next day, Varro ruling, he without any consultation had with his Colleague prepares to fight, and so Aemilius must needs go with him. The battle was first begun by the horsemen, and the Numidians prevailed, then the foot joined battle, and Hannibals army being ordered so, that it comes out on both sides with horns like the Moon, soon enclosed the Romans, and overcame and slue them to the number of above 40000, and 3000 were taken prisoners. Aemilius also being first wounded and refusing to flee was slain, and the two Exconsuls, many Tributes, &c. but Varro with horsemen sled. This was he, who a lit • le before had bragged, that if Fabius had been there still▪ Hannibal would always have stickt to the ribs of Italy, but he would overcome him the first day, that he should come to the sight of him. When Varro had gathered together 10000 of the scattered army to him to Canusi • m, he cert • fied the Senate of the event. Then such fear came upon the whole City, as never did hitherto, for they thought that Hannibal would soon be at the gates of the City. And so indeed Adherbal one of the great Captains of the Carthaginians advised him to do, but when he refused, he told him, that he knew indeed, how to overcome, but not how to use the victory. The Senate then chose another Dictatour M. Junius, and a new General of the Horse, Sempronius, who renewed the army with all diligence, and took spoils formerly gotten out of the Temples to buy 8000 slaves also for the War, choosing rather to use them, then to redeem their captives, being by Hannibal offered: for they said, that they had no need of such men, as would be taken by the enemy, when they were armed, wherefore he put the Roman captives to death, and dismissed their social helps gratis. The Dictatour took up also 6000, who in divers places had been committed for great crimes, sparing their lives upon condition that they should go to this Warfare, and before they went there was according to their superstitious manner sacrificing of men to pacify the God's and severe punishments executed upon the Vestall Virgins, that were any way corrupted. Hannibal in the mean season went from one City to another, and took some and some yielded, but others stood out and were kept out of his hands. And to the Carthaginians he sent a messenger to declare his victory, and to ask more aid, and with him he sent a measure full of Gold Rings taken from the slain Romans, in token of his victory. Junius the Dictators army of 25000 being ready marched out of the City. And now Hannibal with his soldiers having lain in Capua all Winter, they degenerated so into tenderness, that at sundry skirmishes many of them were consumed, whereby it appeared, that pleasure and ease do soldiers more hurt then cold frosts and snows and hard travel: for after these in the Alps Hanibals men were invincible. But now Marcellus being sent to keep Nola, which was ready to fall away to the Carthaginians, Hannibal besieged him there, but Marcellus, when they had beset the City, went out suddenly upon them, and for that time being beaten back by a terrible storm, he went forth again the third day after, when he knew, that many of Hannibals soldiers were absent, and fought so fiercely against him, that he slue 1000 of his men, and took 1600 prisoners, and returned into the City, and then Hannibal was yet more weakened by the revolt of 1200 Numidians and Spaniards, from him to the Romans. Yet when he was sought to by the Samnites to come to Nola, he bragged that he would obscure the victory of Cannae with that, which he would win at Nola. And much more did the Scipioes in Spain, prevail in Hasdrubal, so that the Carthaginian affairs began now to decline greatly. The next year two great victories were gotten, the one against Hanno at Capua, by Sempronius, from whence he only escaped of all the army with 2000 men, all the rest being slain or taken, the other against Hannibal by Marcellus, near unto Nola, where were slain 1000, the getting of a greater victory being hindered by Nero, the Captain of the horse, who came not in to help the foot, as he was appointed. After this Hannibal having kept in his tents a day or two, departed towards Tarentum an haven Town, having great hope, to take it, because some of the chief had been with him a little before to invite him thither. But he was prevented by a Roman Garrison put in before his coming, so that he was constrained to go from thence without doing anything. The Numidians also now turned enemies to the Carthaginians, and joined with the Romans, their King associating with them. But the Tarentines soon after this revolted to Annibal, which was a beginning of divers victories to the Carthagininns, and overthrows to the Romans. The occasion was the cruelty used by the Romans against their hostages at Rome: for when they sought to escape away, they being taken being first beaten with rods were cast down headlong and slain. Thirteen therefore of the chief conspired to deliver the City into Hannibals hands, and wrought so cunningly to elude the Roman Governor and Garrison there, pretending to go forth only to hunt, that at length Hannibal get in and took it, but the Tower still held out a long time, yet at length Hannibal by craft took it, so Nauclerus; but according to Livy▪ the Tower held out till the coming of Levinus the Roman Consul who took Tarentum again, and so all Sicily soon yielded to the Romans. Whilst Hannibal took Tarentum, the Romans besieged Capua, a delectable City, and the next unto Rome in all Italy. The Capuans sent for Hannibal to come and raise the siege, this he attempted with all his might, but in vain, wherefore he removeth to Rome, thinking by this means to draw them away from Capua But the siege was continued still▪ and when the Roman Forces came forth to fight against the Carthaginians, such a tempest arose when both Armies were ready to join battle, that they were hereby hindered that day. The next day when they were ready to fight again, they were parted by another like sudden tempest. Hannibal seeing this said, sometime he had power to have taken Rome, but no mind, now he had a mind to it, but no opportunity; wherefore provision also being scant with him, he removed to the Brutians and Lucans, and left Rome. This the Capuans hearing, despaired of keeping their City any longer, and therefore yielded it to the Romans. But the chief of them fearing the Romans cruelty poisoned themselves.

About this time also Syracuse was taken by the Romans, wherein was Archimedes the Geometrician, who by his art had long defended the City, but then was slain, whilst that he not regarding the enemy breaking in, was busy in making lines upon the ground in the dust. About the same time also the Romans had wars with the Sardinians and subdued them, and with the Macedonians, by reason that Philip then King of Macedonia was confederated with Hannibal against them, when he heard of his great victory at Canne, whereby the Romans forces were so broken, that it was thought that the Carthaginians would now utterly subdue them, for hereupon many other places fell away from the Romans, amongst which Syracuse was one, with the King thereof, the son of Hiero, who had long lived a friend of theirs, and so died. But this King who fell away was soon slain, and Syracuse taken and spoiled, as hath been said, although five times as great as any other City except Rome, the spoils thereof equalling the spoils of Carthage, when it was afterwards destroyed. Things also succeeded well with the Romans in Spain, under the two Scipioes, Pub: and Cneius brothers. For they got many victories, but about the seventh or eighth year after their coming thither, they were both slain, one within a few days of another. For when the Carthaginians General Hasdruball perceived that the Romans were but few, and that their chief strength stood in the Celtebrians, he craftily drew them from the Romans to him, at which time the two Scipioes were in several places. And at the same time Masanissa King of the Numidians coming to help the Carthaginians with his Numidian horsemen, set upon the Romans with Pub. Scipio being in fight with another Army, and the Carthaginian Forces also came in, so that he had to fight with three Armies of his enemies at once, whereby he was soon oppressed and slain, and his Army seeing this fled, but being pursued sell in great multitudes, neither had any escaped but for the night coming on, which caused the enemy to retreat. The next morning early the Carthaginians hastened to Hasdruball, to go against Cn. Scipio, the Numidian horsemen came to him the same night, although he fearing this danger, made all the haste that he could away. And the next day two Armies more coming against him he was soon overcome and slain, but a great part of his Army by fleeing escaped. By this means the Roman affairs in Spain grew desperate. But Martius the son of Septimus a Roman Knight, who had long warred under Cn. Scipio, soon restored them again. For he gathered together the scattered forces of the Romans, and so made up an Army again, by withdrawing some also out of the Garrison Towns. Then understanding that Hasdrubal was at Iberus to destroy the remainder of the Romans there, he came upon him unawares, wondering how the Romans should have an Army and Captain again so soon, and put them to flight, and in the night following, he set upon their Tents in one place, for they pitched their Tents in two parts, the one six miles from the other, placing an ambush in the way between. Here the Carthaginians being taken asleep without any watch, were so slain and confounded, that they knew not what to do, such as could get away fled towards the other Campe, but the ambush cut them off by the way. The Romans then hastened to that Campe, being animated with such a victory, and there finding all secure, slue them likewise, and took many. Nauclerus saith there were 27000 slain and 800 taken. Thus they being brought low on both sides, were glad to rest for a time, till that the Senate hearing of the death of the two Scipioes, and after that none could be found that was willing to undertake that charge, appointed P. Cornelius, Scipioes son, who was then 24 years old unto it, who joyed the hearts of all men when he offered himself. He therefore being set forth with 10000 men went with 30 sails into Spain, & joined Martius his forces with them, whom he also used with all honor. He came then to Tarracon, and from thence to New Carthage in the midst of Spain, being the greatest City of importance in all the Kingdom, as a bounding with all manner of provision and munition. And to this City he no sooner came, but he overcame it the same day. For Hanno the Governor having placed forces in all parts where he thought any danger to be, set open the gates, and sent out an Army against the Romans Scipioes Army, for so he was also called. Pub. Corn. Scipio consisting of 25000 foot and 2000 horse, fought so valiantly that they beat the enemy back, and were even ready to enter the City with them retiring, but that Scipio caused a retreat to be sounded, whereby they were stayed. But presently he perceived such a fear to have surprised the Citizens all within, that he attempted it again, and whilst with some of his men he maintained the fight about the gates, he learning that the marrish which lay on one part of the City was dry and passable, went with the rest by that way, and scaled the walls unexpectedly, none resisting, and so took it, and Hanno, whom he sent to Rome, the Citizens he set at liberty, and shown himself such a pattern of courtesy and chastity, as that he was beloved and admired of all men. An ancient woman a Princesse making request unto him for his sons daughters committed to her keeping, he gave such a charge of them that they were kept safe from all injury. And a very beautiful young woman being presented to him, when she was taken, he by enquiring, learning that she was a Princes wife, sent for him, and restored her to him, and when her father being there with a great sum of gold to redeem her, saw it, he notwithstanding offered him the gold, but Scipio receiving it, called to him her husband again, and gave it all to him, whereupon his heart was so won, that he both most highly extolled him in all places, as being like unto the gods, and shortly after came unto him with 1400 horsemen to serve him. Scipio returned after this and the treasure sent to Rome, which he took in this Carthage to Farracon, and having spent the winter in reconciling the Spaniards minds unto him by restoring their pledges which he had taken in Carthage, the next spring he went out to fight against Hasdrubal. But he hearing of it, took the advantage of an hill, upon which he placed his Army, fearing upon equal terms to fight with Scipio. For now the Spaniards were by reason of the great humanity of Scipio alienated from him, being also weary of the Carthaginian tyranny. For when they had slain the two Scipioes the Father and Uncle of this man, making account that all Spain was now their own, they exacted tribute of them, and took for pledges the very wives and children of the chief. Hasdrubal therefore placed himself at that advantage, but Scipio having encouraged his men from the fear appearing in the enemy, set upon them and slue 8000 of them, and took 10000 foot and 2000 horse, but such amongst these as were Spaniards he dismissed gratis, the Carthaginian Captains were sold. After this the three great Captains of the Carthaginians meeting to consult, it was resolved amongst them that Asdrubal should go into Italy to Hannibal, carrying such Spanish forces as they had with him, lest they should revolt to the Romans, and the other Hasdrubal, the son of Guisco, and M • ago who had hitherto kept in the further parts of Spain should haften thither, and Massanissa King of the Numidians should abide with his 3000 horsemen in the higher parts to hold the Romans play.

Whilst these things were doing in Spain, Hannibal and Marcellus had another great battle in Italy, where at the first encounter there were of the Romans slain 2000. But Marcellus having by Oration stirred up his Soldiers to redeem their credit again, they were ready the next day to fight a second battle, and then there were slain of the Carthaginians 6000 men, which caused Hannibal to retire to another place. And thus with divers success the wars of Hannibal in Italy had continued 10 years, which made the people so weary, that many Collonies would pay no more money, but would have peace made with the Carthaginians, which much troubled the Senate, but that many more were willing to contribute and brought in great sums of money. Marcellus then being made Consul the fifth time, and Crispinus were appointed to go against Hannibal in Apulia. But as part of their Army came from Tarentum towards ths siege of Locri, Hannibal placing an ambush in the way, cut off 2000 of them, and took 1200, the rest fled back again to Tarentum. Moreover, he espying a certain hill betwixt his Tents and the Romans, which he thought not fit to set his whole Army upon, he sent some Numidiantroops of horsemen thither in the night, who keeping close, the two Consuls thought to go and view the hill, and to take it, before that Hannibals Forces should come at it. But going with 220 horsemen only, the Numidians were suddenly upon their backs, and slue Marcellus and wounded Crispinus, and put the rest to flight. Thus he that thought himself the only man able to deal with Hannibal, for want of providence was cut off, when he had so long been acquainted with Hannibals stratagems, but could never in all that time circumvent him. For Hannibal as a most wise Captain, was ever so wary that, as it became a General to do, he always kept himself so as that no unexpected danger could come upon him. But thus did not Marcellus, who also at this time had been warned by the South-sayers, and by dreams of this danger. Hannibal having gotten the corpse of Marcellus used it honourably, and being burnt, sent his ashes in a silver Urne crowned with gold, to his sons to be interred. Then the siege of Locri was soon dissolved, and Crispinus died of the wounds which he had received. The Roman Senate hearing of the death of their two Consuls, propounded Claudius Nero, and Livius Salinator to be chosen, as the fittest men which they had, one of these, that is, Livius, refused, because being Consul once before he tried the levity of the people, but at length he was persuaded to hold. Then was he sent against Hasdrubal who was now come over the Alps with a great Army to join with his brother Hannibal. But Nero against Hannibal, who had been foiled by Hostilius before his coming, and lost 4000 men. Not being far from the enemy helayed an ambush, and next day provoked Hannibal to fight, which he speedily did, but in the time of the battle the ambush arising, struck such terror into the Carthaginians, that they fled and were slain to the number of 8000, and 700 taken, after that in another skirmish he lest 2000. At what time Letters from Hasdrabal to Hannibal were intercepted and brought to the Consul, showing where he would meet him and the time. Therefore Nero choosing out 6000 foot and 1000 horse, hastens to the other Consul Livius to acquaint him with it, and to join those forces with his against Hasdrubal. And so they together encountering with him got a great victory, Hasdrubal himself also being unwilling to live after so great a loss, fighting valiantly amongst the thickest, was slain. The Carthaginians perishing in this fight were fifty thousand, of the Romans eight thousand, the prey taken very great, the news hereof coming to Hannibal, affected him with wonderful grief. For Nero bringing his brothers head away with him, cast it down in the sight of his African Captains, and set two of them at liberty to go and tell Harribal hereof. He then removed his tents to the Brutii in the uttermost parts of Italy. And the Romans hearing of it rejoiced exceedingly, and gave their God's thanks in all places. New Consuls were then made, as the old desired, Philo and Metellus, and were both sent against Hannibal. But for so much as Hannibal attempted nothing against the Romans that year; they passed their time in doing nothing memorable against him. The next year P. Cor. Scipio, having subdued Spain, returned to Rome, and was with great applause made Consul, that he might end the Wars with Hannibal in Italy, and so pass over into Africa to subdue Carthage. And therefore Sicily was assigned to him for his Province, from whence the passage was readiest to Africa, when he was come into Sicily, he being put in hope to gain the City Locri by certain workmen, that used to work there in the tower, sent with them two Tribunes of the people, and with them 3000 men, who being let in in the night began to kill the Garrison soldiers, but through the noise, that was made the rest being stirred up cried to arms and came in so great multitudes against the Romons, that they were in danger of being oppressed, but that a noise was heard out of the tower, as if it had been full of Romans, which made them remit off their fierceness, until that Amilcar came on the Carthaginians side, and Phoenicians on the Romans. Hannihal also came another way against them with his men, but Scipio hearing of the danger, wherein the Garrison was hastened from Sicily thither, and came upon the backs of Hannibals men, and the Locrians weary of the pride and covetousness of the Carthaginians revolted to Scipio, whereby the Carthaginians were soon over come, and were by Hannibal called back into their tents, and so the City came into the Romans hands again. After this a prophesy of Sybil coming forth, that if Idea, the mother of the God's were brought to Rome, they should be able to drive the foreign enemy out of Italy, Ambassadors were sent to Attalus King of Pergamos to fetch her, and by the way, the Oracle of Apollo being consulted with, he answered, that they must have a care to bring this Idea into the Worthyest man's house in Rome. Wherefore with great solemnity P. Scipio, the son of Cn. Scipio being judged the Worthyest, was required to meet the Idol, being then within • 0 miles of the City, together with a company of Matrons, who brought it by turns upon their shoulders all praying, as it entered, that it would willingly enter and be propitious unto them. But Corn. Scipio having once beaten Hannibal went with his army into Africa, which much terrified Carthage, and all the parts about. The Carthaginians therefore raise forces, shut up their gates, and place men upon the Walls. They also sent for King Syphax to Rome, and help them, and for Hanno, the one having 50000 foot, the other 30000 besides horsinen: but Massanissa King of the Numidians, with a few horsemen was for the Romans. Scipio then besieged Utica, but being too strong to be taken, he withdrew his army, and because Syphax had sometime tied himself to the Romans, he tried again to see, if he could win him. But Syphax would not upon any other conditions agree, but that a peace must be made between the Romans and Carthaginians, the Romans and their forces going out of Africa, and the Carthaginians out of Italy, each one leaving the other to enjoy the Countries now severally possessed by them. But Scipio understanding in the time of this parle, that the towers of Utica were made of wood, when the time of truce was over, caused them in divers parts in the night to be set on fire, placing his forces so, as that they might knock down such as fled, whereby it came to pass, that 40000 of the Carthaginians were slain, and 6000 taken prisoners, amongst whom were many Nobles and Senators. After this the Carthaginians sought peace again, but in the very time of the truce a Navy of theirs at Sea surprised certain ships of the Romans, whereby the peace w • s hindered, And finally, Hannibal coming, and at a place appointed, having conference with Scipio, so hard conditions were by him propounded, that to fighting they went again with all their power & skill, till the Carthaginians were quite overthrown and slain, or taken Hannibal only with a few escaping into the City. Syphax also was taken by Massanissa a King confederate with the Romans, he had been King of the Numidians, but whilst he was in Spain aiding the Romans, Syphax took his Kingdom away and added it to his own. This his wife hearing came and prostrtaed herself at his feet, craving his protection from the Romans, that she might not he brought into their power. Massanissa overcome with her entreaty and tears, seeing also her admitable beauty, fell in love with her, and consented conditionally that she would become his wife, which she did, but they enjoyed not one another long. For when Massanissa came to Scipio, he was by him so taxed for this, telling him that as she had drawn Syphax, so she would him from the Romans, unless be put her away again. Wherefore he sent by a trusty servant poison unto her, telling her, how the case stood, which she with an undaunred courage having taken died. Then Syphax with other principal prisoners were sent to Rome, with great treasures which were taken in Hannibals Tents. And Scipio prosecuting his victories prepared to besiege Carthage both by sea and by land. But 30 of the principal men of the City were sent out unto him in most submiss manner to sue again for peace, which Scipio fearing lest he should not finish his conquest of Carthage, being so large and strong, before the time of his Consulship was out, condescended unto, but whereas one of his conditions was to have Hannibal delivered alive unto him, it was answered that he was not in Africa, for he was gone with four horsemen only to Antiochus. Thus a peace was concluded after the wars begun, and continued by Hannibal in Italy 18 years upon most hard conditions, and a tribute of 200 Talents for 50 years, and many of their ships burnt in their sight. So Scipio returning to Rome held a most glorious triumph, being ever after called Scipio Africanus. But Hannibal coming to Antiochus the King of Syria, was at the first most joyfully received by him. But when he advised the King to make war against the Romans in Italy, offering to go thither with 100 ships and 10000 men, some of his great ones, lest Hannibal should have all the glory, dissuaded from it, and when Ambassadors from Rome came to Antiochus about peace, they cunningly had often conference with Hannibal to make him suspected by the King, which took so amongst his adversaries, that they hereupon brought him into suspicion indeed, and the King refused to follow his counsel, to his own great hurt. And then Hannibal fled to Prusia to the King of Bythinia, who had war with Eumenes, and after some battles fought between them, by the mediation of the Romans they were reconciled, and Hannibal was required to be delivered unto them, but he hearing this poisoned himself. And the same year died Scipio also in exile crying out upon his ungrateful Country, which did not give a Sepulcher unto him for all his conquests made for them. The occasion of his going into exile was, for that he was accused to have defrauded the State of the treasure which he took in Syria, when he overcame Antiochus, for this was by him so heinously taken, that he went voluntarily into exile, and there died.

To return now again to the King of Egypt, Ptolemy Philopater, he having reigned 17 years died, after a life most luxuriously led amongst harlots, of whom Agathocles was the chief and of greatest power, together with her brother Agathocles a fair young man, with the love of whom the King had been taken also. When the King was dead, Agathocles seasing upon his treasure was slain, and his whores were hanged, although not immediately, but in the first year of Ptolemy Epiphanes who succeeded Philopater his father in the Kingdom of Egypt, being but four years old. For Philopater being dead, Agathocles took the administration of the Kingdom upon him, as tutor to the young King, but Antiochus King of Syria, who had prepared an Host to come against Philopater, came therewith, he being now dead, against his son, and joining with Philip King of Macedonia, they thought together to take the Kingdom of Egypt, and to divide it between them. But the people rising against Agathocles slue him, and put the women to death, who by reason of their alliance to him and to the King, took any authority upon them, both Agathoclea the mother of Ptolemy Epiphanes, and her mother, and all the cognation. Then an Embassage was sent to the Romans, desiring them to take the Orphan King into their protection, which they readily did, and sent Ambassadors to the two Kings, requiring them to abstain from the Kingdom of Egypt, and M. Lepidus to be tutor to the young King. But the Embassage being despised, Antiochus went on, and took Phoenicia belonging to Egypt. And then saith Jerome, Judea being between the Forces of Antiochus and the Captains of Ptolemy, was divided, some taking part with Antiochus and some with Ptolemy. Then Onias the High-priest with many Jews went down into Egypt, and being well received, had Heliopolis granted unto them, and there he built a Temple, Next unto Phoenicia Antiochus took Coelosyria, then Ptolemy sent out Scipa with a great Army against him, who was overcome, and thereupon the Jews in Jerusalem revolted all to Antiochus, receiving him into their City, and helping him to win the tower, which was still held by the Egyptians, for which he gave them thanks. All this while the Romans were in war with Philip of Macedon, with whom they begun, the rather because he had formerly been in league with Hannibal against them. But at length he being overcome, and seeking peace with the Romans and obtaining it, Antiochus sent an embassage to them also to show that he was now about to make peace with Ptolemy, and to give him his daughter Cleopatra to wife, and to restore unto him all the Provinces which he had taken from him. And accordingly this contract was made with him the seventh year of Ptolomees reign, and accomplisht, Anno 13.

To return again to the Romans, peace was no sooner made with the Carthaginians, then they began a War against Philip the King of Macedonia, which was called the Philippick War, when Sulpitius and Aurelius were Consuls. The cause, as hath been already touched, was, for that Philip entered into a league with Hannibal, when he was in Italy, hoping by his help to subdue the Romans, and not to be subject to them, as in times past the Macedonians were not subject to any, but extended their Dominion far and wide over all others. When this War was propounded by the Senate, and the question was put to the people, they by their Tribune cried out against it, desiring now at length after so much War, to live in peace. But Sulpitius who was to be over this War, consulted with the gods, and had answer that it should succeed well, wherefore by an Oration he moved the people, showing them great and weighty reasons of it, and so prevailed with them. But whilst these things were in agitation, and prayers were made for their good success, news suddenly came, that the French under Amilcar, to the number of 40000, had come and taken Placentia, and were marched to Cremona, wherefore Aurelius with his Army was sent against them, and his Army going before, joining with L. Lucius, whose forces were 5000, he with them to the offense of the Consul before his coming, being provoked by the French, greedy of battle, fought with them and overcame them, slaying and taking 35000, together with Amilcar himself, and three other great Captains who then perished. Sulpitius the other Consul in the mean season sailed into Macedonia, and because winter was then beginning, he did nothing till the spring following, but upon a Petition made unto him by the Athenian Ambassadors, whose City was then in danger to be besieged by King Philip, he sent unto him to will him to refrain from the Cities of Greece and Ptolomees Kingdom, and to submit himself to the judgment of the Senate for wrongs done unto the Rhodes, or else the Romans would make war upon him. Philip answered, that he wished that the Romans would not break their Covenant with him, and if they did, he would prepare valiantly to resist them. Upon this answer they prepared on both sides to the war, but Philip being divers times overcome, when he had sometimes before sought peace in vain, because he would not agree to the terms of the Roman Consul, at length sought peace, submitting himself to such terms as were propounded and obtained it. Then all the States in Greece, before held under by him, were set at liberty, which did strike them into a strange admiration and applause of the Romans virtue. Then Ambassadors were sent to Antiochus King of Syria. to make friendship with him, if he would also permit the Greek Cities under his dominion to be free. About which there was much and long disputation sundry times, till at length both he prepared to fight against the