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[386]
BUT now Herod was under immediate concern about a most important
affair, on account of his friendship with Antony, who was already overcome
at Actium by Caesar; yet he was more afraid than hurt; for Caesar did not
think he had quite undone Antony, while Herod continued his assistance
to him. However, the king resolved to expose himself to dangers: accordingly
he sailed to Rhodes, where Caesar then abode, and came to him without his
diadem, and in the habit and appearance of a private person, but in his
behavior as a king. So he concealed nothing of the truth, but spike thus
before his face: "O Caesar, as I was made king of the Jews by Antony,
so do I profess that I have used my royal authority in the best manner,
and entirely for his advantage; nor will I conceal this further, that thou
hadst certainly found me in arms, and an inseparable companion of his,
had not the Arabians hindered me. However, I sent him as many auxiliaries
as I was able, and many ten thousand [cori] of corn. Nay, indeed, I did
not desert my benefactor after the bow that was given him at Actium; but
I gave him the best advice I was able, when I was no longer able to assist
him in the war; and I told him that there was but one way of recovering
his affairs, and that was to kill Cleopatra; and I promised him that, if
she were once dead, I would afford him money and walls for his security,
with an army and myself to assist him in his war against thee: but his
affections for Cleopatra stopped his ears, as did God himself also who
hath bestowed the government on thee. I own myself also to be overcome
together with him; and with his last fortune I have laid aside my diadem,
and am come hither to thee, having my hopes of safety in thy virtue; and
I desire that thou wilt first consider how faithful a friend, and not whose
friend, I have been."
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