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第276章

the antiquities of the jews-1-第276章

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very old age。 But then; as to the affairs of his family and
children; in which indeed; according to his own opinion; he was
also very fortunate; because he was able to conquer his enemies;
yet; in my opinion; he was herein very unfortunate。

2。 But then Salome and Alexas; before the king's death was made
known; dismissed those that were shut up in the hippodrome; and
told them that the king ordered them to go away to their own
lands; and take care of their own affairs; which was esteemed by
the nation a great benefit。 And now the king's death was made
public; when Salome and Alexas gathered the soldiery together in
the amphitheater at Jericho; and the first thing they did was;
they read Herod's letter; written to the soldiery; thanking them
for their fidelity and good…will to him; and exhorting them to
afford his son Archelaus; whom he had appointed for their king;
like fidelity and good…will。 After which Ptolemy; who had the
king's seal intrusted to him; read the king's testament; which
was to be of force no otherwise than as it should stand when
Caesar had inspected it; so there was presently an acclamation
made to Archelaus; as king; and the soldiers came by bands; and
their commanders with them; and promised the same good…will to
him; and readiness to serve him; which they had exhibited to
Herod; and they prayed God to be assistant to him。

3。 After this was over; they prepared for his funeral; it being
Archelaus's care that the procession to his father's sepulcher
should be very sumptuous。 Accordingly; he brought out all his
ornaments to adorn the pomp of the funeral。 The body was carried
upon a golden bier; embroidered with very precious stones of
great variety; and it was covered over with purple; as well as
the body itself; he had a diadem upon his head; and above it a
crown of gold: he also had a scepter in his right hand。 About the
bier were his sons and his numerous relations; next to these was
the soldiery; distinguished according to their several countries
and denominations; and they were put into the following order:
First of all went his guards; then the band of Thracians; and
after them the Germans; and next the band of Galatians; every one
in their habiliments of war; and behind these marched the whole
army in the same manner as they used to go out to war; and as
they used to be put in array by their muster…masters and
centurions; these were followed by five hundred of his domestics
carrying spices。 So they went eight furlongs (12) to Herodium;
for there by his own command he was to be buried。 And thus did
Herod end his life。

4。 Now Archelaus paid him so much respect; as to continue his
mourning till the seventh day; for so many days are appointed for
it by the law of our fathers。 And when he had given a treat to
the multitude; and left off his motoring; he went up into the
temple; he had also acclamations and praises given him; which way
soever he went; every one striving with the rest who should
appear to use the loudest acclamations。 So he ascended a high
elevation made for him; and took his seat; in a throne made of
gold; and spake kindly to the multitude; and declared with what
joy he received their acclamations; and the marks of the
good…will they showed to him; and returned them thanks that they
did not remember the injuries his father had done them to his
disadvantage; and promised them he would endeavor not to be
behindhand with them in rewarding their alacrity in his service;
after a suitable manner; but that he should abstain at present
from the name of king; and that he should have the honor of that
dignity; if Caesar should confirm and settle that testament which
his father had made; and that it was on this account; that when
the army would have put the diadem on him at Jericho; he would
not accept of that honor; which is usually so much desired;
because it was not yet evident that he who was to be principally
concerned in bestowing it would give it him; although; by his
acceptance of the government; he should not want the ability of
rewarding their kindness to him and that it should be his
endeavor; as to all things wherein they were concerned; to prove
in every respect better than his father。 Whereupon the multitude;
as it is usual with them; supposed that the first days of those
that enter upon such governments declare the intentions of those
that accept them; and so by how much Archelaus spake the more
gently and civilly to them; by so much did they more highly
commend him; and made application to him for the grant of what
they desired。 Some made a clamor that he would ease them of some
of their annual payments; but others desired him to release those
that were put into prison by Herod; who were many; and had been
put there at several times; others of them required that he would
take away those taxes which had been severely laid upon what was
publicly sold and bought。 So Archelaus contradicted them in
nothing; since he pretended to do all things so as to get the
good…will of the multitude to him; as looking upon that good…will
to be a great step towards his preservation of the government。
Hereupon he went and offered sacrifice to God; and then betook
himself to feast with his friends。

CHAPTER 9。

How The People Raised A Sedition Against Archelaus; And How He
Sailed To Rome。

1。 At this time also it was that some of the Jews got together
out of a desire of innovation。 They lamented Matthias; and those
that were slain with him by Herod; who had not any respect paid
them by a funeral mourning; out of the fear men were in of that
man; they were those who had been condemned for pulling down the
golden eagle。 The people made a great clamor and lamentation
hereupon; and cast out some reproaches against the king also; as
if that tended to alleviate the miseries of the deceased。 The
people assembled together; and desired of Archelaus; that; in way
of revenge on their account; he would inflict punishment on those
who had been honored by Herod; and that; in the first and
principal place; he would deprive that high priest whom Herod had
made; and would choose one more agreeable to the law; and of
greater purity; to officiate as high priest。 This was granted by
Archelaus; although he was mightily offended at their
importunity; because he proposed to himself to go to Rome
immediately to look after Caesar's determination about him。
However; he sent the general of his forces to use persuasions;
and to tell them that the death which was inflicted on their
friends was according to the law; and to represent to them that
their petitions about these things were carried to a great height
of injury to him; that the time was not now proper for such
petitions; but required their unanimity until such time as he
should be established in the government by the consent of Caesar;
and should then be come back to them; for that he would then
consult with them in common concerning the purport of their
petitions; but that they ought at present to be quiet; lest they
should seem seditious persons。

2。 So when the king had suggested these things; and instructed
his general in what he was to say; be sent him away to the
people; but they made a clamor; and would not give him leave to
speak; and put him in danger of his life; and as many more as
were desirous to venture upon saying openly any thing which might
reduce them to a sober mind; and prevent their going on in their
present courses; because they had more concern to have all their
own wills performed than to yield obedience to their governors;
thinking it to be a thing insufferable; that; while Herod was
alive; they should lose those that were most dear to them; and
that when he was dead; they could not get the actors to be
punished。 So they went on with their designs after a violent
manner; and thought all to be lawful and right which tended to
please them; and being unskillful in foreseeing what dangers they
incurred; and when they had suspicion of such a thing; yet did
the present pleasure they took in the punishment of those they
deemed their enemies overweigh all such considerations; and
although Archelaus sent many to speak to them; yet t

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