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[24]
But when Monobazus was grown old, and saw that he had but a little
time to live, he had a mind to come to the sight of his son before he died.
So he sent for him, and embraced him after the most affectionate manner,
and bestowed on him the country called Carra; it was a soil that bare amomum
in great plenty: there are also in it the remains of that ark, wherein
it is related that Noah escaped the deluge, and where they are still shown
to such as are desirous to see them. 1
Accordingly, Izates abode in that country until his father's death. But
the very day that Monobazus died, queen Helena sent for all the grandees,
and governors of the kingdom, and for those that had the armies committed
to their command; and when they were come, she made the following speech
to them: "I believe you are not unacquainted that my husband was desirous
Izates should succeed him in the government, and thought him worthy so
to do. However, I wait your determination; for happy is he who receives
a kingdom, not from a single person only, but from the willing suffrages
of a great many." This she said, in order to try those that were invited,
and to discover their sentiments. Upon the hearing of which, they first
of all paid their homage to the queen, as their custom was, and then they
said that they confirmed the king's determination, and would submit to
it; and they rejoiced that Izates's father had preferred him before the
rest of his brethren, as being agreeable to all their wishes: but that
they were desirous first of all to slay his brethren and kinsmen, that
so the government might come securely to Izates; because if they were once
destroyed, all that fear would be over which might arise from their hatred
and envy to him. Helena replied to this, that she returned them her thanks
for their kindness to herself and to Izates; but desired that they would
however defer the execution of this slaughter of Izates's brethren till
he should be there himself, and give his approbation to it. So since these
men had not prevailed with her, when they advised her to slay them, they
exhorted her at least to keep them in bonds till he should come, and that
for their own security; they also gave her counsel to set up some one whom
she could put the greatest trust in, as a governor of the kingdom in the
mean time. So queen Helena complied with this counsel of theirs, and set
up Monobazus, the eldest son, to be king, and put the diadem upon his head,
and gave him his father's ring, with its signet; as also the ornament which
they call Sampser, and exhorted him to administer the affairs of the kingdom
till his brother should come; who came suddenly upon hearing that his father
was dead, and succeeded his brother Monobazus, who resigned up the government
to him.
1 It is here very remarkable, that the remains of Noah's ark were believed to he still in being in the days of Josephus. See the note on B. I. ch. 3. sect. 5.
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