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[93]
Yet did Alexander meet both these forces with one thousand horsemen,
and eight thousand mercenaries that were on foot. He had also with him
that part of the Jews which favored him, to the number of ten thousand;
while the adverse party had three thousand horsemen, and fourteen thousand
footmen. Now, before they joined battle, the kings made proclamation, and
endeavored to draw off each other's soldiers, and make them revolt; while
Demetrius hoped to induce Alexander's mercenaries to leave him, and Alexander
hoped to induce the Jews that were with Demetrius to leave him. But since
neither the Jews would leave off their rage, nor the Greeks prove unfaithful,
they came to an engagement, and to a close fight with their weapons. In
which battle Demetrius was the conqueror, although Alexander's mercenaries
showed the greatest exploits, both in soul and body. Yet did the upshot
of this battle prove different from what was expected, as to both of them;
for neither did those that invited Demetrius to come to them continue firm
to him, though he was conqueror; and six thousand Jews, out of pity to
the change of Alexander's condition, when he was fled to the mountains,
came over to him. Yet could not Demetrius bear this turn of affairs; but
supposing that Alexander was already become a match for him again, and
that all the nation would [at length] run to him, he left the country,
and went his way.
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