HEROD, sirnamed the Great, Herods Pe­digree. was the Son of Antipas, or Antipater, an Idumaean, a prime man both for birth, and wealth amongst them: His mothers name was Cyprus, born at an eminent place amongst the Arabians, so that when this Herod acquired the King­dome of Judea, that Prophesie of old Jacob was fulfilled, Gen. 49.10. The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Law-giver from between his feet, until Shiloh come.

This Antipater, riding his circuit about the Province of Judea, whereof Julius Caesar had made him Governour, repressed them who were desirous of innovation, both by threats, and counsell; telling them, that if they would be content with their Prince Hyrcanus (whom Caesar also had confirmed in the High-Priesthood) they might live happily in their own possessions: but if they promised them­selves new hopes, and thought that they should gain much by innovations, they should have him a Master in­stead of a Governour, and Hyrcanus a Tyrant instead of a King: and Caesar, and the Romans bitter enemies instead of Princes; for that they would by no means suffer any [Page 2] thing to be altered, from what they had settled. But An­tipater perceiving Hyrcanus to be dull, and idle, he settled the state of the Province as himself pleased, making his elder son, Phasaelus, Governour of Jerusalem, and the Countries adjoyning: and to Herod his second son, being then a very young man,Herod is made Go­vernour of Galilee. he committed the care of Galilee.

Herod being Praefect of Galilee, there was one Esekias, a Jew, who associating to himself many other lewd per­sons, exercised thievery, and used to make incursions in­to Syria in Troops: These Herod pursued, and having ta­ken Esekias, he put him to Death, He puts Esekias to death.which fact of his gat him much [...]vour with the Syrians, which Province also was then und [...]r his Government.

The violence, and bold nature of Herod, who was desi­rous of the Tyranny, much terrified the Princes of the Jews, wherefore they addressed themselves to Hyrcanus, and ope [...] accused Antipater; but especially they com­plained of Herod for that h [...] had put to Death Esekias, with many others, without any Commission from Hyrcanus, in contempt of their Laws, by which, no man ought to suffer, though never so wicked, unless he were first con­demned by the Judges. The Mothers also of them that were killed, ceased not daily in the Temple to weary both the King and the people with their continuall [...]xcla­mations, desiring that Herod might be made to give an account of these his doings before the Sanhedrim He is ci­ted before the Sanhe­drim. whereupon Hyrcanus moved herewith commanded H [...]rod to be called before the Councell, an [...] to plead his own cause.

Herod having ordered the affairs of Galilee as he thought best for his own advantage, being forewarned by his Father that he should not come into the Councell as a Private per­son, he took with him a moderate, but yet a sufficient Guard: not too great, least he should terrifie Hyrc [...]nus, nor too little, lest he should expose him [...]lf to danger from the Judgement. When Herod therefore presented himself before the Sanhedrim in his royall robes,Appears with a Guard. and his Guard in armes, they were all astonished, neither durst any one of them that accused him in his absence, now [Page 3] speak a word against him; but all of them kept silence, not knowing what to do. Then one of the Councell, called Sameas, a just man,Sameas his boldness. being not at all distracted with fear, rose up, and not only accused Herod of presumption and violence, but laid the fault upon the Judges, and King himself who had granted him so great a liberty, and told them, that afterwards,A predi­ction. by the just Judgement of God they should be punished by Herod himself; and the event made him a true Prophet. For the Judges of that Councel, and Hyrcanus himself were afterwards put to death by Herod when he came to be King. But Hyrcanus perceiving that the Judges were inclining to pass sentence of Death upon Herod, put off the business till the n [...]xt day, and privately advised him to shift for himself, and so he de­parted to Damascus as if he fled from the King,Herod flies and present­ing himself before Sextus Caesar, and having secured his own affairs, he professed openly,Refused to appear when a­gain cited that if he were again ci­ted by the Judges he would not appear, which they took in great disdain, and endeavoured to perswade Hyrcanus that all these things tended to his destruction.

Herod to increase his power, gave a great summe of money to Sextus Caesar, who thereupon made him Gover­nour of Caelosyria: He,Is made Gover­nour of Caelosyria. being elated with this advance­ment, and taking it impatiently that he had been called before the Councel, raised an Army, and went against Hy [...]canus: But his Father Antipater, and Brother Phasaelus meeting him, by their intreaties prevailed that he should not go against Jerusalem, but be content to have affright­ed them, adding that it would be dishonourable for him if he should attempt any thing further against him that had advanced him to his dignity; hereupon he desisted, judg­ing it sufficient for his future hopes that he had shewed to that Nation of what power he was.

[...]assius and Marcus, two R [...]man Generals, coming in­to Syria, after the death of Julius Caesar, Is con­firmed in it. confirmed Herod in his Government of Caelosyria, and delivered to him great forces both of horse and foot, and ships at Sea, promi­sing him also the Kingdome of Judea, after the war [Page 4] should be ended which they were waging with M. Antho­ny, and young Caesar.

Not long after Antipater (the Father of Herod) was Feasted at Hyrcanus his house, at which time, one Mali­chus corrupting the Kings Butler, poysoned Antipater, Antipater poisoned. and presently raising a band of Souldiers, seized upon the Governmen of the City of Jerusalem. Phasaelus and He­rod being grievously offended hereat, charged Malichus with their Fathers death, which he stifly denied: But He­rod had a great mind presently to revenge the murther, and to raise an Army for that purpose, had not Phasaelus interposed, who ju [...]ged it more meet to circumvent Ma­lichus by Policy, least they should seem to be the beginners of a civil war, and accordingly Ph [...]aelus made as though he accepted of M [...]lichus his justification, and believed that he was not guilty of his Fathers Death, and so busied himself in building a stately Monument for him.

In the mean while Herod coming to Samaria, and find­ing it in a desperate estate by reason of their Civil dissen­tions, he appeased the discords amongst the Inhabitants and restored it to peace: and not long after, the Feast of Penticost approaching,Herod goes to Jerusalem he went to Jerusalem accompanied with some souldiers, of whom Malichus being affraid, per­swaded Hyrcanus not to suffer him to enter, which Hyrcanus accordingly did, alleadging that amongst the holy People that came to the Feast, it was not lawfull to bring in a mixt multitude of prophane men. But Herod making small account of the prohibition, entred the City by night, and thereby mightily terrified Malichus; who, thereup­on, according to his wonted dissimulations, openly be­wailed with tears the Death of Antipater, as of his dear Friend: And it was judged meet by Herods Friends, that he should take no notice of this dissimulation, but courte­ously again intertain Malichus.

He is ex­cited to revenge his Fa­thers death. Herod by letters certified Cassius of his Fathers death, who very well knowing the temper of Malichus, wrote back unto Herod to revenge the same, and secretly also gave order to the Tribunes that were at Tyre to be aiding [Page 5] to Herod in his so just undertaking.

Cassius afterward having taken the City of Laodicea, Gover­nours came from every place, bringing Crowns and Presents, to him: and here Herod, expecting that Malichus should doe the like, intended to have him punished for the Mur­ther of his Father: But Malichus had another design on foot, purposing, that whilest Cassius was busie in prosecu­ting the warre against M. Anthony, to stir up the Nation of the Jews to revolt from the Romans, and to depose Hyr­canus, and get the Kingdome to himself; But Herod being Politick and understanding of the treachery, invited him and Hyrcanus, with some other of their companions to supper: At which time he sent one of his servants, under pretence of providing for the Banquet, whereas indeed he sent him to the Tribunes to desire them to set upon Mali­chus, with their weapons, who being mindfull of the Com­mands of Cassius, finding Malichus, they ra [...]m through, and slew him, at which Hyrcanus being astonished,Malchus slain. fell into a swoun, and being scarcely come to himself, he ask­ed who had slain Malichus, and when one of the Tribunes answered that it was done by the command of Cassius, he said, Truly Cassius hath preserved me and my Country, in kil­ing him who was a Traitor to both; but whether herein he spake as he thought, or that through fear only he seemed to approve the fact, is uncertain.

After Cassius was gon out of Syria, A sedition at Jerusa­lem. there arose a sedition at Jerusalem. For Paelix, who was left there by C [...]ssius with souldiers, in revenge of the death of Malichus, set upon Phasaelus, and the people betook themselves to their Armes. At which time Herod was with Fabius, the Governour of Damascus, and had a mind to help his Brother, but was hindered by a sudden sickness: Yet did Phasaelus get the better of Faelix, forcing him into the Town, and after­wards agreeing upon quarter, suffered him to go out: But he was very angry with Hyrcanus, that after the receipt of so many favours from him, he yet favoured F [...]elix, and suffered the Brother of Malichus to seize upon some Ca­stles, and amongst the rest, of the Castle of Massada, which [Page 6] was a most strong piece.

Herods Valour.As soone as Herod was recovered, he went against the Bro­ther of Malichus, and took from him all the Castles that he had seized upon, and Massada also, where he took him Prisoner, yet afterwards set him at liberty upon composi­tion. He also recovered three Castles that were seized upon by Masion, the Tyrant of the Tyrians in Galilee, but gave Quarter to all the Souldiers, and sent them home well rewarded, by which means he procured the love of the Citizens,His Policy but he greater hatred of the Tyrant.

Shortly after Antigonus, the son of Aristobulus, Brother to Hyrcanus, invaded Judaea, being assisted by Ptolomei, the son of Menaeus, and Fabius the Governor of Damascus, and Masion, the Tyrant of the Tyrians, who adhered to him for the hatred that he bore to Herod, whom Herod meeting, when they had scarce entred the borders of Judea, overcame t [...] in Battell,He over­comes An­tigonus. and drave them thence, where­upon Hyrcanus honoured him with Crowns, as soone as he returned to Jerusalem: For he was already accounted as one of the Family of Hyrcanus, being to marry Mariamn [...], or Mary, the daughter of Alexander, the son of Aristobulus, the Brother of Hyrcanus, and of Alexandra, the daughter of Hyrcanus.

M. Anthony having overcome Brutus and Cassius, there met him Ambassies from all Nations in Bythinia, and amongst the rest, some of the Rulers of the Jews, to accuse Phasaelus, and Herod, alleadging that Hircanus ruled only in shew, but in truth, all the power was in the two Bro­thers: Yet Anthony highly honoured Herod, who was come thither to wipe off all those objections, whereby it came to passe that his adversaries were not so much as ad­mitted to speak with Anthony: and this Herod had obtain­ed by his Bribes.

Yet not long after there came an hundred of the most ho­nourable amongst the Jews to Daphne, near Antioch in Sy­ria, to Anthony, Herod ac­cused to Anthony. to accuse Phaesaelus and Herod, having chosen out of their whole number the most Eloquent, to mannage their business: But Mess [...]la undertook the de­fence [Page 7] of the two Brothers,Herod ac­cused to Anthony. with whom also Hyrcanus join­ed, who had betrothed his Grand-daughter to Herod. Both parties being heard, Anthony asked Hyrcanus whether of the two parties were fittest to Govern a Commonwealth? who speaking for the young men,But ac­quitted. Anthony that loved them for their Fathers sake, his old Friend, he made [...]hem both Tetraerchs, leaving to them the Government of all Judaea, writing his letters to the same purp [...]se, and clapped fifteen of their Adversaries into prison, and would have put them to death, had not Herod intreated for them. But when the People did nothing but ran upon Herod, Anthony in displea­sure slew them all.

Antig [...]nus the Son of A [...]st [...]bulus hired the Parthians to tran [...] ate the King [...]ome from Hyrc [...]nus to himself and to kill [...], who c [...]ming along with him, and some Jews also joining themselves to him, he came to Jerusalem, and they set upon the Kings House:War be­tween An­tigonus and Herod. But Phasaelus and Herod defended it against them; and in the Market place, over­comming them in a fight, forced them to fly into the Temple, where they shut them in, and placed sixty men in some adjoyning houses to prevent their flight: but the people having the two Brethren set fire on those Houses, and burnt the men in them, which so enraged Herod that he slew many of the people: and each laying wait for the other, ev [...]ry day some were murdered.

The day of Pent [...]c [...]st being come, many thousands of men, as well armed as unarmed gathered together about the Temple from all parts of the Country,Herod prevails. and seized upon the Temple, and City, all but the Kings House, which He­rod kept w [...]th a few souldiers, as Ph [...]selus did the walls. These brothers assisting each other, assaulted their ene­mies, in the suburbs forced many thousands of them to fly, some into the City, and some into the Temple, and others into a rampire that was near the City.

Hereupon Antigonus desired that P [...]c rus, the G [...]erall of the P [...]thians might be admitted to make peace be­tween them:The Parthians falshood. which Phasaelus assented to▪ and Pacorus perswaded him to go with him as an Ambassador to Bar­zapharnes [Page 8] (an other Generall of the Parthians) laying an ambush for him by the way: Phasaelus assented, though much against the mind of his Brother Herod, and was wil­ling to go with Pac [...]ru [...], and took Hyrcanus along with him. Pac [...]rus leaving two hundred Horsemen with Herod, and ten whom they called El [...]utheri, went along with the Ambassadors. And as soone as they were come into Ga­lile, Barzapharnes entertained them with a cheerefull coun­tenance, and bestowed gifts upon them, but watched an opportunity to intrap them: and so Phasaelus was brought with his company to a place near the Sea side called Ec­dippon; where Ophellus, a rich S [...]ri [...]. understanding of the treachery intended against them, offered Ph [...]sae [...]us some ships to carry him away: But he unwilling to leave Hyrcanus, and his Brother Her [...] in danger, expostulated with Barzapharnes about the injury offered to [...]m who were Ambassadors, who swore that these thing [...] were not true, and presently went to Pac [...]us.

No sooner was he gon, but Hyrcanus and P [...]lu [...] were clapped up in Prison, much detesting the perf dious­ness of the Parthians: and an Eunuch also was sent to He­rod with a command to surprize him if he could get him out of Jerusalem. Herod flies from Je­rusalem. Herod having intelligence what had happened to his Brother, taking with him such forces as he had in readiness, and his Mother Cybele, his sister Sa­lome, his wife Mariamne, and his wives Mother Alexan­dra, the daughter of Hyrcanus, and his youngest Brother Pheroras, with their servants, he privately by night took his flight into Idumaea.

In their journey, his Mother, by the overthrow of her Coach, was in great danger of death, and Herod, fearing least the enemies should overtake them whilest they stayed there, drew forth his sword, thinking to kill himself:He would have kil­led him­self. But being restrained by those which stood by, he went to­wards Massada, a very strong place, which is seated in Arabia, and Palestine, by the nearest way that he could possible: The Parthians first, and also the Jews pursuing him by that he was sixty furlongs from the City, but he [Page 9] repelled them both in fight.

The next day after Herod had fled from Jerusalem, the Parthians plundered the City, and the Kings house;Jerusalem plunder­ed. only the Treasure of Hyrcanus which was three hundred Ta­lents, remained untouched. A great part also of Herods substance which he had not carried away with him, they siezed upon; and not satisfied therewith, they har­rassed all the the Country also, and rased the rich City of Marissa.

Antig nus being thus settled in Judaea by the Parthians, Antigonus made King of the Jews. he received into his Custody Hy canus, and Phasae [...]us, who were prisoners: yet he was much grieved that the women were got away, whom he had intended to deliver to the Pa [...]th [...], tog ther with the money which he had promi­sed to gave them. Being afraid also least Hyrcanus should ag [...]in [...] the favour of the people be restored to his King­dome and Priesthood, he cut off his eares,Cuts off Hyrcanus ears. thereby ren­dering him unfit for the Priesthood, the Law forbiding that any one who wanted a member should approach to the Altar. Lev. 21.17, &c.

Phasaelus knowing that his death was determined,Phasaelus kills him­self. sought to lay violent hands upon himself, but being hindred by reason of his chains, he dashed out his brains against a stone: Yet before he was quite dead, hearing by a wo­man that his Brother Her [...]d was escaped, he greatly rejoy­ced that there was one left to revenge his death. The Par­thians, though they missed of the women, which they most of all desired, yet having settled all things at Jerusa­lem with Antigonus, when they departed, took Hyrcanus along with them Prisoner into Parthia.

Herod not hearing of his Brother Phasaelus his death,Herod flees to Malchus King of Arabia. went to M [...]lchus, the King of the Arabians [Nabathaeans] who were obliged to him by many favours he had done them, purposing so soone as possiblely he could to redeem his Brother for three hundred Talents from the enemy: For which cause he carried along with him young Phasaelus, his Brothers Son, about seven years old, to leave him for a pledge with the Arabians: But there met him some that [Page 10] were sent from Malchus, Is rejected by him. to command him to depart from the bounds of his Kingdome, for so the Parthians had required: Yet he pretended that he did it by the re­quest of his Noble men, purposing to cozen him of that great treasure which his Father Antipater had committed to his trust. Herod taking this very heavily, turned aside in­to a certain Temple, where he had left many of his follow­ers: but the next day, when he came to Rhinocorura he heard of his Brothers death.

Malchus, upon second thoughts, repenting of his ingra­titude, sent in all hast after Herod: but the messengers could not overtake him: for he was gon farre on his jour­ney towards Pelusium, Herod goes into E­gypt. where the Marriners that were sai­ling to Alexandria, refused to take him in. There, by the Magistrates of the City he was honourably intertain­ed, and brought to Cle [...]patra, the Queen, who could not prevail with him to stay at that time, because he was hastening to Rome, From thence in­to Italy. though the sea was very tempestuous, and as then the affairs in Italy were in no very good condi­tion. As he sailed from A [...]exandria towards Phamphilia he met with a very great storm, which made him cast overboard much of his substance, and scarcely got he to Rhodes.

He comes to Rhodes.At Rhodes two of his greatest friends met him, Sappinas, and Ptolomaeus, and finding that the City had suffered much in the warre against Cassius, he could not be restrained, no not by his present poverty, but that he would do some­thing for it, even beyond his ability: After which he cau­sed a Frigot to be built, and embarking himself with his Friends in it,So into Italy. he arrived at Brundusium in Italy, and from thence went to Rome, declaring unto M. Anthony those things that had happened to himself and his Family, and that thorough many tempests, and dangers he had retired unto him,Anthony favours him. as his onely refuge, in whom all his hope lay.

This Narration moved compassion in Anthony; re­membring also his Fathers friendship towards him, but that which prevailed most, was the promise of a great sum of mony if he would help him to the Kingdome: Anthony [Page 11] also hated Antigonus as a man of a turbulent spirit, and an enemy to the Romans. Caesar And Cae­sar. also partly for that Antipater [Herods Father] had been fellow souldier with his Father in Aegypt, and for other curtesies which he had shewed him, and partly to gratifie Anthony, whom he saw to be well affected to Herod, was willing to promote his de­signs: whereupon the Senate being assembled, Messala, and Atpatinus, brought in Herod, and after they had prais­ed him, reckoning up the love, and services that both he, and his Father had done for the Romans, and accusing An­tigonus both for former crimes, and for that newly he had received the Kingdome of the Jews from the Parthians in contempt of the Romans: and when Anthony also had de­clared to the Senate how much conducing it was to the P [...]rthian warre, then in hand, that Herod should be made King: Antigonus was declared an enemy,The Se­nate make him King. and the Kingly Title was devolved upon Herod by their genearll suf­frage.

Whilest these things were transacting at Rome, Ventidi­us, the Roman Generall easiely recovered Palestine, Antigo­nus, the King thereof, being much afraid of him, and he exacted great sums of mony from all men, but especially from Antigonus, Herods Fa­mily be­sieged. who in Herods absence had besieged his Family in Massa [...]a, which place, though it abounded with all other kinds of provision, yet it wanted water, so that Joseph, Herods Brother, who commanded in chief there, with two hundred of his friends intended to fly to the Arabians; for that he heard that Malchus now re­pented him of his former ingratitude towards Herod: But the very night a great shore of rain falling filled their ci­sterns, which made him chan [...]e his purpose,A special provi­dence. and the next morning, making a ga [...]lant salley forth, they killed many of Antigonus his men.

Ventidius encamped near to Jerusalem, and drew from Antigonus a sufficient sum of money, and to the intent that his fraudulent dealing should not be discovered, he left one Silo there, with part of his forces, under a pretence of helping Joseph, who also was to be feed by Antigonus, lest [Page 12] he should raise him some new troubles; which Antigonus submitted to, hoping that the Parthians would shortly come to his aid.

After the Senate was dismissed, Anthony, and Caesar went out, leading Herod betwe n them, who was also accompa­nied with the Consuls, and other Magistrates, and so they went all together up into the Cap t [...]l, to sacrifice to the Gods, and to place there the D [...] [...]e of the Senate: and the new King, the first day of hi [...] [...] was Feasted by Antho­ny, He re­turns home­ward. and within seven d [...]ys [...] h [...] was by Anthony dismis­sed out of It [...]y, honoured [...] u [...]xpected felicity.

Shortly after Anthon [...] being to go [...] the Parthian War, had all his Acts, as well past as to [...], confirmed by the Senate, whereupon he sent to some Kings by his own au­thority to pay certain Tribute [...] to him,Herods Kingdom enlarged. and he ma [...]e Herod King both of the I [...]um [...], and Sam [...]i [...].

Herod being returned out of Italy to Pt [...]e [...]ais, quickly gathered store of Souldiers, both of such as he hired, as also of his own Countrymen, p [...]lling through Galile against Antig [...]nus: being aided by Si [...], and V [...]dius, who were comman [...]e [...] by [...] to conduct him into his Kin dom; and as he w [...]nt on, his forces daily increased, and all Galile, except a [...]ew, fi [...]ed with him.

As H [...] was marching towards Mass [...], where he was necessarily to relieve hi [...] Kindred, J [...]ppi would not let him pass, wherefore he was to reduce it, lest he should leave so strong a place behind him in his passage to Jerusalem: which occasion Si [...] taking hold on (for he was not yet come to H ro [...]) dislodged hi [...] Army from about Jerusalem, whom the Jews pu [...]su [...],Herod re­lieves Silo. but Her [...] meeting him with a small party s [...]ve [...] Sil [...], who [...]ought very cowar [...]ly.

After he had taken J [...]p [...], He takes Joppa. he hasted to Mass [...]da to raise the siege, and his Army encreased dayly, many of the Country people joyning with him: and having relieved his friends in M [...]sa [...], Besieges Jerusalem. he hasted towards Jerusalem; and though Antig [...]us had laid ambushments for him in divers places, yet he drew near to the City, Silo following and the Jews being terrified with his power. When he had en­camped [Page 13] on the West side of the City, they upon the walls shot at him with darts and arrowes: others also sallying out in Troops, beat up some of his quarters. Then did He­rod by an Herald proclaim round about the Walls, that he came for the publick good, and to preserve the City from ruine, and withall, he promised pardon for all former a­ctings. On the other side Antigonus, directing his speech to Silo, and the Romans, told them, that it was unjustly done of the Senate to give the Kingdom to Herod, a private man, and an Idumae [...], and so but an half-Jew, whereas by custom it was to be given to one of the High-Priests line. His men also shooting valiantly from the Towers, drave the enemy from the walls: and Silo (who was beforehand bribed by Antigonus) suborned some of his Souldiers to demand of Her [...]d more provisions, and larger pay, and to be with­drawn into commodious winter-quarters. The Army be­ing thus troubled, and begining to dislodg, Herod intreated the Captains, and Souldiers of Silo's Army, that they would not now forsake him, he being sent both by Anthony, Caesar, and the Senate, to take possession of the Kingdom; and withall he sent into all the Country, and brought in such store of provisions, that there was no occasion for Sil [...], and his Army to complain. He commanded his Friends also that inhabited about Samaria, that they should bring to Je­richo Corn, Wine, Oyl, Cattle, and other necessaries, that the Souldiers for the future might have plenty.

Antigonus having intelligence hereof, sent forth some to intercept the victualers: but Herod taking with him some Cohorts, viz. five of the R mans, and as many of the Jews, with some forreign Souldiers, and a few Horse mixed with them,Herod takes Jericho. flew out to Jeric [...] and found the City forsaken of the Inhabitants, and five hundred Families of them were fled to the tops of the Hills, whom h [...] took, and dismissed in safety: But the Romans entring the City, plundered it, where they found all sorts of preciou [...] movables. H [...]od leaving a Garrison there, returned to his Camp before Jerusalem, and then dismissed the Romans, sending them into winter-quar­ters in Idumaea, Samaria, and Galile, which Countries were [Page 14] lately surrendred to them: But Antigonus by bribes obtain­ed of Silo, that part of the Roman Army should be quartered in Lyáda, currying thereby favour with Anthony: and thus the Romans lived in plenty, and without bearing Arms.

His activi­ty.But Herod could n [...]t be [...]le: For sending his Brother Jo­seph into [...] wi [...] a thousand Foot, and four hundred [...] to [...]ia, and there setled his Mo­t [...], [...] rest of his [...], whom he had drawn out of M [...]ss [...] Then did he [...]rch into Galile, where he surpri­z [...] some places which were yet held by Antigonus his Gar­risons: and when he came to Seph [...]eus in snowie weather, Antigonus his men fled away and there be found great store of necessaries. From thence he sent a Troop of Horse, and three Companies of Foot against some Thieves that dwelt in Caves,He pur­sues the Thieves. not far from the Village A [...]el [...], by which means he kept them from doing mischief. Then he march [...]d with his whole Army, whom the enemy met, and encountred resolutely, in so much as Herods left wing began to waver, till himself coming on with the main bo [...]y, encouraged his own men to stand their ground, and caused the enemy to flee, whom he followed as far as Jordan: by which victory he brought all G [...]lile into his su j [...]ction,Subdues Galile. except those that dwelt in the Caves: and so giving to every one of his Soul­diers a hundred and fifty Drachm [...]s, and more to his Cap­tains, he [...]sm fled them into their winter quarters.

There came Silo to him with his Captains who had win­tered with Antig [...]nus, and who now would maintain them no longer comma [...]ding the Inhabitants thereabout to spoil the Country of all v [...]ctuals, and to retire to the mountains that the Romans might p [...]rish through famine: But Herod committed the charge [...]f provisions to his Brother Phero­ras▪ and withall,Alexan­drium re­built. commanded him to rebuild Alexandri­um, who in a short time furn [...]shed the souldiers with abun­dance of all [...]ecess [...]ries, and built again Alexandrium that had formerly been dismantled.

Ventilius in Syri [...] sent for Silo to assist him against the Parthians, but commanded him first to assist Herod, and to bring Herod, and the rest of the Auxiliaries of those [Page 15] Provinces along with him: But Herod sending Silo to him, went himself with his Souldiers against the Thieves that lived in Caves; and in the mean time made Ptolomy Gover­nour of the Country, which fell out ill for him; for being set upon by those who had formerly disturbed the Coun­try, he was slain by them,Ptolomy slain. alter which they retired into Fennes, and inaccessible places, ins [...]sting with their inrodes, and robberies all the Country: But when Herod returned, he made them pay deer for their the ve [...]es: for some of them he killed, oth [...]rs flying to their [...]rcified places he pursued,Herod beats the Thieves. and having taken them, put them to death, and rased their strong hol [...]s, and fi [...]d [...] in an hundred T [...]lents.

About this time An h [...]n [...] commanded Ve [...]il [...]us to send M [...] to [...] Herod with two Legion [...], and a thousand Horse; but when he came, being corrupted by Antigonus with m [...]ney, he would nee [...]s go to him, against He [...]ods [...], under a colour of observing his actions: But Antigo­nus suspecting him, denied him admittance, and drave him away with slings, whereby he found that Herod had given him good counsell, and blamed himself for not following of it: whereupon he retyred to Emmaus, and in his march ki led all the Jews that came to hand,Machaeras his cruel­ty. without distinction of friend or foe, being provoked by Antig [...]nus his dealing: At which cruelty Herod was much grieved, intending to go to Anth ny, and saying, that he needed other manner of men than those who did him more hurt than his enemies, whereas of himself he was able to subdue Antigonus: But Machae [...]as overtaking him, i [...]tre [...]ed him to stay, or if he was resolve [...] to go on, yet at least that he would leave with him his Brother J s [...]p [...], that with their united forces they might make war upon Antig [...]nus. Thus after much in­treaty he was reconciled to M [...]chaeras, and so leaving his Brother J s [...]p [...] with his Army, he commanded him in his absence that he should not put a l to the hazard of a battail; but himself hasted to Anthony, Herod goes to Anthony. whom he found besieging S [...]m [...], a City near to the River Euphrates, and carried a [...]g with him some Auxiliaries both of Horse, and Foot. Ant [...]ny entertained him very honourably, and much prai­sed him for his valour.

Joseph, unmindfull of his Brothers command, taking with him his own forces, and five Romane Cohorts that were given him by Machaeras, went towards Jericho, pur­posing to reap the enemies Corn, now that it was ripe, and encamped in the mountains, because the Romane Cohorts were raw Souldiers, most of them being lately taken up in Syria: yet there he was circumvented by the enemy in the middest of those fastnesses, and having lost six Cohorts, he himself valiantly fighting, was slain:Joseph is slain. Antigonus being in a rage, caused the dead body of Joseph to be whipped, though Pheroras his Brother, offered fifty Talents to have redeemed it: After this loss, the Galilaeans revolting from their Gover­nours, drowned those that were of Herods p [...]rty in the Lake: In Idumaea also there were many innovation [...].

Anthony having made peace with his enemy▪ comman­ded Cains Sos [...]us to assist Her [...]d against Antig us with two Cohorts: When Herod came to D [...]phne, the Su [...]urb of An­tioch, he heard of his Brother J [...]s [...]phs death, which caused him to hasten his journey, and coming to Mount Liba [...], he took thence with him eight hundred men, and one Co­hort of the Romans, and so came to Pt [...]l [...]mais, from whence in the night he passed with his Army through Galile: Here his enemies met him,Herod o­vercomes his Ene­mies. whom he overcame in fight and for­ced them into the Castle, from whence they had issued the day before: Them he assaulted, but was compelled to desist by reason of the extremity of the weather, and to retreat into some neighbouring Villages: but upon the coming of another Cohort from An [...]h ny, they in the Castle were so affrighted, that they forsook the same by night: Herod then hastned to Jericho, purposing to revenge his Brothers death: and being come thither, he feasted his No [...]les, and the feast being ended,A speciall provi­dence. and his guests dismissed, he retired into his chamber, and presently the room wherein they had sup­ped, being now empty of company fell down without hurt­ing any, which made many to think that surely Herod was beloved of God who had so miraculously preserved him.

The next day six thousand of the enemies came down from the Mountains to fight with him, and their forlorn-hope [Page 17] with darts and stones so terrified the Romans and some of Herods Souldiers that they fled, and Herod himself recei­ved a wound in his side.

Antigonus, desiring to have his strength seem greater than it was, sent one of his Captains, named Pappus, with some forces into Samaria, whilest hims [...]lf went against Ma­chaeras. In the mean time Herod took in five Towns, and therein put two thousand of the Garrison Souldiers to the sword, and setting the [...]owns on fire, he went against Pap­pus, and was strengthened by many that came to him [...]ut of Jerico and Ju [...]ea▪ yet was the enemy so confident that he would j [...]yn bat [...]le with him, but in fight,Herods beats his Enemies. H rod overcame them, and being inflamed with a desire to revenge his Bro­thers death, he pursued th [...] that fled, sl w many of them, and fol [...]owed them into a Village, and there sl [...]w many more o [...] them who retreated into houses, the rest fled: After which victory, He [...]d had presently gone to Jerusa­lem, and put an end to the warre, had not the shar [...]ess of the winter hindred him; for now Antigonus bethought him­self to leave the City, and fly elswhere for safety.

Herod in the evening, when he ha [...] dismissed his Friends to refresh themselves,A speciall provi­dence. a yet hot in his Armour▪ went into a chamber, attended with one only servant to wash himself, wherein some of his enemie armed whom fear had forced thither, were hidden; and whilest h [...] was naked, and wash­ing himself, first one, and then a second, and a third, ran out armed with naked swords in their hands so asto [...]shed that they were glad to s [...]ve thems lv [...]s withou [...] pr [...]ff ring the least [...]urt to the King. The n [...]xt day He [...] amongst others cut off Pappus his head, and sent it by way of reve [...]ge for his Brothers death, to [...]is Brother [...];Pappus slain. for it was Pappus that with his own hand had sl in J seph.

H [...]od in the beginning of the th rd year after he had been declared King at Rome, Her d [...]esieges Jerusalem. comin with an Army [...]o J [...]u­salem, encamped ne [...]r the City, and from thence remov [...]ng to that p ace where the Wall▪ were fittest to be assaulted, he p [...]ched his Te [...]ts before the Temple, intending to at­tempt them, as P [...]mpey had done in times past: and h ving [Page 18] encompassed the place with three Bulworks, by the help of many workmen he raised his batteries; fetching mate­rials from all places thereabouts, and appointing fit men to oversee the work; and then himself went to Samaria to so­lemnize his Marriage with Mariamne, Marries Mariamne. the Daughter of Alexander, the Son of Aristobulus, who was formerly betro­thed to him.

The Marriage ceremony being over, Sos [...]us came with an Army of Horse and Foot, being sent by Anthony to the aid of Herod, and Herod also took a great party with him from Samaria to Jerusalem; Herods great Ar­my. so that the whole Army being come together, consisted of eleven Legions of [...]oot, [...]d six thousand Horse, besides the S [...]i [...] Auxiliaries, which were very many, and so they pitched on the N [...]rth sid [...] of the City. Over this great Army were two Generals, [...], and Herod, who purposed to displace Ant [...]g [...]nus as an enemy to the people of Ro [...], and to establish Herod in the Kingdom according to the Decree of the Senate.

The Jews being gathered together out of the whole Country,The Jews fight vali­antly. and shut up within the Walls, made a valiant re­sistance, boasting much of the Temple of the Lord, and say­ing, that the Lord would not forsake his people in the time of danger. By secret sallies also they burnt up, and spoiled all provision without the City both for Man and Horse, whereby the besiegers began to be pinched: But Herod pro­vided against their excursions, by placing ambushments in convenient places, and sending parties to fetch in provision from afar off, so that in a short time the Army was well furnished with all necessaries.

By reason of the multitude of workmen the three Bul­works were soon finished, it being Summer time, so that no untemperateness of weather hindered them: and with his Engins Herod often battered the Walls, and left nothing unassayed: but the besieged fought valiantly, and were eve­ry way as active and subtile to make void his endeavours; often sallying forth, and firing their works, both those that were finished, and others that were but begun, and coming to handistrokes with the Romans, they were nothing infe­riour [Page 19] to them but only in Martiall skill.

The Sabbaticall year now coming,A Famine in Jerusa­lem. brought a famine up­on the besieged Jews, notwithstanding which they built a new Wall within that which was beaten down by the battering Rams, and so countermined the Enemies mines, that many times they came to handistrokes under gr [...]und, and making use of despair instead of courage, they held it out unto the last, though Pollio, the Phari ee, and Samias his Disciple advised them to receive Herod into the City, say­ing, that they c [...]uld not avoi [...] his being their King by reason of their sins.

They held out the siege for five moneths space, though there was so great an Army before the City: But at length twenty of Herods choisest Souldiers got upon the Wall, and a [...]ter them the Centurions or S [...]sius. So that the first Wall was taken on the forti'th day, and the second on the fiftieth, and some Galleries about the Temple were burnt down, which Herod charged (though falsly [...] upon Antigonus, there­by to bring him into hatred with the people. When the outward part of the Temple was taken, and the lower Ci­ty, the J [...]ws fled into the inward part of the Temple, and the upper City: and fearing lest they should be hindred from offering their daily Sacrifices unto God, they sent Ambassadors unto Herod, to desire leave that such Beasts only might be brought in which were to be sacrificed: This request Herod easily granted, hoping that by this means they would leave their obstinacy, and submit to him. But perceiving that this courtesie prevailed not, and that they were still resolute to continue the Soveraignty in Antigonus, Jerusalem taken by Herod. he gave a generall assault and won the City on the Kalends of Janu [...]ry, on the second moneth, Cislu, being the day on which the Jews were wont to celebrate a Fast in comme­moration of the holy Rowl that was burnt by Jehoiakim.

The City being taken by assault, all places were filled with murthers: the Romans being incensed against the Jews for holding out so long;Cruelty. and the Herodian Jews endeavour­ing to extirpate the contrary faction, so that there were continuall slaughters in the Porches, and Houses, yea, the [Page 20] reverence of the Temple not saving the suppliants: They spared neither age nor sex, nor so much as the little chil­dren: and though the Conquerou [...] Herod b [...]sought and in­treated them to forbear, yet none would hear, or obey him, but as if th [...]y [...]ad [...], h y proceeded in their cru [...]lty.

Antigonus comi [...]g down [...] upper City, fel [...] at So­sius his feet, wh [...] thing pittying his miserable condition, insulted [...],Antigonus imprison­ed. calli [...]g [...] Mad [...]m Antigonus, and withall [...] prison, and s [...]t keep [...]rs about him.

And [...] Strang [...]s, that Herod had hired, came rush [...]g [...] only, but even into the S [...]n [...]tuary, some he th [...]ught to [...]st [...]in by intrea­ty, others by t reat [...] and som [...] by [...] j [...]ging his victory worse [...] any of those things which were [...] wind to [...], were [...]xp [...] to the view of the pro [...] [...] He restraine [...]so the plun [...]ering [...] the Cry as much i [...] in him lay: Intrea [...]ing S [...]s [...]us to do the like▪ aski [...]g, if the R m [...] would make him King of a Wil [...]erness, the City being so wasted [...]y [...]apine [...], and murthers: S [...]s [...] answ [...]red, t [...]at t [...]e S [...]uldiers d [...]sired the plund [...]r of the [...]ry in regar [...] of their hard serv [...]ce in the sie [...]e:Herod saves the City. To which Her [...] [...]eplie [...], th [...]t he woul r com­pence every man out of his own Treasury, and m [...]king good his promise, he freed the City from urther misery: F [...]r he bestowed gifts liber [...]lly upon [...]he Souldi [...]r, [...]d pro­portionably upon the Com [...]nders,Rewards, the Ro­mans. and [...] upon Sosius: wher [...]upon S [...]us off ring a Crow [...] o [...] Gold unto GOD, withdrew out of t [...]e [...] ity, leading Antig nus a Priso­ner, along w [...]th him to A [...]h [...].

H [...]r [...]d being thus setle [...] Jerusalem he advanced those of his own faction, and duly put to death them of [...]he con­trary:H [...]rods cruelty. Amongst whom, h [...] also slew all t [...]ose of the S [...]h [...] ­drim, who had accused him of a capitall crime, be [...]re he was King, sp [...]ring only [...], and S [...]mias, his Disciple, whom he hi [...]hly honour [...]d.

Then did he gather together all the Regall O [...]aments, and much silver and gold which he ex [...]cted from rich me [...], all which he gave to Anthony and his Souldiers. He put to [Page 21] death also forty and five of Antigonus his chief Noble men, setting watches at their doors that none of them might be carried out under pretence of being dead: and what gold or silver soever was found, was all carried to Herod, so that there was no end of the peoples miseries, the covetousness of the needy conquerours consuming all their estates. The fields also lay untilled, because it was the Sabbaticall year, in which it was unlawfull to sow the ground.

Of these miserable times, amongst others, were specta­tors,Who were spe­ct [...]tors of it. Zacharias the Priest, with his Wife Elizabeth: Of the re­licts of Davids stock, Holy, and Joseph: Anna also the Prophe­tess of the Tribe of As [...]r, and Simeon the Just, who received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, till he had seen the Lord Christ. Luk. 2.26.

Anth ny being thus possessed of Antigonus, intended to keep him Prisoner to adorn his Triumph; But Herod feared that if Antigonus was brought to Rome by Anthony, he might there contend with him before the Senate for the King­dom: Considering also how the Nation of the Jews hated him, and favoured Antig [...]nus: he thereupon gave great sums of money to Anth [...]ny to cut off his head,Anthony slew Ant [...] ­gonus. which accordingly he did at Antioch: Antigo [...]us being the first King that was thus put to death by the Romans: and in him ended the Principality of the H [...]sm [...]naean [...]: It being from the Captain­ship of Judas M [...]ccabaeus to the death of Antig [...]nus a hun­dred twenty six years, and two or three moneths, and by this means H [...]r [...], a stranger, got the Kingdom, and was totally freed from his fears.

Hy [...]as (as we heard before) being carried Prisoner to Phraates, the King of the Parthians, he intreated him cour­teously for the Nobility of his descent, and after a time, free­ing him from Prison, he suffered him to live in Babylon, Hyrcanus honoured in Babylon. where were great store of Jews, who honoured him no less than as their King and High Priest: and not only they of Babylon, but all the rest of the Nation of the Jews did the like, who in old time had been carried captive beyond the River Euphrates by the Ass [...]rians, of whom there were many millions. But Hyrcanus hearing that Herod was made [Page 22] King of the Jews, he began to cast his hopes that ways, ex­pecting favour from Herod, whose life he had saved when he was called in question before the Sanhedrim. He consulted therefore with the Jews that came to visit him, about his re­turn into Judaea, who by all means disswaded him from it, yet could they not prevail with him. Besides, Herod desired by all means to get the poor old man into his clutches,Herods subt [...]lty. and thereupon wrote to him to get leave of Phraates, and the Jews that he might return, and that they would not envy him the joint ru [...]e with his Son in Law, the time being now come wherein he could requite the favours that Hyr­canus had shewed hi [...], in being his nourish r, and preser­ver. He sent also his Ambassa [...]or to P [...]ra [...]t [...]s with great Presents, intre [...]ting him that he would not hinder him from being thankfull to him that had deserved so w [...]l [...] of him. Hyrcanus being forward of himself, dism [...]ssed by the Parthian [...], and honourably [...]nishe [...] by the J [...]w [...] for the expences of his j [...]urney, he came at last to H [...]r [...], who enter­tained him with all honour, gave him the upper hand in all Assemblies, and the more honou [...]able place at all feasts, calling him Fat [...], hereby to delu [...]e him, lest he should suspect any treach [...]ry.

Hananeel made High-priest. H [...]rod providing that none of the Nobility should be cre­ated High-Priest, sent to [...] for a Priest of a base paren­tage, whom formerly he had been acq [...]ainted with, of the rac [...] of th [...]se Priests that had been carried away beyond Euphrate, whose n [...]me was Ananclius, or Hananeel, and to him he gave [...]he H [...]- [...]iesthoo [...].

Alexand [...]a takes it ill.This Alexand [...]a the Daughter of H [...]rc [...]us, the Wife of A­lexander, the Son of [...], and Mother in Law of He­rod, took in ill part; for that Ari [...]bu [...]u [...] her Son, and Brother of M [...]ia [...]re wa [...] neglected, and another from a strange place should be made High-Priest: whereupon she wrote to Cleopatra Queen of Egypt, and Anthoni [...]s darling, that she would procure the High-Priesthood of Anth [...]n [...] for her Son. Cleopatra neglected her request; but shortly after, D [...] ­lius a friend of Anth [...]nie [...] coming into Ju [...]ea, [...]rswaded her to send the Pictures of her Son Arist [...]bulus, and of her [Page 23] Daughter Mariamne to Anthony, who then would deny her nothing: This she assented to, and sent them by Dellius, who told Anthony that they seemed rather to be of a Divine than of a humane race.

Anthony was much inflamed herewith,Anthony sends for Aristobu­lus. yet thought it un­decent to send for a Lady that was married to Herod, shun­ning also the jealousie of Cleopatra: whereupon he wrote to Alexandra to send her Son to him under some honest pretence: But these things coming to the ears of Herod, he thought it not safe that Ari [...]tobulus, now in the flower of his age, being but sixteen, should be sent to Anthony, the most potent man amongst the Romans, and very much given to his lusts. Wherefore he wrote back, that if the youth did but step out of the Kingdom, all the Country would be up in Arms, the Jew [...] hoping for some innovations under a new King, and by this means he satisfied Anthony.

Her [...]d being continually molested with the intreaties of his Wife Mari [...]mne, that he would give the High-Priest­hood to her Brother Ari [...]tobulus, it being his right, he called a Councel of his frien [...]s, to whom he inveighed against his Mother in Law A [...]xandra, as if she had privately wrought treason against his Kingdom, and had indeavoured by Cleo­patra's means to translate it to young Aristobulus; yet, lest he should seem to neglect both his piety to her, and the rest of that kindred, he told them he would now restore the Priesthood to her Son,Aristobu­lus made High-Priest. which hitherto A [...]anelus had suppli­ed, [...]y reason of the young mans tender years: Alexan [...]ra being herewith overjoyed, and withall grieved th [...] sh [...] was suspected, tell a weeping, clearing her self of those accusa­tions, and gave him many thank for her Sons honour, pro­mising that hereafter she would be most obedient unto him And thus Herod, in the life-time of An [...]n [...]u [...], gave the High-Priesthood to Ari [...]bulus, being then but s [...]venteen years old.

Yet Herod fearing lest his Mother in Law Alexandra Alexandra confined. should seek occasion to raise new troubles, confined her to the Palace, and commanded her to do nothing by her own authority: yea, he set so strict a guard over her, that nothing [Page 24] was concealed from him of all that she did, to the very ex­pences of her Table. This she took very heavily, and wrote to Cleopatra, She com­plains to Cleopatra. complaining of her hard condition, and desi­ring her to yield her assistance: Cleopatra advised her with her Son to fly to her into Egypt, which she liked, and there­fore provided two Coffi [...]s, one for her self, the other for her Son, commanding her servants that were privy to the plot, to carry them out by night, and to convey them to a Ship that was ready prepared to carry them into Egypt. This business Aesopus, one of her servants, blabbed to Sabbation, a friend of Alexanders, supposing that he had known all be­fore: which as soon as Sabbati n knew, though hitherto he was an enemy of Herods, as being suspected to have been in the plot of poisoning his Father Antipa [...], he took this occasion of being reconciled to the King, by discovering the matter.She is sur­prised by Herod. Herod being thus informed of the [...]l [...]t, dissem­bled the matter till it was in execution, and then surprised her in her flight, and brought her back: Yet did he pardon her fault, not indeed daring to punish her, lest thereby he should discontent Cle patra, that was willing to take any occasion against him: wherefore under a colour of a mag­nanimous spirit, he made shew as if he pardoned her out of meer clemency.

The Feast of Tabernacles being now come, the new High-Priest Aristobulus, being just past seventeen years old, was to offer Sacrifice according to the Law, and being clad in his Pontificall attire, he came to the Altar, and perform­ed the Ceremony with all decency, whose excellent beau­ty and stature,Aristobulus highly honoured. being higher than was usuall for his age, and carrying in his countenance the honour of his Linage, drew the eyes, and love of all the multitude upon him, every one calling to mind the worthy, and memorable actions of his Grandfather Ari [...]tobulus, and therefore, as overcome with affections towards him, they were so overjoyed that they could not contain themselves, but openly prayed for him, and wished him all joy, and that more freely than was meet in those jealous times under such a King, proclaiming openly both the memory, and thanks that they owed to [Page 25] the Famely for all the benefits they had received from it.

As soon as the Feast was ended, Aristobulus was enter­tained at a Banquet by his Mother Alexandra: Herod also pretended favour to him, and enticed him into a conveni­ent place to sport with him after the manner of young men, and when they were hot, and weary, and left their sport, they walked out to the Fish Ponds, which were near the Court to take the fresh air, where also they beheld some of the servants that were swimming: At last by the perswa­sion of Herod, Arriobulus undrest himself and went in a­mongst them: Then they, who were suborned by Her [...]d, as it were in sport and jest, ducked him as he was swiming, holding him under water,He is drowned. and never left off till they had drowned him. This was the end of Aristobulus in the eigh­teenth year of his age, and in the first year of his High-Priesthood, which immediatly returned to Ananelus.

The report of these things coming to the Women, they were all on an uprore, and did nothing but weep, and howl over the body of the young man: Yea sorrow overspread the whole City, every one bewailing the calamity as if it had been h [...]s own: But Herod endeavoured by all means to make the people beli [...]ve as if it had faln out by chance with­out his privity, not only feigning sorrow,Herods subtilty. but tears and grief also: and that he might the more comfort the Women, he buried the bo [...]y in a most magnificent manner, being li­berall to prodigality in adorning his Monument, and in perfumes, and other [...]recious things.

But his Mother Alexan [...]ra, knowing the treason, though she was oft ready to lay violent han [...]s u on her self, yet repressed her passion, seeming not to be suspicious, till an opportunity of revenge might offer it self.

And shortly after she wrote to Cleopatra of the treachery of Herod, and of the lamentable death of her Son.Alexandra complains to Cleopa­tra. Cleopatra pittying her misfortune, to [...]k a particular care of thi busi­ness, as if it had been her own, and never rested from per­swading Antho [...] to revenge the you [...]g mans death: telling him that it was an unpardonable crime, that he who by his help, enj [...]yed a Kingdom that was anothers right, [Page 26] should rage so insolently against the famely of the lawfull Kings. Anthony being prevailed with hereby, when he came to Laodicea in Syria, sent for Herod to come before him to answer what should be objected against him about the Death of Arist [...]bulus.

Herod questio­ned by Anth [...]y. Herod, during t [...] time of his absence committed the care of his King [...]om to hi [...] [...] J [...]p, privately commanding him, th [...] [...] should do him any mischief, he should presently put his W [...]fe Mariamne to death, pretending that he so lov [...] her, that he should esteem it a great wrong if any but himself should enjoy her beauty, yea though it was after his Death.

When Herod came to Ant [...] [...], he so appeased him with rich presents that he brought on purpose with him from Jerusalem, But cleer­ed by his bribes. and by his frequent conferences with him, that afterwards Cleopatr [...]'s instigations prevailed little: For An­thony said, that it was not fit that a King should be accoun­table for his actions, otherwise he would cease to be a King [...] For having once given him the honour, the free exercise of his Kingly power was to be admitted unto him. He told Cleopatra also, that it was not fit for her too much to meddle with other mens matters.

During Herods absence, Joseph governing the Kingdom, he had occasion many times to converse with Mariamne, partly upon business, and partly to do her honour, and in their discourses there was often mention made how much Herod loved her, which discourse was laughed at by the Ladies, especially by Alexandra: But he was carried on with such a desire of proving the Kings love to them, that he told them what private command the King had given him, supposing this was an infallible argument of his love, because he could neither endure to live without her, nor in death to be disjoyned from her: but the Ladies were not of his mind, rather abhorring the Tyranny of Herod, who, though he were dead, yet would he seek their lives.

Presently after a rumour was spread about the City, that Anthony had put Herod to death, which much trou­bled all the Court, especially the Ladies: whereupon Alex­andra [Page 27] perswaded Joseph; that, taking them along with him, he should fly to the Romane Legions that lay before the Ci­ty under the command of the Tribune Julius, so that if any trouble arose in the City, they might be secured by the Ro­mans: adding, that she hoped if Mariamne came but once to the sight of Anthony, she might obtain any thing of him, yea, even the Kingdom, with whatsoever belonged to the Royall Famely.

Whilest these things were under debate, there came Let­ters from Herod, which dashed all, signifying how Anthony had honoured him both in the publick Assemblies, and in inviting him to his Feasts, and that, during the accusations [...] Cleopatra: so that he feared her not for the time to come, but hoped shortly to return to them, Anthony having given [...]s [...]ria unto Cleopatra instead of Judea, upon condition that she should not hereafter demand Judea, nor trouble him any further about that business.

As soon as these Letters were received, the speech about flying to the Romans vanished, but yet their debate about it was not hid; For as soon as Herod had brought Anthony part of his way against the Parthians, he returned into Judea, Herods, return. and immediatly his Sister S [...]lome, and his Mother C [...]p [...]us told him what Alexandra's counsel was; neither was she here­with contented, but she accused her Husband Joseph, as if he had been too familiar with Mariamne: and this she did out of an old grudge, because the Queen (a woman of an high spirit) in their womanly brabbles, had upbraided her with her obscure birth.

Mariamne by her Oath assured Herod of her chastity, who told her again how much he loved her; but she replied, that it was not the part of a lover, to command that if he died, she should be put to death also. Herod judging that this secret could never be known, except she had committed adultery with Joseph, had much ado to refrain from killing her immediatly: but love overcoming his passion, he re­frained; yet did he command Joseph to be put to deathJoseph put to death. with­out suffering him to plead for himself, Alexandra also he cast into prison, as the cause of all these evils.

Cleopatra having brought Anthony part of his way to­wards Parthia, returned towards Egypt, and by the way, was entertained by Herod, who assured unto her that part of Arabia which was granted unto her by Anthony, to which he added the reve [...]ues of Jericho, where are great store of the best Date Trees and where Balsom grows,Gardens of Balsom. which being a precious Oyntment only grows there, in two Gardens, bo [...]h which are the King, the one of twenty Acres, the other of less.

By this means Herod grew into great familiarity with Cleopatra, who sought to assure him to her lust, either through her great intemperance, or because she sought by this means to betray him; but though she pretended love to him, yet H [...]d refused, and held a consultation with his friends about killing her, who disswaded him from it, and therefore having appeased her by great presents, and all manner of obs [...]quiousness, he accompanied her as far as Pe­lusium: yet searing both her, and the people of the J [...]w [...], he reserved the Castle as a refuge for himself, laying in as ma­ny Arms there as were suffi [...]ient for ten thousand men.

Herod paved duly to Cl [...]patra the Tributes of Ju [...]aea and Arabia, which Anthony had given to her, n [...]t thinking it safe to give her any occasion of disgust against him,

Herod being now free from troubles, and having taken Hyrc [...], a Town which hitherto a Sister of Antigonus had kept, the A [...]ian War brake forth between Augustus Caes [...]r, and M [...]rk A [...]th [...], whereupon Hero [...] made great preparation for the assisting of Anth [...], He [...]od pre­pares to assist An­thony. but he freed him from the trouble, telling him that he needed them not, and so dismishing him, H [...]d returned home with a well-fur­nished Army, wherewith he invaded Arabia, going as far as Diosp [...]lis, at which place the Ar [...]bians met him, and after a fierce confl ct, the J [...]ws gat the victory.

After this Herod made many inrodes into Arabia in the seventh year of his raign after the death of Antigorus, at which time the A [...]ian War being begun,A great Earrh­quake. Judea was shaken with such an Earthquake as never was the like before, in which ten thousand men were overwhelmed by the ruins [Page 29] of the houses, yet the Souldiers received no dammage, be­cause they lay in the open fields. This being much aggra­vated by report, so emboldned the Arabians, that th [...]y laid hold on the Ambassadours of the Jews, who, in this their affliction came to demand peace, and slew them, and pre­sently prepared for war with all earnestness.

Herod hearing hereof, encouraged his men, offered Sa­crifice according to the custom, and so in all hast, marched with his Army over J [...]rdan, and having incamped at Phi­ladelphia, there the fight began about the taking of a Castle that lay between him, and the Arabians, Herod [...] overcoms the Arabians. in which the Jews got the better, and after continuall skirmishes, forced the Arabians to flight, who in their hast treading one upon a­nother, they lost in all five thousand men: the rest were be­sieged in their Camp, and extreamly wanting water, they sent Ambassadours to Herod, who would not admit of them, and was more eager upon them for offering but fifty Talents for their freedom: They being parched with con­tinuall thirst, came out of their Camp by great companies, offering themselves to the Jews, by which means they took five thousand of them in five days: and at last the rest in the Camp came out to fight; but despairing of any good suc­cess, there fell of them in the first conflict about seven thou­sand more. By this overthrow the courage of the Arabians was tamed, and Herod was declared Governour of that Na­tion, and so returned home with great Glory.

The Actian war being finished, wherein Caesar finally overthrew Anthony, Alexandra hoped that Herod should be severely punished by Caesar, for assisting Anthony against him, whereupon she sollicited her Father Hyrcanus, not any longer to suffer the affliction of their Family,Alexan­dra's rest­lesness. but ra­ther to reserve himself for better times: For which end she advised him to seek for protection and entertainment of M [...]lchus, the King of Arabia. These sollicitations her Father at first repulsed, but at last being overcome by her woman­ish importunity, he sent Letters to Malchus by one Dosi­theus a friend of his, desiring him to send some Horsmen to convey him to the Lake Asphaltitis, which is distant from [Page 30] Jerusalem about three hundred furlongs. This Dosicheus was kinsman to Joseph, whom Herod had put to death, yet, to curry favour with the King, he shewed him the Letters: Herod thanked him, and withall desired one curtesie more, that he would seal up the Letters, and give them to Mal­chus, and bring his answer to him. This he did, and the A­rabia [...] sent back word, that he was ready to entertain Hyr­canus and his Famely, and all the Jews that were of his par­ty, and that he would send a band of Souldiers to conduct them in safety, who should be obedient to Her [...]anus in all things. Herod having received this answer, called Hyrcanus and asked him if he had any confederacy with Malchus? who denying it, he produced the Letters in the Councel of the Sanhedrim, and commanded him to be put to death.

Herod goes to Caesar. Herod having thus dispatched Hyrcanus, resolved to post unto Caesar, and expecting no good from him, because of his great friendship to Anthony, he was very jealous of A­lexandra, lest, taking this oportunity, she should stir up the people to rebell, and so fill the Kingdom with domesticall seditions. Wherefore committing the care of his Kingdom to his Brother Ph [...]roras, he left his Mother Cyprus, and his Sister Salome, and all his kindred in the strong Castle of Massada: And commanded his Brother, that if any thing befell him otherwise than well, he should retain the Go­vernment of the Kingdom in his own hands: and because his Wife Mariamne, by reason of some differences, could not live with his Mother, he placed her with her Mother Alexandria in Al [...]xandri [...]n, committing [...]he custody of them to his Treasurer Joseph, and to S [...]us, an Ituria [...], under a colour of doing them honour, but yet he gave them this command, that it they should certainly know that any si­nister hap befell him,His cruel com­mand. they should presently put both the Ladies to death, and to the uttermost of their power, keep the Kingdom for his Children, an [...] his Brother Pheroras.

Herod having thus setled his affairs at home, posted to Rhodes to meet with Caesar there, whither when he was come, laying only his Crown aside, but retaining other his Princely Ornaments, he was admitted into Caesars presence, [Page 31] where, with great constancy, and magnanimity of spirit, he freely confessed the love he bore to Anthony, as also the supplies he had sent him of Corn, and Money: adding moreover that he was ready with the same Faith to keep friendship with Caesar. This Caesar exhorted him to,Caesar ho­nours him. and re­storing his Crown to him, exceedingly honoured him. Thus beyond all expectation, is Herod again confirmed in his Kingdom, both by the free gift of Caesar, and also by a Decree of the Senate, which Caesar procured for him: and Herod gave great Presents both to Caesar himself, and to all his friends about him, even above his ability, to shew the greatness of his mind

During his absence, his Wife Mariamne, His wife and mo­ther are full of dis­contents. and his Mother Al [...]x [...]ndra, took it very ill that they were shut up in that Castle as in a Prison, so that they could neither enjoy their own, nor make use of other mens goods: especially when by their femenine flatteries they had fished out of Sohemus, what Herod had commanded concerning them: She then began to wish that he might never return home, supposing that she should live a most intollerable life with him: all which she afterwards dissembled not, but openly confessed what it was that did afflict her. For Herod returning be­yond all expectation, and relating to Mariamne what suc­cesses he had, she seemed not to regard them, and at all the carasses that he made her, she would sigh, so that Herod plainly perceived the hatred of his Wife against him, inso­much that himself was wavering between love, and hatred towards her.

Not long after Caesar passing through Syria towards E­gypt, Herods bounty to Caesar, and his Army. Herod intertained him with all Royall magnificence at P [...]olemais, and shewed all hospitality towards his Army, giving them plenty of all sorts of victuals, by which means he was counted one of Caesars chiefest friends, and used to ride about with him when he mustred hi Army. He pre­sented him also and his Frinds with a hundred and fifty Men, all clad in most sumptuous, and rich apparell, yea, he suff red them to want nothing in their march to Pelusium, through barren places, and such as wanted water, yet did he [Page 32] provide plentifully for them, with which the Souldiers were much delighted. He also presented Caesar with eight hundred Talents: yea, he gave such satisfaction to all, that they confessed that it was greater than the Kingdom could afford.

Herod is jealous of his wife. Herod wavering between love and hatred towards his Wife Mariamne, was continually incensed against her by the false accusations of his Sister Salome, and his Mother Cy­pros, who laboured to kindle his hatred and jealousie against her: whereupon, probably he had proceeded rigorously with her, but that news came seasonably that Anthony and Cleopatra were both dead,He meets Caesar. and that Caesar had won Egypt, and was coming back, whom in all hast he went to meet, and so left his Famely as it was. At his departure he com­mended Sohemus to Mariamne, professing that he owed him much respect for the care he had had of her: and gave to him also the Government of a part of Judea.

Caesar en­larges his Govern­ment. Herod meeting with Caesar before he was come out of Egypt, in confidence of his Friendship, spake freely to him, and was highly honoured by him: For he bestowed upon him the four hundred Galatians, who were formerly of Cleopatra's Guard, to be his Guard, and restored to him that part of his Country which Cleopatra had seized upon, and added to his Kingdom Gadara, and Hippon, and Samaria; and by the Sea-side, Gaza, and Anthedon, and Joppa, and the Tower of Straton, which added much splendour to his Kingdom.

In Caesars return through Syria, Herod conducted him as far as Antioch. At his return, for the space of a whole year, suspicions increased daily between him and his Wife Ma­riamne, Herods suspicions of his wife are en­creased. she neglecting his carasses, and oft upbraiding him either with the death of her Grandfather Hyrcanus, or her Father Aristobulus, so that Herod could scarce refrain from striking her, and Salome by the noise, perceiving that Herod was much moved, she sent in the Butler, whom long before she had suborned for that end, who told Herod that he was sollicited by Mariamne to deliver him a love potion, which he had by him, but what it was he knew not. Herod here­upon [Page 33] examined the most faithfull servant of Mariamne by torture, being assured that she would attempt nothing without his privily, who not enduring the torments, con­fessed that she was offended for something that [...]ohemus had declared unto her, which when the King heard, he cryed out, that Sohemus, who had ever been most faithfull both to him, and the Kingdom, would never have spoken of these things, had there not been some more secret famili­arity between them than was fitting; and thereupon he commanded Sohemus to be apprehended and put to death; and having called his Friends to Counsel, he accused his Wife for practising to poison him, which he so aggravated, that all that were present perceived that he had a mind that she should be condemned,Mariamne condem­ned to death. which was accordingly done by the generall consent of them all: a [...]d whereas they thought that the ex cution should not be over speedy, but rather that sh [...] should be secured i [...] some of the King [...] Castles, Sa­lome excee ingly urged the King that she should presently be put to death, for [...]ear lest there should be some commo­tion among the people she being alive and in Prison: and thus was Mari [...]mne brought to h r death.

When her Mother Al [...]xandra saw her going to execu­tion, and considered that she must look for the same at He­rods han [...]s, that she might not seem to be guilty of the some crime, she began to up [...]raid her daughter as being wicked, and ungratefull towards her Husband, saying,Her mo­ther [...] Hy­pocr sie. b [...]t she deser­ved death who [...]urst [...]tt [...]mo [...] so hamous an act. Whilst sh [...] coun­terfeited these things, and made as i [...] she wou [...] hav [...] pulled her Daughter by the hair, they that were present co [...]dem­ned her hypocrisie;Mariamnes Death. but she that was led to death returned her no answ [...]r, but refelle [...] the fals [...] accusation, with a reso­lute countenance, and mind, and underwent her death with­out fear.

She being dead, Herod began to be more inflamed with love towards her,Herods ex­cessive grief for her. often calling upon her Name and lamen­ting her death beyond decency; and although he sought to div [...]rt his grief by pleasures, feastings and drinking, yet all availed nothing. Whereupon he cast off the care of his [Page 34] Kingdom, and so far gave up himself to sorrow, that he would bid his servants call Mariamne, as though she were y [...] living.

A great [...]As Herod was thus tormenting himself, there came a great Plague, which swept away a great part both of the Nobility, and Commons, every one judging that this Plague was sent by God for the unjust death of the Queen. The Kings discontents being increased hereby, he at last hid himself in a solitary Wilderness under a pretence of hunt­ing; where still afflicting himself, he fell into a great sick­ness,Herods Melan­choly and sicknesse. which was accompanied with an inflammation and great pain in his neck, so that he began to rave; neither could any applications ease him, but rather made the di­sease more painfull, so that those about him began to de­spair of his life: and his Physicians, partly because of the stubborness of the disease, and partly because in so great danger there was not any free election of diet, they gave him leave to eat whatsoever he would.

Alexan­dras trea­son and Death. Herod lying thus sick in Samaria, and Alexandra being at Jerusalem, she endeavoured to get the two Castles of the City into her hands, the one adjoyning to the Temple, the other situate in the City: For which end she sollicited the Governours of them to deliver them up unto her, and to the Children of her and Mariamne, lest that Herod being dead, they should be seized upon by others: But they who had ever been faithfull to Herod, were now much more diligent in their Office, both out of an hatred of Alexandra, and be­cause they thought it a great offence to despair of the re­covery of their Prince. Hereupon they presently sent mes­sengers to Herod, to acquaint him with Alexandra's attempt, who thereupon commanded her to be slain. At length o­vercoming his disease, he recovered his strength both of body and mind, but grew so cruell,Herod grows cruel. Salome leaves her husband and comes to Herod. that upon the least occa­sion he was ready to put any one to Death.

Salome, Herods Sister, having been married to Cossaborus an Idumean, a difference now arising betwixt them, she, con­trary to the custom of the Jews, sent him a Bill of Divorce, and came away to her Brother Herod, telling him that she [Page 35] preferred his love before her tye to her Husband: the reason which she pretended was, that Cossaborus had practised some innovations with Lysimachus, Antipater, and Dosi­theus, confirming it from this, because he had privily kept in his Country the Children of Bebas, now for the space of twelve years from Herods taking of Jerusalem: Herods cruelty. As soon as Herod heard this, he sent some to their hiding places, and killed them, with many others, to the intent that none should remain of the kindred of Hyrcanus: He also took out of the way all such as excelled in any dignity, that he might do whatsoever seemed him good, there being none to resist him.

Herod by these practises growing more secure,He insti­tuted Games to the dis­content of the Jews. he began to degenerate more and more from his Country fashions, violating them by forreign inventions. For first he insti­tuted wrestlings every fifth year in the honour of Caesar, for the exhibiting of which, he began to build a Theatre in Je­rusalem, and an Amphitheatre in the plaine, both of them very sumptuous for the workmanship, but clean contrary to the Jewish customes: Yea he would have thi [...] solemnity to be inrolled, and to be proclaimed in the neighbouring Countries, and to remoter Nations, and by propounding great rewards, he invited, not only those that were skilfull wrestlers, but also excellent Musitians, and such as play­ed on severall instrum [...]nts Yet that which above all troubled the Jews, were the Trophees, which being covered with Armour, they thought to be Images, forbidden by their Law; but Herod to satisfie them commanded the Ar­mour to be taken off, and shewed them that they were meer stocks of wood, whereupon all their anger was turned into laughter.

Herod having many wayes provoked the Jews, ten Citi­zens of Jerusalem made a Conspiracy against him,A conspi­racy a­gainst He­rod. amongst whom one was blind, who made one not because he could do any thing, but to shew how ready he was to suffer with those that defended their Countrie rights: Herod had ap­pointed secret spies to discover such plots, one of which had fished this matter out, and acquainted Herod with it, who [Page 36] caused them to be apprehended,The con­spirators are put to Death. and when they were brought before him, with undaunted countenances they drew out their weapons from under their garments, pro­testing, that, not out of any private respect, but in the behalf of the publick wea [...], they had undertaken this conspiracy. Then were they led way, and put to death with all manner of tortures. Not long after, their accuser being hated of all men was slai [...] by some, and being cut in pieces, was thrown to the Dogs. Yet were the authors hereof concealed, till af­ter long, and wearisome inquisitions, it was by torture wrung out from some silly women who were privie to it When Herod had thus found out the authors,Herods. cruelty. He fortified Sa­maria, and built a Temple there. he punished them with death, and their whole Famelies.

Herod the better to secure himself from the seditions of the tumultuous people, in the thirt [...]nth year of his raign, began to fortifie Samaria, which was a day [...] journey from Jerusalem, and called it Sebaste (or Augu [...]a,) The circuit of it was twenty furlongs, in the middest whereof he built a Temple of a furlong and an half, which he wonderfully adorned, and so ordered, that many of the Souldiers, and of the neighbouring Nations came and dwelt there.

He built s [...]verall Castles. Herod also built another Cidadel to be as a bridle to the whole Nation, namely the Tower of Straton: Also in the great plain he built a Castle and chose of his Horsmen by lot, to keep it. Another he built in Galile, and one in Peraea: which Castles being so conveniently disposed in severall parts of the Country, took away from the people all opor­tunity of rebellion.

Plague, and Fa­mine.About this time very grievous calamities befel the Na­tion of the Jews. First there was a long drought, after which followed a Famine: After the Famine, by reason of their ill diet, there came divers sicknesses, and the Plague; and Herod, having not wherewithall to supply the publick wants, was forced to melt the gold and sil­ver that was in his Pallace,Herods care to provide for the people. not sparing any thing for the curiosity of the workmanship: no not so much as the ves­sels which were for his own daily use. These being tur­ned into mony, he sent to buy provisions into Egypt, [Page 37] where Petronius was Governour under Caesar, who though he was pestered with multitudes that repaired to him upon the like necessity, yet being Herods friend, he gave his ser­vants leave to export Corn, and was assisting to them, both in the buying, and carriage of it.

When the Corn was brought to Herod, he was very carefull to see it divided, first to such as had most need, and then because there were many who by reason of old age, or some other weaknesse, were unable to dresse it themselves, he appointed them certain Bakers to provide their food for them: By this means he procured the good will of the people, and the praise of a prudent and provident Prince.

He provided also for his subjects against the sharpnesse of the winter, taking care that none should want clothing, their Cattel being dead, and wool, and other materials failing. And when he had made provision for his own People,His boun­ty to strangers. he took care also for the neighbouring Cities of the Syrians, to whom he allowed feed for sowing of their ground: and the Castles, and Cities; and those of the Common people, who had great Famelies, coming to him for succour, he found a remedy for them also: Insomuch that he gave to those that were not his Subjects ten thou­sand Cores of Corn, each Core containing ten Athenian bushels.

As soon as the Corn was ripe for harvest, Herod dismissed fifty thousand Men, whom he had fed in the time of Fa­mine into their own Countries: by which dilligence he re­stored the almost ruined estate of his own Subjects, and did not a little relieve his neighbours, who groaned under the same calamities.

At the same time also he sent aid to Caesar, to wit,He sends aid to Cae­sar. five hundred chosen M [...]n of his own Guard whom Aelius Gal­lus led into the Ar [...]bian Wars, where they did most excel­lent serv [...]ce.

H [...]od also built himself a Pallace in Sidon, He built himself a Pallace. in which he built two very large and stately Houses, with which the Temple it self could in no wise compare, and called one of [Page 38] them by the name of Caesar, and the other by the name of Agrippa.

He makes a new High Priest: and marries Mariamne. He built another Pallace Herod having removed from the Priesthood Jesus the Son of Phales, made Simon (a Priest of Jerusalem, the Son of Boethus of Alexandria) Priest in his room, and took also his Daughter M [...]rimne to Wife, that was the most beautifull Virgin of that age.

The marriage solemnities being over, he began to build another new Pallace, unto which he adjoyned a Town, which he called Herodion, in a place distant from Jerusa­lem, about sixty furlongs towards Arabia, in the place where he had overcome the Jew, when he was thrust out by the Arms of Antigonus

And Se­bast [...] and a stately Haven.He buil [...] [...]lso Se [...]e, and having finished that, he beg [...]n to build another most magnificent City in a place by the Sea-side, where Str [...]n stood, which he called [...], and added to it an Haven of admirable work, equall in bigness to the H [...]ven [...]raetus [...] which he [...] in twelve years space, sparing neither ab [...]r nor cost about them.

He sent his sons to Caesar.Then did he send hi [...] two Son [...], A [...]xander, and Ari [...]obu­lus (whom he ha [...] by M [...]i [...]mn [...] the Asm [...]nae [...]n) to [...] to Caesar, to be there educ [...]ed under [...], for whom Lo [...]gi [...]gs were prepared at the H [...]u [...]e of P [...], Herods great [...]. Caesar intertained the young men very cour [...]eously, and gave H [...]r [...]d power to make which of his sons h [...] p [...]e [...]sed the heir of his Kingdom:Caesar en­larged his Kingdom. he added also to his Government Trach [...]niti [...], [...]tu [...]s, and [...]nitis.

When Herod had received Trach [...]ni [...]s, he took guides, and went to the Den o [...] the Thieve [...],He repressed the thieves. restraining their vil­lanies, whereby the peo [...]le live [...] in quiet: But Zenodorus, the former Governour, being move [...], p [...]rtly thorough envy, and partly with the losse of his Government, went to R me to accuse H [...]r [...], but could effect nothing.

About this time Herod went to M [...] ch [...]n [...], to salute his chiefest friend Agrippa, and so returned into Judaea: and presently after some Citizens of G [...]ra went to Agrippa to accuse Herod, He went to Agrip­pa. whom he vouchsafed not so much as to hear, but sent them bound to Herod: Yet did he spare them: [Page 39] for though he was inexorable towards his own people, yet did he willingly contemn, and forgive injuries received from strangers.

Zenodorus had solemnly sworn to the Gadareus, that he would do his utmost with Caesar to get them freed from the jurisdiction of Herod, and to be annexed to the Province of Caesar: Many of themselves also exclaimed against Herod, Herod ac­cused to [...] Caesar. calling him cruell Tyrant, complaining to Caesar of his vio­lence and rapines, and for rasing, and robbing their Tem­ple: Yet was Herod nothing herewith terrified, being ready to answer for himself: But Caesar used him courteously, and was nothing alienated from him for all these tumultuous complaints: The Gadareus therefore perceiving the inclina­tion of Caesar and his Friends towards Herod, despairing of good success, and fearing to be delivered into Herods hands, some of them cut their own throats, others fearing tor­ments brake their own necks, or drowned themselves in the River, and thus, seeming to forejudg themselves, Caesar absolved Herod from all their accusations.

Zenodorus also having his bowels burst, through much blood that came from him, ended his life at Antioch in Sy­ria; whereupon Augustus Caesar gave his Tetrarchy to He­rod: he made him also one of the Governours of Syria, Caesar still enlarged his Domi­nions. com­manding the rest of the Governours of that Province, to do nothing without his advice.

Hero [...] bestowed upon his Brother Pheroras a hundred Ta­lent [...] out of the revenues of his Kingdom, and begged a Te­trarchy for him of Caesa [...], to the intent that if himself should hap [...]en to dy, Pheroras estate might be secure, and not subject to Her [...]s children.

Caes [...] coming into the East, having setled his affairs there He [...] conducted him to the Sea-side, and so returned into his own Kingdom, where he built a goodly Temple in ho­nor of Caesar, all of white Marble, near to P [...]nion, Her [...]d built a Temple: and eased his Sub­jects. at the foot of which mountain were the spring-heads of Jordan. He also remitted to his subjects some part of their Tribute, under pretence that he would ease them after the great dearth, but indeed to appease the minds of his subjects, [Page 40] who were offended at his vast works, which seemed to tend to the destruction of Religion and good manners, as was commonly talked. As also to prevent these reports, he forbad all private meetings in the City, and to frequent Feastings:His jea­lousies. He had spies also who would mingle themselves in all companies, and mark what people said: yea himself would go about in the night in the habit of a private per­son, and mingle himself in the company of people to hear what they thought of him: and such as peremptorily disli­ked his doings, he would punish without all mercy: the rest of the multitude he bound to him by Oath, requiring that they should not depart from their fidelity, and duty: Yea he required this Oath of many of the Pharisees, as of Pollio, and Sameas, &c. which though he could not get them to take, yet did he not punish them as he did others, in regard of that respect that he bore to Pollio: Neither did he impose it up­on the Esseans, whom he much esteemed for one Manaherus sake, who was a Prophet, and when Herod was but a boy, he saluted him King of the Jews, and foretold that he should Reign above thirty years.

Herod in the eighteenth year of his Reign, propounded to the Jews his building the Temple at Jerusalem, He re­built the Temple at Jerusalem. whom when he saw troubled least, when he had pulled down the old, he should not be able to finish a new one, he told them, that the old Temple should remain whole as it was, till all the materials necessary for the new Fabrick, should be fully prepared: neither did he deceive them for he pro­vided a thousand wagons to carry stones, and he chose out of all the Artificers ten thousand that were the most ex­quisite workmen, and a thousand Priests, clothed in their Priestly garments at his cost, who were not altogether ig­norant of the Masons, and Carpenters Art, to oversee them.

All necessary materials for this stately work being pro­vided in the space of two years, Herod began to build the Temple at Jerusalem, forty six years before the first Passo­ver of the Ministry of Christ and therefore that text Joh. 11.20. should be thus translated, This Temple hath been built forty [Page 41] six years hitherto: So the learned Primate of Ireland, and our Country-man Lydiat, read it,

Indeed the building of the Temple under Zorobabel be­gan in the first year of the Monarchy of Cyrus, and after some interruptions, was finished in twenty years space, viz. in the sixth year of Dari [...] Hystaspes: but the magnifi­cent building of it, begun by Herod at this time was fi­nished in nine years space and an half:Nine years it was in building. and truly the riches of Herod alone, were not sufficient to perfect so magnificent a structure, but all the holy treasures of many ages, that were sent to them from all the parts of the world to Jerusalem, were spent about it.

Not long after Herod set sail for Italy, to salute Caesar, and to see his Children at Rome, and as he passed through Greece, He goes into Jtaly. he was, not only present at, but Judg of the Olympick exer­cises, where, observing that they did not answer the resort that was to them, through the poverty of the Elienses, he bestowed towards them an yearly revenew, that so their Sacrifices might be made the more splendid, as also other things that tended to the gracing of so great a meeting: For which bounty he was declared perpetuall Judg of those exercises.His boun­ty.

When he came to Rome, Caesar intertained him courte­ously, and delivered to him his Sons sufficiently instructed in the Liberal Sciences, and so from thence he went into Galatia.

At Jerusalem, by the diligence of the Priests, the building of the Temple properly so called, that contained the Holy, and the Holy of Holies, was finished in a year and an half; during which time, it is reported that it never rained in the day time, but only in the nights: and in the eight years fol­lowing, the Porches, the Ranges, and the rest of the buil­dings about the Temple were all finished.

When Alexander, and Aristobulus were returned into Ju­dea, and had gained all mens love, Salome the Sister of Herod, and her Faction, fearing that at some time or other they would reveng their Mothers death, cast out a rumour a­mongst the people, that they hated their Father, because he had caused their Mother to be slain: But Herod as yet sus [...] cting [Page 42] no ill, used them with all Honour, as they deserved: and because they were now grown to mens estate, he pro­vided them Wives:Herods Sons mar­ried. for Alexander, Bernice, the Daughter of Salome, and for Aristobulus, Glaphira, the Daughter of Arche­laus, the King of the Cappadocians.

Then Herod hearing that Agrippa was again come into Asia, he went to him, and begged of him that he would come into his Kingdom as to his Friend, and Guest; and as he came,Herod en­tertains Agrippa. he entertained him in all the Cities that he had newly built, shewing him the publick buildings, and pre­senting, both to himself and friends all kind of delights which might set forth his magnificence, at Sebaste, and the Port of Caesarca, and in the Castles of Alexandrion, Herodion, and Hyrcania. He brought him also into the City of Jeru­salem, where all the People met him in their best, and Festi­vall attire, and with acclamations of joy: Agrippa a [...]so sacri­ficed an Hecatombe to God, and feasted the People; and though he would willingly have stayed longer there, yet, fearing storms, the Winter now drawing on, he hasted to sail into Jonia, both he and his Friends having been honou­red with great presents by Herod.

As soon as the Spring came, Herod hearing that Agrippa was going with an Army to Bosphorus, made hast to meet him, and taking his way by Rhodes, and Chios, he came to Lesbos, thinking there to find him: But Agrippa being driven back by contrary North-winds Herod staied at Chios, to whom many came privately to salute him, upon whom he bestowed many princely gifts,Herods great bounty. and when he perceived that the Gate of the City that was thrown down in the War against Methridates, as yet lay buryed in its ru­ins, and that by reason of the poverty of the Inhabitants, it could not by them be restored to its former beauty and greatness, he bestowed upon them so much mony as would abundantly suffice to finish it, and exhorted them to hasten the restoring of their City to its former beauty, and grandure.

As soon, as the wind served, he left Chios, and sailed to Mytilene, and from thence to Byzantium, and there un­derstanding [Page 43] that Agrippa had already passed the Cyanian Rock, he followed him with all speed, and overtook him at Sinopi, a City in Pontus, where, beyond Agrippa's expecta­tion, he arrived with his Navy: His coming was very grate­full to him, and they embraced each other with singular affection,His love to Agrippa Agrippa looking upon it as an evident argument of his fidelity and friendship, that leaving his manifold oc­casions, he would come to him in so seasonable a time. Wherefore Herod still abode with him in the Army, was companion with him in his labors, and partaker of his counsels: He was also present with him when he went to be merry, and was the only man that he used in difficult mat­ters, for the love that he bore unto him.

Agrippa having forced the B [...]sphorans to lay down their Arms, in his whole journey thorough many countries and Cities, he gratified Herod in many things,Agrippaes love to him. and at his in­treaty, relieved the necessities of many: If any one need­ed an intercessor to Agrippa, Herod was the only man, by whom he could obtain his suit and assisted many in what­soever they had need of.

When they were come into Jonia, a great multitude of Jews that inhabited that Country, complained of the great injuries that they suffered from the Jonians, who would not permit them to live after their own Laws, but that upon their Festivall days, they haled them before their Tribunals, and forbad them to send holy money to Jerusa­lem, which also they perverted to secular affairs, contrary to the priviledges granted them by the Romans: Herods sa­vour to the Jews in Jonia. Herod took care that Agrippa should hear their complaints, and allow­ed them Nicholas Damasc [...]ne, one of his friends, to plead their cause, which when he had largely performed before A­grippa (many honourable Romans, and some Kings and Princes being present) the Grecians denyed the thing, ex­cusing themselves that the Jews were troublesom to them: But they on the contrary proved that they were freeborn Citizens, and that they lived according to their own Laws without injuring of any; wherefore Agrippa an­swered, that both for his friend Herod's sake, as also because [Page 44] that which they demanded was just, he would gratifie them therein: He ordered therefore that the priviledges which were formerly granted them, should remain invio­lable, and that none should molest them for living after their Country Laws. Then Herod rose up, and gave him thanks in the name of them all: and so after mutuall em­braces, they took their leave each of other, and departed from Lesbos.

Herod in a few days after, having a prosperous gale, arri­ved at Caesarea, and from thence went to Jerusalem, where, calling all the people together,Herod ingratiates him elf with the Jews. he gave them an account of his journey, and told them what immunities he had pro­cured for the Jews in Asia; and to win them the more to his friendship, he professed that he would remit to them the fourth part of his Tribute; with which bounty they being exceedingly taken, wished him all happiness, and departed with great joy.

He is in­censed a­gainst his Sons.Presently after his return, he was greatly incensed by the false accusations and artifices of his Sister Salome, and his Brother Pheroras, against his two Sons that he had by Ma­riamne, Alexander, and Aristobulus: whereupon to take down their spirits, he began to use them more hardly, and pub­lickly he put hopes of the Kingdom into his Son Antipater, whom he begat when he was a private man, his Mother also being a woman of mean parentage, whom formerly he had banished the City in favour to his two other Sons, and writing often unto Caesar for him privately, he gave him great commendations: and at the intreaties of Antipa­ter, he recalled also his Mother Doris, whom he had put away when he married Mariamne.

He visits Agrippa. Agrippa afer his ten years Government in Asia, being now to depart, Herod sailed to salute him, taking with him of all his Sons only Antipater, whom he delivered to Agrippa with many gifts, to be carried to Rome, and to be brought into Caesars favour.

Antipaters subtilty. Antipater was much honoured at Rome, being commen­ded to all his Friends by his Fathers letters: and though he was absent, yet desisted he not by writing to incense his [Page 45] Father against the Sons of Mariamne, pretending his great care of his Fathers safety, but in truth, to make way for his succession in the Kingdom. About this time Agrippa died, and being brought into the market place of Rome, Augustus commended him in a Funerall Oration.

Herod being now incensed a [...]ainst his Sons,Her [...]d ac­cuseth his Sons. Alexander and Aristobulus, he sailed with them to Rome to accuse them before Augustus, and not finding him there, he followed him as far as Aquileia, before whom he accused them of treachery against him; but the young men satisfied all that were present by their Apology for themselves mixed with prayers and tears, so that they were reconciled to their Father. After which, giveing thanks unto Caesar, they depar­ted together, and with them Antipater also, who pretended much joy that they were received into favour again.

A few dayes after Herod gave Caesar three hundred Talents,Caesars fa­vours to Herod. and again Caesar gave him half the revenues of the mettall Mines in Cyprus, and the other half also he committed to his oversight, and having honoured him with other gifts of Hospitality, he gave him leave to choose which of his Sons he pleased to be his successor, or if he li­ked it better to divide his Kingdom amongst them, which when he was about to do, Caesar told him that he would not suffer but that he should have his Kingdom during his life in his own power, as well as his Sons.

In Herods absence there was a rumour spread in Judea that he was dead, whereupon the Trachonites revolting, fell to their old trade of thieving; but by the diligence of his Captains that he had left in his Kingdom,Thieves subdued. they were sub­dued, and forty of the Chief of them, being terrified by the punishment of those that were taken, left their coun­try and fled into Arabia Nabathaea, where they were in­tertained by Silaeus (who was an enemy to Herod, because he had denyed him his sister Salome to wife) who gave them a place to dwell in that was well fortified.

Herod and his Sons sailing homeward,Herod re­turns with his Sons. arrived at Se­baste in Cilicia, where they met with Archelaus King of Cappadocia, who courteously intertained Herod, much re­joycing [Page 46] that his Sons were reconciled to him, and that Alexander had fairely ans [...]red the crimes that were ob­jected against him: and so gi [...]ing royall gifts each to other, they parted.

Herod being returned into Judea, called the people to­gether, and told them what he had done in his voyage, and declared to them that his sons should reign after him, first Antipater, and then Alexander and Aristobulus, that he had by Mariamne.

About this time, in the year of the world 3994, Agrippa the first King of the Jews of that name,Agrippa born. was born, who dyed when he was fifty four years old, being struck by an An­gel, Act. 12.23. Also that lame man was now born, who being above forty years old, was healed by Peter, at the Beautifull gate of the Temple, Act. 4.22.

Herod having finished Caesarea Stratonis in the twenty eighth year of his Reign, he dedicated it with great solemni­ty, and many sports and pastimes: After which he be­gan to build another Town in a field called Capharsala, Herods great buildings. which he called Antipatris, after his Fathers name; and a Castle also, which he called Cyprus after his Mothers name. In honour also of his dead brother, he built in Jerusalem a very faire Tower, not inferiour to the Egyptian Pharos, and called it Phasalus: and afterwards he built a Town of the same name in the valley of Jericho, from whence the country there about [...] is called Phaselus,

Herod having wasted his wealth by his great prodigality, and now wanting mony, after the example of John Hyrcanus, in the night,He robs Davids Sepulchre without the knowledge of the people, he opened Davids sepulchre, where, though he found no mony, yet he found great store of precious things, and ornaments of gold, which he took away: for the expiati­on of which fact, he afterwards built a most sumptuous Monument of white Marble at the entrance of the Sepul­chre.

Antipaters subtilty. Antipater, suborning other men falsly to accuse his Bre­thren, Alexander and Aristobulus, takes upon him their defence, that making a shew of good will to them, he [Page 47] might the easier oppress them: and by these subtilties he so wrought upon his Father, that thought him to be his on­ly preserver. Hereupon Herod commended his Steward Ptolomy unto Antipater, and communicated all his Counsels with his Mother Doris, so that all things were done as they pleased, and still the King was imbittered against those, whom it was their profit that he should be angry with.

About this time Pheroras (Herods Brother) fell so madly in love with his own servant, that he refused marriage with Cypros, the Kings Daughter, that was offered him by his Bro­ther: He also accused Herod to his Son Alexander, as if he had been greatly in love with his Wife Glaphyra: for both which Herod was highly displeased with him.

In the year of the world 3996, he began to be diseased, who, lying at the Pool of Bethesda, was after 38 years, resto­red to health by Christ, Joh. 5.5.

Alexander, by the subtilties of his adversaries,Alexander reconciled to his Fa­ther. being even driven to desparation, was at this time reconciled to his Father by Archelaus, King of the Cappadocians, who came to Jerusalem to visit Herod, and being accounted one of Herods chief Friends, received great gifts from him, and when he departed, Herod brought him as far as Antioch.

Not long after Herod went a third time to Rome to visit Caesar, in whose absence those Thieves of Trachonis, Herod goes again to Rome. whom Syllaeus had intertained, with their inrodes infested, not only Judea, but all Caelosyria; Syllaeus affording them both impuni­ty, and [...]curity.

He [...] bein [...] returned from R [...]me, He re­turns and dedicates the Tem­ple. celebrated the Dedica­tion of the T [...]le, reedified by him in the space of nine years and [...]h [...] on the very b [...]rth day of his Kingdom, which he wa [...] [...]ont to celebrate with great joy, at which time he Sacr [...]ced unto God three hundred Oxen, and other of the p [...]ople off [...]red an innumerable company of Sa­crifices, every one according to his ability.

Herod finding that in his absence his People had sustained much dammage by those Thieves of Trachonis, Thieves do much mischief. and seeing he could not subdue them, being under the protection of the Arabian, he therefore entred Trachonis, and destroyed [Page 48] their Famelies, which yet did but incense them the more; so that, contemning all dangers, they molested Herods Countries with continuall excursions, driving, and carry­ing away the peoples goods.

Herod, hereupon sent to the Presidents of Syria, Saturninus, and Volumnius, desiring that he might have the punishing of the Thieves of Trachonis, who by their incursions had often wasted his Country. They, when they heard hereof, being increased to the number of a thousand, began to waste both fields, and villages, cutting the throats of all that fell into their hands; wherefore Her [...]d demanded those Thieves to be delivered over to him, and withall, required the sixty Talents that he had lent Ob [...]das upon Syllaeus his security, who had thrust Obodas from the Government and now ru­led all himself: But Syllaeus denied that the Thieves were in Arabia, and deferred also to pay the money; whereupon the business was debated before Saturninus, and Volumnius, and in conclusion it was determined by them; that within thir­ty dayes space, both the money should be repaid, and the runawayes of both Countries should be delivered up, and Syllaeus swore by the Fortune of Caesar before the Presidents of Syria, that he would perform what was enjoyned.

But when the time was expired, Syllaeus being unwilling to stand to the agreement, went to Rome: and in the mean time Herod, by the permission of Saturninus, and Volumnius, to punish those obstinate people, raised an Army, entred A­rabia, and marched as far in three days as they used to do in seaven; and when he came to the Castle where the Thieves kept,Herod de­stroies the Thieves. he took it at the first assault, and demolished a Fortress also called Raeeptu: and when a Captain of the Ara­bians came to their aid, they joyned battell, in which few of the Herodians were slain, but there dyed twenty five of the Arabians together with their Captain, whereupon the rest fled. Being thus revenged of the Thieves, he brought three thousand Idumaeans into Trachona, to restrain the thei­veries committed there, and certified the Romane Generals, that he had only used that power which they had granted against those obstinate Arabians, which upon enquiry, they found to be true.

There were Letters posted away to Rome to Syllaeus, Caesar in­censed a­gainst him. that related matters far otherwise, aggravating every thing af­ter their manner, by which Lyes Caesar was so much incen­sed against Herod, that he wrote threatning Letters to him, because he had marched with an Army out of his own Kingdom without his leave: and he was so far provoked, that he would not hear his Ambassadors, but dismissed them without an answer.

The Trachanites, and Arabians taking hold of this occa­sion, molested the Garrison of the Idumaeans that Herod had set over them; but Herod being affrighted with Caesars an­ger, was fain to connive at it.

About this time Obodas, King of Arabia Nabathaea dyed, and one Aeneas succeeded him, who changed his name into Aretas; which Syllaeus hearing of at Rome, endeavoured by false accusations to have him thrust from the Kingdom, and to get it to himself, bestowing much money upon the Courtiers, and promising great things unto Caesar, whom he knew to be offended with Aretas, for assuming the King­dom without his consent. In the mean while Aretas sent Letters, and rich presents unto Caesar, and amongst them a Crown worth many Talents: But Caesar would not hear his Ambassadors, and scorned his Presents, and dismissed them without any thing done.

Herod being continually vexed with the insolencies of the Arabians, sent Nicholas Damascene to Rome, to see,Herod fals out with his Sons, and im­prisons them. if by the mediation of his Friends, he could get Justice from Cae­sar: But in the mean time the discord with his Sons that he had by Mariamne, was greatly heightned by the artifices of Euri [...]hus a Laced [...] nian, which occasioned Herod, to find out their s [...]pp [...]s [...]d treachery, to put to death by various torments, many both of his own, and of his Sons Friends, yet could he find no other evil by them, but some too free complaints of improvident young men, concerning their Fathers immoderate cruelty, and his too easie hearkning to base pick-thanks, of the wicked deceits of their Brother Antipater, and of the faction that was combined against them, and that, to free themselves from these mischiefs, [Page 50] they were said to think of flying to Archelaus King of Cap­padocia, which thing indeed they did not deny: Hereupon Herod cast them into prison, as i [...] they had been convicted of treason against their F [...] he [...], resolving to punish them ac­cording a [...] his ff [...]rs went at Rome and concerning this bu­sin [...]ss h [...] sent L [...]tters to Caes r by Volumnius, the Roman Ge­nerall, and Olympius, his Friend.

At Rome Nicholas Dam [...]scene joyned himself to the Ara­bians that cam [...] to accuse Syllaeus, professing that he was his accus [...]r also before Augu [...]us, and not Herods defender, and this he did, lest he should be repuls [...]d as others had been before him. When by this means he had gotten access into Caesars presence, he indeed laid open many of Syllaeus his crimes, and withall added, that Caesar was circumvented with his lies in the cause of Herod, which he confirmed by certain authentick records: This so prevailed with Caesar that he condemned Syllaeus, and remanded him into the Province, that when he had satisfied the debt, he might be punished.

Caesar is reconciled to Herod.From this time Augustus was reconciled to Aretas, and and Herod, and then received the Presents that before he had so often rejected, and confirmed the Kingdom of the Arabians to Ar [...]tas. He advised Herod also by his letters, to call a Councel of his Friends at Berytus, and joyning the Presidents of Syria, with Archelaus, the King of Cappado­cia, by their joynt advice to determine of the business about his Sons.

About this time the Angel Gabriel (who long before had foretold to Daniel the coming of the Messias by a certain number of weeks) appeared at the right side of the Altar of incense to Zachary An Angel appears to Zachary. the Priest, of the course of Abia, tel­ling him, that there should be born to him now in his old age, his wife El [...]zabeth also being well stricken in years and barren, a Son called John, a Nazarite, and the fore­runner of the Lord, in the spirit, and power of Elias: which he not believing was made dumb, Luk. 15, 22.

Herod having received Augustus his letters, rejoyced exceedingly, both because he was returned into his favour [Page 51] and for that he had granted him power to do what he would with his Sons, and hereupon he convened by mes­sengers all those that Caesar had appointed, to Berythus, ex­cept only Archelaus, and kept his sons not far from the place, in a City of the Sidonians: and the Case being open­ed, Saturninus, one that had been Consul, delivered his opinion, but moderated with circumstances, that Herods Sons were to be condemned,Herod pro­cures his Sons to be condemn­ed. but not to be put to death: Af­ter him, his three Sons that were his Lieutenants, delivered their opinions to the same purpose: But Velumnius pro­nounced that they were to be punished with death, whose opinion the ma [...]r part followed: and so the Councel being ended, Herod took his Sons with him, and meeting with Nicholas Damascene at Tyrus, they went together to Cae­sarea.

Here, when as a certain old Souldier named Tyro, had smartly reprehended Herod Herods cruelty. for his wickedness determined against his Sons, and told him that three hundred more of his Captains were of the same opinion, Hero [...] commanded him to be cast into prison: Trypho the Kings Barber, taking this occasion, accused Tiro for that he had often sollicited him to cut the Kings throat with his razor, as he was trim­ing him, and immediately both Tiro, and his Son, and the Barber were tortured: and Herod bringing those three hun­dred Captains, and Tiro and his Son, and the Barber, accu­sed them before the People, against whom the people throwing any thing that came next to hand, slew them every one.

Then were Alexander, and Aristobulus led to Sebaste, Herods▪ Sons strangled. and there strangled by their Fathers command, and their bodies were buried in the Castle of Alex [...]ndrian, where Alexander, their Grandfather by the mothers si [...]e, and many of their Prog [...]nitors, had been buried.

Antip [...]ter, Antipaters. Treason. when his Brethren were now dead, intended to remove his Father also out of the way: and knowing that he was hated by many in the Kingdom, he endeavoured by Bribes to get the good will of his Fathers Friends, both at Rome and in Judea; but especially of Saturninus, the Presi­dent [Page 52] of Syria, and of P [...]eroras, and Salome, the Brother and Sister o [...] Herod.

At [...]is time Herod sent home Glaphira, the widdow of his so [...] A [...]exander, to her F [...]ther Ar [...]helaus the King of C [...]op [...] and g [...] her a D [...]wry out of his Treasury, lest som [...] [...]roversie s [...]ould a [...] concerning it, and withall, he took [...] care [...]f [...]e young children of Alexander, and A­ri [...]to [...] wh [...]h A [...]tipa [...]er took very heavily, fearing lest whe [...] [...]ey sho [...]ld come to age, they would hinder his de­sign [...] [...]ough [...] in [...]ef [...]re their destruction: and he so over­cam [...]erod b [...] his flatteries that he s [...]ffered him to marry the d [...]ughte [...] [...] Aristobulus, and his son to marry the daug [...]ter of [...] U [...]cle Pheroras.

About th [...] [...]he Herod invited Zamaris, a Babilonian Jew, and gave him a Country in Tra [...]honis to inhabit, and this he did, that he might be a guard to that Country against Thieves: and Zamaris coming with five hundred Horse, and an hundred of his kinsmen, erected Castles in divers places of that Country, by which means he secured the Jews that came from Babilon to the Feasts at Jerusalem from the Thieves.

Antipater working treason against his Father, drew in his Uncle Pheroras, and some of the Kings women, that were most addicted to the Sect of the Pharisees, Of the Pharisees. except Salome, who constantly adhered to her Brother Herod. These Phari­sees were a crafty people, arrogant, and enemies to Kings, and they only of the whole nation of the Jews, refused to swear allegiance to Herod and Caesar, and were about six thousand. For which cause Herod fined them, and the wife of Pheroras paid their fine for them, to whom, by way of re­quitall, they foretold that the Kingdom should be taken from Herod, and his children, and be transferred upon her Husband, and her, and their children: these things Salome made known to Herod, Herod slew some of them. who examining the business, put some of the Pharisees to death, and with them, the Eunuch Dagoas, and his darling Carus, who was commended to him for his handsomeness; and besides these, all the rest of his Family whom he found to have conspired with the Pha­ [...]s [...] ▪

Herod having punished the Pharisees, called a Councill of his Friends, and before them began an accusation against the wife of his brother Pherora [...], and when Pheroras, tho to gra­fie his Brother, would not fors [...]ke her, he forbad Antipater Pheroras his company: and Antipater, that he might remove all suspition from himself, procured by his friends that his Father should send him immediately to Augustus: and ac­cordingly Herod Herod sends his Son to Caesar. sent him with great presents, and his Will, in which he declared that Antipater should succeed him in the Kingdom: but if he died before him, then his Son that he had by Mariamus, the daughter of Simon the High Priest.

In the sixth moneth after John was conceived,The Angel appears to Mary. the An­gel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth in Galilee, to the blessed Virgin Mary, betrothed to J [...]seph, of the same Tribe with her: viz. of the stock of David, and declared to her that she should bring forth the Son of God, and call his name Jesus, and she being more fully taught of his admirable concepti­on by the power of the Holy Ghost overshadowing her, with great Faith, said, Be it to the handmaid of the Lord accor­ding to thy word, Luk. 1.26, 38. and presently after she went into the Hill-Country, into a City of Judah (viz. Hebron, a City of the Priests, scituated in the mountains of Judea, Josh. 21.10, 11.) where, when she entred into the House of Zachary, and saluted her Cousin Elizabeth, the babe sprang in her womb, and she, being filled with the Holy Ghost, declared that Mary was blessed, &c. Luk. 1.39, 56.

Herod banished his BrotherHerod banishes his Bro­ther. Pheroras into his Tetrarchy, because he would not part with his wife, who swore that he would never return till he heard of Herods death, so that a little after, Herod falling sick, and often sending for him, to receive some private instructions, he refused to come for his oaths-sake.

When Elizabeth [...] time was come, she brought forth a Son, who wa called Jo [...]n, John Bap­tist is born. and Zacharies speech being resto­red to h [...]m, he prophesied, saying, Bl [...]ssed be the Lord God of Israel &c. Luk. 1.57, [...]8. and Joseph finding his betrothed wife to be with child, thought of putting her away privily, [Page 54] but being warned by God in a dream, he took her to wife, M [...]t. 1.24.

Pheroras Pheroras dieth. falling sick, and Herod, beyond expectation, be­ing recov [...]red, went to visit him, and very kindly sought help for him, but he died within a few dayes after, whose bo [...]y was brought to Jerusalem, and interred by Herod, who honoured him with publick mourning.

At this time two of Pheroras's freed men, declared to He­rod how he was killed by poyson, g ven him by Doris, the Mother of A [...]tipater, which whilest Herod enquired into, by little and little [...]e found out greater Villanies, and the ma­nifest treason [...] [...]f his Son Antip [...]e [...], Antipaters Treason. who, when he went to Rome, had delivered a deadly poison t [...] Pheroras, that was sent him out of Egypt from his Uncle [...]heodore, the brother of Doris, wherewithall to m [...]ke aw [...]y [...] Father, that so the suspition of the Parracide should not lye upon him, being so far absent.

Hereupon Herod put Doris out of the Pallace, and took from her Jewels that were worth many Talents: He also put from him his wife Mariamne, the daughter [...] the H [...]gh Priest, as a partner of all these secrets, and blotted h [...] son out of his Will, and deprived her [...]ather of the High Priest­hood, and substituted in his room Ma [...]thias, the Son of Theo­philus, that was born at Jerusalem.

Presently after came Bathyllus, Antipaters freed-man from Rome, who being tortured, confessed that formerly he had brought poison, and given it to D [...]ris, and Pher [...]ras, that if the first proved too weak, they should be sure to dispatch Herod with the second. There came also letters from his Friends at Rome, to the King, written by the entreaty of An­tipater, Antipaters Craft. in which Archelaus and Philip, H [...]rods sons, were ac­cused for often complaining of the death of Alex [...]n [...] and Aristobulus, pittying the misfortune of their murthered brethren: For these young men were studying at Rome, and their Father had now commanded their return: whereupon Antipater by great gifts corrupted those friends, th [...]t by their letters they might make the young men suspected to their Father, who if they lived, might be an hindrance to his hopes.

About this time Augustus taxing all the Roman world, our Lord Christ was born,Christ is born. Luk. 2.4, 5.

Shortly after there came wise men from the East, the Star being their guide, to Herod at Jerusalem, and there, be­ing taught that the birth place of Christ, was Bethlehem of Judea, thither they went, and entring into the house, which was shewed them by the Star that stood over it, they found the Child, and fell down, and worshipped him, &c. Mat. 2.1, 12.

After the Angel of the Lord appeared unto J [...]seph in a dream, warning him to fly into Egypt, Joseph flies into E­gypt. where he remained till the death of Herod, Mat. 2.13, 14, 15.

Herod thinking that the Child was still at Bethlehem, that he might destroy him amongst the rest, killed all the chil­drenHerod kils the chil­dren. which were in Bethlehem, and in all the Coasts there­of, from two years old, and under, according to the time (of the Star first seen in the East) that he had enquired of the wise men, Mat. 2 10.

Herod receiving letters from Antipater from Rome, in which he signified, that having dispatched all his business according to his own mind, he would shortly return into his own Country, he wrote back to him again,Herod en­snares his Son. dissembling his anger, that he should make hast, lest any thing should befall him in his absence that he should not like of; and also gently complaining of his Mother, he promised that he would remit all differences after his return.

Antipater heard no news all this while either of the death of Phero [...]s, or of those things that were on foot against him, though there were seven moneths space between the wickedness proved against him, and his return.Antipaters return. For in his journey at Tarentum, he met with a letter of the death of Pheroras, and in Cilicia those letters of his Father that called him back so hastily; and when he came to C [...]lenderis, a Town of Calicia, he began to doubt of his return, hearing of, and being extream sorrowfull for the disgrace of his Mo­ther, yet sailing forwards, he came to Sebaste, a Port of Cae­s [...]rea, where, being saluted by none, he went to Jeru­salem.

It happened that Quintilius Varus, was the same time at Jerusalem, being sent as Successor to Saturninus into Syria, and then called thither by Herod to assist him with his counsell in those his weighty affairs. As they were sitting both together, in comes Antipater not knowing any thing, and in his purple garment that he used to wear, entring the Pallace; but himself being entred, the Guards suffered none of his followers to come in with him: As he was coming near, his Father thrust him from him, reproaching him with the murther of his Brethren, and his intention of poi­soning his Father, telling him that the next day Varus should hear, and determine all things betwixt them, and accordingly the next day, Varu [...], and the King, sitting in Judgement, his Father himself first began the accusation, and left the prosecution, and confirmation thereof to his old Friend, Nicholas Damascene, one that knew all the business, and when Antipater Antipater accused by his Fa­ther. could not clear himself from the crimes obj [...]cted against him, Varus commanded the poison that he had prepared for his Father to be brought forth, which being given to a condemned man, killed him imme­diately: after which Varus rose from the Council, and the next day went to Antiochia: but Herod cast his Son into pri­son, and signified so much by letters to Caesar: sending also messengers, who by word of mouth might acquaint him with the cursed treason of Antipater.

As these messengers were posting to Rome, Herod Herods sickness. fell sick, and made his Will, leaving his Kingdom to his young­est Son, Herod Antipas, being exasperated against his two elder Sons, Archelaus, and Philip, by the false accusations of Antipater.

Judas the son of Sariphaeus, and Matthias, the son of Mar­galothus, two of the most learned of the Jews, and best Inter­preters of the Law, knowing that the Kings sickness was incurable, perswaded some young men, that were their Scholars, to throw down the Golden EagleThe Gol­den Eagle hewn down. that was set up by Herod, over the great gate of the Temple; who accor­dingly, going up at noon day, pulled and hewed down with their axes the Eagle, a great multitude being in the [Page 57] Temple, and beholding it: which as soon as it was told the Captain, he came with a strong band of souldiers, and laid hold upon some forty of the young men, together with their Masters, and brought them to Herod: These constantly defending what they had done, Herod commanded them to be bound, and sent them to Jericho: Then calling for the Ru­lers of the Jews, into whose Assembly he was brought in a Litter, by reason of his weakness, he complained to them, not so much of the injury done to himself, as to God (as he said) These denying that it was done by their order, some­what pacified him, only he took away the High Priesthood from Matthias, whom he suspected not to be a stranger to that fact, and made his successor Jazer, the Brother of his Wife Mariamne, the daughter of Simon the High Priest; but he burned alive the other Matthias that was the author of this sedition, and his companions.

Herods Herod puts them to death. His sick­ness en­creaseth. disease began now to grow worse: for he was burned with a slow fire, which was not perceived so much by the outward touch, as by the inward effects of it, which burnt up his very bowels: He had also the disease called the Bulemia, or Dog-like appetite, which provoked him to a continuall desire of eating, and yet nothing would satisfie him: He was also continually tormented with ulcers in his bowels, and pains of the collick: His feet swelled with a moist phlegm, and his thighs also: His members rotted and were full of worms, which occasioned an intollerable stink: He was no less troubled with a Priapisme: and moreover was vexed with grievous convulsions, and difficulty of breathing.