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[133]
At this his behavior Pompey had great indignation; Hyrcanus also
and his friends made great intercessions to Pompey; so he took not only
his Roman forces, but many of his Syrian auxiliaries, and marched against
Aristobulus. But when he had passed by Pella and Scythopolis, and was come
to Corea, where you enter into the country of Judea, when you go up to
it through the Mediterranean parts, he heard that Aristobulus was fled
to Alexandrium, which is a strong hold fortified with the utmost magnificence,
and situated upon a high mountain; and he sent to him, and commanded him
to come down. Now his inclination was to try his fortune in a battle, since
he was called in such an imperious manner, rather than to comply with that
call. However, he saw the multitude were in great fear, and his friends
exhorted him to consider what the power of the Romans was, and how it was
irresistible; so he complied with their advice, and came down to Pompey;
and when he had made a long apology for himself, and for the justness of
his cause in taking the government, he returned to the fortress. And when
his brother invited him again [to plead his cause], he came down and spake
about the justice of it, and then went away without any hinderance from
Pompey; so he was between hope and fear. And when he came down, it was
to prevail with Pompey to allow him the government entirely; and when he
went up to the citadel, it was that he might not appear to debase himself
too low. However, Pompey commanded him to give up his fortified places,
and forced him to write to every one of their governors to yield them up;
they having had this charge given them, to obey no letters but what were
of his own hand-writing. Accordingly he did what he was ordered to do;
but had still an indignation at what was done, and retired to Jerusalem,
and prepared to fight with Pompey.
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