Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4, Biblical commentary 1 · Intertestamental history (3 of 7)

Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4 · Biblical commentary 1 · Intertestamental history (3 of 7)

p. 115To return to the history of the Romans and Carthaginians, the stipendaries that escaped in the Lybian Wars, fled to Sardinia, and invited the Romans thither to their ayde. They being willing to take any opportunity to enlarge their Empire, raysed forces and went to Sardinia. The Carthaginians under whom Sardinia had hitherto been, fearing, after that they had been so much wasted with Civill Wars, to encounter again with so potent an enemy, although manifest wrong were herein offered unto them, yielded them Sardinia, and to pay moreover 1200 talents to continue their peace. But they sent out Hamilcar into Spain to subdue those parts, beginning also to revolt from them, who took with him his son Hannibal being but nine years old, and made him sweare always to be an enemy to the Romans. In Spain Hamilcar having prospered nine years, at length was put so hard to it by King Otissen, at the siege of the City Helice, that he was forced to take into a River and was drowned there. Then Hasdrubal his son in law succeeded him, and having subdued 12 Cities in Spain, he built a City there by the Sea coast, and called it Carthage, but when hee also had fulfilled nine years, hee perished by poyson treacherously given unto him by a familiar friend. All this while the Carthaginians enjoyed peace with the Romans, who were glad to renue it by reason of the French, of whom they were continually affraid. For they made great preparations against them, and therefore they were now busied altogether in preparing to resist them. At length the Romans had certain news of their comming beyond the Alpes by Hetruria, at which both Rome and all Italy was terrified. For they had answer from their South-sayers, that the French and the Zonaras.Grecians should passe the City, whereupon they took a French man and woman, and a Grecian man and woman, and buried them alive in the Boian Market, thus seeking to fulfill the prophesie. But yet they could not but feare greatly, and send to the Venetians for ayd and to other peoples neer the French, by reason whereof the French came but with 50000 foot and 20000 horse, the rest of their army being left to oppose the Venetians and others, if they should attempt any thing against their Countrey in their absence. But the Romans went forth with all the power that they could make in Rome and in all Italy, neyther old men, nor Priests being spared. So there were of their whole forces 700000 according to some, 800000 according to others, whereof part went to Ariminum, under L. Aemilins Consul, part to Hetruria with a Pretor, and part to Sardinia with Attilius the other Consul. Those that went to Hetruria with the Pretor, came first to the enemy towards night being 50000 foot and 4000 horse. The French in policy caused their p. 116foot to march away in the night, commanding their horse to follow them in the morning. The Romans when it was day light seeing none but horsmen set upon them, and as they went away pursued them. But when they were come to their footmen, they altogether fell so fiercely upon the Romans, that they slue of them 6000, and pursued the rest unto a certain hill to which they sled. But in the night following, hearing of another army that was comming against them, they consulted about going away with the huge prey, which they had already taken without staying at this time to fight any more. For the Consul Aemilius was now come out of Ariminum to help the Pretour with his company upon the hill. Hee therefore finding, that the French were gone, pursued them, but whilst they were fleeing before him, behold the other Consul Attilius came also with his army out of Sardinia, and having learned by some fore-runners of the French army, whom he took▪ that the French were now inclosed betwixt his and Aemilius his army, he set so hastily upon them that hee was slain, yet the battell in time went against the French, who fought most valiantly for their lives, and there were slain of them 40000, and 10000 taken prisoners, vvhereby the Romans were delivered from all their fear of them.

To return again to the Kingdom of Syria, Seleucus Calin: and Hierax his brother being dead, Seleucus Cerannus succeeded in that Kingdom, being son to Seleucus Celimachus. And finding that Attalus King of Pergamus had taken away a great part of his fathers kingdom as far as the mountaine Taurus, hee first prepares to fight against him joyning with him Acheus a Prince, his kinsman, but when he had vvith him, and a great army proceeded as far as the sayd mountain, he before any battell fought perished by poyson. Acheus his kinsman took and executed the traitours, and behaved himself so in managing this War alone, that he recovered again that part of Asia from Attalus, and vvhen the people vvould have had him for their king being moved by his great vvisdom and valour, hee Void of ambition.vvas so far from ambition, that hee refused it, and kept it for the other son of Seleucus Calin: being yet very young, called Antiochus Magnus. And being by him set over those parts he was faithfull unto him for the space of tvvo years. But then partly being prickt vvith ambition for his good successe, for he had driven King Attalus into his City Pergamus, taking all the Countrey home to Pergamus from him, and partly by the instigation of others, hee tooke upon him to be King. Antiochus hearing of this, and being yet but a youth, he was advised by Epigenes Polybius.the chief Captain of his army to take his forces, and in person to go and fight against his rebels: but Hermias, the Governour of the Kingdome of Syria under the King, being a wicked and cruell man, and hating greatly Epigenes, cryed out against him, as seeking to draw him forth with a few to the hazarding of his life, and perswaded him rather to bend his forces against Ptolomee to be revenged for the wrongs done to his father, and to recover from him that part of Syria which he had taken away. And for Acheus he devised a letter, as if it had been by him Counterfeit Letters.written to the King, wherein he certified him, that Ptolomee had sought to move him to take the Crown upon him, promising great ayd of men, money and ships. Hereby the young King comming to a better opinion of Acheus and his complices followed the counsell of Hermias, and prepared to goe against Ptolomee. But one Molon, who together with a brother of his; had conspired with Acheus fighting against the Kings Captains in those parts, overcame them, and tooke certain Cities, of which Antiochus being advertised, he thought to desist from his enterprize against Ptolomee, and to goe in person against his rebels. But Hermias again perswaded him that it was the unskilfulnesse of the other Captains which caused their overthrow, and therefore to send another more expert against them, and hold on in his way against Ptolomee, saying, that it was not fit for a King in person to goe against Captains, but against a King. But when a new Captain was sent, he at the first encounter was also slain. Then the King consulted again with his Officers, and resolved to goe in person against therebels, Hermias also being forced to yeild unto it. But when they were upon the way money failed to pay the Souldiers, at which the King being much troubled, Hermias offered to supply him, if so be that he would send away Epigenes, because p. 117he sayd, they two should never agree. To this the King, though very unwilling, consented, and charging Epigenes to stay in Apamea, where they then were, he himselfe with Hermias and his Army being now payd, advancing forward, Hermias set a trap for Epigenes, by Alexis the keeper of the Tower of Apamea, whom he corrupted by gifts, so that he wrote Letters as comming from Molen Counterfeit Letters dedest…uctive.to Epiganes, and procured a servant of his to put them secretly amongst other writings of his Masters. Then he challenged Epigenes for receiving Letters from the Rebels, but he denying it, Alexis sought amongst his papers, whereby he convinced him, and so he was executed. The King came to Antioch, and having wintered there, in the spring he went against the Rebels, till he came neere unto them. Molons forces having begun to skirmish with his, he presently fearing the revolt of his Souldiers to their King, retired five miles back with his Army, and in the night attempted to set upon the Kings unawares. But this project not succeeding, because it was discovered, he was forced next day to fight with the King, but in the fight the left wing turning to the King, he despaired and slue himselfe, and so did many more of his complices. And this was a common remedy in those dayes to men that were in a desperate condition For Cleomenes also the Selfe murthers many.King of the Spartans, together with 13 others with him, when they were in danger in Egypt to be taken by their enemis, and saw no way to escape, did the like. Antiochus joyfull of this successe, tooke the spoyle, and pardoned the common Souldiers. Then he sent to Acheus to challenge him for his treachery, but because he had a greater desire to recover Syria out of the hands of the King of Egypt, he deferred to goe against him, and turned to make this recovery. But by the way I cannot omit the just judgement of God upon Hermias, that out of his hatred against Epigenes, had procured his death most treacherously, as hath been before shewed. Apollophanes the Kings Phisitian being deare unto him, fearing least he might somtime be serued by him, as Epigenes had been, upon a time told the King, that he had need looke to himselfe, least by the treachery of Hermias, both he and his freinds should be brought to destruction, telling him how he had dealt with his freind Epigenes. The King confessed that he hated him, and therefore tooke his Physitians counsell to feine himselfe sick for a time, that his Princes might withdraw, and onelyonly one by one take their turns to come and visit him. When Hermias came, it was so ordered, that the Physitians commanded the King to walke out to take the aire, Hermias went with him, and the King after a while withdrew himselfe as weary: whilst Hermias waited his comming out Treachery revenged in the kind. The hatred of the people.again, he was suddainly dispatched by the Kings attendants, being thereunto before appoynted, and when his death was heard of, so great was the peoples hatred commonly against him, that the women fell upon his wife, and their children upon his children, and stoned them to death. To return to Antiochns his expedition to recover his Kingdome of Syria from the King of Egypt. Ptolomee Energetes was dead, and Ptolomee Philopator was King, invading, as Justin sayth, the Iustin.Kingdom by making away both his father and mother, for which cause hee was per antiphr asin called Philopator, a lover of his father. But Polybius sayth, that Ptolomee Energetes dyed of his naturall death, and Philopator succeeding gave himself Polybius.to nothing but to luxury and sensuality, having no regard to the affairs of the Kingdom, but committing them to others. Wherefore Antiochus having great advantage given him hereby goeth to War first against Hyppodronum in Syria, which he took partly by force, and partly by rewards and fair promises drawing some of the chiefe to his side. From thence he was invited by letters from Theodotus a Captain of Ptolomee, who was discontented at him, and meditated revenge, to come to Ptolomais, and had it soon delivered to him, and after that Tyrus and many other Cities. Ptolomee therefore leaving his pleasure gathereth a great Army of 70000 foot, and 4000 horse, and many Elephants, and Antiochus with the like forces came to fight against him neare the City Raphias, upon the borders of Syria. Here many being slain on both sides, the victory at length fell to Ptolomee. Wherefore Antiochus fearing, least being thus foiled by the Egyptians, and Acheus also rebelling against him, hee should prove contemptible to his people, sought and made peace with Ptolomee, that he might p. 118bend his forces against Acheus, who was then at Sardis. He made a league also with the King of Pergamus, Acheus his enemy, and then setting upon Acheus, prevailed and slue him. Ptolomee in the mean season sacrificed to the gods for his victory, & comming to Jerusalem he also sacrificed there. But when he would have gone into the most Holy place, Simon the High-priest and the Elders besought him not to presume so to doe, because the Lord had streightly forbidden every man to enter in there except the High-priest, onelyonly once in the yeare, yet he being nothing moved by their intreaties would enter, till that Simon having prayed unto God to keepe his house from being prophaned by the Gentiles, he was suddenly smitten with such feeblenesse, that they who attended upon him, thinking that he would presently have dyed, carryed him away. Being removed to another place, Against prophaning the Temple gods judgments.and recovering his strength again, he raged against the Jews, for their keeping of him out of the Temple, as a great indignity offered unto him, and therefore he would make them either to alter their Religion, and to conforme to the Egyptians, or else destroy them all. Wherefore many for feare turned, but most refused, and by earnest prayer sought unto God to avert this great danger. Yet gathered together they were, and Elephants were prepared by drinking much wine, to stir them up to more fiercenesse to destroy them, and many people round about were gathered together to see the execution. But upon the day appoynted, Ptolomee was taken so with sleepe, that he arose not till late, and forgot what he had determined. But being put in minde of it by the Officers appoynted over this matter, he set the next day for the execution, and when that was come, he thought no more upon it, till that he was likewise stirred as before by his Officers, but then he reviled them and sayd, that the Jews were his most faithfull Subjects, and threatned those that spake against them. Yet after this againe he bent himselfe to destroy 3 Machab.them, and caused his Elephants and men to be prepared, and upon a set day went forth with them towards Jerusalem, but the Jews humbling themselves and The miraculous working of God for the saving of the Iews.praying to God, two terrible Angels appeared against his Army, whereat both he and his company were all amazed, and stood still, not able to goe further, then the Elephants were turned back in a fury upon his men, and slue many of them. The King escaping this danger, turned most kinde unto the Jews, and feasted them seven dayes, and at their request gave them leave to proceed against them that in the time of danger had revolted from their Religion, and so many hundreds of them were put to death, and the Jews in remembrance of this deliverance, They that would save life lose it.instituted a feast of 40 dayes to be kept by their posterity, from the 25 of Pachon to the 4 of Epiphus.

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

Touching the Carthaginian affairs in Spain, Hasdrubal being dead, Hannibal although very young being the son of Hamilcar, was by the Carthaginians made Generall, who presently began to be famous for his subduing of the Olcads, another rich Nation in Spain, within the river Iberus, where were Mines of Gold and Silver, from whence he proceeded against other parts beyond Iberus, and although he were most strongly opposed, yet he subdued them all. Then he lead his army being 150000 against the Saguntines: for whom because they were Confederates with the Romans, they sent Embassadours to declare so much to Hannibal, and therefore that he should desist from molesting them. But Hannibal not so much as giving them audience, battered the Walls of Saguntum, and at length wan it, but the desperate Citizens had first made fires in the City into which they cast all their Gold and Silver, and some themselves, so that the Carthaginians enjoyed no great prey, when they had taken it. The Roman Embassadours being thus slighted by Hannibal, went first into other parts of Spain, to move them to joyn with the Romans against the Carthaginians then into France, but in vain. Wherefore they returned to Rome, and having told of the destruction of the p. 119Saguntines, the whole City was greatly moved at it, and grieved that they suffered their associates to perish, and sent no help unto them. Wherefore Embassadours were immediatly sent away to Carthage, to complain of this wrong against their league, and to require Hannibal to be delivered unto them, or else to denounce War. The Carthaginians denyed any wrong to have been done to the Romans, by the destruction of Saguntum, because it was not mentioned in the league. But the issue was, one of the Embassadors sayd, hee brought in his bosom both War and Peace, and bad them choose, whether they would have, they answered, War, and so preparation was made to a second Carthaginian War, which lasted many years. For Hannibal leaving another Governour, and part of his army in Spain, passed into France and having obteined licence to go through that Country with his army, he by most difficult journeys passed the Alpes, to the losse of half his men. Yet when he came to fight against the Romans, many of the French revolting to him, he at the first prevailed so, that Scipio their valiant Consul was grieviously wounded and many slain, insomuch that the night comming on, wherein there was a cessation from fighting, he removed away by stealth to a strong hold, to which when Sempronius the other Consul was come with a great Army, another fierce battell was sought, to the destruction of very many on both sides, but specially of the Romans, who were so beaten, that the whole City was put into a great feare. For the Romans being greedy to fight went on with speed against the Carthaginians, of whom Hannibal had placed 1000 horsemen, and 1000 foot in ambush, who came forth in the midst of the fight, and then the victory fell soon to the Carthaginians, but they lost almost all their Elephants, and many men, so that Hannibal had no great joy hereof. It seemed good then to the Senate to send Cn. Scipio into Spain, who overcame Hanno and tooke him prisoner, and partly by agreement and partly by force, tooke all to the River Iberus. And Sempronius was again sent against Hannibal, but nothing memorable was done more in Italy, till that Flaminius and Servilius were Consuls. Then Flaminius going out first to fight against Hannibal, was drawn by his policie into such a place, between high mountains and a marrish before them, that they were by the Carthaginians on all parts comming upon them easily slain, unto 15000, and 10000 by force breaking through, were scattered about the Countrey by divers ways returning to Rome, and Flaminius himselfe was also slain. Then Servilius comming with 4000 to helpe his Collegue, not knowing what was done, was encountered by Hannibals brother, and put to flight, when he had lost most of his men in the fight. The Senate hearing of these things knew not what to doe, but they soon resolved to make Qu: Fabius Dictator, that he alone might raise Forces, and order all things for the best for the defence of the City, against which they feared that Hannibal would come next. Fabius then joyning to the Forces which Servilius had, two Legions more, some say foure, went with his Army to the Picen field, Polybius.where Hannibal was wasting and spoyling the Countrey, wisely taking order, that in all places that were undefenced, the people should depart, and leave no provision to be gotten by Hannibal, even burning that which they could not carry away. So soone as hee was come neere to Hanibal he brought forth his forces to fight, but Fabius kept his together at a distance, still marching in open places, and being alwayes carefull about searching the wayes before he removed, lest his Souldiers should be circumvented. Yea, when the Catthaginians fired the fields in his sight, to provoke him to fight, yet he would not suffer his Souldiers to stir out of their Tents, insomuch that Minutius chiefe Captain of the horse did openly blame him of cowardize, and so did many Commanders more, and even at Rome he was for his delaying much traduced. But he drove out the Sommer by such delayes, whereby he got the name of Cunctator, and in winter was called home to Rome, Minutius being left with the whole Army alone. When he was gone, Minutius being provoked by Hannibal, fought with him, and slue 6000 of his men, but with the losse of 5000 of his own, yet hereby he came to be in such credit, that thenceforth the power was divided betwixt him and Fabius, wherefore Fabius returning again in the spring, divided all the horse and foot equally betwixt him and Minutius. This was no sooner done, but Hannibal comming again to p. 120provoke to the fight, he with his forces went against him, and was brought by Hannibals policie into great danger, many of his men by ambushments being destroyed and his whole Army was then in danger of perishing, but that Fabius seeing it came in with his power and so saved them, slue many of the Carthaginians, and put Hannibal to flight. Hereupon Minutius acknowledged the wisdome Cunctando restitutares.of Fabius, and called him his father and saviour, and abdicating the power committed to him, left all again to the Dictatours disposing. And Hannibal himselfe extolled Fabius, saying, that he had overcome Minutius, but was by Fabius overcome, and that the cloud which hung so long in the aire, had now rained abundantly. But before this, when Fabius was gone to Rome, because he feared him for his wisdome, he sought to procure him envie, and so to be discharged of his office, by sparing his field which was in his way from spoyling. For by this means he thought it would be conceived that there was some confederacie betwixt Hannibals policie.them two: But Fabius wisely prevented this by selling the sayd field, and with the price thereof redeeming almost 300 Roman Captains, to his great praise and glory.

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

After Fabius, who had done so worthily, great contention was amongst the Romans, about new choosing Magistrates. But Varro by the help of his friends was made Consul, and L. Aemilius his Colleague, the one rash and proud, who detracted from Fabius, the other grave and wise, to whom also Fabius gave wise counsell, instructing him about the manner of Hannibals fighting. These Consuls together with those of the last year marched with a great army of 80000 against Hannibal, whose forces were not much more then half so great. And at the first the Romans skirmishing with some of them that were gone out for booty, slue above 1000, not above 100 of them being slain, at which losse yet Hannibal was not much grieved, as thinking it would be an occasion to make his plot against the Romans, the better to take. He therefore caused his men to forsake their tents, as if they had run away and to hide themselves behinde the mountains, that if the Romans should come to take the spoyle, they might from thence be suddenly upon them and overcome them. Varro hearing of their departure would have presently gone with his army against their tents, but at that time he was stayd by Aemilius, who would needs first have certain horsmen sent out for more certain intelligence. Hannibal then seeing that his plot was discovered returned to his tents, and making fires removed again from thence in the night, leaving some few tents only standing, that the Romans being held with a suspition of treachery might be kept from pursuing him, whilst hee went into Apulia, to get prey for the sustenance of his army, being then in a great stright for want. The Romans after a while perceiving, that he was gone indeed, pursued him and found him neer a Town called Cannae, having pitcht his tents so, as that he had the advantage of the dust blown by the winde in the face of the enemy, and of the Sun dazeling their eyes. When they approached, he provoked them to fight by his Numidian horsmen, but that day Aemilius ruling, he would not begin to fight. The next day, Varro ruling, he without any consultation had with his Colleague prepares to fight, and so Aemilius must needs go with him. The battell was first begun by the horsmen, and the Numidians prevayled, then the foot joyned battle, and Hannibals army being ordered so, that it comes out on both sides with horns like the Moon, soon inclosed the Romans, and overcame and slue them to the number of above 40000, and 3000 were taken prisoners. Aemilius also being first wounded and refusing to flee p. 121was slain, and the two Exconsuls, many Tributes, &c. but Varro with horsmen sled. This was he, who a lit…le before had brag'd, that if Fabius had been there Gloriosus Thraso.still▪ Hannibal would always have stickt to the ribs of Italy, but he would overcome him the first day, that he should come to the sight of him. When Varro had gathered together 10000 of the scattered army to him to Canusi…m, he cert…fied the Senate of the event. Then such feare came upon the whole City, as never did hitherto, for they thought that Hannibal would soone be at the gates of the City. And so indeed Adherbal one of the great Captains of the Carthaginians advised him to do, but when he refused, he told him, that he knew indeed, how to overcome, but not how to use the victory. The Senate then chose another Dictatour M. Junius, and a new Generall of the Horse, Sempronius, who renued the army with all diligence, and tooke spoyls formerly gotten out of the Temples to buy 8000 slaves also for the War, choosing rather to use them, then to redeeme their captives, being by Hannibal offered: for they sayd, that they had no need of such men, as would be taken by the enemy, when they were armed, wherefore hee put Captains hardly censured.the Roman captives to death, and dismissed their sociall helps gratis. The Dictatour took up also 6000, who in divers places had been committed for great crimes, sparing their lives upon condition that they should go to this Warfare, and before they went there was according to their superstitious manner sacrificing of men to pacifie the Gods and severe punishments executed upon the Vestall Virgins, that were any way corrupted. Hanniball in the mean season went from one City to another, and took some and some yielded, but others stood out and were kept out of his hands. And to the Carthaginians he sent a messenger to declare his victory, and to ask more ayd, and with him he sent a measure full of Gold Rings taken from the slain Romans, in token of his victory. Junius the Dictators army of 25000 being ready marched out of the City. And now Hannibal with his souldiers having lyen in Capua all Winter, they degenerated so into tendernesse, that at sundry skirmishes many of them were consumed, whereby it appeared, that pleasure and ease do souldiers more hurt then cold frosts and snows and hard travell: for after these in the Alpes Hanibals men were invincible. But now Marcellus being sent to keep Nola, which was ready to fall away to the Carthaginians, Hannibal besieged him there, but Marcellus, when they had beset the City, went out suddenly upon them, and for that time being beaten back by a terrible storm, he went forth again the third day after, when he knew, that many of Hannibals souldiers were absent, and fought so fiercely against him, that he slue 1000 of his men, and took 1600 prisoners, and returned into the City, and then Hannibal was yet more weakned by the revolt of 1200 Numidians and Spaniards, from him to the Romans. Yet when he was sought to by the Samnites to come to Nola, hee brag'd Brags fore-run overthrows.that he would obscure the victory of Cannae with that, which hee would win at Nola. And much more did the Scipioes in Spain, prevail in Hasdrubal, so that the Carthaginian affairs began now to decline greatly. The next year two great victories were gotten, the one against Hanno at Capua, by Sempronius, from whence he only escaped of all the army with 2000 men, all the rest being slain or taken, the other against Hannibal by Marcellus, neer unto Nola, where were slain 1000, the getting of a greater victory being hindered by Nero, the Captain of the horse, who came not in to help the foot, as he was appointed. After this Hannibal having kept in his tents a day or two, departed towards Tarentum an haven Town, having great hope, to take it, because some of the chief had been with him a little before to invite him thither. But hee was prevented by a Roman Garrison put in before his comming, so that he was constrained to go from thence without doing any thing. The Numidians also now turned enemies to the Carthaginians, and joyned with the Romans, their King associating with them. But the Tarentines soon after this revolted to Annibal, which was a beginning of divers victories to Cruelty lost the Romans Tarentum.the Carthagininns, and overthrows to the Romans. The occasion was the cruelty used by the Romans against their hostages at Rome: for when they sought to escape away, they being taken being first beaten with rods were cast down headlong and slain. Thirteen therefore of the chief conspired to deliver the City into Hannibals hands, and wrought so cunningly to elude the Roman Governour and p. 122Garrison there, pretending to goe forth onelyonly to hunt, that at length Hannibal get in and took it, but the Towre still held out a long time, yet at length Hannibal by craft tooke it, so Nauclerus; but according to Livy▪ the Towre held out till the comming of Levinus the Roman Consul who tooke Tarentum again, and so all Sicily soone yeilded to the Romans. Whilst Hannibal tooke Tarentum, the Romans besieged Capua, a delectable City, and the next unto Rome in all Italy. The Capuans sent for Hannibal to come and raise the siege, this he attempted with all his might, but in vain, wherefore he removeth to Rome, thinking by this means to draw them away from Capua But the siege was continued still▪ and when the Roman Forces came forth to fight against the Carthaginians, such a tempest arose when both Armies were ready to joyne battell, that they were hereby Lighting hindered marvellously.hindered that day. The next day when they were ready to fight again, they were parted by another like sudden tempest. Hannibal seeing this sayd, somtime he had power to have taken Rome, but no minde, now he had a minde to it, but no opportunity; wherefore provision also being scant with him, he removed to the Brutians and Lucans, and left Rome. This the Capuans hearing, despaired of keeping their City any longer, and therefore yeilded it to the Romans. But the chiefe of them fearing the Romans cruelty poysoned themselves.

About this time also Syracuse was taken by the Romans, wherein was Archimedes Archimedes without all feare of the sword.the Geometrician, who by his art had long defended the City, but then was slain, whilst that he not regarding the enemie breaking in, was busie in making lines upon the ground in the dust. About the same time also the Romans had wars with the Sardinians and subdued them, and with the Macedonians, by reason that Philip then King of Macedonia was confederated with Hannibal against them, when he heard of his great victory at Canne, whereby the Romans forces were so broken, that it was thought that the Carthaginians would now utterly subdue them, for hereupon many other places fell away from the Romans, amongst which Syracuse was one, with the King thereof, the sonne of Hiero, who had long lived a friend of theirs, and so dyed. But this King who fell away was soone slain, and Syracuse taken and spoyled, as hath been sayd, although five times as great as any other City except Rome, the spoyles thereof equalling the spoyles of Carthage, when it was afterwards destroyed. Things also succeeded well with the Romans in Spain, under the two Scipioes, Pub: and Cneius brothers. For they got many victories, but about the seventh or eighth yeare after their comming thither, they were both slain, one within a few dayes of another. For when the Carthaginians Generall Hasdruball perceived that the Romans were but few, and that their chiefe strength stood in the Celtebrians, he craftily drew them from the Romans to him, at which time the two Scipioes were in severall places. And at the same time Masanissa King of the Numidians comming to help the Carthaginians with his Numidian horsemen, set upon the Romans with Pub. Scipio being in fight with another Army, and the Carthaginian Forces also came in, so that he had to fight with three Armies of his enemies at once, whereby he vvas soone oppressed and slain, and his Army seeing this fled, but being pursued sell in great multitudes, neither had any escaped but for the night comming on, vvhichwhich caused the enemy to retreat. The next morning early the Carthaginians hastened to Hasdruball, to goe against Cn. Scipio, the Numidian horsemen came to him the same night, although he fearing this danger, made all the haste that he could away. And the next day two Armies more comming against him he vvas soone overcome and slain, but a great part of his Army by fleeing escaped. By this means the Roman affairs in Spain grevv desperate. But Martius the son of Septimus a Roman Knight, vvho had long vvarred under Cn. Scipio, soone restored them again. For he gathered together the scattered forces of the Romans, and so made up an Army again, by vvithdrawing some also out of the Garrison Towns. Then understanding that Hasdrubal vvas at Iberus to destroy the remainder of the Romans there, he came upon him unawares, wondering how the Romans should have an Army and Captain again so soon, and put them to flight, and in the night following, he set upon their Tents in one place, for they pitched their Tents in two parts, the one six miles from the other, placing an p. 123ambush in the way between. Here the Carthaginians being taken asleepe without any watch, were so slain and confounded, that they knew not what to doe, such as could get away fled towards the other Campe, but the ambush cut them off by the way. The Romans then hastened to that Campe, being animated with such a victory, and there finding all secure, slue them likewise, and tooke many. Nauclerus sayth there were 27000 slain and 800 taken. Thus they being brought low on both sides, were glad to rest for a time, till that the Senate hearing of the death of the two Scipioes, and after that none could be found that was willing to undertake that charge, appoynted P. Cornelius, Scipioes sonne, who was then 24 years old unto it, who joyed the hearts of all men when he offered himselfe. Hee therfore being set forth with 10000 men went with 30 sails into Spain, & joyned Martius his forces with them, whom he also used with all honour. He came then to Tarracon, and from thence to New Carthage in the midst of Spain, being the greatest City of importance in all the Kingdom, as a bounding with all manner of provision and munition. And to this City he no sooner came, but he overcame it the same day. For Hanno the Governour having placed forces in all parts where he thought any danger to be, set open the gates, and sent out an Army against the Romans Scipioes Army, for so he was also called. Pub. Corn. Scipio consisting of 25000 foot and 2000 horse, fought so valiantly that they beat the enemie back, and were even ready to enter the City with them retyring, but that Scipio caused a retreat to be sounded, whereby they were stayed. But presently he perceived such a feare to have surprized the Citizens all within, that he attempted it again, and whilst with some of his men he maintained the fight about the gates, he learning that the marrish which lay on one part of the City was dry and passable, went with the rest by that way, and scaled the walls unexpectedly, none resisting, and so tooke it, and Hanno, whom he sent to Rome, the Citizens he set at liberty, and shewed himselfe such a pattern of courtesie and chastity, as that he was beloved and admired of all men. An ancient woman a Princesse making request unto him for his sonnes daughters committed to her keeping, he gave such a charge of them that they were kept safe from all injury. And a very beautifull young woman being presented to him, when she was taken, he by enquiring, learning that she was a Princes wife, sent for him, and restored her to him, and when her father being there with a great summe of gold to redeem her, saw it, he notwithstanding offered him the gold, but Scipio receiving it, called to him her husband again, and gave it all to him, whereupon his heart was so wonne, that he both most highly extolled him in all places, as being like unto the gods, and shortly after came unto him with 1400 horsemen to serve him. Scipio returned after this and the treasure sent to Rome, which he tooke in this Carthage to Farracon, and having spent the winter in reconciling the Spaniards mindes unto him by restoring their pledges which he had taken in Carthage, the next spring he went out to fight against Hasdrubal. But he hearing of it, tooke the advantage of an hill, upon which he placed his Army, fearing upon equall terms to fight with Scipio. For now the Spaniards were by reason of the great humanity of Scipio alienated from him, being also weary of the Carthaginian tyranny. For when they had slain the two Scipioes the Father and Uncle of this man, making account that all Spain was now their own, they exacted tribute of them, and tooke for pledges the very wives and children of the chiefe. Hasdrubal therefore placed himselfe at that advantage, Livius.but Scipio having incouraged his men from the feare appearing in the enemie, set upon them and slue 8000 of them, and tooke 10000 foot and 2000 horse, but such amongst these as were Spaniards he dismissed gratis, the Carthaginian Captains were sold. After this the three great Captains of the Carthaginians meeting to consult, it was resolved amongst them that Asdrubal should goe into Italy to Hanniball, carrying such Spanish forces as they had with him, lest they should revolt to the Romans, and the other Hasdrubal, the sonne of Guisco, and M…ago who had hitherto kept in the further parts of Spain should haften thither, and Massanissa King of the Numidians should abide with his 3000 horsemen in the higher parts to hold the Romans play.

Whilst these things were doing in Spain, Hannibal and Marcellus had another p. 124great battell in Italy, where at the first encounter there were of the Romans slain 2000. But Marcellus having by Oration stirred up his Souldiers to redeem their credit again, they were ready the next day to fight a second battell, and then there were slain of the Carthaginians 6000 men, which caused Hannibal to retire to another place. And thus with divers successe the wars of Hannibal in Italy had continued 10 years, which made the people so weary, that many Collonies would pay no more money, but would have peace made with the Carthaginians, which much troubled the Senate, but that many more were willing to contribute and brought in great summes of money. Marcellus then being made Consul the fifth time, and Crispinus were appoynted to goe against Hannibal in Apulia. But as part of their Army came from Tarentum towards ths siege of Locri, Hannibal placing an ambush in the way, cut off 2000 of them, and tooke 1200, the rest fled back again to Tarentum. Moreover, he espying a certain hill betwixt his Tents and the Romans, which he thought not fit to set his whole Army upon, he sent some Numidiantroops of horsemen thither in the night, who keeping close, the two Consuls thought to goe and view the hill, and to take it, before that Hannibals Forces should come at it. But going with 220 horsemen onelyonly, the Numidians were suddenly upon their backs, and slue Marcellus and wounded Crispinus, and put the rest to flight. Thus he that thought himselfe the onelyonly man able to deale with Hannibal, for want of providence was cut off, when he had so long been acquainted with Hannibals stratagems, but could never in all that time circumvent him. For Hannibal as a most wise Captain, was ever so wary that, as it became a Generall to doe, he always kept himselfe so as that no unexpected danger could come upon him. But thus did not Marcellus, who also at this time had been warned by the South-sayers, and by dreams of this danger. Hannibal Dangers foretold by Southsayers.having gotten the corpes of Marcellus used it honourably, and being burnt, sent his ashes in a silver Urne crowned with gold, to his sonnes to be interred. Then the siege of Locri was soon dissolved, and Crispinus dyed of the wounds which he had received. The Roman Senate hearing of the death of their two Consuls, propounded Claudius Nero, and Livius Salinator to be chosen, as the fittest men which they had, one of these, that is, Livius, refused, because being Consul once before he tryed the levity of the people, but at length he was perswaded to hold. Then was he sent against Hasdrubal who was now come over the Alpes with a great Army to joyne with his brother Hannibal. But Nero against Hannibal, who had been foiled by Hostilius before his comming, and lost 4000 men. Not being far from the enemy helayed an ambush, and next day provoked Hannibal to fight, which he speedily did, but in the time of the battell the ambush arising, strooke such terrour into the Carthaginians, that they fled and were slain to the number of 8000, and 700 taken, after that in another skirmish he lest 2000. At what time Letters from Hasdrabal to Hannibal were intercepted and brought to the Consul, shewing where he would meet him and the time. Therefore Nero choosing out 6000 foot and 1000 horse, hastens to the other Consul Livius to acquaint him with it, and to joyne those forces with his against Hasdrubal. And so they together encountering with him got a great victory, Hasdrubal himselfe also being unwilling to live after so great a losse, fighting valiantly amongst the thickest, was slain. The Carthaginians perishing in this fight were fifty thousand, of the Romans eight thousand, the prey taken very great, the news hereof comming to Hannibal, affected him with wonderfull grief. For Nero bringing his brothers head away with him, cast it down in the sight of his African Captains, and set two of them at liberty to goe and tell Harribal hereof. He then removed his tents to the Brutii in the uttermost parts of Italy. And the Romans hearing of it rejoyced excedingly, and gave their Gods thanks in all places. New Consuls were then made, as the old desired, Philo and Metellus, and were both sent against Hannibal. But for so much as Hannibal attempted nothing against the Romans that yeare; they passed their time in doing nothing memorable against him. The next year P. Cor. Scipio, having subdued Spain, returned to Rome, and was with great applause made Consul, that hee might end the Wars with Hannibal in Italy, and so passe over into Africa to subdue Carthage. p. 125And therfore Sicily was assigned to him for his Province, from whence the passage was readiest to Africa, when hee was come into Sicily, hee being put in hope to gain the City Locri by certain workmen, that used to work there in the towre, sent with them two Tribunes of the people, and with them 3000 men, who being let in in the night began to kill the Garrison souldiers, but through the noyse, that vvas made the rest being stirred up cryed to arms and came in so great multitudes against the Romons, that they were in danger of being oppressed, but that a noyse was heard out of the towre, as if it had been full of Romans, which made them remit off their fiercenesse, untill that Amilcar came on the Carthaginians side, and Phoenicians on the Romans. Hannihal also came another way against them with his men, but Scipio hearing of the danger, wherein the Garrison was hastened from Sicily thither, and came upon the backs of Hannibals men, and the Locrians vveary of the pride and covetousnesse of the Carthaginians revolted to Scipio, whereby the Carthaginians were soon over come, and were by Hannibal called back into their tents, and so the City came into the Romans hands again. After this a prophesie of Sybil comming forth, that if Idaea, the mother of the Gods were brought to Rome, they should be able to drive the forreine enemy out Idaea, the Mother of the gods.of Italy, Embassadours were sent to Attalus King of Pergamus to fetch her, and by the vvay, the Oracle of Apollo being consulted vvith, hee ansvvered, that they must hauehave a care to bring this Idaea into the Worthyest mans house in Rome. Wherefore with great solemnity P. Scipio, the son of Cn. Scipio being judged the Worthyest, was required to meet the Idoll, being then within …0 miles of the City, together with a company of Matrons, who brought it by turns upon their shoulders all praying, as it entred, that it would willingly enter and be propitious unto them. But Corn. Scipio having once beaten Hannibal vvent vvith his army into Africa, vvhichwhich much terrified Carthage, and all the parts about. The Carthaginians therefore rayse forces, shut up their gates, and place men upon the Walls. They also sent for King Syphax to Rome, and help them, and for Hanno, the one having 50000 foot, the other 30000 besides horsinen: but Massanissa King of the Numidians, vvith a fevv horsmen was for the Romans. Scipio then besieged Utica, but being too strong to be taken, he withdrew his army, and because Syphax had sometime tyed himself to the Romans, he tryed again to see, if he could win him. But Syphax vvould not upon any other conditions agree, but that a peace must be made between the Romans and Carthaginians, the Romans and their forces going out of Africa, and the Carthaginians out of Italy, each one leaving the other to enjoy the Countryes novv severally possessed by them. But Scipio understanding in the time of this parle, that the tovvres of Utica vvere made of vvood, vvhen the time of truce was over, caused them in divers parts in the night to be set on fire, placing his forces so, as that they might knock dovvn such as fled, vvhereby it came to passe, that 40000 of the Carthaginians vvere slain, and 6000 taken prisoners, amongst vvhom vvere many Nobles and Senatours. After this the Carthaginians sought peace again, but in the very time of the truce a Navy of theirs at Sea surprized certain ships of the Romans, vvhereby the peace vv…s hindered, And finally, Hannibal comming, and at a place appointed, having conference with Scipio, so hard conditions were by him propounded, that to fighting they went again with all their power & skill, till the Carthaginians were quite overthrovvn and slain, or taken Hannibal only with a few escaping into the City. Syphax also was taken by Massanissa a King confederate vvith the Romans, he had been King of the Numidians, but whilst he vvas in Spain aiding the Romans, Syphax tooke his Kingdom away and added it to his ovvn. This his vvife hearing came and prostrtaed herselfe at his feet, craving his protection from the Romans, that shee might not he brought into their povver. Massanissa overcome vvith her entreaty and teares, seeing also her admitable beauty, fell in love vvith her, and consented conditionally that shee vvould become his vvife, vvhichwhich shee did, but they enjoyed not one another long. For when Massanissa came to Of beauty the power.Scipio, he vvas by him so taxed for this, telling him that as shee had dravvn Syphax, so shee vvould him from the Romans, unlesse be put her avvay again. Wherefore hee sent by a trusty servant poyson unto her, telling her, how the case p. 126A wise poysoned in love.stood, which she with an undaunred courage having taken dyed. Then Syphax with other principall prisoners were sent to Rome, with great treasures which were taken in Hannibals Tents. And Scipio prosecuting his victories prepared to besiege Carthage both by sea and by land. But 30 of the principall men of the City were sent out unto him in most submisse manner to sue again for peace, which Scipio fearing lest he should not finish his conquest of Carthage, being so large and strong, before the time of his Consulship vvas out, condescended unto, but whereas one of his conditions was to have Hannibal delivered alive unto him, it was answered that he was not in Affrica, for he was gone with foure horsemen onelyonly to Antiochus. Thus a peace was concluded after the wars begun, and continued by Hannibal in Italy 18 years upon most hard conditions, and a tribute of 200 Talents for 50 years, and many of their ships burnt in their sight. So Scipio returning to Rome held a most glorious triumph, being ever after called Scipio Africanus. But Hannibal comming to Antiochus the King of Syria, was at Naucler.the first most joyfully received by him. But when he advised the King to make war against the Romans in Italy, offering to goe thither vvith 100 ships and 10000 men, some of his great ones, lest Hannibal should have all the glory, disswaded from it, and vvhen Embassadours from Rome came to Antiochus about peace, they cunningly had often conference vvith Hannibal to make him suspected by the King, vvhichwhich tooke so amongst his adversaries, that they hereupon brought him into suspition indeed, and the King refused to follow his counsell, to his own great hurt. And then Hannibal fled to Prusia to the King of Bythinia, who had war with Eumenes, and after some battels fought between them, by the mediation of the Romans they were reconciled, and Hannibal was required to be delivered unto them, but he hearing this poysoned himselfe. And the same yeare dyed Scipio also in exile crying out upon his ungratefull Countrey, which Scipio dyeth.did not give a Sepulcher unto him for all his conquests made for them. The occasion of his going into exile was, for that he was accused to have defrauded the State of the treasure which he tooke in Syria, when he overcame Antiochus, for this was by him so heinously taken, that he went voluntarily into exile, and there dyed.

To return now again to the King of Egypt, Ptolomee Philopater, he having reigned 17 years dyed, after a life most luxuriously led amongst harlots, of whom Agathocles was the chiefe and of greatest power, together with her brother Iustin.Agathocles a faire young man, with the love of whom the King had been taken also. When the King was dead, Agathocles seasing upon his treasure was slain, and his whores were hanged, although not immediately, but in the first yeare of Ptolomee Epiphanes who succeeded Philopater his father in the Kingdom of Egypt, being but foure years old. For Philopater being dead, Agathocles tooke the administration of the Kingdom upon him, as tutour to the young King, but Antiochus King of Syria, who had prepared an Host to come against Philopater, came therewith, he being now dead, against his sonne, and joyning with Philip King of Macedonia, they thought together to take the Kingdom of Egypt, and to divide it between them. But the people rising against Agathocles slue him, and put the women to death, who by reason of their alliance to him and to the King, took any authority upon them, both Agathoclea the mother of Ptolomee Epiphanes, and her mother, and all the cognation. Then an Embassage was sent to the Romans, desiring them to take the Orphan King into their protection, which they readily did, and sent Embassadours to the two Kings, requiring them to abstein from the Kingdom of Egypt, and M. Lepidus to be tutour to the young King. But the Embassage being despised, Antiochus went on, and tooke Phoenicia belonging to Egypt. And then sayth Jerom, Judaea being between the Forces Hieronym.of Antiochus and the Captains of Ptolomee, was divided, some taking part with Antiochus and some with Ptolomee. Then Onias the High-priest with many Jews went down into Egypt, and being well received, had Heliopolis granted unto them, and there he built a Temple, Next unto Phoenicia Antiochus tooke Coelosyria, then Ptolomee sent out Scipa with a great Army against him, who was overcome, and thereupon the Jews in Jerusalem revolted all to Antiochus, p. 127receiving him into their City, and helping him to win the towre, which was still held by the Egyptians, for which he gave them thanks. All this while the Romans were in warre with Philip of Macedon, with whom they begun, the rather because he had formerly been in league with Hannibal against them. But at length he being overcome, and seeking peace with the Romans and obteining it, Antiochus sent an embassage to them also to shew that he was now about to make peace with Ptolomee, and to give him his daughter Cleopatra to wife, and to restore unto him all the Provinces which he had taken from him. And accordingly this contract was made with him the seventh year of Ptolomees reign, and accomplisht, Anno 13.

To return again to the Romans, peace was no sooner made with the Carthaginians, then they began a War against Philip the King of Macedonia, which was called the Philippick War, when Sulpitius and Aurelius were Consuls. The cause, as hath been already touched, was, for that Philip entered into a league with Hanniball, when he was in Italy, hoping by his help to subdue the Romans, and not to be subject to them, as in times past the Macedonians were not subject to any, but extended their Dominion far and wide over all others. When this War was propounded by the Senate, and the question was put to the people, they by their Tribune cryed out against it, desiring now at length after so much Warre, to live in peace. But Sulpitius who was to be over this War, consulted with the gods, and had answer that it should succeed well, wherefore by an Oration he moved the people, shewing them great and weighty reasons of it, and so prevailed with them. But whilst these things were in agitation, and prayers were made for their good successe, news suddenly came, that the French under Amilcar, to the number of 40000, had come and taken Placentia, and were marched to Cremona, wherefore Aurelius with his Army was sent against them, and his Army going before, joyning with L. Lucius, whose forces vvere 5000, he with them to the offence of the Consul before his comming, being provoked by the French, greedy of battell, fought with them and overcame them, slaying and taking 35000, together with Amilcar himselfe, and three other great Captains vvho then perished. Sulpitius the other Consul in the meane season sayled into Macedonia, and because vvinter vvas then beginning, he did nothing till the spring following, but upon a Petition made unto him by the Athenian Embassadours, vvhose City vvas then in danger to be besieged by King Philip, he sent unto him to will him to refrain from the Cities of Greece and Ptolomees Kingdom, and to submit himselfe to the judgement of the Senate for vvrongs done unto the Rhodes, or else the Romans would make vvar upon him. Philip answered, that he vvished that the Romans vvould not breake their Covenant vvith him, and if they did, he vvould prepare valiantly to resist them. Upon this answer they prepared on both sides to the vvar, but Philip being divers times overcome, vvhen he had somtimes before sought peace in vain, because he vvould not agree to the terms of the Roman Consul, at length sought peace, submitting himselfe to such terms as vvere propounded and obteined it. Then all the States in Graecia, before held under by him, vvere set at liberty, vvhichwhich did strike them into a strange admiration and applause of the Romans vertue. Then Embassadours vvere sent to Antiochus King of Syria. to make friendship vvith him, if he vvould also permit the Greeke Cities under his dominion to be free. About vvhichwhich there was much and long disputation sundry times, till at length both he prepared to fight against the Romans, The piety of the Romans.and they against him, but they first by sacrifices consulted vvith their Southsayers, and vvhen they promised all good successe to be shewed by the entrailes, they vvith confidence, and yet great care and circumspection proceeded, and thus they commonly used to doe, and vvhen they had prevailed against any Nation, appoynted dayes for solemne thanksgiving to their gods, as they vvere then blindly led: as after the subduing of Macedonia, there vvere five dayes appoynted. Acilius the Consul had the care of this vvar vvith Antiochus committed unto him, vvho therefore sayled over into Greece, according to some vvith an Army of 10000, according to others of 20000. Philip King of Macedonia, and Ptolomee of Egypt, offered their helpe to the Romans, but they had onelyonly thanks, and their p. 128help refused. Antiochus because he also had but a small Army of 10000 foot, and 500 horse, takes the advantage of the streights of Termopylae to fight in. But even there having fortified himselfe most strongly, he vvas so overthrovvn, that he fled avvay onelyonly vvith 400 men the rest being slain.

Then Acilius fought against the Etolians, the associates of Antiochus, and having subdued them would have followed him over into Asia, where hee thought himself secure. Yet by the perswasion of Hannibal, who was yet with him, hee made great preparations for the War, which was first begun at Sea by Livius Admirall of the Romans▪ and the Antiochians were beaten, many ships being taken, some drowned, and the rest put to flight. But the Kings Navall forces being renued again by Polixenidas his Admirall, hee sought by policy to circumvent the Navy of the Rhodians, consisting of 25 ships, over which was Pausistratus. For hee himself was a Rhodian, and bare an hatred against Pausistratus, ever since his banishment from thence. Wherefore hee now meditating revenge sent unto him an offer to deliver all Antiochus his ships under his government into his hands, requiring no recompence but restitution to his Countrey, Pausistratus accepted the offer and the time in the night appointed, when hee comming securely according to appointment was suddenly beset round with 70 ships, and his Navy taken A stratagem.and he valiantly fighting slain. This notwithstanding, the Rhodians desirous of revenge sent out 20 ships more, which being joyned to the Romans, fought against the Antiochians, and overcame them, and finally, gat the dominion of the Sea. But before this, Acilius his time being expired, and another Consul, Scipio comming in place, he delivering his forces over to him returned to Rome, and Scipio after some delay in Graecia, whilst these things were doing, sayled into Asia, which strook such terrour into Antiochus, that hee sent Embassadours to him to sue for peace, leaving Antiochia a chief City in Asia, full of all manner of provision, and munition unto him. Scipio propounded conditions so hard beyond these that Antiochus offered, that he was forced to fight. Wherefore he gathered together a This delay was in Hellespont, where when P. Scipio came, the days of sacrificing being then, he for so much as he was a Salian, ought not to go away in 30 days, wherefore he stayed there so long.great army consisting of more then 70000 men, the Consul having not full 30000, so Appian: but Livy addeth 12000 horsmen, and Nauclerus sayth, that his whole army was 300000: yet when they joyned battell, although they fought valiantly, and sometime put some part of the Roman army to flight, yet they by the encouragement of other Captains comming on again strook such terrour into their enemies, that they soon overcame and routed the whole army of Antiochus, slaying 50000 men, and putting the King to flight, so that he ceassed not, till he was gone out of Asia into Syria. Then he sent Embassadours again to sue for peace, giving them power to conclude upon any terms. Scipio then granted him peace upon condition first to pay all the charges of the War, viz. 15000 talents, whereof 500 down, and 2500 when the Senate had confirmed the peace, and for 12 yeares 1000 talents per annum. 2 to abstein from all Asia on this side of the Mountain Taurus. 3 to deliver 20 hostages, whereof Hannibal to be one, but he escaped to the King of Bythinia, as was sayd before. 4 to pay to Eumenes, King of Pergamus, 40 talents for his damages. When the hostages were sent, the Kings younger son, called Antiochus, was sent for one. Before Antiochia left by Antiochus, hee might have agreed upon easier conditions: but after not, because, sayd Scipio, the case now differed. Thus Lu. Scipio chosen Tribune purposely, his brother Corn. Scipio being joyned as Legat vvith him, having prevayled over Asia, had the name Asiaticus given unto him, as his brother had Affricanus: but they were both evill rewarded at the last by the people, who accused them for defrauding the State of the the treasure vvhichwhich they had taken in those Wars. When Antiochus was thus confirmed The peoples ingratitude.to his Kingdome of Syria, he sayd, that he thanked the Roman Consul for easing him of so much care and trouble as was before upon him, no more now being to be taken by him, then his own Kingdom of Syria required. When the news of this conquest came to Rome, three dayes vvere appointed for thanksgiving, and Thankfulnesse for dominion les…ned.40 greater sacrifices. But still the Etolians remayned unsubdued, vvherefore Fulvius a nevv chosen Consul vvas sent against them, who came vvith his army against the City Ambracia, where he vvas a long time valiantly resisted. But at length, the City being in danger to be taken, the Etolians sought peace and obteined p. 129it for 500 tal…nrs, whereof 200 to be payd down, and the other 300 in six years, and it was conditioned that they should never doe any hostile act against any City in league with the Romans, and for performance of this, 40 hostages to begiven, none of them being under 12, and none above 40 years old. Antiochus the King of Syria, after the losse of Asia and his becomming tributary, dyed the second yeare, Anno Regni 27, and Seleucus Philopator his sonne succeeded Seleucus King of Syria.him, happily being called Philopater, for the wars which he had valiantly fought in for his father against the Romans and others: but during all the time of his reign, which was 12 years, he lived idlely, and did nothing worth remembrance, but that he sent Demetrius his sonne for a pledge to Rome, instead of Antiochus his brother, and called him home. But this was ill requited, for within a short time after his brothers return, he was slain by Heliodorus through treachery. Yet Polybius sayth, that Antiochus had no hand in it, for he was but upon the way in returning from Rome, and that Heliodorus did it out of ambition, thinking Polybius.that whereas hee had ruled hitherto over all under the King, he would now, the King being taken away, make himselfe King. But he was prevented, for Eumenes Murther revenged.King of Pergamus, together with his brother Attalus, came upon him, and slue him, and brought in Antiochus to be King, thus making him their friend. And this Heliodorus is thought to be he that came into the treasury of the Lords house so proudly to rifle it, to gather money for the King, wherewith to pay his tribute, and so, it may be noted, how justly God cut off the King by the same man, that Gods judgements iust.he had used to rob God for him. The History is set forth at large, 2 Machab. 3. whereby we may also understand in what state the Jews were in those dayes.

Touching Philip the King of Macedon in those dayes, he having made his peace with the Romans, as was formerly sayd, could not through the haughtinesse of his minde, long endure, the conditions of peace put upon him. For a time indeed he was so obsequious and liberall towards them, and fought so couragiously for them, that his sonne Demetrius was restored to him, whom he had sent as a pledge to Rome, and his tribute was remitted, and he received as a friend. But then he did many things against the Athenians and others, for which he was complained of before the Senate, and therefore sent his sonne Demetrius to answer for him. He behaved himselfe so well and so discreetly sought to salve his fathers faults, that the Senate rested satisfied, and sent him back with this answer written: that for the sake of Demetrius they were content to passe over all his offences, and that he should have peace still. At this Philip was not a little offended, seeing his sonne to be preferred before him, which made him jealous, that by the help of the Romans, he might be set up shortly for King. Perseus his other sonne perceiving this, sought to stir up his father more and more against him, till that A father against his own son. Sacrifice abused to poysoning.a means of his destruction was found out, and a colour to justifie it, viz. that he meditated to flee to the Romans, and so he was by one appoynted to keepe him company by his father circumvented and poysoned at a sacrifice, which was instituted purposely. But this cruell and unnaturall act of his father went not unrevenged, for he was soon after much troubled for it in his minde, and somtimes terrified by his ghost appearing unto him and his sonne Perseus, whom he so much loved, that had stirred him up against his brother, came to be hated by him, in so much that he sought his destruction also. But he being aware of it fled and kept so far off that he could not take him, yet he determined to prevent him of the Kingdom after his death, by setting up one Antigones to be King. But before that he could doe this, he being over oppressed with sorrow and misery ended his life, and Perseus came with speed, and tooke possession of the Kingdom.

In this time Ptolomee Epiphanes the King of Egypt dyed, when he had reigned 24 years, according to some 23, and left his Kingdom to Ptolomee Philometor Ptol. Philom.his sonne who was so called per antiphrasin, because his mother hated him so much, that shee procured his banishment in his fathers life time, that shee might have opportunity to prefer her younger sonne Phiscon to the Kingdom. But the father being dead, Ptolomee got the Kingdom, and his mother Cleopatra was afterwards slain by Phiscon, who shee had so much loved. And about foure years p. 130after Antiochus called Epiphanes, the brother of Seleucus obteined the Kingdom of Syria, Demetrius his son being then but a childe of 10 years old, & a pledge at Rome.

Touching the Jews affairs, Onias, according to Funccius, succeeded his Funcius Onias High-priest. Anno Mundi 3750.father, called Simon Justus, in the High-priesthood, in which he continued 39 years, beginning, Anno 8 of Ptolomee Philopater. Of the sufferings of the Iews in his time by Ptolomee, and their miraculous preservation, see before, as also, into what danger Iudea was brought through the covetousnesse of Onias, but delivered again by Ioseph his nephew, which Ioseph was Prince of the Iews sixty years. And after him succeeded Ianna Hircanus second, 16 years, who was the last Prince of the house of David, and was slain by Antiochus Epiphanes in the assault of a Castle which he had made upon Iordan, but this Hircanus, who was the sonne of Ioseph, seeing that he was in danger by Antiochus, slue himselfe, as hath been before shewed, according to Iosephus, Ant. lib. 12. cap. 5. After this, the High-priests were the chiefe Governours amongst the Iews, and Onias being dead, they were made by the Kings of Syria both Iason, who sate three years, and he instituted a Gymnasium in Ierusalem, for 2 Machab. 4.the exercising of youth after the Heathen manner of the Graecians, and Menelaus 12 years, and Alcimus foure years. Then the High-priesthood having ceased five years, fell to the Asmonaei, viz. to Ionathas brother to Judas Machabeus, who 1 Machab. 10.held it 19 years, thus Funccius briefly, placing yet the beginning of Iason, anno 6 of Ianna Hircanus. But Iosephus more at large sayth, that Onias being dead, Antiochus gave the High-priesthood to his brother Iesus, who called himselfe Iason, Josephus, antiq. lib. 12. c. 6.and then upon some displeasure taken against him, he being put down, his youngest brother Onias was preferred, who called himselfe Menelaus. Then the people tooke part with Iason, and Menelaus fled to Antiochus, and offered to set up the Heathen exercises of the Graecians at Ierusalem, and to cause the people to turn Graecians. Upon these conditions he was sent back to Ierusalem, and the contrary faction was threatned, so that many forsaking Gods Ordinances, lived after the manner of Heathens. And Antiochus growing more powerfull by the subduing of Egypt, came to Ierusalem and tooke away the treasure of the Temple, and commanded swines flesh there to be sacrificed, for bad all circumcising of their children, and other things to be done contrary to Gods Laws, for disobeying which, many suffered cruell death, and others were for feare corrupted, Then the Samaritans who had a Temple upon Mount Gerizim, having hitherto affected, to be counted the Iews kinred, and such as descended of Abraham, sent Embassadours to Antiochus to let him understand that they were not of the Iews kinred, but came of the Medes, and that they would be all one people in manners and Religion with the Graecians. calling their Temple no more the Temple of the Lord, but the Temple of Iupiter of Greece, whereupon he granted them peace.

To return to Perseus the King of Macedonia, he having atteined the Kingdom, sought the friendship of all the Countries of Grecia and sent to the Carthaginians Perseus King of Macedon.to enter into a league with them, that he might be able to rebell against the Romans, which his father Philip had meditated before, and he since, because his brother Demetrius had been in so much favour with them, he should by their helpe have been preferred to the Kingdom. He was also a most wicked man, for he murthered his own wife, and sending for the man, who had poysoned his brother Demetrius, under a pretence of rewarding him, he put him to a cruell death. And hearing that Eumenes King of Pergamus, a confederate of the Romans, had been at Rome to informe against him, he by treachery, as he returned, sought his destruction. Yet he sent Embassadours to Rome, pretending a desire to continue in their friendship, but they were rejected, and so the Macedonian War began Cruelty in Perseus.the second time, which was fought with divers fortune, Perseus at the first, prevailing, and killing and taking many of the Romans, but soon after he was put to flight, and his men to the number of 20000 perished, and in foure years he was brought to that passe, that he fled out of his Kingdom, leaving it as a prey to the Romans, and then being pursued, and forsaken by all men, hee finally delivered himselfe into their hands, and was carryed away to Rome, and so the Macedonian Kingdom ended in him, being the 16 from Alexander the Great, when it had continued 153 years.

p. 131A marvellous thing happened about that time viz. a totall ecclipse of the Moon, as Pliny writes, and this was foretold by Sulpitius a Roman Pretor, and afterwards Consul.

To return now again to Antiochus Epiphanes, he comming to the Kingdom of Syria after the death of his brother, as was sayd before, Demetrius being put by, who being but ten years old, and then at Rome was the right heire, tooke it upon him at the first, but as a Protector in the minority of Demetrius, but after a while he reigned as King. Then having a pretence, because Ptolomee Philometor was very young also, he sought the Protectorship of that Kingdome, because Ptolomee was his sisters sonne, and being herein resisted by the Lords of Egypt, he prepared to war against them, and prevailed. Then making a fair shew to Ptolomee, in his name he had almost all the Cities of Egypt yeilded unto him, and placed in them new Governours, and carryed away great riches from Egypt, so as none of his predecessours the Kings of Syria, had ever done before, according to Dan. 11. 24. But Alexandria, wherein the younger brother of Ptolomee was, that by his mother had been set up against him, he having a while besieged in vain, pretending to bring it to the obedience of Ptolomee the eldest, he was constremed at length to leave, and to return into Syria. Then Ptolomee sought to be reconciled to his brother, and by means of friends was, and they two divided the Kingdom between them. Antiochus hearing this, soon bewrayed his dissimulation, formerly used towards Philometor, in that he was so far from shewing a good liking of this agreement of the two brothers his nephews, as that he was more inraged, and prepared to make fierce warre against them both, being the bolder so to doe, because the Romans were now busied in the Macedonian warre, so that Ptolomee could not have helpe from them. At that time strange signes were seen over Ierusalem, of Armies fighting 40 dayes together, after which followed great Sights appear in the ayre.slaughters in Ierusalem by means of Iason, who had atteined the Highpriesthood for money, which he promised. For he not like a Priest but a Tyrant, secretly armed 1000 men, and comming suddenly upon the City, slue very many, untill that the Citizens being gathered together made resistance, and drove him out of the City, after which hefled from one Countrey to another, till he miserably perished 2 Machab. 5. 9.in Lacedemonia. In the spring, vvhen Antiochus had all things ready, he set forward towards Egypt, and the two Ptolomees hearing of it, sent Embassadours to him to stay him, by offering to give him satisfaction, if in any thing they had given him occasion to come against them. He answered, that he vvould come on vvith his Army, unlesse all Cyprus vvere yeilded to him, and Pelusium, and the grounds about the Pelusian mouth of Nilus, &c. appoynting also a time within vvhichwhich they should bring him answer. But the Ptolomees had also sent Embassadours to Rome, to desire Legats to be sent to Antiochus, to forbid him to invade Egypt, vvhichwhich thing they speedily obteined, and Popilius vvith others vvas immediately sent, vvho made such haste that they met Antiochus, vvhen he vvas going against Alexandria, and after salutation, Popilius immediately delivered the The Romans power over Kings.writing of the Senate unto him, requiring him to make answer, and vvhen the King delayed, saying, that he vvould consider of it, he vvith his staffe made a circle round about him, telling him that he should make answer, before that he vvent out of that circle. or else not at all. The King hearing this vvas much troubled, but not daring to doe otherwise, answered, that he vvould obey the vvill of the Senate, vvhereupon Popilius gave him his right hand in token of friendship, and so her returned out of Egypt again. And of this Daniel prophesied long before, Dan. 11. 29.Dan 11:29saying, He shall return to the South after a certain time, but the last shall not answer to the first: for the tryers of the Romans shall come upon him and smite him, that is, with terrour, in case that he goes on, and so he shall return, &c. Antiochus comming out of Egypt again, vvent against Ierusalem, because hee vvas told, that hee vvas there reported to bee dead, and the Citizens rejoyced at it, hee also conceived that they vvould bee ready to fall to Ptolomee King of Egypt, rather then to live under his obedience. Wherefore hee brake vvith his Army into the City, and slue men, vvomen, and children, three dayes together, to the number of eighty thousand, p. 132and tooke 40000, whom hee sold for slaves. Then hee spake proudly against the Jews and their God, and of his own power, and entered into the most holy place. Menelaus, who was then High-priest, going before him for Honours sake. And taking from thence all the most precious things, to the value of 180 Talents of gold and silver, he returned into his own Countrey. And after two years he sent two Governours to Ierusalem to prophane the Temple with impute Sacrifices, to make the Iews to eat swines flesh, to prohibit them circumcising, and to have the books of the Holy Scripture, and with whomsoever they were found, to put them to a cruell death, and likewise such as would not transgresse in other things before named, or refuse to sacrifice to Idols. These comming therefore with great forces, burnt a great part of the City, and brake down the walls, and slue many of the Jews that would not goe from the Law of their God, amongst whom some were singular, as Eleazarus an old man of 90, and a woman with her seven sonnes, who were put to greatest torments, as is shewed in the Machabees. Now when the condition of the Jews grew desperate, Mattathias and his sonnes who fled from Ierusalem, stood for the defence of the Law of God against their enemies. This Mattathias was the sonne of Iohn, the sonne of Simeon, of the sonnes of Ioarib, who was the first of the 24 divisions of Priests, comming of Aaron in the dayes of David, and his great grandfathers name was Assamoneus, from whom they were called, Assamoneans, who were of that family. He had five sonnes, Iohn, Simon, Iudas, Eleazar, and Ionathan. The place unto which he fled with his sonnes was Mount Modin, which was a Village. And it being heard by the Heathen, Bacchides a bloudy man was sent to compell the Jews there to sacrifice to Idols. Then he with many words exhorted Mattathias to sacrifice, promising that if hee would so doe, he should be numbered amongst the Kings friends, and when he could not prevaile, a Jew was brought, who sacrificed before his face, that by his example hee might be moved. But Mattathias inraged at it, ran upon him and slue him, and the party that brought him also, then he fled with his sonnes out of Modin to other solitary places, crying out when he went, to all such as had any zeale for the Law of God, to follow him, and so many of the Jews followed and joyned with him, and their wives and children. But when the Heathen knew of it, they assaulted them upon the Sabbath day, when they would make no resistance, and slue a thousand of them, but Mattathias with his sonnes escaped, and unto them resorted the Synagogue of the Assida…s, who are thought to be Essees, men of great zeale, and a most strict life. Then they resolved hereafter, if they should be set upon on the Sabbath day, to fight in their own defence. And they went about and beat down the Altars which the Heathens had set up, and slue many of those that had revolted to idolatry, and then Mattathias being very aged, dyed, committing the Captainship to his sonne Iudas, who was surnamed Machabeus, as being most valiant, adjoyning Simon who was most wise unto him for a counsellour, exhorting them to stand constantly for the Law of God, and blessing them, and promising successe, and that the Tyrant Antiochus should come to ruine shortly.

Josephus Getionides sayth, that Mattathias before his death took an horn of oyle and anointed his son Judas High-priest, a trumpet being sounded and all the people crying out, vivat unctus. Egysippus sayth, that he was anointed by Jos…ppus in his fathers presence with great acclamations of the people, and Josephus acknowledgeth him to have been his eldest son, but yet no High-priest, but a Prince Ioseph. lib. 1. de bel. Iud. cap. 1.Judg 1and Captain, the High-priest at this time being Menelaus, and after him, Alcimus, then 5 years comming between, as was sayd before, out of Funccius, Jonathas, but elswhere he make in Judas the successor of Alcimus in the high-priesthood, Lib. 2. cap. 8. Lib. 12. sin.who sate three years. To leave this therefore whether hee were now made High-priest or no, as uncertain, because in the Machab. History his principality is only spoken of, which began anno 1799 of Menelans his High-priesthood, anno 10 and continued six years, hee succeeding his father, who had continued Captain one yeere, gathered together of such Iews as feared God and stood▪ for his law 6000, and with these he made many excursions against divers Castles in the night, and p. 133slue many, and took spoils. Then Apollonius Prince of Syria hearing of it gathered a great army and went against him, but Judas with his men soon routed his army, and slue Apollonius himself, and took his sword, wherewith he fought ever after. Then Seron, who was chief under Apollonius renued the army and sayd, that he would go and slay Judas and those, that were with him and get him a name. And when he came neer with a number of wicked men, the army of Judas seeing so great a multitude was much affraid. But hee having encouraged them fell suddenly upon his enemies, and slue Seron and many of his army to the number of 800 pursuing them in the descent of Bethoron, and the rest fled into the land of the Philistims, leaving unto Judas and his men great spoyls, which they divided amongst them. By this means Judas his fame was spread into all parts, and he became terrible to all his enemies. The news of these things being brought unto Antiochus, he was greatly incensed against the Jewish Nation, and therefore gathered a great army, and brought his treasures wherewith it might be payd for an whole year. But then finding his treasures so vvasted that hee could not subsist without a new supply of money, he taking half of his army went into Persia to gather more tribute there, and committed the other half to a kinsman called Lysias, bidding him to send them out against the Jews, and to root them out from being a people, and to bring in nevv inhabitants into their Countrey, he remayning to govern his Kingdom untill his return, and to educate his son. Lysias then appointed Nicanor, Ptolomee and Gorgias, mighty men, and of the Kings friends to go against the Jews, delivering unto them 40000 foot and 7000 horse, and commanding them to kill up all the Jews, and out of their spoyls to pay the tribute of 2000 talents due to the Romans. Judas Machabeus hearing of this together vvith the Iews, assembled together in Maspah, to fast and pray in sackcloth and ashes, because Ierusalem lay desolate, being inhabited only by strangers. And having prayed he encouraged his men, whom he divided amongst his brethren, vvhom he made Captains, by putting them in minde of the great overthrovv of the Assyrians in Sanneheribs time, vvhen he came against the Jews, and of a more late overthrow of 120000 Galatians, given by 6000 Iews; vvith vvhom indeed many Macedoniaus vvere, but fought not. Whilst the Iews vvere thus preparing to fight, Gorgias took vvith him 5000 foot and a 1000 horse thinking to come upon Iudas by night. But he having some notice of it, prevented him by comming against his vvhole army, being yet confused and over come, and slue of his men 9000, wounded many more, and put the rest to flight, that is, not the men with Gorgias, but the rest of the army left with Nicanor. For in the night, wherein Gorgias thought to come upon Judas, he went away with 3000 men, and came the next morning to Nicanors host unexpectedly, Gorgias being gone, and gave them this great overthrow. And not staying to take the spoyle they prepared to fight with Gorgias, who was comming to resoue Nicanor, but so soon as his army came within the sight of the Jews, they were greatly affraid and fled, seeing also the tents on fire. Then Judas and his Jews returned and took the spoyls which were great, and keeping the Sabbath the next day, praysed God and prayed unto him to perfect their deliverance from their sins and enemies. But Nicanor fled to Antiochia alone, carrying the news of the armies overthrow, and saying, that God fought for the Iews, & that they were innumerable, which affected Lysias with wonderfull grief, because he feared the wrath of Antiochus. Then Iudas had a battell also with Timotheus, destroying his army consisting of 20000 men. This Timotheus was Captain of all the forces which came against the Iews in Gilead. 1 Mac. 5. 11 But Gorgias being vexed for his overthrow, gathered a greater army together then before, viz. of 60000 foot and 5000 horse, and went to fight against Iudas, but he having first prayed with 10000 men set upon them, and prevayled so that he slue 5000 of his enemies and the rest fled. Wherefore Iudas came to Ierusalem, and having exhorted his brethren fell to repayring of the Lords Altar, and to purging of the Temple, and to rebuild the decayed places thereof, as is more largely shewed, 1. Machab. 4. oblations being then made there, and the Temple dedicated, & the Feast of the Dedication instituted. The time, when these things were done, is sayd to be the 25 of the monethmonth K…slue, being the ninth monethmonth, upon the day p. 134that the Heathens first set up their abomination in the Temple. But how long it was from the time of prophaning it to the time of purifying it, wee must gather from 1 Machab. 1. 21, 30. and Chap. 4. 52. where it is said, that in the year 143 of the Greeks reign, Antiochus the Illustrious, who had begun to reign anno 137, came and destroyed the Iews, and robbed the Temple. And two years after hee sent a Governour to rule there, who immediatly converted the Temple to an house of Iupiter, setting up that Idoll there. But anno 148, the Temple was again purified: so that from the polluting were three years, but according to Daniel 1290 dayes from the taking away of the daily sacrifice, that is, three years and 95 days, and if we allow so many dayes to come between the sacrifice ceassing and the setting up of this abomination in the Temple, there will be no difference. Then Iudas and his Iews built the ruined wals of Ierusalem again, and went out and fought with and subdued the Edomites and Ammonites, and many other peoples round about, dividing part of his army to his brother Simeon, whom he sent into Galilee, and he went into Gilead, 1 Machab. 5. and the cause of this his expedition is sayd to be, because they conspired together to destroy the Iews, after that they heard of their repayring of the Temple and City, being greatly vexed at it. When these things were thus done, Antiochus Epiphanes hearing thereof was so stricken, that he fell sick, and having lyen so many dayes, seeing death approach, hee confessed that his cruelty towards the Iews was the cause, and then committing his Kingdom 1 Mach. 6.1 Macc 6to Philip, he dyed anno 149. of the Graecian Empire, and his son Antiochus Eupator reigned in his stead, so that this Tyrants whole time was but 12 years, and although God for the punishment of his peoples sins permitted him not only to destroy them, but also to offer contumely to his own Majesty by blaspheming him, and proudly committing insolencies against the place of his habitation, which in times past he punisht immediatly in Heliodorus, Selencus and Ptolomee Philometor, yet he suffered him not above five years, and after the great prophanation of the Temple but three years and odde dayes, then by his judgments Quod desertur non aufertur.extorting a confession from him took him away, when he had been vexed long at the losse of his men, and his great expences to his extream disgrace. Now this Antiochus was plainly a fore-runner or figure of Antichrist, who sits in the Temple of God, as he entred it, and exalts himself above God as hee did, and prevayleth 1260 dayes, or three years and an half, as hee did, but then comes to perdition, being cast into the lake, where the smoake of his torment ascends for ever, as he is further declared to have dyed in great torment and misery, 2 Mach. 9. being first smitten, when he raged most against Ierusalem, and threatned to make the whole City a burying place, as is there more at large to be seen. Antiochus Eupator succeeding his father, being made King, when he was young by Lysias, Antiochus Eupator.whom his father had made Viceroy in his absence at Antiochia, went on in the steps of his wicked father against the Jews, and was soon cut off also. But he was first instigated against them by those of the Towre of Zion, who having 1 Mach. 6. 18.1 Macc 6:18hem'd in the Jews about the Sanctuary, were assaulted by Iudas Machabeus, and being in danger sent to Eupator to crave his help, complaining greatly of the Jews unto him. Upon this he being stirred up, prepared an Army of 100000 foot and 20000 horse to goe against them, together with many Elephants, viz. 32, and came to Bethzura, where Iudas encountered with him, and slue 600 of his men, but seeing his great power, he departed from him to Ierusalem to fortifie it, and then Bethzura being yeilded, the King went on against Ierusalem and besieged it, so that the Jews within were brought to a great streight for want of victuals. But such was the providence of God over them, that news now came, that Philip a friend of Antiochus Epiphanes, and by him appoynted before his death to be tutour to his sonne, was returned from Persia, to take under this pretext the Kingdom upon him. Wherefore Lysias hearing it, perswaded Eupator to agree with the Jews, and to return, as the affairs of the Kingdom required. Yet when he had joyned hands with Iudas, and given him his faith, and both he and his Princes had sworne unto him, whereupon the Jews left the Tower of Zion, he seeing the strength of the place, contrary to his oath, brake down the walls of Ierusalem, and departed to Antiochia where Philip reigned, but vvas soon expelled p. 135…erjury not long unpunishtby Eupator taking the City by force. Yet he enjoyed it not, for Demetrius the son of Seleucus, to whom of right the Kingdom of Syria belonged, being hitherto an hostage at Rome, now though not permitted to come home, and taking the Kingdom upon him, his subjects apprehended Antiochus Eupator, and Lysias, and brought them unto him, but he not willing, that they should come into his fight, commanded them to be carried away and slain, which was done accordingly, and this was anno 151 of the Graecian Kingdom, so that this enemy of Gods people, and perjured Truce-breaker reigned not any longer, then from anno 149, to anno 1 Mach. 7. 3, 4.1 Macc 7:31 Macc 7:4151, which was not full two yeers, but all this is otherwise related, and with difference in the times, 2 Mach. 13. 14. and before that, Chap 9. 10, 11, 12. are divers other Histories of ayd sent from heaven to help Judas, and many other things, which because I see not, how they can be reconciled with 1 Machab. I omit; as fabulous. For the manner of Demetrius his comming from Rome. Polybius hath it thus. He having spoken for himself before the Senate to be sent home into his Kingdom, being now 23 yeers old, and his request denied, and Uncles son made King, stole away from Rome, and obteined his Kingdom, as was aforesaid. Demetrius being King, Alcimus an ambitious man, and many other Iews with him came unto him with a complaint against Iudas for destroying the Kings friends, and to desire of him the High-priesthood. The King hearing them granted his desire, and sent him to Bacchides a Ruler under him in those parts; that he with his forces might joyn with him against Iudas. Then Bacchides went feigning, that he came peaceably, but Iudas suspecting him would not come at him yet others both Priests and Elders were deceived by him and circumvented, and slain to the number of 60 persons. This the Iews took so heinously that they banded together against Bacchides his men, and Alcimus with whom he left them for his ayd to attein the High-priesthood, he himself going to the King. And when Alcimus saw, that he was not able to withstand the force of the Iews under their Captain Judas Machabeus comming against him, he also returned to the King and exasperated him more, so that he sent Nicanor against the Iews with a great army. But Judas having prayed, encountred him with only 3000 men, and slue of his 500. Then Nicanor went to the Towre of Zion, and thither reforted to him divers Priests and Elders seeking peace, and telling him, that they offered sacrifice for the 1 Mach. 7. 32.1 Macc 7:32King, but he deriding this, threatned, that unlesse they would deliver the City unto him, he would burn their Temple Then earnest prayers with fasting were made before the Lord in his host, and Nicanor going forth tofight Judas again encountred with him, and obteined a great victory, proud Nicanor, who was most infest against the Iews, being the first man, which was slain, and such of his forces, Pride and malice punisht.as fled, the Iews gathering themselves together from all parts slue, so that none of them escaped, and his right hand and head were cut off and hanged up at Ierusalem, prayse being given to God, and a day kept for thanksgiving from year to year for this victory.