1。ThefamilyfromwhichIamderivedisnotanignobleone，buthathdescendedallalongfromthepriests；andasnobilityamongseveralpeopleisofadifferentorigin，sowithustobeofthesacerdotaldignity，isanindicationofthesplendorofafamily。
Now，Iamnotonlysprungfromasacerdotalfamilyingeneral，butfromthefirstofthetwenty—four（1）courses；andasamongusthereisnotonlyaconsiderabledifferencebetweenonefamilyofeachcourseandanother，Iamofthechieffamilyofthatfirstcoursealso；nay，further，bymymotherIamoftheroyalblood；forthechildrenofAsamoneus，fromwhomthatfamilywasderived，hadboththeofficeofthehighpriesthood，andthedignityofaking，foralongtimetogether。Iwillaccordinglysetdownmyprogenitorsinorder。Mygrandfather’sfatherwasnamedSimon，withtheadditionofPsellus：helivedatthesametimewiththatsonofSimonthehighpriest，whofirstofallthehighpriestswasnamedHyrcanus。ThisSimonPsellushadninesons，oneofwhomwasMatthias，calledEphlias：hemarriedthedaughterofJonathanthehighpriest，whichJonathanwasthefirstofthesonsofAsamoneus，whowashighpriest，andwasthebrotherofSimonthehighpriestalso。ThisMatthiashadasoncalledMatthiasCurtus，andthatinthefirstyearofthegovernmentofHyrcanus：hisson’snamewasJoseph，bornintheninthyearofthereignofAlexandra：hissonMatthiaswasborninthetenthyearofthereignofArchclaus；aswasIborntoMatthiasinthefirstyearofthereignofCaiusCaesar。Ihavethreesons：Hyrcanus，theeldest，wasborninthefourthyearofthereignofVespasian，aswasJustusbornintheseventh，andAgrippaintheninth。ThushaveIsetdownthegenealogofmyfamilyasIhavefounditdescribed（2）inthepublicrecords，andsobidadieutothosewhocalumniateme[asofaloweroriginal]。
2。Now，myfatherMatthiaswasnotonlyeminentonaccountofisnobility，buthadahighercommendationonaccountofhisrighteousness，andwasingreatreputationinJerusalem，thegreatestcitywehave。Iwasmyselfbroughtupwithmybrother，whosenamewasMatthias，forhewasmyownbrother，bybothfatherandmother；andImademightyproficiencyintheimprovementsofmylearning，andappearedtohavebothagreatmemoryandunderstanding。Moreover，whenIwasachild，andaboutfourteenyearsofage，IwascommendedbyallfortheloveIhadtolearning；onwhichaccountthehighpriestsandprincipalmenofthecitycamethenfrequentlytometogether，inordertoknowmyopinionabouttheaccurateunderstandingofpointsofthelaw。
AndwhenIwasaboutsixteenyearsold，Ihadamindtomaketrimoftheseveralsectsthatwereamongus。Thesesectsarethree：—
ThefirstisthatofthePharisees，thesecondthatSadducees，andthethirdthatoftheEssens，aswehavefrequentlytoldyou；
forIthoughtthatbythismeansImightchoosethebest，ifI
wereonceacquaintedwiththemall；soIcontentedmyselfwithhardfare，andunderwentgreatdifficulties，andwentthroughthemall。NordidIcontentmyselfwiththesetrialsonly；butwhenIwasinformedthatone，whosenamewasBanus，livedinthedesert，andusednootherclothingthangrewupontrees，andhadnootherfoodthanwhatgrewofitsownaccord，andbathedhimselfincoldwaterfrequently，bothbynightandbyday，inordertopreservehischastity，Iimitatedhiminthosethings，andcontinuedwithhimthreeyears。（3）SowhenIhadaccomplishedmydesires，Ireturnedbacktothecity，beingnownineteenyearsold，andbegantoconductmyselfaccordingtotherulesofthesectofthePharisees，whichisofkintothesectoftheStoics，astheGreekscallthem。
3。ButwhenIwasinthetwenty—sixthyearofmyage，ithappenedthatItookavoyagetoRome，andthisontheoccasionwhichI
shallnowdescribe。AtthetimewhenFelixwasprocuratorofJudeatherewerecertainpriestsofmyacquaintance，andveryexcellentpersonstheywere，whomonasmallandtriflingoccasionhehadputintobonds，andsenttoRometopleadtheircausebeforeCaesar。TheseIwasdesiroustoprocuredeliverancefor，andthatespeciallybecauseIwasinformedthattheywerenotunmindfulofpietytowardsGod，evenundertheirafflictions，butsupportedthemselveswithfigsandnuts。（4）AccordinglyI
cametoRome，thoughitwerethroughagreatnumberofhazardsbysea；forasourshipwasdrownedintheAdriaticSea，wethatwereinit，beingaboutsixhundredinnumber，（5）swamforourlivesallthenight；when，uponthefirstappearanceoftheday，anduponoursightofashipofCyrene，Iandsomeothers，eightyinall，byGod’sprovidence，preventedtherest，andweretakenupintotheothership。AndwhenIhadthusescaped，andwascometoDieearchia，whichtheItalianscallPuteoli，IbecameacquaintedwithAliturius，anactorofplays，andmuchbelovedbyNero，butaJewbybirth；andthroughhisinterestbecameknowntoPoppea，Caesar’swife，andtookcare，assoonaspossible，toentreathertoprocurethatthepriestsmightbesetatliberty。
Andwhen，besidesthisfavor，IhadobtainedmanypresentsfromPoppea，Ireturnedhomeagain。
4。AndnowIperceivedinnovationswerealreadybegun，andthattherewereagreatmanyverymuchelevatedinhopesofarevoltfromtheRomans。Ithereforeendeavoredtoputastoptothesetumultuouspersons，andpersuadedthemtochangetheirminds；andlaidbeforetheireyesagainstwhomitwasthattheyweregoingtofight，andtoldthemthattheywereinferiortotheRomansnotonlyinmartialskill，butalsoingoodfortune；anddesiredthemnotrashly，andafterthemostfoolishmanner，tobringonthedangersofthemostterriblemischiefsupontheircountry，upontheirfamilies，anduponthemselves。AndthisIsaidwithvehementexhortation，becauseIforesawthattheendofsuchawarwouldbemostunfortunatetous。ButIcouldnotpersuadethem；forthemadnessofdesperatemenwasquitetoohardforme。
5。Iwasthenafraid，lest，byinculcatingthesethingssooften，Ishouldincurtheirhatredandtheirsuspicions，asifIwereofourenemies’party，andshouldrunintothedangerofbeingseizedbythem，andslain；sincetheywerealreadypossessedofAntonia，whichwasthecitadel；soIretiredintotheinnercourtofthetemple。YetdidIgooutofthetempleagain，afterManahemandtheprincipalofthebandofrobberswereputtodeath，whenIabodeamongthehighpriestsandthechiefofthePharisees。Butnosmallfearseizeduponuswhenwesawthepeopleinarms，whileweourselvesknewnotwhatweshoulddo，andwerenotabletorestraintheseditious。However，asthedangerwasdirectlyuponus，wepretendedthatwewereofthesameopinionwiththem，butonlyadvisedthemtobequietforthepresent，andtolettheenemygoaway，stillhopingthatGessius[Florus]wouldnotbelongerehecame，andthatwithgreatforces，andsoputanendtotheseseditiousproceedings。
6。But，uponhiscomingandfighting，hewasbeaten，andagreatmanyofthosethatwerewithhimfell。AndthisdisgracewhichGessius[withCestius]received，becamethecalamityofourwholenation；forthosethatwerefondofthewarweresofarelevatedwiththissuccess，thattheyhadhopesoffinallyconqueringtheRomans。Ofwhichwaranotheroccasionwasministered；whichwasthis：—ThosethatdweltintheneighboringcitiesofSyriaseizeduponsuchJewsasdweltamongthem，withtheirwivesandchildren，andslewthem，whentheyhadnottheleastoccasionofcomplaintagainstthem；fortheydidneitherattemptanyinnovationorrevoltfromtheRomans，norhadtheygivenanymarksofhatredortreacherousdesignstowardstheSyrians。ButwhatwasdonebytheinhabitantsofScythopoliswasthemostimpiousandmosthighlycriminalofall；（6）forwhentheJewstheirenemiescameuponthemfromwithout，theyforcedtheJewsthatwereamongthemtobeararmsagainsttheirowncountrymen，whichitisunlawfulforustodo；（7）andwhen，bytheirassistance，theyhadjoinedbattlewiththosewhoattackedthem，andhadbeatenthem，afterthatvictorytheyforgottheassurancestheyhadgiventhesetheirfellowcitizensandconfederates，andslewthemall，beinginnumbermanytenthousands[13，000]。ThelikemiserieswereundergonebythoseJewsthatweretheinhabitantsofDamascus。ButwehavegivenamoreaccurateaccountofthesethingsinthebooksoftheJewishwar。Ionlymentionthemnow，becauseIwoulddemonstratetomyreaders，thattheJews’warwiththeRomanswasnotvoluntary，butthat，forthemain，theywereforcedbynecessitytoenterintoit。
7。SowhenGessiushadbeenbeaten，aswehavesaidalready，theprincipalmenofJerusalem，seeingthattherobbersandinnovatorshadarmsingreatplenty，andfearinglestthey，whiletheywereunprovidedofarms，shouldbeinsubjectiontotheirenemies，whichalsocametobethecaseafterward；and，beinginformedthatallGalileehadnotyetrevoltedfromtheRomans，butthatsomepartofitwasstillquiet；theysentmeandtwoothersofthepriests，whoweremenofexcellentcharacters，JoazarandJudas，inordertopersuadetheillmentheretolaydowntheirarms，andtoteachthemthislesson，—Thatitwerebettertohavethosearmsreservedforthemostcourageousmenthatthenationhad[thantobekeptthere]；forthatithadbeenresolved，Thatthoseourbestmenshouldalwayshavetheirarmsreadyagainstfuturity；butstillso，thattheyshouldwaittoseewhattheRomanswoulddo。
8。WhenIhadthereforereceivedtheseinstructions，IcameintoGalilee，andfoundthepeopleofSepphorisinnosmallagonyabouttheircountry，byreasonthattheGalileanshadresolvedtoplunderit，onaccountofthefriendshiptheyhadwiththeRomans，andbecausetheyhadgiventheirrighthand，andmadealeaguewithCestiusGallus，thepresidentofSyria。ButI
deliveredthemalloutofthefeartheywerein，andpersuadedthemultitudetodealkindlywiththem，andpermittedthemtosendtothosethatweretheirownhostageswithGessiustoDora，whichisacityofPhoenicia，asoftenastheypleased；thoughI
stillfoundtheinhabitantsofTiberiasreadytotakearms，andthatontheoccasionfollowing：—
9。Therewerethreefactionsinthiscity。Thefirstwascomposedofmenofworthandgravity；oftheseJuliusCapelluswasthehead。Nowhe，aswellasallhiscompanions，HerodthesonofMiarus，andHerodthesonofGamalus，andCompsusthesonofCompsus；（forastoCompsus’sbrotherCrispus，whohadoncebeengovernorofthecityunderthegreatking[Agrippa]（8）hewasbeyondJordaninhisownpossessions；）allthesepersonsbeforenamedgavetheiradvice，thatthecityshouldthencontinueintheirallegiancetotheRomansandtotheking。ButPistus，whowasguidedbyhissonJustus，didnotacquiesceinthatresolution；otherwisehewashimselfnaturallyofagoodandvirtuouscharacter。Butthesecondfactionwascomposedofthemostignoblepersons，andwasdeterminedforwar。ButasforJustus，thesonofPistus，whowastheheadofthethirdfaction，althoughhepretendedtobedoubtfulaboutgoingtowar，yetwashereallydesirousofinnovation，assupposingthatheshouldgainpowertohimselfbythechangeofaffairs。Hethereforecameintothemidstofthem，andendeavoredtoinformthemultitudethat\"thecityTiberiushadeverbeenacityofGalilee，andthatinthedaysofHerodthetetrarch，whohadbuiltit，ithadobtainedtheprincipalplace，andthathehadorderedthatthecitySepphorisshouldbesubordinatetothecityTiberias；thattheyhadnotlostthispreeminenceevenunderAgrippathefather，buthadretainedituntilFelixwasprocuratorofJudea。Buthetoldthem，thatnowtheyhadbeensounfortunateastobemadeapresentbyNerotoAgrippa，junior；andthat，uponSepphoris’ssubmissionofitselftotheRomans，thatwasbecomethecapitalcityofGalilee，andthattheroyallibraryandthearchiveswerenowremovedfromthem。\"Whenhehadspokenthesethings，andagreatmanymore，againstkingAgrippa，inordertoprovokethepeopletoarevolt，headdedthat\"thiswasthetimeforthemtotakearms，andjoinwiththeGalileansastheirconfederates（whomtheymightcommand，andwhowouldnowwillinglyassistthem，outofthehatredtheybaretothepeopleofSepphoris；
becausetheypreservedtheirfidelitytotheRomans），andtogatheragreatnumberofforces，inordertopunishthem。\"Andashesaidthis，heexhortedthemultitude，[togotowar；]forhisabilitieslayinmakingharanguestothepeople，andinbeingtoohardinhisspeechesforsuchasopposedhim，thoughtheyadvisedwhatwasmoretotheiradvantage，andthisbyhiscraftinessandhisfallacies，forhewasnotunskilfulinthelearningoftheGreeks；andindependenceonthatskillitwas，thatheundertooktowriteahistoryoftheseaffairs，asaiming，bythiswayofharanguing，todisguisethetruth。Butastothisman，andhowillwerehischaracterandconductoflife，andhowheandhisbrotherwere，ingreatmeasure，theauthorsofourdestruction，I
shallgivethereaderanaccountintheprogressofmynarration。
SowhenJustushad，byhispersuasions，prevailedwiththecitizensofTiberiastotakearms，nay，andhadforcedagreatmanysotodoagainsttheirwills，hewentout，andsetthevillagesthatbelongedtoGadaraandHipposonfire；whichvillagesweresituatedonthebordersofTiberias，andoftheregionofScythopolis。
10。AndthiswasthestateTiberiaswasnowin。ButasforGischala，itsaffairswerethus：—WhenJohn，thesonofLevi，sawsomeofthecitizensmuchelevatedupontheirrevoltfromtheRomans，helaboredtorestrainthem，andentreatedthemthattheywouldkeeptheirallegiancetothem。Buthecouldnotgainhispurpose，althoughhedidhisendeavorstotheutmost；fortheneighboringpeopleofGadara，Gabara，andSogana，wththeTyrians，gottogetheragreatarmy，andfelluponGischala，andtookGischalabyforce，andsetitonfire；andwhentheyhadentirelydemolishedit，theyreturnedhome。UponwhichJohnwassoenraged，thathearmedallhismen，andjoinedbattlewiththepeopleforementioned；andrebuiltGischalaafteramannerbetterthanbefore，andfortifieditwithwallsforitsfuturesecurity。
11。ButGamalaperseveredinitsallegiancetotheRomans，forthereasonfollowing：—Philip，thesonofJacimus，whowastheirgovernorunderkingAgrippa，hadbeenunexpectedlypreservedwhentheroyalpalaceatJerusalemhadbeenbesieged；but，ashefledaway，hadfallenintoanotherdanger，andthatwas，ofbeingkilledbyManahem，andtherobbersthatwerewithhim；butcertainBabylonians，whowereofhiskindred，andweretheninJerusalem，hinderedtherobbersfromexecutingtheirdesign。SoPhilipstaidtherefourdays，andfledawayonthefifth，havingdisguisedhimselfwithfictitioushair，thathemightnotbediscovered；andwhenhewascometooneofthevillagestohimbelonging，butonethatwassituatedatthebordersofthecitadelofGamala，hesenttosomeofthosethatwereunderhim，andcommandedthemtocometohim。ButGodhimselfhinderedthathisintention，andthisforhisownadvantagealso；forhaditnotsohappened，hehadcertainlyperished。Forafeverhavingseizeduponhimimmediately，hewrotetoAgrippaandBernice，andgavethemtooneofhisfreed—mentocarrythemtoVarus，whoatthistimewasprocuratorofthekingdom，whichthekingandhissisterhadintrustedhimwithal，whiletheyweregonetoBerytuswithanintentionofmeetingGessius。WhenVarushadreceivedtheselettersofPhilip，andhadlearnedthathewaspreserved，hewasveryuneasyatit，assupposingthatheshouldappearuselesstothekingandhissister，nowPhilipwascome。Hethereforeproducedthecarrierofthelettersbeforethemultitude，andaccusedhimofforgingthesame；andsaidthathespakefalselywhenherelatedthatPhilipwasatJerusalem，fightingamongtheJewsagainsttheRomans。Soheslewhim。Andwhenthisfreed—manofPhilipdidnotreturnagain，Philipwasdoubtfulwhatshouldbetheoccasionofhisstay，andsentasecondmessengerwithletters，thathemight，uponhisreturn，informhimwhathadbefallentheotherthathadbeensentbefore，andwhyhetarriedsolong。Varusaccusedthismessengeralso，whenhecame，oftellingafalsehood，andslewhim。ForhewaspuffedupbytheSyriansthatwereatCaesarea，andhadgreatexpectations；fortheysaidthatAgrippawouldbeslainbytheRomansforthecrimeswhichtheJewshadcommitted，andthatheshouldhimselftakethegovernment，asderivedfromtheirkings；
forVaruswas，bytheconfessionofall，oftheroyalfamily，asbeingadescendantofSohemus，whohadenjoyedatetrarchyaboutLibanus；forwhichreasonitwasthathewaspuffedup，andkepttheletterstohimself。Hecontrived，also，thatthekingshouldnotmeetwiththosewritings，byguardingallthepasses，lestanyoneshouldescape，andinformthekingwhathadbeendone。HemoreoverslewmanyoftheJews，inordertogratifytheSyriansofCesarea。HehadamindalsotojoinwiththeTrachonitesinBatanea，andtotakeuparmsandmakeanassaultupontheBabylonianJewsthatwereatEcbatana；forthatwasthenametheywentby。HethereforecalledtohimtwelveoftheJewsofCesarea，ofthebestcharacter，andorderedthemtogotoEcbatana，andinformtheircountrymenwhodweltthere，ThatVarushathheardthat\"youintendtomarchagainsttheking；but，notbelievingthatreport，hehathsentustopersuadeyoutolaydownyourarms，andthatthiscompliancewillbeasignthathedidwellnottogivecredittothosethatraisedthereportconcerningyou。\"Healsoenjoinedthemtosendseventyoftheirprincipalmentomakeadefenseforthemastotheaccusationlaidagainstthem。SowhenthetwelvemessengerscametotheircountrymenatEcbatana，andfoundthattheyhadnodesignsofinnovationatall，theypersuadedthemtosendtheseventymenalso；who，notatallsuspectingwhatwouldcome，sentthemaccordingly。SotheseseventywentdowntoCaesarea，togetherwiththetwelveambassadors；whereVarusmetthemwiththeking’sforces，andslewthemall，togetherwiththe[twelve]（9）
ambassadors，andmadeanexpeditionagainsttheJewsofEcbatana。
Butonetherewasoftheseventywhoescaped，andmadehastetoinformtheJewsoftheircoming；uponwhichtheytooktheirarms，withtheirwivesandchildren，andretiredtothecitadelatGamala，leavingtheirownvillagesfullofallsortsofgoodthings，andhavingmanytenthousandsofcattletherein。WhenPhilipwasinformedofthesethings，healsocametothecitadelofGamala；andwhenhewascome，themultitudecriedaloud，anddesiredhimtoresumethegovernment，andtomakeanexpeditionagainstVarus，andtheSyriansofCesarea；foritwasreportedthattheyhadslaintheking。ButPhiliprestrainedtheirzeal，andputtheminmindofthebenefitsthekinghadbestoweduponthem；andtoldthemhowpowerfultheRomanswere，andsaiditwasnotfortheiradvantagetomakewarwiththem；andatlengthheprevailedwiththem。Butnow，whenthekingwasacquaintedwithVarus’sdesign，whichwastocutofftheJewsofCaesarea，beingmanytenthousands，withtheirwivesandchildren，andallinoneday，hecalledtohimEquiculusModius，andsenthimtobeVarus’ssuccessor，aswehaveelsewhererelated。ButstillPhilipkeptpossessionofthecitadelofGamala，andofthecountryadjoiningtoit，whichtherebycontinuedintheirallegiancetotheRomans。
12。Now，assoonasIwascomeintoGalilee，andhadlearnedthisstateofthingsbytheinformationofsuchastoldmeofthem，I
wrotetothesanhedrimatJerusalemaboutthem，andrequiredtheirdirectionwhatIshoulddo。Theirdirectionwas，thatI
shouldcontinuethere，andthat，ifmyfellowlegateswerewilling，IshouldjoinwiththeminthecareofGalilee。Butthosemyfellowlegates，havinggottengreatrichesfromthosetitheswhichaspriestsweretheirdues，andweregiventothem，determinedtoreturntotheirowncountry。YetwhenIdesiredthemtostaysolong，thatwemightfirstsettlethepublicaffairs，theycompliedwithme。SoIremoved，togetherwiththem，fromthecityofSepphoris，andcametoacertainvillagecalledBethmaus，fourfurlongsdistantfromTiberius；andthenceIsentmessengerstothesenateofTiberius，anddesiredthattheprincipalmenofthecitywouldcometome：andwhentheywerecome，Justushimselfbeingalsowiththem，ItoldthemthatIwassenttothembythepeopleofJerusalemasalegate，togetherwiththeseotherpriests，inordertopersuadethemtodemolishthathousewhichHerodthetetrarchhadbuiltthere，andwhichhadthefiguresoflivingcreaturesinit，althoughourlawshaveforbiddenustomakeanysuchfigures；andIdesiredthattheywouldgiveusleavesotodoimmediately。ButforagoodwhileCapellusandtheprincipalmenbelongingtothecitywouldnotgiveusleave，butwereatlengthentirelyovercomebyus，andwereinducedtobeofouropinion。SoJesusthesonofSapphias，oneofthosewhomwehavealreadymentionedastheleaderofaseditioustumultofmarinersandpoorpeople，preventedus，andtookwithhimcertainGalileans，andsettheentirepalaceonfire，andthoughtheshouldgetagreatdealofmoneythereby，becausehesawsomeoftheroofsgiltwithgold。Theyalsoplunderedagreatdealofthefurniture，whichwasdonewithoutourapprobation；forafterwehaddiscoursedwithCapellusandtheprincipalmenofthecity，wedepartedfromBethmaus，andwentintotheUpperGalilee。ButJesusandhispartyslewalltheGreeksthatwereinhabitantsofTiberias，andasmanyothersasweretheirenemiesbeforethewarbegan。
13。WhenIunderstoodthisstateofthings，Iwasgreatlyprovoked，andwentdowntoTiberias，andtookallthecareI
couldoftheroyalfurniture，torecoverallthatcouldberecoveredfromsuchashadplunderedit。TheyconsistedofcandlesticksmadeofCorinthianbrass，andofroyaltables，andofagreatquantityofuncoinedsilver；andIresolvedtopreservewhatsoevercametomyhandfortheking。SoIsentfortenoftheprincipalmenofthesenate，andforCapellusthesonofAntyllus，andcommittedthefurnituretothem，withthischarge，Thattheyshouldpartwithittonobodyelsebuttomyself。FromthenceIandmyfellowlegateswenttoGichala，toJohn，asdesiroustoknowhisintentions，andsoonsawthathewasforinnovations，andhadamindtotheprincipality；forhedesiredmetogivehimauthoritytocarryoffthatcornwhichbelongedtoCaesar，andlayinthevillagesofUpperGalilee；andhepretendedthathewouldexpendwhatitcametoinbuildingthewallsofhisowncity。ButwhenIperceivedwhatheendeavoredat，andwhathehadinhismind，IsaidIwouldnotpermithimsotodo；forthatIthoughteithertokeepitfortheRomansorformyself，nowIwasintrustedwiththepublicaffairstherebythepeopleofJerusalem。But，whenhewasnotabletoprevailwithme，hebetookhimselftomyfellowlegates；fortheyhadnosagacityinprovidingforfuturity，andwereveryreadytotakebribes。Sohecorruptedthemwithmoneytodecree，Thatallthatcornwhichwaswithinhisprovinceshouldbedeliveredtohim；
whileI，whowasbutone，wasoutvotedbytwo，andheldmytongue。ThendidJohnintroduceanothercunningcontrivanceofhis；forhesaidthatthoseJewswhoinhabitedCesareaPhilippi，andwereshutupbytheorderoftheking’sdeputythere，hadsenttohimtodesirehim，that，sincetheyhadnooilthatwaspurefortheiruse，hewouldprovideasufficientquantityofsuchoilforthem，lesttheyshouldbeforcedtomakeuseofoilthatcamefromtheGreeks，andtherebytransgresstheirownlaws。
NowthiswassaidbyJohn，notoutofhisregardtoreligion，butoutofhismostflagrantdesireofgain；forheknewthattwosextariesweresoldwiththemofCaesareaforonedrachma，butthatatGischalafourscoresextaxiesweresoldforfoursextaries。Sohegaveorderthatalltheoilwhichwasthereshouldbecarriedaway，ashavingmypermissionforsodoing；
whichyetIdidnotgranthimvoluntarily，butonlyoutoffearofthemultitude，since，ifIhadforbiddenhim，Ishouldhavebeenstonedbythem。WhenIhadthereforepermittedthistobedonebyJohn，hegainedvastsumsofmoneybythishisknavery。
14。ButwhenIhaddismissedmyfellowlegates，andsentthembacktoJerusalem，Itookcaretohavearmsprovided，andthecitiesfortified。AndwhenIhadsentforthemosthardyamongtherobbers，Isawthatitwasnotinmypowertotaketheirarmsfromthem；butIpersuadedthemultitudetoallowthemmoneyaspay，andtoldthemitwasbetterforthemtogivethemalittlewillingly，ratherthanto[beforcedto]overlookthemwhentheyplunderedtheirgoodsfromthem。AndwhenIhadobligedthemtotakeanoathnottocomeintothatcountry，unlesstheywereinvitedtocome，orelsewhentheyhadnottheirpaygiventhem，Idismissedthem，andchargedthemneithertomakeanexpeditionagainsttheRomans，noragainstthosetheirneighborsthatlayroundaboutthem；formyfirstcarewastokeepGalileeinpeace。
SoIwaswillingtohavetheprincipaloftheGalileans，inallseventy，ashostagesfortheirfidelity，butstillunderthenotionoffriendship。Accordingly，ImadethemmyfriendsandcompanionsasIjourneyed，andsetthemtojudgecauses；andwiththeirapprobationitwasthatIgavemysentences，whileI
endeavorednottomistakewhatjusticerequired，andtokeepmyhandsclearofallbriberyinthosedeterminations。
15。Iwasnowaboutthethirtiethyearofmyage；inwhichtimeoflifeitisahardthingforanyonetoescapethecalumniesoftheenvious，althoughherestrainhimselffromfulfillinganyunlawfuldesires，especiallywhereapersonisingreatauthority。YetdidIpreserveeverywomanfreefrominjuries；andastowhatpresentswereofferedme，Idespisedthem，asnotstandinginneedofthem。NorindeedwouldItakethosetithes，whichwereduetomeasapriest，fromthosethatbroughtthem。
YetdoIconfess，thatItookpartofthespoilsofthoseSyrianswhichinhabitedthecitiesthatadjoinedtous，whenIhadconqueredthem，andthatIsentthemtomykindredatJerusalem；
although，whenItwicetookSepphorisbyforce，andTiberiasfourtimes，andGadaraonce，andwhenIhadsubduedandtakenJohn，whooftenlaidtreacheroussnaresforme，Ididnotpunish[withdeath]eitherhimoranyofthepeopleforenamed，astheprogressofthisdiscoursewillshow。Andonthisaccount，Isuppose，itwasthatGod，（10）whoisneverunacquaintedwiththosethatdoastheyoughttodo，deliveredmestilloutofthehandsofthesemyenemies，andafterwardspreservedmewhenIfellintothosemanydangerswhichIshallrelatehereafter。
16。NowthemultitudeoftheGalileanshadthatgreatkindnessforme，andfidelitytome，thatwhentheircitiesweretakenbyforce，andtheirwivesandchildrencarriedintoslavery，theydidnotsodeeplylamentfortheirowncalamities，astheyweresolicitousformypreservation。ButwhenJohnsawthis，heenviedme，andwrotetome，desiringthatIwouldgivehimleavetocomedown，andmakeuseofthehot—bathsofTiberiasfortherecoveryofthehealthofhisbody。Accordingly，Ididnothinderhim，ashavingnosuspicionofanywickeddesignsofhis；andIwrotetothosetowhomIhadcommittedtheadministrationoftheaffairsofTiberiusbyname，thattheyshouldprovidealodgingforJohn，andforsuchasshouldcomewithhim，andshouldprocurehimwhatnecessariessoeverheshouldstandinneedof。NowatthistimemyabodewasinavillageofGalilee，whichisnamedCans。
17。ButwhenJohnwascometothecityofTiberias，hepersuadedthementorevoltfromtheirfidelitytome，andtoadheretohim；andmanyofthemgladlyreceivedthatinvitationofhis，aseverfondofinnovations，andbynaturedisposedtochanges，anddelightinginseditions；buttheywerechieflyJustusandhisfatherPistus，thatwereearnestfortheirrevoltfromme，andtheiradherencetoJohn。ButIcameuponthem，andpreventedthem；foramessengerhadcometomefromSilas，whomIhadmadegovernorofTiberias，asIhavesaidalready，andhadtoldmeoftheinclinationsofthepeopleofTiberias，andadvisedmetomakehastethither；forthat，ifImadeanydelay，thecitywouldcomeunderanother’sjurisdiction。UponthereceiptofthisletterofSilas，Itooktwohundredmenalongwithme，andtraveledallnight，havingsentbeforeamessengertoletthepeopleofTiberiasknowthatIwascomingtothem。WhenIcameneartothecity，whichwasearlyinthemorning，themultitudecameouttomeetme；andJohncamewiththem，andsalutedme，butinamostdisturbedmanner，asbeingafraidthatmycomingwastocallhimtoanaccountforwhatIwasnowsensiblehewasdoing。
Sohe，ingreathaste，wenttohislodging。ButwhenIwasintheopenplaceofthecity，havingdismissedtheguardsIhadaboutme，exceptingone，andtenarmedmenthatwerewithhim，I
attemptedtomakeaspeechtothemultitudeofthepeopleofTiberias：and，standingonacertainelevatedplace，Ientreatedthemnottobesohastyintheirrevolt；forthatsuchachangeintheirbehaviorwouldbetotheirreproach，andthattheywouldthenjustlybesuspectedbythosethatshouldbetheirgovernorshereafter，asiftheywerenotlikelytobefaithfultothemneither。
18。ButbeforeIhadspokenallIdesigned，Iheardoneofmyowndomesticsbiddingmecomedown，forthatitwasnotapropertimetotakecareofretainingthegood—willofthepeopleofTiberias，buttoprovideformyownsafety，andescapemyenemiesthere；forJohnhadchosenthemosttrustyofthosearmedmenthatwereabouthimoutofthosethousandthathehadwithhim，andhadgiventhemorderswhenhesentthem，tokillme，havinglearnedthatIwasalone，exceptingsomeofmydomestics。Sothosethatweresentcameastheywereordered，andtheyhadexecutedwhattheycameabout，hadInotleapeddownfromtheelevationIstoodon，andwithoneofmyguards，whosenamewasJames，beencarried[outofthecrowd]uponthebackofoneHerodofTiberias，andguidedbyhimdowntothelake，whereIseizedaship，andgotintoit，andescapedmyenemiesunexpectedly，andcametoTarichese。
19。Now，assoonastheinhabitantsofthatcityunderstoodtheperfidiousnessofthepeopleofTiberias，theyweregreatlyprovokedatthem。Sotheysnatcheduptheirarms，anddesiredmetobetheirleaderagainstthem；fortheysaidtheywouldavengetheircommander’scauseuponthem。TheyalsocarriedthereportofwhathadbeendonetometoalltheGalileans，andeagerlyendeavoredtoirritatethemagainstthepeopleofTiberias，anddesiredthatvastnumbersofthemwouldgettogether，andcometothem，thattheymightactinconcertwiththeircommander，whatshouldbedeterminedasfittobedone。Accordingly，theGalileanscametomeingreatnumbers，fromallparts，withtheirweapons，andbesoughtmetoassaultTiberias，totakeitbyforce，andtodemolishit，tillitlayevenwiththeground，andthentomakeslavesofitsinhabitants，withtheirwivesandchildren。ThosethatwereJosephus’sfriendsalso，andhadescapedoutofTiberias，gavehimthesameadvice。ButIdidnotcomplywiththem，thinkingitaterriblethingtobeginacivilwaramongthem；forIthoughtthatthiscontentionoughtnottoproceedfurtherthanwords；nay，Itoldthemthatitwasnotfortheirownadvantagetodowhattheywouldhavemetodo，whiletheRomansexpectednootherthanthatweshoulddestroyoneanotherbyourmutualseditions。Andbysayingthis，IputastoptotheangeroftheGalileans。
20。ButnowJohnwasafraidforhimself，sincehistreacheryhadprovedunsuccessful。Sohetookthearmedmenthatwereabouthim，andremovedfromTiberiastoGischala，andwrotetometoapologizeforhimselfconcerningWhathadbeendone，asifithadbeendonewithouthisapprobation，anddesiredmetohavenosuspicionofhimtohisdisadvantage。Healsoaddedoathsandcertainhorriblecursesuponhimself，andsupposedheshouldbetherebybelievedinthepointshewroteabouttome。
21。ButnowanothergreatnumberoftheGalileanscametogetheragainwiththeirweapons，asknowingtheman，howwickedandhowsadlyperjuredhewas，anddesiredmetoleadthemagainsthimandpromisedmethattheywouldutterlybothhimandGischala。
HereuponIprofessedthatIwasobligedtothemfortheirreadinesstoserveme，andthatIwouldmorethanrequitetheirgood—willtome。However，Ientreatedthemtorestrainthemselves，andbeggedofthemtogivemeleavetodowhatI
intended，whichwastoputanendtothesetroubleswithoutbloodshed；andwhenIhadprevailedwiththemultitudeoftheGalileanstoletmedoso，IcametoSepphoris。
22。ButtheinhabitantsofthiscityhavingdeterminedtocontinueintheirallegiancetotheRomans，wereafraidofmycomingtothem，andtried，byputtingmeuponanotheraction，todivertme，thattheymightbefreedfromtheterrortheywerein。
Accordingly，theysenttoJesus，thecaptainofthoserobberswhowereintheconfinesofPtolemais，andpromisedtogivehimagreatdealofmoney，ifhewouldcomewiththoseforceshehadwithhim，whichwereinnumbereighthundred，andfightwithus。
Accordingly，hecompliedwithwhattheydesired，uponthepromisestheyhadmadehim，andwasdesiroustofalluponuswhenwewereunpreparedforhim，andknewnothingofhiscomingbeforehand。Sohesenttome，anddesiredthatIwouldgivehimleavetocomeandsaluteme。WhenIhadgivenhimthatleave，whichIdidwithouttheleastknowledgeofhistreacherousintentionsbeforehand，hetookhisbandofrobbers，andmadehastetocometome。Yetdidnotthishisknaverysucceedwellatlast；forashewasalreadynearlyapproaching，oneofthosewithhimdesertedhim，andcametome，andtoldmewhathehadundertakentodo。WhenIwasinformedofthis，Iwentintothemarket—place，andpretendedtoknownothingofhistreacherouspurpose。ItookwithmemanyGalileansthatwerearmed，asalsosomeofthoseofTiberias；and，whenIhadgivenordersthatalltheroadsshouldbecarefullyguarded，IchargedthekeepersofthegatestogiveadmittancetononebutJesus，whenhecame，withtheprincipalofhismen，andtoexcludetherest；andincasetheyaimedtoforcethemselvesin，tousestripes[inordertorepelthem]。Accordingly，thosethathadreceivedsuchachargedidastheywerebidden，andJesuscameinwithafewothers；andwhenIhadorderedhimtothrowdownhisarmsimmediately，andtoldhim，thatifherefusedsotodo，hewasadeadman，heseeingarmedmenstandingallroundabouthim，wasterrified，andcomplied；andasforthoseofhisfollowersthatwereexcluded，whentheywereinformedthathewasseized，theyranaway。IthencalledJesustomebyhimself，andtoldhim，that\"Iwasnotastrangertothattreacherousdesignhehadagainstme，norwasIignorantbywhomhewassentfor；that，however，Iwouldforgivehimwhathehaddonealready，ifhewouldrepentofit，andbefaithfultomehereafter。\"Andthus，uponhispromisetodoallthatIdesired，Ilethimgo，andgavehimleavetogetthosewhomhehadformerlyhadwithhimtogetheragain。ButIthreatenedtheinhabitantsofSepphoris，that，iftheywouldnotleaveofftheirungratefultreatmentofme，I
wouldpunishthemsufficiently。
23。Atthistimeitwasthattwogreatmen，whowereunderthejurisdictionoftheking[Agrippa]cametomeoutoftheregionofTrachonius，bringingtheirhorsesandtheirarms，andcarryingwiththemtheirmoneyalso；andwhentheJewswouldforcethemtobecircumcised，iftheywouldstayamongthem，Iwouldnotpermitthemtohaveanyforceputuponthem，（11）butsaidtothem，\"EveryoneoughttoworshipGodaccordingtohisowninclinations，andnottobeconstrainedbyforce；andthatthesemen，whohadfledtousforprotection，oughtnottobesotreatedastorepentoftheircominghither。\"AndwhenIhadpacifiedthemultitude，Iprovidedforthementhatwerecometouswhatsoeveritwastheywanted，accordingtotheirusualwayofliving，andthatingreatplentyalso。
24。NowkingAgrippasentanarmytomakethemselvesmastersofthecitadelofGamala，andoveritEquieulusModius；buttheforcesthatweresentwerenotallowtoencompassthecitadelquiteround，butlaybeforeitintheopenplaces，andbesiegedit。ButwhenEbutiusthedecurion，whowasintrustedwiththegovernmentofthegreatplain，heardthatIwasatSimonias，avillagesituatedintheconfinesofGalilee，andwasdistantfromhimsixtyfurlongs，hetookahundredhorsementhatwerewithhimbynight，andacertainnumberoffootmen，abouttwohundred，andbroughttheinhabitantsofthecityGibeaalongwithhimasauxiliaries，andmarchedinthenight，andcametothevillagewhereIabode。UponthisIpitchedmycampoveragainsthim，whichhadagreatnumberofforcesinit：butEbutiustriedtodrawusdownintotheplain，asgreatlydependinguponhishorsemen；butwewouldnotcomedown；forwhenIwassatisfiedoftheadvantagethathishorsewouldhaveifwecamedownintotheplain，whilewewereallfootmen，IresolvedtojoinbattlewiththeenemywhereIwas。NowEbutiusandhispartymadeacourageousoppositionforsometime；butwhenhesawthathishorsewereuselesstohiminthatplace，heretiredbacktothecityGibea，havinglostthreeofhismeninthefight。SoI
followedhimdirectywithtwothousandarmedmen；andwhenIwasatthecityBesara，thatlayintheconfinesofPtolemais，buttwentyfurlongsfromGibea，whereEbutiusabode，Iplacedmyarmedmenontheoutsideofthevillage，andgaveordersthattheyshouldguardthepasseswithgreatcare，thattheenemymightnotdisturbusuntilweshouldhavecarriedoffthecorn，agreatquantityofwhichlaythere：itbelongedtoBernicethequeen，andhadbeengatheredtogetheroutoftheneighboringvillagesintoBesara；soIloadedmycamelsandasses，agreatnumberofwhichIhadbroughtalongwithme，andsentthecornintoGalilee。WhenIhaddonethis，IofferedEbutiusbattle；butwhenhewouldnotacceptoftheoffer，forhewasterrifiedatourreadinessandcourage，Ialteredmyroute，andmarchedtowardsNeopolitanus，becauseIhadheardthatthecountryaboutTiberiaswaslaidwastebyhim。ThisNeopolitanuswascaptainofatroopofhorse，andhadthecustodyofScythopolisintrustedtohiscarebytheenemy；andwhenIhadhinderedhimfromdoinganyfurthermischieftoTiberias，IsetmyselftomakeprovisionfortheaffairsofGalilee。
25。ButwhenJohn，thesonofLevi，who，aswebeforetoldyou，abodeatGischala，wasinformedhowallthingshadsucceededtomymind，andthatIwasmuchinfavorwiththosethatwereunderme，asalsothattheenemyweregreatlyafraidofme，hewasnotpleasedwithit，asthinkingmyprosperitytendedtohisruin。Sohetookupabitterenvyandenmityagainstme；andhoping，thatifhecouldinflamethosethatwereundermetohateme，。heshouldputanendtotheprosperityIwasin，hetriedtopersuadetheinhabitantsofTiberiasandofSepphoris，（andforthoseofGabarahesupposedtheywouldbealsoofthesamemindwiththeothers，）whichwerethegreatestcitiesofGalilee，torevoltfromtheirsubjectiontome，andtobeofhisparty；andtoldthemthathewouldcommandthembetterthanIdid。AsforthepeopleofSepphoris，whobelongedtoneitherofus，becausetheyhadchosentobeinsubjectiontotheRomans，theydidnotcomplywithhisproposal；andforthoseofTiberias，theydidnotindeedsofarcomplyastomakearevoltfromunderme，buttheyagreedtobehisfriends，whiletheinhabitantsofGabaradidgoovertoJohn；anditwasSimonthatpersuadedthemsotodo，onewhowasboththeprincipalmaninthecity，andaparticularfriendandcompanionofJohn。Itistrue，thesedidnotopenlyownthemakingarevolt，becausetheywereingreatfearoftheGalileans，andhadfrequentexperienceofthegood—willtheyboretome；yetdidtheyprivatelywatchforaproperopportunitytolaysnaresforme；andindeedItherebycameintothegreatestdanger，ontheoccasionfollowing。
26。ThereweresomeboldyoungmenofthevillageofDabaritta，whoobservedthatthewifeofPtolemy，theking’sprocurator，wastomakeaprogressoverthegreatplainwithamightyattendance，andwithsomehorsementhatfollowedasaguardtothem，andthisoutofacountrythatwassubjecttothekingandqueen，intothejurisdictionoftheRomans；andfelluponthemonasudden，andobligedthewifeofPtolemytoflyaway，andplunderedallthecarriages。TheyalsocametometoTarichese，withfourmules’
loadingofgarments，andotherfurniture；andtheweightofthesilvertheybroughtwasnotsmall，andtherewerefivehundredpiecesofgoldalso。NowIhadamindtopreservethesespoilsforPtolemy，whowasmycountryman；anditisprohibited（12）byourlawseventospoilourenemies；soIsaidtothosethatbroughtthesespoils，thattheyoughttobekept，inordertorebuildthewallsofJerusalemwiththemwhentheycametobesold。Buttheyoungmentookitveryillthattheydidnotreceiveapartofthosespoilsforthemselves，astheyexpectedtohavedone；sotheywentamongthevillagesintheneighborhoodofTiberias，andtoldthepeoplethatIwasgoingtobetraytheircountrytotheRomans，andthatIuseddeceitfullanguagetothem，whenIsaid，thatwhathadbeenthusgottenbyrapineshouldbekeptfortherebuildingofthewallsofthecityofJerusalem；althoughIhadresolvedtorestorethesespoilsagaintotheirformerowner。Andindeedtheywerehereinnotmistakenastomyintentions；forwhenIhadgottenclearofthem，Isentfortwooftheprincipalmen，Dassion，andJanneusthesonofLevi，personsthatwereamongthechieffriendsoftheking，andcommandedthemtotakethefurniturethathadbeenplundered，andtosendittohim；andIthreatenedthatIwouldorderthemtobeputtodeathbywayofpunishment，iftheydiscoveredthismycommandtoanyotherperson。
27。Now，whenallGalileewasfilledwiththisrumor，thattheircountrywasabouttobebetrayedbymetotheRomans，andwhenallmenwereexasperatedagainstme，andreadytobringmetopunishment，theinhabitantsofTaricheedidalsothemselvessupposethatwhattheyoungmensaidwastrue，andpersuadedmyguardsandarmedmentoleavemewhenIwasasleep，andtocomepresentlytothehippodrome，inordertheretotakecounselagainstmetheircommander。Andwhentheyhadprevailedwiththem，andtheyweregottentogether，theyfoundthereagreatcompanyassembledalready，whoalljoinedinoneclamor，tobringthemanwhowassowickedtothemastobetraythem，tohisduepunishment；anditwasJesus，thesonofSapphias，whoprincipallysetthemon。HewasrulerinTiberias，awickedman，andnaturallydisposedtomakedisturbancesinmattersofconsequence；aseditiouspersonhewasindeed，andaninnovatorbeyondeverybodyelse。HethentookthelawsofMosesintohishands，andcameintothemidstofthepeople，andsaid，\"Omyfellowcitizens!ifyouarenotdisposedtohateJosephusonyourownaccount，haveregard，however，totheselawsofyourcountry，whichyourcommander—in—chiefisgoingtobetray；hatehimthereforeonboththeseaccounts，andbringthemanwhohathactedthusinsolently，tohisdeservedpunishment。\"
28。Whenhehadsaidthis，andthemultitudehadopenlyapplaudedhimforwhathehadsaid，hetooksomeofthearmedmen，andmadehasteawaytothehouseinwhichIlodged，asifhewouldkillmeimmediately，whileIwaswhollyinsensibleofalltillthisdisturbancehappened；andbyreasonofthepainsIhadbeentaking，wasfallenfastasleep。ButSimon，whowasintrustedwiththecareofmybody，andwastheonlypersonthatstayedwithme，andsawtheviolentincursionthecitizensmadeuponme，awakedme，andtoldmeofthedangerIwasin，anddesiredmetolethimkillme，thatImightdiebravelyandlikeageneral，beforemyenemiescamein，andforcedme[tokillmyself]，orkilledmethemselves。Thusdidhediscoursetome；butIcommittedthecareofmylifetoGod，andmadehastetogoouttothemultitude。
Accordingly，Iputonablackgarment，andhungmyswordatmyneck，andwentbysuchadifferentwaytothehippodrome，whereinIthoughtnoneofmyadversarieswouldmeetme；soIappearedamongthemonthesudden，andfelldownflatontheearth，andbedewedthegroundwithmytears：thenIseemedtothemallanobjectofcompassion。AndwhenIperceivedthechangethatwasmadeinthemultitude，Itriedtodividetheiropinionsbeforethearmedmenshouldreturnfrommyhouse；soIgrantedthemthatIhadbeenaswickedastheysupposedmetobe；butstillI
entreatedthemtoletmefirstinformthemforwhatuseIhadkeptthatmoneywhicharosefromtheplunder，and，thattheymightthenkillmeiftheypleased：anduponthemultitude’sorderingmetospeak，thearmedmencameuponme，andwhentheysawme，theyrantokillme；butwhenthemultitudebadethemholdtheirhands，theycomplied，andexpectedthatassoonasI
shouldowntothemthatIkeptthemoneyfortheking，itwouldbelookedonasaconfessionofmytreason，andtheyshouldthenbeallowedtokillme。
29。When，therefore，silencewasmadebythewholemultitude，I
spakethustothem：\"Omycountrymen!Irefusenottodie，ifjusticesorequire。However，IamdesiroustotellyouthetruthofthismatterbeforeIdie；forasIknowthatthiscityofyours[Tarichee]wasacityofgreathospitality，andfilledwithabundanceofsuchmenashavelefttheirowncountries，andarecomehithertobepartakersofyourfortune，whateveritbe，I
hadamindtobuildwallsaboutit，outofthismoney，forwhichyouaresoangrywithme，whileyetitwastobeexpendedinbuildingyourownwalls。\"Uponmysayingthis，thepeopleofTaricheaeandthestrangerscriedout，that\"theygavemethanks，anddesiredmetobeofgoodcourage，\"althoughtheGalileansandthepeopleofTiberiascontinuedintheirwrathagainstme，insomuchthattherearoseatumultamongthem，whilesomethreatenedtokillme，andsomebademenottoregardthem；butwhenIpromisedthemthatIwouldbuildthemwallsatTiberias，andatothercitiesthatwantedthem，theygavecredittowhatI
promised，andreturnedeveryonetohisownhome。SoIescapedtheforementioneddanger，beyondallmyhopes，andreturnedtomyownhouse，accompaniedwithmyfriends，andtwentyarmedmenalso。
30。However，theserobbersandotherauthorsofthistumult，whowereafraid，ontheirownaccount，lestIshouldpunishthemforwhattheyhaddone，tooksixhundredarmedmen，andcametothehousewhereIabode，inordertosetitonfire。Whenthistheirinsultwastoldme，Ithoughtitindecentformetorunaway，andIresolvedtoexposemyselftodanger，andtoactwithsomeboldness；soIgaveordertoshutthedoors，andwentupintoanupperroom，anddesiredthattheywouldsendinsomeoftheirmentoreceivethemoney[fromthespoils]forItoldthemtheywouldthenhavenooccasiontobeangrywithme；andwhentheyhadsentinoneoftheboldestofthemall，Ihadhimwhippedseverely，andIcommandedthatoneofhishandsshouldbecutoff，andhungabouthisneck；andinthiscasewasheputouttothosethatsenthim。Atwhichprocedureofminetheyweregreatlyaffrighted，andinnosmallconsternation，andwereafraidthattheyshouldthemselvesbeservedinlikemanner，iftheystaidthere；fortheysupposedthatIhadinthehousemorearmedmenthantheyhadthemselves；sotheyranawayimmediately，whileI，bytheuseofthisstratagem，escapedthistheirsecondtreacherousdesignagainstme。
31。Buttherewerestillsomethatirritatedthemultitudeagainstme，andsaidthatthosegreatmenthatbelongedtothekingoughtnottobesufferedtolive，iftheywouldnotchangetheirreligiontothereligionofthosetowhomtheyfledforsafety：theyspakereproachfullyofthemalso，andsaidthattheywerewizards，andsuchascalledintheRomansuponthem。Sothemultitudewassoondeludedbysuchplausiblepretensesaswereagreeabletotheirowninclinations，andwereprevailedonbythem。ButwhenIwasinformedofthis，Iinstructedthemultitudeagain，thatthosewhofledtothemforrefugeoughtnottobepersecuted：Ialsolaughedattheallegationaboutwitchcraft，（13）andtoldthemthattheRomanswouldnotmaintainsomanytenthousandsoldiers，iftheycouldovercometheirenemiesbywizards。Uponmysayingthis，thepeopleassentedforawhile；
buttheyreturnedagainafterwards，asirritatedbysomeillpeopleagainstthegreatmen；nay，theyoncemadeanassaultuponthehouseinwhichtheydweltatTarichess，inordertokillthem；which，whenIwasinformedof，Iwasafraidlestsohorridacrimeshouldtakeeffect，andnobodyelsewouldmakethatcitytheirrefugeanymore。Ithereforecamemyself，andsomeotherswithme，tothehousewherethesegreatmenlived，andlockedthedoors，andhadatrenchdrawnfromtheirhouseleadingtothelake，andsentforaship，andembarkedthereinwiththem，andsailedtotheconfinesofHippos：Ialsopaidthemthevalueoftheirhorses；norinsuchaflightcouldIhavetheirhorsesbroughttothem。Ithendismissedthem，andbeggedofthemearnestlythattheywouldcourageouslybearIthisdistresswhichbefellthem。IwasalsomyselfIgreatlydispleasedthatIwascompelledtoexposethosethathadfledtometogoagainintoanenemy’scountry；yetdidIthinkitmoreeligiblethattheyshouldperishamongtheRomans，ifitshouldsohappen，thaninthecountrythatwasundermyjurisdiction。However，theyescapedatlength，andkingAgrippaforgavethemtheiroffenses。Andthiswastheconclusionofwhatconcernedthesemen。