THE LIFE OF Herod the Great.  
WHEREIN His inhuman Cruelties are Briefly but Accurately related. With an account of his fatal and miserable End.  

licenced,  
Aug. 6. 1677. R. L'estrange.   
LONDON: Printed for Enoch wire, at the White Hart in St. Pauls Church-Yard, MDCLXXVIII.   

THE PREFACE.  
Reader,  
THE following Discourse gives thee a brief but plain account of the Life and Death of the cruel Herod, whose savage and blood-thirsty nature could not be tamed by the most endearing arguments of Relation and Friendship; he being prompted partly by vain fears, and partly by groundless Jealousies, to commit those horrid cruelties, scarce ever paralleled( sure never exceeded) by any Age.  
And although Heaven( which is sometimes slow in executing sentence against evil-doers) did suffer him for a while to pass unpunished, yet at length the just judgement of an offended God did legibly appear in the strange and miserable end of this cruel Tyrant; all which( that I may not longer detain thee) thou wilt find more fully discovered in the following Discourse.  
farewell.   

The Life of HEROD.  
SOme fifty years before the Birth of Christ, Hircanus( a good man, but bad King) reigned over Judea, by permission of the Romans: he used as much remissness in his charge, as he practised innocence in manners; his over-much easiness bringing him to a kind of stupidity. Being made sensible of his own weakness, he resigned the dignity and burden of Government to his Brother Aristobulus, a courageous but unsuccessful man in all his enterprizes.  
These changes, and the dependence this Royalty had under the Roman power, gave occasion to many to court this Government; amongst whom Antipater, the Father of Herod, an Idumean by Nation, a wealthy and most subtle man, and able to bring to pass great matters, had of a long time a plot upon the Kingdom of Judea; and well-seeing, that whilst the courageous and prudent Aristobulus bore sway, his design would be but vain, he endeavours to dismount him, and seat Hircanus again upon the Throne. First, by his cunning insinuations to the people holding forth the easy and gentle disposition of Hircanus, whose yielding up his right, was doubtless the unparalleled emblem of pure modesty; That the more unworthy he esteemed himself to rule, the more was his worth; That the glory he so easily sought to decline in his own person, would wait upon him to his Tomb; and that the sweetness and facility of his nature, was far more suitable to the piety and humour of the Jews, than the lofty and turbulent spirit of Aristobulus; that they had forsaken a King blame-worthy in nothing, but in surplusage of goodness; and had subjugated themselves to the cruel austerity of one, whose ill managery would quickly make them feel the ruin of all Palestine.  
These subtle remonstrances quickly found credulity enough in the minds of the people, at that time cursed with a furious desire of Innovation; so that now having only Hircanus to ply, towards him he payeth all respect and testimonies of amity, which being no hard matter, in a very short time he becometh sole Tutor and Master of his flexible spirit. And now the actions of Hircanus sought no other issue but the guidance of Antipater; and to farther his taking up of Arms against his Brother, for repossessing himself, upon the Throne he causeth not daily to discover to him, that this giving away his power to his Brother, was inconsistent with his honour and life, rendering him lamentably despicable; whilst it raised his Brother to a superabundance in pomp; that a Kingdom was a Shirt never to be put off but with life; that the life he lead was good for a religious person, but not for a King; and in fine, that the people most passionately desired to see him re-established in the Throne of his Ancestors.  
With this and such like discourses Hircanus is moved to give Antipater commission to make war or peace as best pleased him, which he instantly goeth about, with no small success.  
In these commotions, the Romans( then powerful over all) find themselves concerned, so that Pompey having then under his Conduct a terrible Army in Syria, becometh Umpire, and is applied unto by the two Brothers, who both well perceived the main of the business to hang upon the favour of the Romans. At first Aristobulus seemed to have most favour, as the person from whom the Romans had greatest cause to hope the readiest service for their pretences, had not Antipater raised most injurious aspersions upon him, daily to disgrace him, and draw the Romans to a distrust of his spirit.  
Aristobulus perceiving now this subtle pernicious man to abuse the name and weakness of his Brother, and that he designed nothing less than to sell them both to the Romans, resolved with more animosity than force to resist this shock; but shrinking under the burden of his enterprise, is taken, put in fetters, and carried in Pompey's Triumph to Rome; whilst Jerusalem is made tributary, the place of High-Priest given to Hircanus, and all authority in the hands of Antipater, which he still managed to the lessening Hircanus dignity; and becoming aged, he makes his eldest Son Phaselus governor of Jerusalem, and giveth to Herod the Tetrarchy of Galilee, and shortly after died.  
Herod nothing inferior to his Father in policy, prosecuting his plots and examples, inseparably united himself to the Romans, gaining them with all manner of services, and entertaining Hircanus, to serve his turn as a shadow, with all manner of complacent flattery; whilst the Kingdom of Judea as yet is so far from him, that his elder Brother Phaselus held the best part, and Alexander second Son to Aristobulus, and the unfortunate Successor to his Fathers unhappiness, putting himself in the field with all the Troops he could amass. Aristobulus and his Son Antigonus escaping captivity in Rome, prevail with the Parthians for assistance, and so handle the matter, by force and policy, that they stir up Hircanus and Phaselus to be on their side, hereby giving Herod matter enough to work upon, until Alexander was overcome and killed by the help of the Romans Hircanus unworthily and cruelly used by his Nephew Antigonus, by whose command both his ears were cut off, and so necessary fell into that irregularity for which the Jewish Law discharges any to officiate in the High-Priesthood. Phaselus enraged at the turn of fortune, knocketh out his own brains against a rock, flying the fury of his Brother Herod, who ceased not to pursue miserable Antigonus, who is afterwards taken and imprisoned, and by the command of M. Antony beheaded at Antioch.  
Behold Herod now mounted to the top of the wheel, having none to grapple with for the Kingdom of Judea, but aged Hircanus, Alexandra his only Daughter, and Aristobulus and mariam, her Children by Alexander second Son to the former Aristobulus; these being the last remainder of the ancient and noble Asmodean Race, obliged Herod still to seek after the most sure ways of establishing that Government in his own person. He cunningly insinuateth with Hircanus, by the frequent demonstrations of amity, and prevailing with Alexandra, tho a woman far differing from her Fathers temper, and of a haughty spirit, is married to mariam the most beautiful Princess in the earth. Never were beauty and virtue so disgraced in any match, she to whom the Princes of the world would have joyed to pay homage, and all obsequious service at her feet, is now beholded the wife of cruel Herod, who had nothing human in him but lineament and shape; thus matching the Lamb with the Wolf, and the Dove with the falcon, by the passionate endeavours of Herod, and the haughty designs of Alexandra, to have her succession to govern; much mistaking the disposition of Herod, who practising quiter contrary to the expectation of Alexandra and mariam his Wife, and perceiving the young Aristobulus a most accomplished Prince, to whom every one destined the mitre in place of Hircanus, now incapacitated of the High Priesthood, which he feared might some day turn him out of all the Government, introduceth a stranger Jew name Ananel, and createth him High-Priest; thus shaking off Aristobulus from an honour to which Blood, Nature, and the consent of the whole world had called him. Alexandra is forced to dissemble the rage this bread in her, till mariam, in the calmness of her noble spirit, should use some opportune endeavour with the King, to whom not long after, finding him in a pleasant humour, she declared in her natural sweetness, That he was the support of her decayed Family, that for her self she only desired to breath her last with honour, That if he would be pleased to bestow the mitre to her Brother Aristobulus, it were to make a creature, from whom he had no cause at all to fear, his Throne being thoroughly established, and having the tender youth of this Prince as a piece of soft wax in his hands; That this act would make him rule in the hearts of the Jews as well as in Provinces, and that the honour which she had by matching with him, seemed not complete to her, whilst she saw her most near Relations kept from Degrees, wherein he might establish them without prejudice of his Authority.  
Herod by the pleasant charmings of mariam, suffered himself to be gained, and having deliberated the affair, he resolved to give the High-Priesthood to young Aristobulus, not without discovering to Alexandra the resentment he had of her behaviour, giving her to know that he understood very well the mutinous and turbulent contrivances her spirit laboured in, endeavouring to embroil and confounded all affairs, seeking to take a sceptre from him, whom Heaven had assisted in purchasing it with so much travail and pain, to put it in the hands of an Infant, to the prejudice of the Queen her Daughter; all which injuries he now willingly forgave and forgot, and was now to confirm her Son in the Priesthood as he had ever designed, and that Ananels instalment was only during the time that Aristobulus should come to maturity. Alexandra at this was wonderfully overjoyed, declaring, that the Priesthood was all she aimed at, for her Son being only desirous to keep the mitre in the Royal Family: as for the Kingdom she never had any pretention unto it, being very well satisfied to die, leaving her Son High-priest, and her Daughter Queen; that if she had exceeded in words, she was excusable as a passionate Mother to her Son; that as Mother-in-Law to the King some more than ordinary freedom might be allowed her; and now the Kings discretion having accomplished all her expectations, there was nothing should hinder her from living in the most dutiful manner imaginable.  
The Feast of Tabernacles being come, Ananel is deposed, and Aristobulus beginneth to exercise his office, to the most wonderful satisfaction of all the Jewish Nation. He was of a gallant stature, tall and streight, and at that time seventeen years of age. When the people beholded him clothed with the Pontifical Garments, which he replenished to admiration with Majesty, and going towards the Altar to perform those Ceremonial Rites as are proper at that Feast; their hearts were raised up above imagination, their hopes bloomed afresh to see this branch of the Macabean race. Her expressions were haughty on his behalf, and enlarged so far in his applause, both in words and behaviour, that Herod now begun to blame his credulity, and suffering himself to be possessed with a furious jealousy, he causeth the High-Priest, his Mother and the Queen to be so narrowly watched, that they moved not, nor conversed any where but he was advertised of it. The modest mariam amongst those suspicions lived in grace, sweetening these acerbities with a most wonderful discretion. But Alexandra, who never could endure restraint, and who above all things delighted in Royal Liberty, choosing rather to expose her self to the cruelty of Herods sword, than ly inchain'd to his will, well knowing the famous Cleopatra now residing in her dominions in egypt, bore a most malicious prejudice towards Herod, for that he endeavoured to alienate the heart of Mark Antony from her; she writes a Letter to Cleopatra, relating therein, that the many comfortless calamities, tho the Daughter and Mother of a King, Herods cruelty had brought upon her, occasioned her to beg the protection and security of the life of her and her Son, since God had blessed her with accomplishments and greatness sufficient to be a Sanctuary for the Innocent, and an Altar for the Oppressed; that she lived continually amongst spies, in the black apprehensions of Death; that her sufferings were numberless; that her shelter was only what could be comforting to them, till the storm were blown over, which she earnestly entreated of her, whereby Queen Cleopatra should declare her infinite magnificence, and oblige them to a perpetual gratitude. Cleopatra having received these Letters, made a ready answer, inviting her and her Son to hasten to egypt, and protesting she should esteem it an unspeakable glory to serve as a Sanctuary and refuge for such an afflicted Princess.  
Resolutions of departure are taken, without imparting the purpose to mariam: she causeth two Coffins to be made( such as are used to carry dead persons to their place of Burial, a bad presage) to put her self and Son into, hereby to elude the watchfulness of the Guards, and so to be carried to the Sea-side, where a Ship attended her, by this means to save her life under the shadow of death. But by ill hap this design is discovered to one Sabbion, who faileth not to reveal all to Herod, so that by his order the poor Lady and her Son are surprised in the Coffins and taken out of the sepulchre of the dead to return to the living, amongst whom she could not expect to remain long. Herod notwithstanding, whether he feared Cleopatra, or would not wholly affright Alexandra, contained himself in his ordinary course of dissimulation, without speaking one upbraiding word, so that she begun to believe that he had butted all in oblivion. When one day at Dinner Herod being desirous to go afterwards to some exercise, Aristobulus accompanieth him, and thereafter by some of Herods emissaries, being persuaded to go a Bathing, whilst he poor Lamb, skipped up and down, not knowing the unhappiness attended him, they smother the most comely Aristobulus in the waters, as if his own unskilfulness had occasioned his death. Behold now the glory of the Royal house of Asmodan, smothered under waters in an age, in a beauty, in an innocency which made this accident as lamentable as uncurable  
This news amazed the whole City of Jerusalem, and all the adjacent parts of India, to find themselves deprived of so glorious a High Priest, in the first year of his office, and eighteen year of his age: in every place there was nothing to be seen or heard, but tears, groans, horror, astonishment, and the fear of death: You would have said that every family did bear their first-born to burial, as it was once in Egypt. Above all, disconsolate Alexandra afflicted her self with incurable sorrow, using behaviour and expression so full of lamentation and grief, that never any thing exceeded the real disturbances of spirit she thereby expressed, whilst the pious mariam employed her admirable patience to resist the impetuous violences of an incurable sorrow; and and breaking through the dampest confusion that this most lamentable accident had cast her int, she turns her self to her God, with affectionate heart expressing, that since the life of her hopes, and the stay of her family was now taken away by a secret judgement of his providence, ever to be adored, but not preached after, she begged grace from Heaven that from the many acerbities that waited for her, she might comfortably search out such sweetnesses, as usually Gods true Children do, and receive them as the assurances of future happiness; and here being stopped with tears, she remained the most sorrowful Creature in the World. In this sad comfort Herod faileth not to act his part, never any appeared more sorrowful than he; he detesteth play, accuseth fortune, and complaineth that Heaven had robbed him of that subject on whom he resolved to demonstrate the love and respect he bore to the royal blood; and most ceremoniously goeth to visit the comfortless Mother and Sister of the smothered Aristobolus, who sate weeping over the dead body, where the tears gushed from his eyes with such appearance of sincerity and sorrow, that one would have believed him altogether innocent; and after he had born a fair share of weeping( which his dissembling nature could easily effect) with the comfortless Ladies, he endeavoured to assuage their excessive sorrow, and remove the jealousy they might have of him, telling them that he came not so suddenly to wipe away their tears, having enough to do to command his own, which had but too much cause to be  shed; but that time could only now plaster up their sorrow; that he would perform for the memory of the de●d whatever could be expected from the most affectionate father, that hereafter he would be a true son to Alexandra, a true Husband and brother to mariam, since God was pleased to redouble those obligations in him by the loss they had suffered, and so retiring as having behaved himself free from all suspicion of offence, he caused the funerals of the dead to be celebrated with such pomp and magnificence, that nothing could be added thereto; the simplo and ignorant, supposed this to be from a real and sincere affection, but the wisest said, they were the tears of the Crocodile, of whom was Alexandra, so that joining the passion of her sorrow to her purpose of revenge, she immediately after the obsequies giveth notice to Cleopa●ra of all that had passed in so mournful a letter, that every word seemed to be sleeped in tears of blood: Cleopatra suddenly taketh fire, and effecteth the affair with that ardour she would her own, in plying Mark Antony, who regarding Herod as his Creature, would not willingly understand those complaints, but the uncessant importunities Cleopatra used, perpetually filled M. Antonies ears, crying how unsupportable it was to see a stranger hold a sceptre to which he could pretend no right, to massacre the Heir with such barbarous cruelty▪ and torment with servitude against all equity and reason, all the Royal race, prevailed with him, that at length he swore he would sand for Herod and examine the business, and accordingly Herod is summoned to appear at Laodicea before Mark Antony to purge himself of the Murder of Aristobolus, of which he was the supposed Author: This distracted and tore his spirits on all sides, on the one hand assaulted by the image of Death, and the voice of blood, on the other he saw Mr. Antony, on whom depended his fortune, wholly guided by the counsel of Cleopatra his mortal Enemy; but the Devil that most perplexed him was a furious jealousy, imagining that M. Antony, a wanton and lascivious Prince, being possessed with the most singular beauty of mariam, whom he much regarded to enjoy, would make him serve as the sacrifice of his fatal love, which moved him to endeavour delay, and draw out the business to a greater length: But no excuses prevailing, having set his Mother, and Salome his Sister to watch over the deportments of those he thought had wrought him the mischief, he taketh his leave of Alexandra and mariam his wife, without any show of amazement or discontent, as if he had been going a short journey of pleasure, and after all taking Joseph his brother aside, to whom he spoken, declaring that his innocence was now powerfully assaulted by the secret malice of some persons of his Court, over which he hoped to triumph by his integrity, as he had already by deeds of arms over hostility, or ootherways his being charged to Laodicea behoved to be a mere plot, to shorten his days for the beauty of his Wife, that M. Antony, might have more liberty for his unbridled passion, conjuring him by the love he owed to a brother, if perhaps he should be used otherways, then his quality and innocence deserved, instantly to kill mariam, that his death might not be waited upon with the injury of his bed, by anothers enjoying her, that if the souls of the dead have any feeling of the affairs of the World, that might solace him, and so wishing him thereafter to possess himself of the Kingdom, which Joseph though very much amazed, undertaketh.  
Herod now setteth forward in his journey, carrying with him the richest of his treasure to make presents, and showing in all things as much confidence in his countenance as he hatched despair in his heart; in a short time he arriveth at Laodicea, where he found many strange informations, and and horrid Articles given in against him, holding out, that nothing so much perplexed him then to see Aristobulus the true heir of the Kingdom alive; that the power he had was but a regency until his maturity; that he had converted his regency to a Tyranny in his own person, keeping off the Royal blood from dignities to advance persons of no worth, witness Ananel, that the change he afterwards made was out of no true affection but to prevent popular Commotions which he foresaw would arise upon rejecting the Royal blood; that the applause and alacrity Aristobulus's preferment to the Priesthood did cause in Jerusalem, had bread in him a restless fury, and desire of exterpating that race so as to force them to seek shelter in other nations, and that at length this young Prince was drowned in the Water, not alone by himself, but manifestly smothered by the insolent youth of the household, and bosom of Herod by his order: The picture of this poor Prince, whose beauty was of singular admiration, was presented to M. Antony to cry for justice, and Cleopatra not ceasing to lay all irons in the fire, removed the battery against Herod most forcibly, but in fine, his accusations being red, he who wanted no eloquence, with a modest yet sprightly countenance replied,  
That he never had any purpose to flatter Hircanus, Alexandra or any of that race for the sceptre of Judea; that he held that Kingdom of the Illustrious M. Antony, in whom his greatness did arise, and in whom his hope centred, that at M. Antonies command he was not only willing to leave the sceptre, but his life; that now he found his reputation( more dear to him then his life) persecuted by women, and wondered that the Celestial soul of Cleopatra could entertain so much spleen against a King who never failed in any kind of respect; for Alexandra he did not admire, since her behaviour was so agreeable to her fierce and haughty spirit wherewith she had ever opposed his patience, that he being the peaceable possessor of that Kingdom by the favour of the Romans, there was no appearance that either he needed, or would cause or commit so horrible a crime; that the death of Aristobulus could not settle his affairs, which were already so firmly established by the authority of the Romans; and that notwithstanding he had ever endeavoured to preserve and prefer the Royal blood to Dignities; Hircanus he tenderly preserved after he had procured his liberty from the Parthian Bondage; That he had shared the Crown with mariam; that he had given the Priesthood to Aristobulus of his free good will, and not by constraint; and that it was not sooner given him, was because the minority of his Age ran not equal with his affections, yet in effect he was made High-Priest at eighteen years of Age, a favour very extraordinary, that Alexandra had all freedom imaginable in his Court, except the liberty of ruining her self, if she desired to make a voyage into egypt, what needed her to hid her self in a Coffin, since one word had been sufficient both for obtaining my consent, and a train agreeable to her quality; what reason or necessity had she to counterfeit a false peril in a real safety, and distrust him who made her live in all reposed assurances? That when he discovered this practise, he made it his work rather to appear the spectacle of Patience, then use the least word of bitterness; that Aristobulus was now dead, whom he passionately lamented, for he loved him; that he dyed not in his house, but by an unpreventable accident, sporting in that faithless element the water, that he dyed amongst the youth of the Court with whom he daily disported himself; that it was hard to make him accountable for the youthful levities of Alexandra's Son, as if he were his governor, or of the inconstancy of watery elements, as if he were Lord over them.  
The pernicious hypocrite spoken to this purpose with so much grace and probability, that he gained many hearts, so that now he waits in M Antonies Court, in that dignity which well became the King of Judea, expecting his sentence of Justification; and on all occasions he managed his affairs with so much wisdom and liberality, that now Cleopatra's diligence is looked upon as the passion of a woman ill advised.  
Whilst these things were handled in M. Antonies Court, Alexandra and mariam are narrowly eyed by the watchful Mother and Sister of Herod, and Joseph his uncle, who played the Jaylor, thorough frequent visits began to burn in love, passionately affecting the most incomparable mariam, this passion rendered him foolish and full of babble, so that one day, whether out of folly or drunkenness, speaking of Herod, he  told her, that in case he was put to death at Laodicea, he had left commandment to kill her, the better to enjoy others company in the other world; at these words the two Princesses were exceedingly astonished. But in the end Herod returneth victorious, in which time his Mother and Sister failed not presently to serve him up a dish of their own dressing, and tell him that Alexandra had designed to put her self into the power of the Romans, by a secret familiarity kept between Joseph and mariam; this was to be effectual. Herod who ever was extremely jealous, gave credit, and taking mariam aside, challengeth her whence this correspondence with Joseph grew, which the chast Queen so modestly vindicated her self of, that the cruel wretch perceiving very well how far her thoughts were alienated from such wickedness, being ashamed of his credulity, he thanked her for her fidelity, asking her pardon, with a thousand protestations of perpetual affection; the good Lady easily discovering the hypocrisy, answered, that certainly his affection behoved to be most sincere, since he desired so much her company in the other world. Herod well understood by half a word what she would say, but without seeming concerned, parting from mariam, he entered in such a desperate fury, because Joseph had betrayed him, that without trial or hearing one word for his justification, he causeth him in that instant to be murdered. It was a wonder mariam was not alike served, but the irrefragable proofs of her innocence and the impatient ardours of his love withheld the stroke. Alexandra he shut up, keeping her apart from the Queen; well judging it was in her shop all the councils for his ruin were forged and filled.  
Hircanus the true and lawful King, who first raised Antipater, and afterwards saved Herods life: seating him on the throne to the prejudice of his own Relations, had all this while lived in quiet, being eighty years of age, worn with decrepidness, is most barbarously murdered by the commandment of Herod.  
Who having the news brought him of the death of M. Antony, in the Actuack battle against Augustus Caesar, thereby losing him who lent his shoulders to underprop him on all occasions, thought it most dangerous to leave any remainder of the blood-Royal alive behind him, whilst it behoved him to search out Caesar, who was then supposed to be at Rhodes.  
The death of M. Antony struck him into the very heart, and it was no wonder, seeing his support lost, his affairs which he supposed to be so well established, were in one night dissolved, and that he had him for an enemy, who was now stepping into the Empire of the World. amid these fears he resolves to prostrate himself at the feet of the Emperour, and after he had shut up Alexandra and mariam in a strong Fort, under the custody of Joseph the Treasurer, and Sohemus the Iturean, leaving the charge of the Kingdom to Pheroras, he goeth directly to Rhodes, leaving the Queen and her Mother, not so much grieving at their own restraint, as the barbarous death of aged Hircanus; the guards at first seemed severe in their countenances towards the two Princesses, but as no Iron but it softeneth in the fire, so in the end Sohemus visited them so often, that he felt the fiery arrows fly from the eyes of mariam so sharp that they moved his heart with compassion, judging it a hard matter to hold a Queen in Captivity, who was able to enthrall all hearts with her many supereminent excellencies; he began to show her a pleasing countenance, and after passing several discourses, the Queen declaring to him that as he might expect she could not always be unable, so she would never be ungrateful, and entreated him to tell her to what end King Herod held them there, and in what condition the affairs of the times were in; Sohemus to this made positive resistance, minding afresh the vengeance of Herod on his Uncles: But in the end the earnest solicitations of the Queen, and the supposition that either Herod should not return King, or that Mariamnes protection might work his reconciliation, touched with compassion, revealed to her that the same Commission was left with him by Herod at his going to Rhodes, which formerly he gave his Uncle at his going to Laodicea; and that if the exceeding watchfulness of Pheroras and his guards did not hinder, he would endeavour to set them at liberty.  
Herod is now safely arrived in Rhodes, the sea, wind, men, and all his affairs going successfully, he knew he could not conceal the services he had done for Mark Antony; and therefore resolves to cover them with the mantle of virtue; and seeing Augustus was a Prince born to goodness, was just and generous, and endeavoured to make faithful servants in the change of affairs; he deceives him under the shadow of virtue, with the colour of constancy, and pretext of fidelity, and in a most submiss, yet confident manner, he applieth himself to the Emperor, expressing, that his Person and Crown were both at his feet; since the gods had put the Empire of the universe in his hands, it was good reason all should depend on his greatness: he declared that he had been a great friend of M. Antony, who was miserable seduced by Cleopatra, to take money from him, and council from her, which destroyed his fortune, to raise up that of Caesars; that had he believed him, his ruin had not so soon befallen him, that he had followed him to the brink of the grave, and now was able to render him nought but tears, that now to Caesar all services were due, which with most sincere heartiness he readily tendered, begging he might be pleased to accept, on condition he should not be enforced to hear or speak evil of his old Master; whom though he could no longer serve, yet for ever would love; Augustus was wonderfully taken with this liberty which Herod had used in his address, thinking he was made of that metal whereof good servants are composed, he confirmeth unto him the Crown, with no other alteration but that he should live peaceably in his territories, and be as faithful to him as he had been to M. Anto●y; after this not ceasing to put himself forward in the favour of Augustus, he went with him in his voyage to Egypt, where he performed many good offices for the Emperor, and having thus prosperously effected all his business, he returneth triumphantly to Jerusalem to the great amazement of both his friends and foes.  
So soon as he arrived in this Capital City, being secure of all his affairs; he hasteneth to salute the Queen whom already he had caused to be set at liberty, and was th● f●rst gave her the news of his happy success; he was so puffed up with his prosperity, and the love of so amiable an object, that he could not detain himself from the excess of vaunting, which mariam keeping fresh in her memory her restraint she had been in, and the command for murdering her, he had left both to Joseph and Sohemus, she received all his endearments and flatteries with such indifferency of behaviour, that Herod well perceived she did not at all congratulate his fortune, nor entertain him with that lovely behaviour as became an affectionate wife, which he expounding to be a trifling melancholy humour, endeavoured to make it vanish by renewing his flatteries, and entertaining her with all manner of amorous Courtship not usual to his Nature; mariam on the other hand employed her self no otherwise then in sending forth most grievous sighs and groans; in great discontent he retired, shaking his head in a most passionate anger, and now began to swell in his breast a violent suspicion that Sohemus had used the like intemperance of tongue which Joseph had, which so confounded him being torn as it were in pieces on all hands by love, jealousy, anger, and suspicion; he became disarmed of all human reason; sometime resolving to brandish his sword in the blood of mariam, but love proving of more force withheld the stroke; and whilst again he is cursing love for making him merciful, contrary to his disposition, Cypre an Arabian, the Mother of Herod, and Salome his Sister seeing him so passionate, ceased not to blow up the fire they had been so long in kindling; and as he stamped up and down transported with fury and anger, the deceitful Sister Salome thinking it high time to strike the stroke amongst the many calumnies she had laid upon the Queen, which were all as wicked as ridiculous; having suborned on Belial the Kings Cup-bearer, she informeth that mariam had addressed her self to him, to corrupt him with many promises, that he might give Herod a potion of dispatch, which he never had yet given ear unto; that if his Majesty pleased to examine the matter, she was confident Belial would give the true account thereof, that it was the Queens intention, and that she only required the service of his hands; this wicked fellow is forthwith brought into the Chamber, where in could blood, he solemnly makes oath hereof, which so inflamed the heart of the Tyrant with rage, that causing him to lay hold on the Eunuch the Queen most trusted in, him he caused to be put to the torture, after grievous torments inflicted, they force him to say that he had seen Sohemus talking in secret with mariam, the Eunuch is set at liberty and Sohemus put on the rack, but no torment soever being able to make him confess any thing, he is here massacred in the place. The Tyrant persisting in his fury, and drinking in deep draughts of gull and bitterness of his deadly chollar, without giving truce to his spirit, he calls to him those with whom he consulted his bloody designs, and sending for the Queen, he there in a long harrangue declareth to them, that he had cherished the whole Family of Hircanus, in his bosom in the time of its decay and confusion; that instead of gratitude he had met with nothing but malice and poison; that the Queen his wife imitating her Mother, was always ready to disquiet his repose, that having returned from a voyage full of danger, with success of his affairs, notwithstanding of his most serious advertisements; yet could not draw from her a pleasant look, or good word; that he would not enlarge, recounting the many ingrateful injuries she had perpetrated upon him; he desires them to give ear to Belial his faithful servant, whom she had endeavoured to subborn to give him a Potion on purpose to poison him to death, thereby to make him a sport for the malice, and mark for the treacheries of a woman, whom neither love nor bounty could reclaim; desiring them to resolve what to do, he being unwilling to direct himself herein by his own advice.  
This nose-led council well perceiving that his purpose wholly bent upon the ruin of the Queen, without giving her the allowance of answering to vindicate her self, they all agree she suffer death; which sentence the glorious Amazon weary of Herod's perverse humour, with a pleasant but undaunted countenance, denoting innocence, without the least impatient frown, or recriminating word, manfully heard, being what she long expected; Herod however after reflecting on the horridness of the dead, and conscious of the Queens innocence, commanded she should be kept in a Prison in the Palace, with delay of Execution. But the cruel-hearted Salome, who had raised the Storm, not willing things should be done by halfs, and Cyprei her Mother uncessantly ply the King, showing him that the same hazard attended his Life and Crown, tho mariam was in restraint; that such Birds were not to be kept in Cages, that the delay of execution might hasten that of himself and estate, whereupon Herod giveth order to take away her life, which she suffered without change of colour, having an Aspect so sweet, that it might have drawn tears from the whole World; at this time Alexandra dyed in the prison.  
mariam of her chast wedlock left two Sons to Herod, viz. Alexander and Aristobulus, at that time young and uncapable of their own miseries; Herod to take them from the sense of this cruel Tragedy, and likewise to raise them in the degrees of good education, sends them to Rome to be bread in the Court of Augustus Caesar, held at that time the Academy of Kings, and Prime School in the World; and having some time after a desire to salute the Emperour and see his Children, he made a Voyage to Italy, where he found them so excellently trained and wonderfully accomplished, that with the good leave of Caesar, he carried them back to Judea; these young Princes returning to Jerusalem with Herod, ravished all the people with admiration, they were of a gallant presence, quick-spirited, courageous in the exercise of Arms, and as lovely as the Father was odious, that they seemed to gain all hearts to approve their titles to the Crown. But now Pheroras Brother of Herod and Salome, who had dipped their fingers in the blood of the innocent Queen, entered into unspeakable apprehensions and affrightments, fearing that blood might sway one day over their heads, begins violently to calumniate them to the King, which he in the heat of the affection he bore them, gave no ear unto, but rather now seeing them draw near their maturity, sought to match them according to their quality; plotting for Alexander, Glaplyra the Daughter of Archelaus King of Capadocia; and caused Aristobulus, Mary the Daughter of his Sister Salome; whilst the two Brothers conversed together in all freedom and amity, Pheroras and Salome cease not to provoke them in all discourse to speak on such subjects as they well knew could draw some haughty or revengeful words from the young Princess; that whatsoever they said either through vanity or ready disposition to anger, or the liberty of secrecy, was instantly related to Herod, and they caused by trusty instruments many rumors to pass into the ears of the King, the subtle Salome also holding still a power over her married Daughter, who was a simplo creature; prevailed with her to tell all that her Husband and Brother-in-Law had spoken in the privacy of their mutual Conversation, all which their words, as on their part innocently spoken, so by her were as treacherously interpnted; Herod by their continual persuasions, after a long time filling his ears with malicious reports; begins to give footing to a grand suspicion, and becometh could in his Fatherly affection; which the cruel and malicious perceiving, hastened to strike the iron whilst it was hot; wishing the King seriously to take heed of his Sons, who speak bog and high words, resolving all that had embrewed their hands in the blood of their Mother, should not go unpunished, were it Herod himself; he gave credit to this false information with amazement at their Liberty; but what most incensed his rage was a Letter from one Antipater his Son, by Doris an Arcadian, whom he had sent to breed at Rome; importing that there he had discovered some strange plot against him, that he should take heed of his Brothers Alexander and Aristobulus, who had practised ill endeavours in every place, that they aimed nothing less then to shorten his days, and depose him of his Empire. To this Herod gave entire credit, exceedingly perplexing to see that having pacified all things abroad, such unquenchable fire should kindle in his house; he resolved to commit his Sons in security, but durst not attempt any thing upon them without Caesars consent; after he had vexed his heart with a thousand anxieties, he resolved in his own person to go to Rome, carrying his Sons with him, that he might accuse them before Caesar, which he performed without showing the least appearance of disgust towards his Children in all that long way between palestine and Italy, and at length arriving in Rome, Caesar, it fell out was in Apuleia, whether he makes hast, carrying with him Alexander and Aristobulus; the Emperour after Herods favourable reception entertaineth the two Princes( as a Father) with all demonstrations of love, which the subtle Father remarked, and whilst the Sons doubted nothing but their coming thither was their Fathers favour to laugh and sport away their time with their ancient acquaintances, Herod espying his opportunity, demands a time of Augustus for an Audience, which he affirmed was upon an affair of great consequence which was granted him, and at the time appointed bringing with him the two Innocents, in the face of a brave assembly, breathing out a great sigh, he makes a most invective accusation against his two Sons, importing that he was a happy King through the favour of the Emperour, but unhappy through the disquiets of his house; that natures gift of Children had rendered him miserable by a seditious progeny; that it were absurd to vex Caesars ears with such complaints, did not necessity enforce, and justice invite him to inform, that his two Sons, his unnatural Sons, after they had received from him all the favours could be expected from a King, and most indulgent Father, to breed them at the feet of Augustus, of whom he held his Crown, yet betraying that glorious education had at Caesars hands, and forgetting the nature and blood they had from him, they had attempted a crime fearful to be name, that they began to think he had lived too long in their eyes, that without waiting till natural death shall close up his eyes, they were endeavouring to pass through the Portal of Parricide, and had prepared ambushes for his life; that he would retain no right of judging in his own person, but demanded the Emperours Justice, which he begged might be given him, for his more safe repose in his own house in old age, and to be freed of the two Parricides, as the ungrateful tramplers of all Divine and human Laws. This speech was uttered with so much vehemency, to the astonishment of the whole assembly, that the two young Princes fully replenished with innocence, began to cry at the hearing such tempestuous words; they endeavoured to speak, but the more they striven, the more were they interrupted, and their sobs choked their words; Augustus Caesar who was a judicious gentle Prince, saw their aspect imported rather mishap then guilt, casting a gracious eye upon them,  told them, that they might take courage, and be confident, and without being overtroubled to answer at leisure; Herod was so moved in countenance, and so serious did he express himself, that the whole hearers began to compassionate the young men, so moving was the Eloquence of the cruel Father: But Alexander observing the favourable eyes of the multitude, expressing his sighs, in a most comely manner defendeth; directing this speech to Herod, saying, That being conducted by his Warrant and Command before Caesar in the Temple of Clemence, it gave them occasion to say that his words were sharp but his proceedings sweet: that if calumny could have altered his nature to take resolution on their lives over the belly of their innocence, he might have execute his wrath in Palestine: but God had brought it to pass otherways, that it was a strange thing to pretend the most hard of crimes against persons of their reputation and quality, with the alleging them parricides and all proofs pntermitted; if that be sufficient no more innocency could abide in the world, but what calumny could not fix upon; that if their tears  shed for their Mother, proceeding from the sincere resentment of nature were found criminal in the Court of their Father, where could they look for protection but from him; and begging that he would suppress his suspicion already conceived, and that if he pleased to retain it, they would rather suffer death, not being so affectionately fond of life as to will its preservation to the displeasure of him that gave it, this his Oration expressed with tears, amazed the whole audience, and as they stood in most humble demeanour waiting the issue, every one was inflamed with a desire to justify them. Caesar saw in the countenance of Herod the motion of compassion, as if he could have been content to have omitted the accusation; for his cruelty was condemned by all, and telling the two Princes that they had done ill to displease their Father, that the crime was only a groundless pretention, ordaining Herod to raze it out of his remembrance, they mutually embrace one another in the greatest appearance of joy expressible, wherein Antipater who had occasioned all this mischief acted his part: and now behold him returning with them in the excess of all hypocritical congratulations to Jerusalem: where scarcely one year was spent when calumny sets new snares to entrap the innocent Princes, and all endeavours are used by Pheroras the Brother of Herod and Salome his Sister, to stir up a more lasting division, by bewitching the Prince Alexander with a spirit of jealousy; insinuating to him that Herod his Father made too much of beautiful Graphina the Daughter of Archelaus, and cunningly laboured in this, that his spirit began to kindle with fury against his Father, still prying in Herods actions, who it is true, familiarly conversed with this Prince every day, being a person endued with many incomparable excellencies; although he could observe nothing in their conversations, saving the loving entertainments of a respective Father-in-Law of his Sons Wife, so well-deserving: yet the fire increased and so tormented the young Prince, that he could not withhold himself from discovering to Herod with sighs and tears of rage the jealousy and suspicion he had conceived, telling Pheroras to be its original, who Fathered all upon Salome. Herod found himself much troubled with this accident, and thinking it a thing below him to justify himself to his own Son, he rather gave way in his heart to entertain a more enraged hatred against his Son; which the pernicious Antipater perceiving, being most gracious with his Father Herod, make use of this opportunity, beginning his battle more furiously than ever, and perceiving a great familiarity between Alexander and the three chief Eunuchs belonging to Herod, informeth the King with all manner of serious persuasions, that the Conspiracies of Alexander and Aristobulus, so long in contriving, was now agreed upon; that the three most intimate eunuchs of his Chamber, had an hand in it, which he doubted not they would confess if they were put on rack; Herod who was a man that could have dispensed with any thing most cunningly, except attempts and practices against his state, is easily prevailed with: behold now the Eunuchs are presently put to the torture, whose bodies being corrupted with ease and delicacy; feeling the torment e're brought to speak what they knew and what they knew not, though nothing in the positive what Antipater pretended; who ceased not to bring in daily new accusations, which occasioned much torture and racking. At this devilish and bloody Court thousand sottish and idle things were deposed that were to no effect; but the extreme torture made some two or three declare, that Alexander had disgraced his Father at Rome, as inclining more with the Parthians than the Romans. That the two Brethren conspired to kill Herod by poison, then to go to Rome to demand the Kingdom, and willingly said yea to every question. Hereupon Alexander is apprehended and put in safe custody, who much offended at his own restraint, and the many tortures were daily committed, bitterly scoffing, sent the King one day word, that those torments and slaughters were needless, since he most freely confessed that whereas his Brother, Salame his Sister, and Ptolomey and Sapernias his Counsellors, and himself, had conspired to kill all the world, that Herod alone might Reign.  
Aristobulus used all means possible to procure his Brothers freedom, but so strange were the false apprehensions and jealousies of the King, and so assiduous were the malicious informers, that nothing could prevail with Herod, until such time as Archelaus King of Capadocia his Father-in-law advertised of this disastor came to the Court of Herod. This wise King understanding Herod to be a man who extremely desired to justify his most horrid and unnatural actions, took great care not to offend him nor blame his credulity: but seemed compassionate to find him in such trouble, that his Children had done ill to disquiet him in that manner, that he could wish these misunderstanding were removed; and that he would rebuk his Daughter if she were blamable. Herod was exceedingly comforted to hear him speak in this manner, which was easily perceived by Archelaus, and that he had fallen in the right road of influencing Herod; by little and little at length he dissolved the Calumny, and Glaphyra assisting with prayers and tears obtained that the poor prisoners were released.  
Three years were not fully past, when behold the malicious Antipater living in the servitude of restless envy, sets new Engines up against the innocent Prince, well perceiving the life of Herod to be in the perpetual obscurity of numberless distrusts, and all readiness to act new cruelties upon groundless suspicion and false jealousies; here discovereth that two Souldiers of Herods guard, lately disbanded for some slight offence, were contemptuously entertained in the house of Alexander, who not only to them, but to all other discontented persons ever became a Father and a supply: thereby to make up a strong Poltis to promote and facilitate his conspiracies; that the putting these two Souldiers to the torture, might be a means to secure the Kings life, and discover the most secret designs of Alexander and Aristobulus in the Government; for no doubt he had entertained them upon no other ground but to put his contrivance in execution; these words prevailed with Herod, who without delay giveth order to accuse the two Souldiers as conspirators, and put them to torture for Confession.  
The vehemency of the torment driven them to this false declaration, that at the solicitation of Alexander and Aristobulus, they had a plot upon the person of Herod to kill him as he was in hunting; also the governor of Alexandrina( which was one of the most strong ●ortresses of that Kingdom) is accused as being willing to deliver it in the hands of those young Princes: which though he stoutly denied, yet Herod most readily believeth, and without any further proof causeth to apprehended his two Sons, with a final purpose of heart to put them both to death, and within a very short space sendeth new ambassadors to Rome to purge himself of some slanders he was charged with, and accusing the two Princes in a most calumnious manner liable, entreateth of Caesar full liberty to dispose of his Children according as Justice should require, which the Emperour rashly assented unto. Herod exceedingly rejoiced to have such dispatches, causeth to disgrace and defame the two young Princes with strong calumniations all Rome over, so that no man durst undertake their just defence, and to put the better face on his cruelties, and to colour his passion with Justice, he assembleth his counsel, to frame a formal Indictment against his two Sons, admitting all those whom he saw mischievously inclined to act in his bad purpose. And sequestrating such as he feared might make any opposition, without suffering his Children to answer to their own justification, he entereth the Assembly himself full of Choler and bitterness; sometimes accusing, other while lamenting within himself, at length in a rage he  told the Assembly, he had not summoned them thither to judge, but to approve of his opinion, to the end Posterity might the more abhor Parricide, insisting as if the malefactors were already condemned by the sentence of Augustus, which in effect was nothing but a rash consent to a trial, before the matter was put to the vote. One Saturnus a Roman, a man of great authority and judgement, dissuadeth his cruelty, with all his reason, holding out, that he himself was a Father, that he knew very well the price of Children, that Herod would repent him of his precipitation, and when his desires could not be obtained, then this murder would gnaw him to the heart. This discourse was seconded by some two or three, but to no purpose; it was opposed by one Volumnius, a rude and wicked man, who drew to his Faction all those who practised to serve Herods passion, and so urged this cruel sen●ence that it was at length unjustly concluded against the two innocent Sons of an inhuman and unnatural Parent. No sooner was this decree published, but it created a general grief amongst all; as unpossible to express, as by many it was to undergo, who breathed out their last in fear and confusion. It is remarkable that one Triphon an old soldier of Herods, very passionate for the two Princes, went directly to the Palace, demanding to speak to the King himself, which was granted to him; where apart most boldly he admonished the King of the cruelty and in●ustice of the Decree; telling him, that such proceedings looked more like to the actions of such as had lost their wits, than of a prudent Prince; that it was an irrecoverable loss to the people to see the true Heirs of the Crown put to death, to advance a Viper who one day would sting him to the death. Herod seemed at first to give ear to this admonition, but having made inquiry after who it was had taken exception at this judgement, enraged thereat he cast Triphon in prison, and laying hold upon all the rest he condemneth them all to death. The two Princes his Sons he sends to Sebaste, commanding the most cruel of his guards to strangle them in prison, which was accordingly put in execution, breathing out their royal souls under the hands of the hangman, the unfortunate Graphina now meeteth with the hard news of her husbands death, and her own Widowhood, which cast her in a trance, and so as mute as any Statue; but at length in some time recollecting her self, she gave Herod a grievous sigh, saying, wo's me! who would have thought that Herod would have committed this cruelty, tell him the sacrifice of his fury is not quiter finished; behold here one part of the victim is still alive, in whose heart Alexanders memory shall still dwell, who had no other for his executioner but him whom nature had ordained for a Father, wo's me, that I was called to receive the last groans of thy pensive soul, to embosom thy final words, and in case them in my heart! and turning aside to two little Children which she had with Alexander, poor Orphans, said she, what a Father have they nefariously snatched away from you? alas! you are too soon taught the trade of misery. Thus disconsolately afflicting her spirit, being no longer able to bear the extremity of her grief, she breathed her last, leaving her two Sons to the protection of the gods, whom Herod took care to keep, rather on design to establish himself than any other: and fearing their name might serve for pretext to some revolt. But Herod who now proposed peace and quiet to himself in his Government, being afraid of nothing so much as that his Crown might have been taken from him, who for keeping it on his head had committed so many murders, and practised so much cruelty, is ever disappointed, meeting constantly with such inward checks, from the guilt of his wicked actions, that he is continually tormented with tortering confusions and fears: amongst which that of Jesus Christ's coming into the world had greatest place; there having come at this time three Kings from some far country, miraculously guided to Jerusalem by a Star, and making it their great errand of discovering him who was born King of the Jews, revealing the wonderful guide had led them thither, the arrival of those great persons in Jerusalem, and the strange design they came for, occasioned great amazement and wonder over all Palastine, but in Herod great fear and terror: beginning now to look upon the Kingdom of Judea as altogether rent out of his hands by some divine right and irresistible power, against which all his cunning and subtlety would be to small purpose: amid these confusions he recollecteth himself, resolving to make all search to find out the revelation of this mysterious accident, so that having consulted with the chief Priests and Scribes, the Learned amongst the Jewish Nation, they discover to him an ancient prophesy, carefully kept & faithfully waited on for its accomplishment by all that people, foretelling that in Bethlehem of Judea should be born one who should govern and rule over all Israel; this ancient prophesy seemed now to be fulfilled, in that these great men were so wonderfully guided to Jerusalem, where they hoped to find that promised King: and it so confounded Herod with fears, that now he resolves to assay his cunning cruelty; and having had private conference with the Wise men, endeavouring to learn what had befallen them, and the errand they so carefully went about, complying with their design in all his outward behaviour, he favourably dismisseth them, having given them commission to make diligent search for the Child, and to return to him with the account thereof, that he also might perform holy service and worship to this adorable King, of long time foretold, and now at length most wonderfully come into the world.  
Herod now acting his master piece of hypocrisy, considered well that he could employ none who would with more prudence and less neglect use all diligence in finding out this promised King: not doubting but the allurements of these presents he had formerly given them, would ever oblige them to comply with his desires, fully purposeth after discovery of this harmless Infant, instead of adoration cruelly to imbrue his hands in the blood of the Saviour of the world, & finding himself cock-sure, having so solidly laid the way in cutting off this new-born King of the Jews, behold the Wisemen having performed all the rites necessary, and presented the Babe with inestimable offerings of Gold, Frankincence and Myrrh; return homeward another way, without visiting Herod, and Joseph the supposed Father of Jesus, and Mary his betrothed Wife, flee to Egypt, for preservation of the Child from Herods intended cruelty. The Wise men and Joseph having both had revelations from heaven for this purpo●e.  
In great impatience did Herod wait the Wise mens return to him, but at length out of all hopes, easily perceived himself mocked, and his projects disappointed, that there was nothing more apparent then his dethronement, if this promised King should live, he issueth forth an Edict, commanding to kill all the Children about B●thl●hem and in Galilee that were under two years old, according to the time he had diligently enquired of the Wise-men, which command was most barbarously executed, even to the cutting off of fourteen thousand Innocents, a Massacre not paralled in any History; but what was i● Herod would not have committed, rather than quit his authority, even in his old age, to attempt upon the Son of God, whom he understood came to possess his earthly Kingdom.  
Herod after all his horrid cruelties seeks to sit on his Throne in peace, where the detestable Antipater thought he had already one foot in, seeing the two righteous Heirs of the Crown removed quiter away through his practices, which were so recent in the minds of all the people, that they hated him like a tiger, and the Souldiers who saw him embrewed in the blood of his Brothers, could in no sort relish him; this Antipater well enough perceived, and therefore thought fit to withdraw himself, thereby to decline envy; in his departure he avoided the seeking the love of his Father, for fear he should minister matter of suspicion, but he caused Letters closely to be written from Rome to his Father, by friends whom he had wrought upon to that purpose, which imported that it was necessary Antipater should be sent to Rome to break the enterprises the Arabians had against the state of Judea.  
Herod having received these Letters, he quickly dispatched his Son Antipater with a good train, and rich presents, but what was above all, in a costly and sumptuous little Box, he delivered unto him his Will and Testament, wherein he declares him King of Judea after his death, a short time after Antipater was gone from Jerusalem it fell out that the mischievous Pheroras, who had acted to his power, in this lamentable Tragedy, is found dead, poisoned as was supposed by the maid-servant, whom he had married, and Herod is prayed to come to the house of his Brother to take examination of the fact, where unexpectedly he learned that Antipater had conspired the death of Herod, which was to be committed by Pheroras, giving his Brother the King a dose of poison, Antipater had left with him at his going to Rome, on purpose to dispatch Herod that he might speedily return to palestine with a Crown on his head; at the same time Bathillus, set at liberty by Antipaters procurement, was taken coming from Rome to Indus to advice Pheroras to hasten the business, and bringing with him a new poison if the first was not of force. In the mean time Antipater ceaseth not writing to his Father, acquainting him with the state of all affairs, and that in short time he hoped so to accommodate these matters he was about, that his return would be very quickly into Judea. Herod laying hold on these expressions, taketh occasion to writ this ensuing Letter.  
MY Son, the frailty through my Age and debility of my Body, d●ily instructeth me that I am mortal; one thing comforteth me, that having made choice of your person to succeed in my state, I should behold the decreepidness of my age flourish again in your youth, and as it were bury my death in your life, since I shall live in one part of myself to me most precious, I wish ye were presently with me, not so much for the assistance I expect from your counsel, as the prejudice your absence may impose upon my Fortune, fail not with good leave of Caesar to make hast hither, delay nothing to advance our affairs.  
This bait was too tempting to defend him from the hook: upon this Letter he would as it were fly to Jerusalem, he dispatcheth his affairs, takes leave of Augustus, and hastily posteth to obey his Fathers commands. In the way passing through Silicia he learned that his mother was in some disfavour, without hearing any thing of Pheroras, this much amazed him, so that he purposed to retire back, but one of his counsellors, perhaps wrought upon by Herod, shewed him, that if nothing was plotted against him, he ought not to fear, and if any calumny were forged, he ought rather to hasten to strangle it, otherways his absence would thrust him into a further suspicion. This counsel prevailing, he took way to Judea, and arrived in the Port of Sebaste, he goeth directly from thence to Jerusalem, and hasteneth to the Palace magnificently attired, and well attended, the guard suffered him to enter, commanding all those who accompanied him to withdraw in the Kings name, he was much astonished at this, to see himself taken like a bide in the snare. Notwithstanding, he entred the Hall, where his Father expected him, accompanied with Quintilius Varro newly sent from Rome as governor of Syria, and having made an humble obeisance as it is customary approaching to kiss his Fathers hands; at that time began the lion to roar, for Herod retiring back, cried out, avaunt thou murderer of Brothers and Father, the kiss of a Father was not instituted for thee, behold Quintilius thy Judge, advice with thyself what thou art to morrow to answer upon crimes whereof thou art accused.  
These words did Herod utter with such an angry countenance, that the guilty Antipater was struck therewith as with a most violent thunder-bolt, bearing terror in the image of the crime in his face, he departeth to the chamber appointed for him, where he spent the whole night in great afflictions of mind, convicting himself of the great facility there is in committing, over what there is in excusing a crime.  
The next day he is sent for by the Council, where he found the King his Father with Quintilius Varro already placed, and many more of the Counsellors; whilst each are repairing to their accustomend seats in the council, some one or other who favoured Antipater, whispereth him in the ear, that lately there were Letters intercepted written by his Mother, which signified that all was discovered, and that he should carefully beware, and not put himself into the hands of his Father, if he desired to avoid cruel torments and death. This struck him to the very heart, beginning now to cast off all hopes of escaping in this trial, if he stood out to reasoning, and therefore rushing forward, he throws himself upon his face, in the most submissive manner to his Father, makes show to speak and beg his pardon.  
But Herod incensed with fury and revenge, not giving him leave to speak, crieth out, impious villain, contriver of the most wicked fratricide, what canst thou say? hath God preserved thee to be the last scourge of my old age? thou knowest I have extracted thee out of the dregs, to place thee over thy Brothers; above and beyond all hope I have given thee my money, my revenues, my authority, my favour, my secrets, my heart, and Crown into thy hands; and thou canst not stay a little till thy Fathers eyes are closed up by natural death to enjoy it. Surely it was thither thy purpose aimed, when with such heat and cunning thou didst pursue the death of thy Brothers, for thy advice and information enforced me to all I did, so that I am afraid thou hast stained me with their blood, and now thy crime makes their innocency appear. Herod was not able to speak more, and it was observed that tears dropped from his eyes, for his cruel heart was troubled when the memory of mariam and his unfortunate Children came into his mind, which so oppressed him, that he was enforced to entreat Damasenas who was his counselor, to prosecute the rest.  
Antipater no sooner saw his Father retire, but preventing Damasenus applying himself to Quintilius Varro, spoken most boldly in his own defence, telling, that he was much wronged in giving credit to slaves and silly women to his prejudice, that the Letters he had from Caesar could give a sufficient testimony of his demeanour, and of the satisfaction he had given at Rome on the behalf of Herod, in whose affairs he had laboured in all assiduity and care; that he never had failed in duty towards his Father; and that it were a passage of extreme folly, to put himself into an uncertain hazard for a Crown, which already he had as it were in his hands, and that without any further, discourse he offered himself to be used like a Slave, and to undergo any torture for proof of his innocence. This he spoken with such passion, that many of those present began to be moved. But Damasenus taking him up, confronting the witnesses, after several interrogations, whilst Antipater is invoking the Heavens for some extraordinary delivery. Behold( saith he) what a brutish stupidity it is, to conspire against your Father, having as yet the Blood of your Brothers before your eyes, and all the assurances of the sceptre in your hands? and why would you become a Parricide to hasten for yourself that Crown which was so fully fastened upon you in the authentic Testament of your Father? Why did you thirst so earnestly after the Blood of the King, whose life is so dear to all honest men; and who to you hath been indulgent above his other Children, or your own merit? This your ingratitude is able to make Heaven blushy, and the Earth tremble under your feet; an ingratitude that all the Elements should conspire to punish it, so that you need not expect any extraordinary favour from Heaven to relieve you; but if you have any good reasons, boldly make them known, for the King your Father desireth nothing more than your justification. Antipater could give no other answer then what he had said formerly, he stood confounded like a lost man. Varro having now drawn the Trial to a point, causeth to administer some of the poison to an Offendor already condemned, who instantly died. And all the Assembly arose, with manifest declarations of Antipaters guilt. There was at that time only one Antiphalus whom Antipater blamed, saying, that he had brought the poison, and had been the sole wicked person who occasioned all his unhappiness. It was admired of many, that Herod did not order the sentence of death to be put instantly in execution; but he resolved to inform Caesar of all that had passed, and in the mean time Antipater is straitly imprisoned, expecting hourly as a miserable Victim the stroke of death.  
Herod was now about seventy years of age, and had already felt through imbecility of body, the approach of his last hour, which was hard for him to digest, he above all men best loving this present life, who though he had been therein the most unhappy, yet would freely have forsaken his part of the next world, to enjoy this. Towards the end of his days he grew so harsh and unpleasant, so choleric and furious, that his maenial Servants had much ado to attend him. They handled him in his own Palace as an old lion, chained with the fetters of an incurable malady, he persuaded himself that he was hated of all the world, upon the reason he had given too great occasion thereof, and the people began to forget their duty, with an impatience that could no longer endure him, so that when his sickness and distemper began to be noised abroad, the Principal Doctors of the Jewish Nation, who had all the youth of Judea at command, having of a long time been grieved at the cruelty of Herod, in that he for the accommodation of his own estate, and to idolize the fortunes of Caesar; had at the reparation of the Temple of Jerusalem set upon the principal Gate, the Roman Eagles all glistering in gold: since by their Law they were forbidden the Images either of men or beasts, or any other figures in their Temples, they most devoutly abhorred them: and trusting that the sickness of Herod afforded them the conveniency of revenge, Judas and Mathias who were the chief, exhort the most valiant of the young men to take the quarrel of their God in hand, according to the spirit of their Ancestors, to beat down those most horrid abominations which were fixed upon the most holy Temple; that Herod had enough to do to wrestle with his own pain, and that to die in such a glorious act, was to be butted in the midst of glory and triumph. There needed not great encouragements to the zealous youths for this enterprise, for in less th●n half a day there, gathered together a great troop of most valiant young men, armed with axes and hatchets, who climbed to the top of the Temple, and hewed to pieces the Roman Eagles in sight of all the beholders. Judas and Mathias being present serving for trumpets in this exploit. The noise of this in short time reacheth the Palace, and the Captain of the Guard came thither with the most resolute of his Souldiers, he feared some further Plot, and that this defacing the Eagles might prove a preamble of a greater sedition, but at first as he began to charge, the people retired, and in pursuit took forty of the young men. Judas and Mathias deeming it an unworthy and unbecoming thing to fly, were carried along with them, and presented to Herod, who demanded from whence this boldness proceeded; they very freely answered, that the design was fully agreed upon amongst themselves, and if it were to do again, they would be in readiness to put it in execution, in regard they were more bound to the observance of Moses Law, then any command coming from Herod. This their resolute answer amazed the King, and bread in him fears of greater commotions, which caused them to be carried secretly to Jericho, whether himself, though infirm, was carried in a very short time, and assembling some few, spoken to them in a very fair manner, narrating to them the good offices he had done to the whole Nation, that he had repaired the Temple, and enriched it with many comely ornaments of great cost, and that he had done in few years more then the Asmodian Kings could perform in many, and instead of gratitude and recompense of his piety at noon-day, they had hewn down with inconsiderate boldness, a most beseeming gift he had raised on the Temple, for which he required a reason. The Jews catching him in this pleasant humour, wanting his accustomend fury, and fearing any further to incense him, declined the danger, and put him upon their companions, leaving them to the mercy of the King, who at that time took the Priesthood from Mathias, and caused him with another who was accounted a great author of the sedition, and their companions to be burned alive that very night. At which time an Eclipse of the Moon was seen, which rendered this spectacle much more dreadful. And notwithstanding the maladies of his body increased, which did wast it every day with longing torments, when at this time he should have minded eternity, it is now his great study how to commit more cruelties and horrid slaughters, which he executed almost to the rooting out of the Jewish Nation. This very time of his sickness, this most desperate wretch published an Edict, calling together the principal of the Jews to meet him at Jericho out of every Province, whom he instantly shut up in close prison without giving any reason why, and thereafter sending Salome his Sister and her Alexandras whom he knew both to be as cruel as himself, to them he committed the execution of his most bloody Will.  
Telling them, that it troubled him not to die and render the tribute which all Kings must pay, but it afflicted him that his death would not be lamented if they assisted not, he wished them therefore to take notice that he gathered under sure custody all the nobility of Judea, whom he now put over in their hands, to the end that so soon as his eyes were closed, they should instantly be all put to the sword. That they should not divulge his death till the fortune of these people were known to their friends, hereby he thought to fill all palestine with tears, and his soul would leave his body with more contentment, beseeching his Sister by all she esteemed most glorious and most sacred in the world, that she would omit nothing of this his request, and restend not content until she confirmed her promise with a solemn oath, and so returned unto Jerusalem, where he received Letters from Rome written by the command of Caesar, which certified him that one Acme a Jews Lady of Livia's train, had been condemned for holding sinister intelligence with Antipater, and for that cause was punished with death, but for his Son he wholly left him to his own disposal, this news refreshed Herod exceedingly, and he sucked this ground of vengeance upon his Son with such a marvelous sweetness, that even in that joy he took some fits which gave occasion to all the beholders to expect nothing else but present death, and one of them giving a terrible out-cry, put all the Palace in an uproar. Antipater in the Prison cometh to hear this tumult, supposing Herod to be at his last breathing, his feet itched in his fetters, raising himself in hopes still to enjoy the Crown, if death should take away the King before the sentence against him were executed, without either fear or despair of success, entreateth his keeper for his liberty, not failing to promise him vast sums of money, and the highest of Court-preferments: But the Jaylor who better understood how matters went at the Palace, and fearing that the ravenous claws of Herod might be strong enough to tear him in pieces, without having regard of the promised rewards, went directly to the King, and there relateth to him the ways and means Antipater had used to get out of Prison, and take possession of the Kingdom: which Herod no sooner heard, but with as high a voice as his sickness could permit him, he cried out, Heavens! will the parricide murder me in my bed? there is life enough left me yet to take away his, and calling to him two of his Guards, he gave them immediately orders to go to the prison and kill his Son, ordering him to be butted in an old Castle without any funeral solemnity, which was accordingly done, and in few days thereafter Herod declareth Archelaus his successor to the Kingdom. There was not any human remedy left unsaid for preservation of life in this cursed wretch, but all to no purpose; for albeit age, the accomplisher of all natural infirmities, had reduced him to great decay of body, yet were his spirits fresh and lively, so that he might have lived some years longer, but the Heavens, who could not without indignation behold this miscreant tiger depart this life, without pouring upon him most tormenting tokens of divine displeasure at his detestable cruelty and blood-shed, assault him with a furious troop of incurable pains, sometimes he is tormented with a burning heat in his bowels, other times afflicted with a dog-like hunger, continually crying for meat, eating and yet never satiat, sometimes his feet swelled with painful and phlegmatic humors, othertimes outrageous and intolerable cholicks racked him; sometime an Asthma hindered his breathing, othertimes cramps and convulsions affect his whole joints, and oftentimes all these act their parts forcibly at once: till at length this wretched Caitif, he who  shed the blood of the admirable mariam of comely Aristobulus, of Joseph and of Alexander and Aristobulus: briefly, he who embrued his hands in the blood of all the Nobility of Judea, and wallowed in the massacre of fourteen thousand innocent Children, in purpose to catch in this cruelty the Saviour of Man-kind, is further assaulted with a vehement flux, and all the parts of his body filled over with lice and vermin, yieldeth over his wicked soul in rage and despair, the seventieth year of his age, and thirty seventh of his reign. He was a Prince who all his life made himself master of his Laws, and slave of his Passion; and notwithstanding of all his honour and success, may be reputed amongst the most miserable, having passed his days for the most part in cankering apprehensions, thorny affairs, fearful distrusts, dreadful fears, barbarous cruelties, inhuman blood-sheds, and such like forerunners of Hell, leaving after him a hateful name, and a short and unfortunate Posterity.   

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