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[392]
Thus Josephus escaped in the war with the Romans, and in this his
own war with his friends, and was led by Nicanor to Vespasian. But now
all the Romans ran together to see him; and as the multitude pressed one
upon another about their general, there was a tumult of a various kind;
while some rejoiced that Josephus was taken, and some threatened him, and
some crowded to see him very near; but those that were more remote cried
out to have this their enemy put to death, while those that were near called
to mind the actions he had done, and a deep concern appeared at the change
of his fortune. Nor were there any of the Roman commanders, how much soever
they had been enraged at him before, but relented when they came to the
sight of him. Above all the rest, Titus's own valor, and Josephus's own
patience under his afflictions, made him pity him, as did also the commiseration
of his age, when he recalled to mind that but a little while ago he was
fighting, but lay now in the hands of his enemies, which made him consider
the power of fortune, and how quick is the turn of affairs in war, and
how no state of men is sure; for which reason he then made a great many
more to be of the same pitiful temper with himself, and induced them to
commiserate Josephus. He was also of great weight in persuading his father
to preserve him. However, Vespasian gave strict orders that he should be
kept with great caution, as though he would in a very little time send
him to Nero.
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