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[355]
When he had said this, he complied with Nicanor's invitation. But
when those Jews who had fled with him understood that he yielded to those
that invited him to come up, they came about him in a body, and cried out,
"Nay, indeed, now may the laws of our forefathers, which God ordained
himself, well groan to purpose; that God we mean who hath created the souls
of the Jews of such a temper, that they despise death. O Josephus! art
thou still fond of life? and canst thou bear to see the light in a state
of slavery? How soon hast thou forgotten thyself! How many hast thou persuaded
to lose their lives for liberty! Thou hast therefore had a false reputation
for manhood, and a like false reputation for wisdom, if thou canst hope
for preservation from those against whom thou hast fought so zealously,
and art however willing to be preserved by them, if they be in earnest.
But although the good fortune of the Romans hath made thee forget thyself,
we ought to take care that the glory of our forefathers may not be tarnished.
We will lend thee our right hand and a sword; and if thou wilt die willingly,
thou wilt die as general of the Jews; but if unwillingly, thou wilt die
as a traitor to them." As soon as they said this, they began to thrust
their swords at him, and threatened they would kill him, if he thought
of yielding himself to the Romans.
Flavius Josephus. The Works of Flavius Josephus. Translated by. William Whiston, A.M. Auburn and Buffalo. John E. Beardsley. 1895.
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