English - The Letter of Aristeas

IntheletterofAristeas,oneofthemostnoteworthyand ancientrecoveriesinthiscollection,wehavecomealongway fromAdamandEve,alongwayfromtheFloodThiswriting presentsaspectacleoftheresiliencyofthehumanrace,which hasrepeopledtheEarth,withpowerfulnationslivinginpomp andsplendor

Youwillreadhereofthefirstgreatbibliophile--Ptolemy PhiladelphusHedesirestocollectintohislibraryat Alexandria"allthebooksintheworld."Finallyinhispassion tosecureonegreatwork--theJewishLaws--hetrades100,000 captivesforthatbookThisisprobablythehighestpriceever paidforasinglework.Itpresentsanunusualreasonforthe endoftheGreatCaptivity

Theeventsofthisnarrativetookplaceduringthelifetimeof thefamousQueenArsinoe,whodied270BCTheexactdate ofthewritingisuncertain

Thedetailsofcourtlife,thediscussionofsocialproblemsof thedayareoftheutmostinterestandvividnessItisanodd discoveryinthisdayandagetoseethekingandhisguests playingatquestionsandanswersduringtheirbanqueting

Thestructureofthisabsorbingworkisasfollows: 1DedicationofthebooktoPhilocrates

2Preliminaryaction:

(a)TheproposaloftheLibrariantoliberatetheJewish captivesinexchangeforabook

(b)Theemancipation

(c)TheletterofPhiladelphustoEleazar.

(d)Thereply

(e)Thenamesofthecommitteeappointedtotranslatethe book

3Descriptionoftheroyalpresents:

(a)Thetable(probablythemostelaboratepieceoffurniture everproduced)

(b)Theotherpresents

4.DescriptionofJerusalem.

(a)Thetemple(andthewater-workssystem)

(b)Theceremony

(c)Thecitadel.

(d)Thecity

(e)Thecountryside

5.Eleazar'sfarewell.

6Eleazar'sexplanationofthelaw(thisisprofoundwisdom)

7Thereception

8.Thebanquet(72questionsandanswers).

9ThetranslationoftheBook

CHAPTER1

AtthetimeoftheJewishCaptivityinEgypt,Ptolemy Philadelphusrevealshimselfasthefirstgreatbibliophile.He desirestohaveallthebooksintheworldinhislibrary;in ordertogettheLawsofMosesheofferstotrade100,000 captivesforthatworkexclaiming,"Itisasmallboonindeed!"

1SinceIhavecollectedmaterialforamemorablehistoryof myvisittoEleazartheHighPriestoftheJews,andbecause you,Philocrates,asyoulosenoopportunityofremindingme, havesetgreatstoreuponreceivinganaccountofthemotives andobjectofmymission,Ihaveattemptedtodrawupclear expositionofthematterforyou,forIperceivethatyou possessanaturalloveoflearning,aqualitywhichisthe

highestpossessionofman--tobeconstantlyattempting'toadd tohisstockofknowledgeandacquirements'whetherthrough thestudyofhistoryorbyactuallyparticipatingintheevents themselves

2Itisbythismeans,bytakingupintoitselfthenoblest elements,thatthesoulisestablishedinpurity,andhaving fixeditsaimonpiety,thenoblestgoalofall,itusesthisasits infallibleguideandsoacquiresadefinitepurpose

3Itwasmydevotiontothepursuitofreligiousknowledge thatledmetoundertaketheembassytothemanIhave mentioned,whowasheldinthehighestesteembyhisown citizensandbyothers,bothforhisvirtueandhismajesty,and whohadinhispossessiondocumentsofthehighestvalueto theJewsinhisowncountryandinforeignlandsforthe interpretationofthedivinelaw,fortheirlawsarewrittenon leatherparchmentsinJewishcharacters

4ThisembassythenIundertookwithenthusiasm,havingfirst ofallfoundanopportunityofpleadingwiththekingonbehalf oftheJewishcaptiveswhohadbeentransportedfromJudea toEgyptbytheking'sfather,whenhefirstobtained possessionofthiscityandconqueredthelandofEgypt.

5ItisworthwhilethatIshouldtellyouthisstory,too,sinceI amconvincedthatyou,withyourdispositiontowardsholiness andyoursympathywithmenwhoarelivinginaccordance withtheholylaw,willallthemorereadilylistentothe accountwhichIpurposetosetforth,sinceyouyourselfhave latelycometousfromtheislandandareanxioustohear everythingthattendstobuildupthesoul

6Onaformeroccasiontoo,Isentyouarecordofthefacts whichIthoughtworthrelatingabouttheJewishrace,--the recordwhichIhadobtainedfromthemostlearnedhigh priestsofthemostlearnedlandofEgypt

7Asyouaresoeagertoacquiretheknowledgeofthose thingswhichcanbenefitthemind,I'feelitincumbentupon metoimparttoyoualltheinformationinmypower.

8Ishouldfeelthesamedutytowardsallwhopossessedthe samedispositionbutIfeelitespeciallytowardsyousinceyou haveaspirationswhicharesonoble,andsinceyouarenot onlymybrotherincharacter,nolessthaninblood,butare onewithmeaswellinthepursuitofgoodness

9Forneitherthepleasurederivedfromgoldnoranyotherof thepossessionswhichareprizedbyshallowmindsconfersthe samebenefitasthepursuitofcultureandthestudywhichwe expendinsecuringit.

10ButthatImaynotwearyyoubyatoolengthyintroduction, Iwillproceedatoncetothesubstanceofmynarrative 11DemetriusofPhalerum,thepresidentoftheking'slibrary, receivedvastsumofmoney,forthepurposeofcollecting together,asfarashepossiblycould,allthebooksintheworld 12Bymeansofpurchaseandtranscription,hecarriedout,to thebestofhisability,thepurposeoftheking

13OnoneoccasionwhenIwaspresenthewasasked,How manythousandbooksarethereinthelibrary?andhereplied, 'Morethantwohundredthousand,Oking,andIshallmake endeavourintheimmediatefuturetogathertogetherthe remainderalso,sothatthetotaloffivehundredthousandmay bereachedIamtoldthatthelawsoftheJewsareworth transcribinganddeserveaplaceinyourlibrary!

14'Whatistopreventyoufromdoingthis?'repliedtheking. 'Everythingthatisnecessaryhasbeenplacedatyourdisposal!

15'Theyneedtobetranslated,'answeredDemetrius'forinthe countryoftheJewstheyuseapeculiaralphabet(justasthe Egyptians,too,haveaspecialformofletters)andspeaka peculiardialect

16TheyaresupposedtousetheSyriactongue,butthisisnot thecase;theirlanguageisquitedifferent'

17Andthekingwhenheunderstoodallthefactsofthecase orderedalettertobewrittentotheJewishHighPriestthathis purpose(whichhasalreadybeendescribed)mightbe accomplished

18Thinkingthatthetimehadcometopressthedemand, whichIhadoftenlaidbeforeSosibiusofTarentumand Andreas,thechiefofthebodyguard,fortheemancipationof theJewswhohadbeentransportedfromJudeabytheking's father--forwhenbyacombinationofgoodfortuneand couragehehadbroughthisattackonthewholedistrictof Coele-SyriaandPhoeniciatoasuccessfulissue,intheprocess ofterrorisingthecountryintosubjection,hetransportedsome ofhisfoesandothershereducedtocaptivity

19Thenumberofthosewhomhetransportedfromthe countryoftheJewstoEgyptamountedtonolessthana hundredthousand

20Ofthesehearmedthirtythousandpickedmenandsettled themingarrisonsinthecountrydistricts.

21(AndevenbeforethistimelargenumbersofJewshad comeintoEgyptwiththePersian,andinanearlierperiodstill othershadbeensenttoEgypttohelpPsammetichusinhis campaignagainstthekingoftheEthiopiansButthesewere nothinglikesonumerousasthecaptiveswhomPtolemythe sonofLagustransported.)

22AsIhavealreadysaidPtolemypickedoutthebestofthese, themenwhowereintheprimeoflifeanddistinguishedfor theircourage,andarmedthem,butthegreatmassofthe others,thosewhoweretoooldortooyoungforthispurpose, andthewomentoo,hereducedtoslavery,notthathewished todothisofhisownfreewill,buthewascompelledbyhis soldierswhoclaimedthemasarewardfortheserviceswhich theyhadrenderedinwar

23Having,ashasalreadybeenstated,obtainedanopportunity forsecuringtheiremancipation,Iaddressedthekingwiththe followingarguments.'Letusnotbesounreasonableasto allowourdeedstogivethelietoourwords

24Sincethelawwhichwewishnotonlytotranscribebutalso totranslatebelongstothewholeJewishrace,what justificationshallwebeabletofindforourembassywhile suchvastnumbersofthemremaininastateofslaveryinyour kingdom?

25Intheperfectionandwealthofyourclemencyreleasethose whoareheldinsuchmiserablebondage,sinceasIhavebeen atpainstodiscover,theGodwhogavethemtheirlawisthe Godwhomaintainsyourkingdom

26TheyworshipthesameGod--theLordandCreatorofthe Universe,asallothermen,asweourselves,Oking,though wecallhimbydifferentnames,suchasZeus1orDis

27Thisnamewasveryappropriatelybestoweduponhimby ourfirstancestors,inordertosignifythatHe,throughwhom allthingsareendowedwithlifeandcomeintobeing,is necessarilytheRiderandLordoftheUniverse

28Setallmankindanexampleofmagnanimitybyreleasing thosewhoareheldinbondage'

29Afterabriefinterval,whileIwasofferingupanearnest prayertoGodthatHewouldsodisposethemindoftheking thatallthecaptivesmightbesetatliberty--(forthehuman race,beingthecreationofGod,isswayedandinfluencedby Him.

30ThereforewithmanydiversprayersIcalleduponHimwho ruleththeheartthatthekingmightbeconstrainedtograntmy request

31ForIhadgreathopeswithregardtothesalvationofthe mensinceIwasassuredthatGodwouldgrantafulfilmentof myprayer.

32Forwhenmenfrompuremotivesplansomeactioninthe interestofrighteousnessandtheperformanceofnobledeeds, AlmightyGodbringstheireffortsandpurposestoasuccessful issue)--thekingraisedhisheadandlookingupatmewitha cheerfulcountenanceasked,'Howmanythousandsdoyou thinktheywillnumber?'

33Andreas,whowasstandingnear,replied,'Alittlemore thanahundredthousand'

34'Itisasmallboonindeed,'saidtheking,'thatAristeasasks ofus!'

35ThenSosibiusandsomeotherswhowerepresentsaid'Yes, butitwillbeafittributetoyourmagnanimityforyoutooffer theenfranchisementofthesemenasanactofdevotiontothe supremeGod

36YouhavebeengreatlyhonouredbyAlmightyGodand exaltedaboveallyourforefathersingloryanditisonlyfitting thatyoushouldrendertoHimthegreatestthank-offeringin yourpower.'

37Extremelypleasedwiththeseargumentshegaveorders thatanadditionshouldbemadetothewagesofthesoldiers bytheamountoftheredemptionmoney,thattwenty drachmaeshouldbepaidtotheownersforeveryslave,thata publicordershouldbeissuedandthatregistersofthecaptives shouldbeattachedtoit.

38Heshowedthegreatestenthusiasminthebusiness,forit wasGodwhohadbroughtourpurposetofulfilmentinits entiretyandconstrainedhimtoredeemnotonlythosewho hadcomeintoEgyptwiththearmyofhisfatherbutanywho hadcomebeforethattimeorhadbeensubsequentlybrought intothekingdom

39Itwaspointedouttohimthattheransommoneywould exceedfourhundredtalents

40Ithinkitwillbeusefultoinsertacopyofthedecree,forin thiswaythemagnanimityoftheking,whowasempowered byGodtosavesuchvastmultitudes,willbemadeclearerand moremanifest

41Thedecreeofthekingranasfollows:'Allwhoservedin thearmyofourfatherinthecampaignagainstSyriaand PhoeniciaandintheattackuponthecountryoftheJewsand becamepossessedofJewishcaptivesandbroughtthemback tothecityofAlexandriaandthelandofEgyptorsoldthemto others--andinthesamewayanycaptiveswhowereinour landbeforethattimeorwerebroughthitherafterwards--all whopossesssuchcaptivesarerequiredtosetthematlibertyat once,receivingtwentydrachmaeperheadasransommoney

42Thesoldierswillreceivethismoneyasagiftaddedtotheir wages,theothersfromtheking'streasury.

43Wethinkthatitwasagainstourfather'swillandagainstall proprietythattheyshouldhavebeenmadecaptivesandthat thedevastationoftheirlandandthetransportationoftheJews toEgyptwasanactofmilitarywantonness

44Thespoilwhichfelltothesoldiersonthefieldofbattle wasallthebootywhichtheyshouldhaveclaimed.

45Toreducethepeopletoslaveryinadditionwasanactof absoluteinjustice

46Wherefore,sinceitisacknowledgedthatweare accustomedtorenderjusticetoallmenandespeciallytothose whoareunfairlyinaconditionofservitude,andsincewe strivetodealfairlywithallmenaccordingtothedemandsof justiceandpiety,wehavedecreed,inreferencetothepersons oftheJewswhoareinanyconditionofbondageinanypartof ourdominion,thatthosewhopossessthemshallreceivethe stipulatedsumofmoneyandsetthematlibertyandthatno manshallshowanytardinessindischarginghisobligations

47Withinthreedaysafterthepublicationofthisdecree,they mustmakelistsofslavesfortheofficersappointedtocarry

outourwill,andimmediatelyproducethepersonsofthe captives

48Forweconsiderthatitwillbeadvantageoustousandto ouraffairsthatthemattershouldbebroughttoaconclusion

49Anyonewholikesmaygiveinformationaboutanywho disobeythedecree,onconditionthatifthemanisproved guiltyhewillbecomehisslave;hisproperty,however,willbe handedovertotheroyaltreasury'

50Whenthedecreewasbroughttobereadovertotheking forhisapproval,itcontainedalltheotherprovisionsexcept thephrase'anycaptiveswhowereinthelandbeforethattime orwerebroughthitherafterwards,'andinhismagnanimity andthelargenessofhisheartthekinginsertedthisclauseand gaveordersthatthegrantofmoneyrequiredforthe redemptionshouldbedepositedinfullwiththepaymastersof theforcesandtheroyalbankers,andsothematterwas decidedandthedecreeratifiedwithinsevendays

51Thegrantfortheredemptionamountedtomorethansix hundredandsixtytalents;formanyinfantsatthebreastwere emancipatedtogetherwiththeirmothers

52Whenthequestionwasraisedwhetherthesumoftwenty talentswastobepaidforthese,thekingorderedthatitshould bedone,andthushecarriedouthisdecisioninthemost comprehensiveway.

CHAPTER2

Showinghowthemostcarefulrecordswerekeptofaffairsof stateGovernmentRedTapeAcommitteeofsixisappointed togototheHighPriestinJerusalemandarrangeforthe exchangeAristeasisputinchargeofthedelegation

1Whenthishadbeendone,heorderedDemetriustodrawup amemorialwithregardtothetranscriptionoftheJewish books

2Forallaffairsofstateusedtobecarriedoutbymeansof decreesandwiththemostpains-takingaccuracybythese Egyptiankings,andnothingwasdoneinaslipshodor haphazardfashion

3AndsoIhaveinsertedcopiesofthememorialandtheletters, thenumberofthepresentssentandthenatureofeach,since everyoneofthemexcelledinmagnificenceandtechnicalskill.

4ThefollowingisacopyofthememorialTheMemoryof Demetriustothegreatking'Sinceyouhavegivenme instructionsOking,thatthebookswhichareneededto completeyourlibraryshouldbecollectedtogether,andthat thosewhicharedefectiveshouldberepaired,Ihavedevoted myselfwiththeutmostcaretothefulfilmentofyourwishes, andInowhavethefollowingproposaltolaybeforeyou

5ThebooksofthelawoftheJews(withsomefewothers)are absentfromthelibrary.

6TheyarewrittenintheHebrewcharactersandlanguageand havebeencarelesslyinterpreted,anddonotrepresentthe originaltextasIaminformedbythosewhoknow;forthey haveneverhadaking'scaretoprotectthem

7Itisnecessarythattheseshouldbemadeaccurateforyour librarysincethelawwhichtheycontain,inasmuchasitisof divineorigin,isfullofwisdomandfreefromallblemish

8Forthisreasonliterarymenandpoetsandthemassof historicalwritershaveheldalooffromreferringtothesebooks andthemenwhohavelivedandarelivinginaccordancewith them,becausetheirconceptionoflifeissosacredand religious,asHecataeusofAbderasays

9Ifitpleaseyou,Oking,alettershallbewrittentotheHigh PriestinJerusalem,askinghimtosendsixeldersoutofevery tribe--menwhohavelivedthenoblestlifeandaremostskilled intheirlaw--thatwemayfindoutthepointsinwhichthe

majorityofthemareinagreement,andsohavingobtainedan accuratetranslationmayplaceitinaconspicuousplaceina mannerworthyoftheworkitselfandyourpurpose.

10Maycontinualprosperitybeyours!'

11Whenthismemorialhadbeenpresented,thekingordereda lettertobewrittentoEleazaronthematter,givingalsoan accountoftheemancipationoftheJewishcaptives

12Andhegavefiftytalentsweightofgoldandseventytalents ofsilverandalargequantityofpreciousstonestomakebowls andvialsandatableandlibationcups

13Healsogaveorderstothosewhohadthecustodyofhis cofferstoallowtheartificerstomakeaselectionofany materialstheymightrequireforthepurpose,andthata hundredtalentsinmoneyshouldbesenttoprovidesacrifices forthetempleandforotherneeds.

14IshallgiveyouafullaccountoftheworkmanshipafterI havesetbeforeyoucopiesofthelettersTheletteroftheking ranasfollows:

15'KingPtolemysendsgreetingandsalutationtotheHigh PriestEleazar

16SincetherearemanyJewssettledinourrealmwhowere carriedofffromJerusalembythePersiansatthetimeoftheir powerandmanymorewhocamewithmyfatherintoEgyptas captives--largenumbersoftheseheplacedinthearmyand paidthemhigherwagesthanusual,andwhenhehadproved theloyaltyoftheirleadershebuiltfortressesandplacedthem intheirchargethatthenativeEgyptiansmightbeintimidated bythem

17AndI,whenIascendedthethrone,adoptedakindly attitudetowardsallmysubjects,andmoreparticularlyto thosewhowerecitizensofyours--Ihavesetatlibertymore thanahundredthousandcaptives,payingtheirownersthe appropriatemarketpriceforthem,andifeverevilhasbeen donetoyourpeoplethroughthepassionsofthemob,Ihave madethemreparation.

18Themotivewhichpromptedmyactionhasbeenthedesire toactpiouslyandrenderuntothesupremeGodathankofferingformaintainingmykingdominpeaceandgreatglory inalltheworld

19Moreoverthoseofyourpeoplewhowereintheprimeof lifeIhavedraftedintomyarmy,andthosewhowerefittobe attachedtomypersonandworthyoftheconfidenceofthe court,Ihaveestablishedinofficialpositions

20NowsinceIamanxioustoshowmygratitudetothesemen andtotheJewsthroughouttheworldandtothegenerations yettocome,Ihavedeterminedthatyourlawshallbe translatedfromtheHebrewtonguewhichisinuseamongst youintotheGreeklanguage,thatthesebooksmaybeadded totheotherroyalbooksinmylibrary

21Itwillbeakindnessonyourpartandarewardformyzeal ifyouwillselectsixeldersfromeachofyourtribes,menof noblelifeandskilledinyourlawandabletointerpretit,that inquestionsofdisputewemaybeabletodiscovertheverdict inwhichthemajorityagree,fortheinvestigationisofthe highestpossibleimportance

22Ihopetowingreatrenownbytheaccomplishmentofthis work

23IhavesentAndreas,thechiefofmybodyguardand Aristeas--menwhomIholdinhighesteem--tolaythematter beforeyouandpresentyouwithahundredtalentsofsilver, thefirst-fruitsofmyofferingforthetempleandthesacrifices andotherreligiousrites

24Ifyouwillwritetomeconcerningyourwishesinthese matters,youwillconferagreatfavouruponmeandaffordme anewpledgeoffriendship,forallyourwishesshallbecarried outasspeedilyaspossibleFarewell!

25TothisletterEleazarrepliedappropriatelyasfollows: 'EleazartheHighPriestsendsgreetingstoKingPtolemyhis truefriend.

26Myhighestwishesareforyourwelfareandthewelfareof QueenArsinoe,yoursister,andyourchildren

27Ialsoamwell.Ihavereceivedyourletterandamgreatly rejoicedbyyourpurposeandyournoblecounsel

28Isummonedtogetherthewholepeopleandreadittothem thattheymightknowofyourdevotiontoourGod.

29Ishowedthemtoothecupswhichyousent,twentyofgold andthirtyofsilver,thefivebowlsandthetableofdedication, andthehundredtalentsofsilverfortheofferingofthe sacrificesandprovidingthethingsofwhichthetemplestands inneed

30ThesegiftswerebroughttomebyAndreas,oneofyour mosthonouredservants,andbyAristeas,bothgoodmenand true,distinguishedbytheirlearning,andworthyineveryway tobetherepresentativesofyourhighprinciplesandrighteous purposes

31Thesemenimpartedtomeyourmessageandreceived frommeananswerinagreementwithyourletter.Iwill consenttoeverythingwhichisadvantageoustoyoueven thoughyourrequestisveryunusual

32Foryouhavebestoweduponourcitizensgreatandnever tobeforgottenbenefitsinmanyways

33ImmediatelythereforeIofferedsacrificesonbehalfofyou, yoursister,yourchildren,andyourfriends,andallthepeople prayedthatyourplansmightprospercontinually,andthat AlmightyGodmightpreserveyourkingdominpeacewith honour,andthatthetranslationoftheholylawmightprove advantageoustoyouandbecarriedoutsuccessfully

34InthepresenceofallthepeopleIselectedsixeldersfrom eachtribe,goodmenandtrue,andIhavesentthemtoyou withacopyofourlaw

35Itwillbeakindness,Orighteousking,ifyouwillgive instructionthatassoonasthetranslationofthelawis completed,themenshallberestoredagaintousinsafety Farewell!

36Thefollowingarethenamesoftheelders:Ofthefirsttribe, Joseph,Ezekiah,Zachariah,John,Ezekiah,Elisha

37Ofthesecondtribe,Judas,Simon,Samuel,Adaeus, Mattathias,Eschlemias

38Ofthethirdtribe,Nehemia,Joseph,Theodosius,Baseas, Ornias,Dakis.

39Ofthefourthtribe,Jonathan,Abraeus,Elisha,Ananias, Chabrias

40Ofthefifthtribe,Isaac,Jacob,Jesus,Sabbataeus,Simon, Levi

41Ofthesixthtribe,Judas,Joseph,Simon,Zacharias,Samuel, Selemas.

42Oftheseventhtribe,Sabbataeus,Zedekiah,Jacob,Isaac, Jesias,Natthaeus

43Oftheeighthtribe,Theodosius,Jason,Jesus,Theodotus, John,Jonathan

44Oftheninthtribe,Theophilus,Abraham,Arsamos,Jason, Endemias,Daniel.

45Ofthetenthtribe,Jeremiah,Eleazar,Zachariah,Baneas, Elisha,Dathaeus

46Oftheeleventhtribe,Samuel,Joseph,Judas,Jonathes, Chabu,Dositheus

47Ofthetwelfthtribe,Isaelus,John,Theodosius,Arsamos, Abietes,Ezekiel

48Theywereseventy-twoinallSuchwastheanswerwhich Eleazarandhisfriendsgavetotheking'sletter

CHAPTER3

Inwhichisdescribedthemostexquisiteandbeautifultable everproducedAlsootherrichgifts,Interestinginthelightof recentexcavationsinEgypt

1Iwillnowproceedtoredeemmypromiseandgivea descriptionoftheworksofart

2Theywerewroughtwithexceptionalskill,fortheking sparednoexpenseandpersonallysuperintendedtheworkmen individually

3Theycouldnotthereforescampanypartoftheworkor finishitoffnegligently.

4FirstofallIwillgiveyouadescriptionofthetable

5Thekingwasanxiousthatthispieceofworkshouldbeof exceptionallylargedimensions,andhecausedenquiriestobe madeoftheJewsinthelocalitywithregardtothesizeofthe tablealreadyinthetempleatJerusalem

6Andwhentheydescribedthemeasurements,heproceeded toaskwhetherhemightmakealargerstructure

7AndsomeofthepriestsandtheotherJewsrepliedthatthere wasnothingtopreventhim.

8Andhesaidthathewasanxioustomakeitfivetimesthe size,buthehesitatedlestitshouldproveuselessforthe templeservices.

9Hewasdesirousthathisgiftshouldnotmerelybestationed inthetemple,foritwouldaffordhimmuchgreaterpleasureif themenwhosedutyitwastoofferthefittingsacrificeswere abletodosoappropriatelyonthetablewhichhehadmade 10Hedidnotsupposethatitwasowingtolackofgoldthat theformertablehadbeenmadeofsmallsize,butthereseems tohavebeen,hesaid,somereasonwhyitwasmadeof--this dimension

11Forhadtheorderbeengiven,therewouldhavebeenno lackofmeans

12Whereforewemustnottransgressorgobeyondtheproper measure

13Atthesametimeheorderedthemtopressintoserviceall themanifoldformsofart,forhewasamanofthemostlofty conceptionsandnaturehadendowedhimwithakeen imaginationwhichenabledhimtopicturetheappearance whichwouldbepresentedbythefinishedwork.

14Hegaveorderstoo,thatwheretherewerenoinstructions laiddownintheJewishScriptures,everythingshouldbemade asbeautifulaspossible.

15Whensuchinstructionswerelaiddown,theyweretobe carriedouttotheletter

16Theymadethetabletwocubits1long,onecubitbroad, oneandahalfcubitshighfashioningitofpuresolidgold

17WhatIamdescribingwasnotthingoldlaidoveranother foundation,butthewholestructurewasofmassivegold weldedtogether

18Andtheymadeaborderofahand'sbreadthroundaboutit

19Andtherewasawreathofwave-work,engravedinrelief intheformofropesmarvellouslywroughtonitsthreesides

20Foritwastriangularinshapeandthestyleoftheworkwas exactlythesameoneachofthesides,sothatwhicheverside theywereturned,theypresentedthesameappearance

21Ofthetwosidesundertheborder,theonewhichsloped downtothetablewasaverybeautifulpieceofwork,butit wastheoutersidewhichattractedthegazeofthespectator

22Nowtheupperedgeofthetwosides,beingelevated,was sharpsince,aswehavesaid,therimwasthree-sided,from whateverpointofviewoneapproachedit

23Andtherewerelayersofpreciousstonesonitinthemidst oftheembossedcord-work,andtheywereinterwovenwith oneanotherbyaninimitableartisticdevice

24Forthesakeofsecuritytheywereallfixedbygolden needleswhichwereinsertedinperforationsinthestones

25Atthesidestheywereclampedtogetherbyfasteningsto holdthemfirm

26Onthepartoftheborderroundthetablewhichslanted upwardsandmettheeyes,therewaswroughtapatternofeggs inpreciousstones,elaboratelyengravedbyacontinuouspiece offlutedrelief-work,closelyconnectedtogetherroundthe wholetable.

27Andunderthestoneswhichhadbeenarrangedtorepresent eggstheartistsmadeacrowncontainingallkindsoffruits, havingatitstopclustersofgrapesandearsofcorn,datesalso andapples,andpomegranatesandthelike,conspicuously arranged

28Thesefruitswerewroughtoutofpreciousstones,ofthe samecolourasthefruitsthemselvesandtheyfastenedthem edgewaysroundallthesidesofthetablewithabandofgold

29Andafterthecrownoffruithadbeenputon,underneath therewasinsertedanotherpatternofeggsinpreciousstones, andotherflutingandembossedwork,thatbothsidesofthe tablemightbeused,accordingtothewishesoftheownersand forthisreasonthewave-workandtheborderwereextended downtothefeetofthetable

30Theymadeandfastenedunderthewholewidthofthetable amassiveplatefourfingersthick,thatthefeetmightbe insertedintoit,andclampedfastwithlinch-pinswhichfitted intosocketsundertheborder,sothatwhicheversideofthe tablepeoplepreferred,mightbeused

31Thusitbecamemanifestlyclearthattheworkwasintended tobeusedeitherway

32Onthetableitselftheyengraveda'maeander,'having preciousstonesstandingoutinthemiddleofit,rubiesand emeraldsandanonyxtooandmanyotherkindsofstones whichexcelinbeauty

33Andnexttothe'maeander'therewasplacedawonderful pieceofnetwork,whichmadethecentreofthetableappear likearhomboidinshape,andonitacrystalandamber,asitis called,hadbeenwrought,whichproducedanincomparable impressiononthebeholders

34Theymadethefeetofthetablewithheadslikelilies,so thattheyseemedtobelikeliliesbendingdownbeneaththe table,andthepartswhichwerevisiblerepresentedleaves whichstoodupright

35Thebasisofthefootonthegroundconsistedofarubyand measuredahand'sbreadthhighallround

36Ithadtheappearanceofashoeandwaseightfingersbroad 37Uponitthewholeexpanseofthefootrested.

38Andtheymadethefootappearlikeivygrowingoutofthe stone,interwovenwithakanthusandsurroundedwithavine whichencircleditwithclustersofgrapes,whichwereworked instones,uptothetopofthefoot

39Allthefourfeetweremadeinthesamestyle,and everythingwaswroughtandfittedsoskilfully,andsuch remarkableskillandknowledgewereexpendeduponmaking ittruetonature,thatwhentheairwasstirredbyabreathof wind,movementwasimpartedtotheleaves,andeverything wasfashionedtocorrespondwiththeactualrealitywhichit represented

40Andtheymadethetopofthetableinthreepartslikea triptychon,andtheyweresofittedanddovetailedtogether withspigotsalongthewholebreadthofthework,thatthe meetingofthejointscouldnotbeseenorevendiscovered

41Thethicknessofthetablewasnotlessthanhalfacubit,so thatthewholeworkmusthavecostmanytalents

42Forsincethekingdidnotwishtoaddtoitssizehe expendedonthedetailsthesamesumofmoneywhichwould

havebeenrequiredifthetablecouldhavebeenoflarger dimensions

43Andeverythingwascompletedinaccordancewithhisplan, inamostwonderfulandremarkableway,withinimitableart andincomparablebeauty

44Ofthemixingbowls,twowerewroughtingold,andfrom thebasetothemiddlewereengravedwithreliefworkinthe patternofscales,andbetweenthescalesPreciousstoneswere insertedwithgreatartisticskill.

45Thentherewasa'maeander'acubitinheight,withits surfacewroughtoutofpreciousstonesofmanycolours, displayinggreatartisticeffortandbeauty.

46Uponthistherewasamosaic,workedintheformofa rhombus,havinganet-likeappearanceandreachingrightup tothebrim.

47Inthemiddle,smallshieldswhichweremadeofdifferent preciousstones,placedalternately,andvaryinginkind,not lessthanfourfingersbroad,enhancedthebeautyoftheir appearance

48Onthetopofthebrimtherewasanornamentofliliesin bloom,andintertwiningclustersofgrapeswereengravenall round

49Suchthenwastheconstructionofthegoldenbowls,and theyheldmorethantwofirkinseach.

50Thesilverbowlshadasmoothsurface,andwere wonderfullymadeasiftheywereintendedforlooking-glasses, sothateverythingwhichwasbroughtneartothemwas reflectedevenmoreclearlythaninmirrors

51Butitisimpossibletodescribetherealimpressionwhich theseworksofartproduceduponthemindwhentheywere finished

52For,whenthesevesselshadbeencompletedandplaced sidebyside,firstasilverbowlandthenagolden,thenanother silver,andthenanothergolden,theappearancetheypresented isaltogetherindescribable,andthosewhocametoseethem werenotabletotearthemselvesfromthebrilliantsightand entrancingspectacle

53Theimpressionsproducedbythespectaclewerevariousin kind

54Whenmenlookedatthegoldenvessels,andtheirminds madeacompletesurveyofeachdetailofworkmanship,their soulswerethrilledwithwonder

55Againwhenamanwishedtodirecthisgazetothesilver vessels,astheystoodbeforehim,everythingseemedtoflash withlightroundabouttheplacewherehewasstanding,and affordedastillgreaterdelighttotheonlookers

56Sothatitisreallyimpossibletodescribetheartisticbeauty oftheworks

57Thegoldenvialstheyengravedinthecentrewithvine wreaths.

58Andabouttherimstheywoveawreathofivyandmyrtle andoliveinreliefworkandinsertedpreciousstonesinit

59Theotherpartsofthereliefworktheywroughtindifferent patterns,sincetheymadeitapointofhonourtocomplete everythinginawayworthyofthemajestyoftheking

60Inaworditmaybesaidthatneitherintheking'streasury norinanyother,werethereanyworkswhichequalledthese incostlinessorinartisticskill

61Forthekingspentnolittlethoughtuponthem,forheloved togaingloryfortheexcellenceofhisdesigns

62Foroftentimeshewouldneglecthisofficialbusiness,and spendhistimewiththeartistsinhisanxietythattheyshould completeeverythinginamannerworthyoftheplacetowhich thegiftsweretobesent

63Soeverythingwascarriedoutonagrandscale,ina mannerworthyofthekingwhosentthegiftsandofthehigh priestwhowastheruleroftheland.

64Therewasnostintofpreciousstones,fornotlessthanfive thousandwereusedandtheywerealloflargesize

65Themostexceptionalartisticskillwasemployed,sothat thecostofthestonesandtheworkmanshipwasfivetimesas muchasthatofthegold

CHAPTER4

Vividdetailsofthesacrifice.Theunerringaccuracyofthe priestsisnotableAsavageorgyAdescriptionofthetemple anditswater-works

1IhavegivenyouthisdescriptionofthepresentsbecauseI thoughtitwasnecessary

2Thenextpointinthenarrativeisanaccountofourjourney toEleazar,butIwillfirstofallgiveyouadescriptionofthe wholecountry

3WhenwearrivedinthelandoftheJewswesawthecity situatedinthemiddleofthewholeofJudeaonthetopofa mountainofconsiderablealtitude

4Onthesummitthetemplehadbeenbuiltinallitssplendour

5Itwassurroundedbythreewallsmorethanseventycubits highandinlengthandbreadthcorrespondingtothestructure oftheedifice

6Allthebuildingswerecharacterisedbyamagnificenceand costlinessquiteunprecedented

7Itwasobviousthatnoexpensehadbeensparedonthedoor andthefastenings,whichconnecteditwiththedoor-posts, andthestabilityofthelintel

8Thestyleofthecurtaintoowasthoroughlyinproportionto thatoftheentrance.

9Itsfabricowingtothedraughtofwindwasinperpetual motion,andasthismotionwascommunicatedfromthe bottomandthecurtainbulgedouttoitshighestextent,it affordedapleasantspectaclefromwhichamancouldscarcely tearhimselfaway

10Theconstructionofthealtarwasinkeepingwiththeplace itselfandwiththeburntofferingswhichwereconsumedby fireuponit,andtheapproachtoitwasonasimilarscale.

11Therewasagradualslopeuptoit,convenientlyarranged forthepurposeofdecency,andtheministeringpriestswere robedinlinengarments,downtotheirankles.

12TheTemplefacestheeastanditsbackistowardthewest

13Thewholeofthefloorispavedwithstonesandslopes downtotheappointedplaces,thatwatermaybeconveyedto washawaythebloodfromthesacrifices,formanythousand beastsaresacrificedthereonthefeastdays

14Andthereisaninexhaustiblesupplyofwater,becausean abundantnaturalspringgushesupfromwithinthetemplearea

15Therearemoreoverwonderfulandindescribablecisterns underground,astheypointedouttome,atadistanceoffive furlongsallroundthesiteofthetemple,andeachofthemhas countlesspipessothatthedifferentstreamsconvergetogether

16Andallthesewerefastenedwithleadatthebottomandat thesidewalls,andoverthemagreatquantityofplasterhad beenspread,andeverypartoftheworkhadbeenmost carefullycarriedout.

17Therearemanyopeningsforwateratthebaseofthealtar whichareinvisibletoallexcepttothosewhoareengagedin theministration,sothatallthebloodofthesacrificeswhichis collectedingreatquantitiesiswashedawayinthetwinkling ofaneye

18Suchismyopinionwithregardtothecharacterofthe reservoirsandIwillnowshowyouhowitwasconfirmed

19Theyledmemorethanfourfurlongsoutsidethecityand bademepeerdowntowardsacertainspotandlistentothe noisethatwasmadebythemeetingofthewaters,sothatthe greatsizeofthereservoirsbecamemanifesttome,ashas alreadybeenpointedout

20Theministrationofthepriestsisineverywayunsurpassed bothforitsphysicalenduranceandforitsorderlyandsilent service

21Fortheyallworkspontaneously,thoughitentailsmuch painfulexertion,andeachonehasaspecialtaskallottedto him

22Theserviceiscarriedonwithoutinterruption--some providethewood,otherstheoil,othersthefinewheatflour, othersthespices;othersagainbringthepiecesoffleshforthe burntoffering,exhibitingawonderful,degreeofstrength.

23Fortheytakeupwithbothhandsthelimbsofacalf,each ofthemweighingmorethantwotalents,andthrowthemwith eachhandinawonderfulwayontothehighplaceofthealtar andnevermissplacingthemontheproperspot

24Inthesamewaythepiecesofthesheepandalsoofthe goatsarewonderfulbothfortheirweightandtheirfatness.

25Forthose,whosebusinessitis,alwaysselectthebeasts whicharewithoutblemishandspeciallyfat,andthusthe sacrificewhichIhavedescribed,iscarriedout.

26Thereisaspecialplacesetapartforthemtorestin,where thosewhoarerelievedfromdutysit

27Whenthistakesplace,thosewhohavealreadyrestedand arereadytoresumetheirdutiesriseupspontaneouslysince thereisnoonetogiveorderswithregardtothearrangement ofthesacrifices

28Themostcompletesilencereignssothatonemight imaginethattherewasnotasinglepersonpresent,though thereareactuallysevenhundredmenengagedinthework, besidesthevastnumberofthosewhoareoccupiedinbringing upthesacrifices.

29Everythingiscarriedoutwithreverenceandinaway worthyofthegreatGod

30Weweregreatlyastonished,whenwesawEleazarengaged intheministration,atthemodeofhisdress,andthemajesty ofhisappearance,whichwasrevealedintherobewhichhe woreandthepreciousstonesuponhisperson.

31Thereweregoldenbellsuponthegarmentwhichreached downtohisfeet,givingforthapeculiarkindofmelody,and onbothsidesofthemtherewerepomegranateswith variegatedflowersofawonderfulhue

32Hewasgirdedwithagirdleofconspicuousbeauty,woven inthemostbeautifulcolours.

33OnhisbreastheworetheoracleofGod,asitiscalled,on whichtwelvestones,ofdifferentkinds,wereinset,fastened togetherwithgold,containingthenamesoftheleadersofthe tribes,accordingtotheiroriginalorder,eachoneflashing forthinanindescribablewayitsownparticularcolour

34Onhisheadheworeatiara,asitiscalled,anduponthisin themiddleofhisforeheadaninimitableturban,theroyal diademfullofglorywiththenameofGodinscribedinsacred lettersonaplateofgold...havingbeenjudgedworthyto weartheseemblemsintheministrations

35Theirappearancecreatedsuchaweandconfusionofmind astomakeonefeelthatonehadcomeintothepresenceofa manwhobelongedtoadifferentworld

36Iamconvincedthatanyonewhotakespartinthespectacle whichIhavedescribedwillhefilledwithastonishmentand indescribablewonderandbeprofoundlyaffectedinhismind atthethoughtofthesanctitywhichisattachedtoeachdetail oftheservice.

37Butinorderthatwemightgaincompleteinformation,we ascendedtothesummitoftheneighboringcitadelandlooked aroundus.

38Itissituatedinaveryloftyspot,andisfortifiedwithmany towers,whichhavebeenbuiltuptotheverytop,ofimmense stones,withtheobject,aswewereinformed,ofguardingthe templeprecincts,sothatiftherewereanattack,oran insurrectionoranonslaughtoftheenemy,noonewouldbe abletoforceanentrancewithinthewallsthatsurroundthe temple

39Onthetowersofthecitadelenginesofwarwereplaced anddifferentkindsofmachines,andthepositionwasmuch higherthanthecircleofwallswhichIhavementioned 40Thetowerswereguardedtoobymosttrustymenwhohad giventheutmostproofoftheirloyaltytotheircountry.

41thesemenwereneverallowedtoleavethecitadel,except onfeastdaysandthenonlyindetachments,nordidthey permitanystrangertoenterit.

42Theywerealsoverycarefulwhenanycommandcame fromthechiefofficertoadmitanyvisitorstoinspecttheplace, asourownexperiencetaughtus.

43Theywereveryreluctanttoadmitus--thoughwewerebut twounarmedmen--toviewtheofferingofthesacrifices

44Andtheyassertedthattheywereboundbyanoathwhen thetrustwascommittedtothem,fortheyhadallswornand wereboundtocarryouttheoathsacredlytotheletter,that thoughtheywerefivehundredinnumbertheywouldnot permitmorethanfivementoenteratonetime

45Thecitadelwasthespecialprotectionofthetempleandits founderhadfortifieditsostronglythatitmightefficiently protectit

CHAPTER5

AdescriptionofthecityandthecountrysideCompareVerse 11withconditionsoftodayVerses89-41revealhowthe ancientsestimateascholarandagentleman

1Thesizeofthecityisofmoderatedimensions

2Itisaboutfortyfurlongsincircumference,asfarasone couldconjecture

3Ithasitstowersarrangedintheshapeofatheatre,with thoroughfaresleadingbetweenthemnowthecrossroadsofthe lowertowersarevisiblebutthoseoftheuppertowersare morefrequented.

4Forthegroundascends,sincethecityisbuiltupona mountain

5Therearestepstoowhichleaduptothecrossroads,and somepeoplearealwaysgoingup,andothersdownandthey keepasfarapartfromeachotheraspossibleontheroad becauseofthosewhoareboundbytherulesofpurity,lest theyshouldtouchanythingwhichisunlawful

6Itwasnotwithoutreasonthattheoriginalfoundersofthe citybuiltitindueproportions,fortheypossessedclearinsight withregardtowhatwasrequired

7Forthecountryisextensiveandbeautiful

8Somepartsofitarelevel,especiallythedistrictswhich belongtoSamaria,asitiscalled,andwhichborderonthe landoftheIdumeans,otherpartsaremountainous,especially thosewhicharecontiguoustothelandofJudea.

9Thepeoplethereforeareboundtodevotethemselvesto agricultureandthecultivationofthesoilthatbythismeans theymayhaveaplentifulsupplyofcrops

10Inthiswaycultivationofeverykindiscarriedonandan abundantharvestreapedinthewholeoftheaforesaidland

11Thecitieswhicharelargeandenjoyacorresponding prosperityarewell-populated,buttheyneglectthecountry

districts,sinceallmenareinclinedtoalifeofenjoyment,for everyonehasanaturaltendencytowardsthepursuitof pleasure.

12ThesamethinghappenedinAlexandria,whichexcelsall citiesinsizeandprosperity

13Countrypeoplebymigratingfromtheruraldistrictsand settlinginthecitybroughtagricultureintodisrepute:andsoto preventthemfromsettlinginthecity,thekingissuedorders thattheyshouldnotstayinitformorethantwentydays.

14Andinthesamewayhegavethejudgeswritten instructions,thatifitwasnecessarytoissueasummons againstanyonewholivedinthecountry,thecasemustbe settledwithinfivedays

15Andsinceheconsideredthematteroneofgreat importance,heappointedalsolegalofficersforeverydistrict withtheirassistants,thatthefarmersandtheiradvocates mightnotintheinterestsofbusinessemptythegranariesof thecity,Imean,oftheproduceofhusbandry.

16IhavepermittedthisdigressionbecauseitwasEleazar whopointedoutwithgreatclearnessthepointswhichhave beenmentioned.

17Forgreatistheenergywhichtheyexpendonthetillageof thesoil

18Forthelandisthicklyplantedwithmultitudesofolive trees,withcropsofcornandpulse,withvinestoo,andthereis abundanceofhoney

19Otherkindsoffruittreesanddatesdonotcountcompared withthese

20Therearecattleofallkindsingreatquantitiesandarich pasturageforthem

21Whereforetheyrightlyrecognisethatthecountrydistricts needalargepopulation,andtherelationsbetweenthecityand thevillagesareproperlyregulated.

22Agreatquantityofspicesandpreciousstonesandgoldis broughtintothecountrybytheArabs.

23Forthecountryiswelladaptednotonlyforagriculturebut alsoforcommerce,andthecityisrichintheartsandlacks noneofthemerchandisewhichisbroughtacrossthesea

24Itpossessestoosuitableandcommodiousharboursat Askalon,Joppa,andGaza,aswellmatPtolemaiswhichwas foundedbytheKingandholdsacentralpositioncompared withtheotherplacesnamed,beingnotfardistantfromanyof them

25Thecountryproduceseverythinginabundance,sinceitis wellwateredinalldirectionsandwellprotectedfromstorms 26TheriverJordan,asitiscalled,whichneverrunsdry, flowsthroughtheland.

27Originallythecountrycontainednotlessthan60million acres--thoughafterwardstheneighbouringpeoplesmade incursionsagainstit--and600,000menweresettleduponitin farmsofahundredacreseach

28TheriverliketheNilerisesinharvest-timeandirrigatesa largeportionoftheland.

29NearthedistrictbelongingtothepeopleofPtolemaisit issuesintoanotherriverandthisflowsoutintothesea

30Othermountaintorrents,astheyarecalled,flowdowninto theplainandencompassthepartsaboutGazaandthedistrict ofAshdod

31Thecountryisencircledbyanaturalfenceandisvery difficulttoattackandcannotbeassailedbylargeforces, owingtothenarrowpasses,withtheftoverhangingprecipices anddeepravines,andtheruggedcharacterofthemountainous regionswhichsurroundalltheland

32Weweretoldthatfromtheneighbouringmountainsof Arabiacopperandironwereformerlyobtained.

33Thiswasstopped,however,atthetimeofthePersianrule, sincetheauthoritiesofthetimespreadabroadafalsereport thattheworkingofthemineswasuselessandexpensivein ordertopreventtheircountryfrombeingdestroyedbythe mininginthesedistrictsandpossiblytakenawayfromthem owingtothePersianrule,sincebytheassistanceofthisfalse reporttheyfoundanexcuseforenteringthedistrict

34Ihavenow,mydearbrotherPhilocrates,givenyouallthe essentialinformationuponthissubjectinbriefform.

35Ishalldescribetheworkoftranslationinthesequel

36TheHighPriestselectedmenofthefinestcharacterand thehighestculture,suchasonewouldexpectfromtheirnoble parentage

37Theyweremenwhohadnotonlyacquiredproficiencyin Jewishliteraturebuthadstudiedmostcarefullythatofthe Greeksaswell

38Theywerespeciallyqualifiedthereforeforservingon embassiesandtheyundertookthisdutywheneveritwas necessary

39Theypossessedagreatfacilityforconferencesandthe discussionofproblemsconnectedwiththelaw.

40Theyespousedthemiddlecourse--andthisisalwaysthe bestcoursetopursue

41Theyabjuredtheroughanduncouthmanner,buttheywere altogetheraboveprideandneverassumedanairofsuperiority overothers,andinconversationtheywerereadytolistenand giveanappropriateanswertoeveryquestion.

42Andallofthemcarefullyobservedthisruleandwere anxiousaboveeverythingelsetoexceleachotherinits observanceandtheywereallofthemworthyoftheirleader andofhisvirtue

43AndonecouldobservehowtheylovedEleazarbytheir unwillingnesstobetornawayfromhimandhowheloved them

44Farbesidestheletterwhichhewrotetotheking concerningtheirsafereturn,healsoearnestlybesought Andreastoworkforthesameendandurgedme,too,toassist tothebestofmyability

45Andalthoughwepromisedtogiveourbestattentiontothe matter,hesaidthathewasstillgreatlydistressed,forheknew thatthekingoutofthegoodnessofhisnatureconsideredit hishighestprivilege,wheneverheheardofamanwhowas superiortohisfellowsincultureandwisdom,tosummonhim tohiscourt.

46ForIhaveheardofafinesayingofhistotheeffectthatby securingjustandprudentmenabouthispersonhewould securethegreatestprotectionforhiskingdom,sincesuch friendswouldunreservedlygivehimthemostbeneficial advice

47AndthemenwhowerenowbeingsenttohimbyEleazar undoubtedlypossessedthesequalities

48Andhefrequentlyasserteduponoaththathewouldnever letthemengoifitweremerelysomeprivateinterestofhis ownthatconstitutedtheimpellingmotive-butitwasforthe commonadvantageofallthecitizensthathewassending them.

49For,heexplained,thegoodlifeconsistsinthekeepingof theenactmentsofthelaw,andthisendisachievedmuchmore byhearingthanbyreading.

50Fromthisandothersimilarstatementsitwasclearwhathis feelingstowardsthemwere

CHAPTER6

Explanationsofthecustomsofthepeopleshowingwhatis meantbytheword,"Unclean"Theessenceandoriginofthe "God-Belief"Verses48-44giveapicturesquedescriptionof theDivinityofphysiology.

1Itisworthwhiletomentionbrieflytheinformationwhich hegaveinreplytoourquestions

2ForIsupposethatmostpeoplefeelacuriositywithregard tosomeoftheenactmentsinthelaw,especiallythoseabout meatsanddrinksandanimalsrecognisedasunclean

3Whenweaskedwhy,sincethereisbutoneformofcreation, someanimalsareregardedasuncleanforeating,andothers uncleaneventothetouch(forthoughthelawisscrupulouson mostpoints,itisspeciallyscrupulousonsuchmattersasthese) hebeganhisreplyasfollows:

4'Youobserve,'hesaid,'whataneffectourmodesoflifeand ourassociationsproduceuponus;byassociatingwiththebad, mencatchtheirdepravitiesandbecomemiserablethroughout theirlife;butiftheylivewiththewiseandprudent,theyfind themeansofescapingfromignoranceandamendingtheir lives

5Ourlawgiverfirstofalllaiddowntheprinciplesofpiety andrighteousnessandinculcatedthempointbypoint,not merelybyprohibitionsbutbytheuseofexamplesaswell, demonstratingtheinjuriouseffectsofsinandthepunishments inflictedbyGodupontheguilty.

6ForheprovedfirstofallthatthereisonlyoneGodandthat hispowerismanifestedthroughouttheuniverse,sinceevery placeisfilledwithhissovereigntyandnoneofthethings whicharewroughtinsecretbymenupontheearthescapes Hisknowledge

7Forallthatamandoesandallthatistocometopassinthe futurearemanifesttoHim

8Workingoutthesetruthscarefullyandhavingmadethem plain,heshowedthatevenifamanshouldthinkofdoingevil-tosaynothingofactuallyeffectingit,--hewouldnotescape detection,forhemadeitclearthatthepowerofGodpervaded thewholeofthelaw

9Beginningfromhisstartingpoint,hewentontoshowthat allmankindexceptourselvesbelieveintheexistenceofmany gods,thoughtheythemselvesaremuchmorepowerfulthan thebeingswhomtheyvainlyworship

10Forwhentheyhavemadestatuesofstoneandwood,they saythattheyaretheimagesofthosewhohaveinvented somethingusefulforlifeandtheyworshipthem,thoughthey haveclearproofthattheypossessnofeeling.

11Foritwouldbeutterlyfoolishtosupposethatanyone becameagodinvirtueofhisinventions

12Fortheinventorssimplytookcertainobjectsalready createdandbycombiningthemtogether,showedthatthey possessedafreshutility:theydidnotthemselvescreatethe substanceofthething,andsoitisavainandfoolishthingfor peopletomakegodsofmenlikethemselves

13Forinourtimestherearemanywhoaremuchmore inventiveandmuchmorelearnedthanthemenofformerdays whohavebeendeified,andyettheywouldnevercometo worshipthem

14Themakersandauthorsofthesemythsthinkthattheyare thewisestoftheGreeks

15Whyneedwespeakofotherinfatuatedpeople,Egyptians andthelike,whoplacetheirrelianceuponwildbeastsand mostkindsofcreepingthingsandcattle,andworshipthem, andoffersacrificestothembothwhilelivingandwhendead?

16NowourLawgiverbeingawisemanandspecially endowedbyGodtounderstandallthings,tooka

comprehensiveviewofeachparticulardetail,andfencedus roundwithimpregnablerampartsandwallsofiron,thatwe mightnotmingleatallwithanyoftheothernations,but remainpureinbodyandsoul,freefromallvainimaginations, worshippingtheoneAlmightyGodabovethewholecreation

17HencetheleadingEgyptianpriestshavinglookedcarefully intomanymatters,andbeingcognizantwithouraffairs,call us"menofGod"

18Thisisatitlewhichdoesnotbelongtotherestofmankind butonlytothosewhoworshipthetrueGod

19TherestaremennotofGodbutofmeatsanddrinksand clothing.

20Fortheirwholedispositionleadsthemtofindsolacein thesethingsarereckonedofnoaccount,butthroughouttheir things.

21Amongourpeoplesuchwholelifetheirmainconsideration isthesovereigntyofGod

22Thereforelestweshouldbecorruptedbyanyabomination, orourlivesbepervertedbyevilcommunications,hehedged usroundonallsidesbyrulesofpurity,affectingalikewhat weeat,ordrink,ortouch,orhear,orsee.

23Forthough,speakinggenerally,allthingsarealikeintheir naturalconstitution,sincetheyareallgovernedbyoneandthe samepower,yetthereisadeepreasonineachindividualcase whyweabstainfromtheuseofcertainthingsandenjoythe commonuseofothers

24ForthesakeofillustrationIwillrunoveroneortwopoints andexplainthemtoyou

25Foryoumustnotfallintothedegradingideathatitwasout ofregardtomiceandweaselsandothersuchthingsthat Mosesdrewuphislawswithsuchexceedingcare

26Alltheseordinancesweremadeforthesakeof righteousnesstoaidthequestforvirtueandtheperfectingof character

27Forallthebirdsthatweusearetameanddistinguishedby theircleanliness,feedingonvariouskindsofgrainandpulse, suchasforinstancepigeons,turtle-doves,locusts,partridges, geesealso,andallotherbirdsofthisclass

28Butthebirdswhichareforbiddenyouwillfindtobewild andcarnivorous,tyrannisingovertheothersbythestrength whichtheypossess,andcruellyobtainingfoodbypreyingof thetamebirdsenumeratedabove

29Andnotonlyso,buttheyseizelambsandkids,andinjure humanbeingstoo,whetherdeadoralive,andsobynaming themunclean,hegaveasignbymeansofthemthatthose,for whomthe

legislationwasordained,mustpractiserighteousnessintheir heartsandnottyranniseoveranyoneinrelianceupontheir ownstrengthnorrobthemofanything,butsteertheircourse oflifeinaccordancewithjustice,justasthetamebirds, alreadymentioned,consumethedifferentkindsofpulsethat growupontheearthanddonottyrannisetothedestructionof theirownkindred.

30Ourlegislatortaughtusthereforethatitisbysuchmethods asthesethatindicationsaregiventothewise,thattheymust bejustandeffectnothingbyviolence,andrefrainfrom tyrannisingoverothersinrelianceupontheirownstrength

31Forsinceitisconsideredunseemlyeventotouchsuch uncleananimals,ashavebeenmentioned,onaccountoftheir particularhabits,oughtwenottotakeeveryprecautionlest ourowncharactersshouldbedestroyedtothesameextent?

32Whereforealltheruleswhichhehaslaiddownwithregard towhatispermittedinthecaseofthesebirdsandother animals,hehasenactedwiththeobjectofteachingusamoral lesson.

33Forthedivisionofthehoofandtheseparationoftheclaws areintendedtoteachusthatwemustdiscriminatebetween ourindividualactionswithaviewtothepracticeofvirtue.

34Forthestrengthofourwholebodyanditsactivitydepend uponourshouldersandlimbs

35Thereforehecompelsustorecognisethatwemustperform allouractionswithdiscriminationaccordingtothestandard ofrighteousness,--moreespeciallybecausewehavebeen distinctlyseparatedfromtherestofmankind.

36Formostothermendefilethemselvesbypromiscuous intercourse,therebyworkinggreatiniquity,andwhole countriesandcitiespridethemselvesuponsuchvices.

37Fortheynotonlyhaveintercoursewithmenbuttheydefile theirownmothersandeventheirdaughters

38Butwehavebeenkeptseparatefromsuchsins.

39Andthepeoplewhohavebeenseparatedinthe aforementionedwayarealsocharacterisedbytheLawgiveras possessingthegiftofmemory.

40Forallanimals"whicharecloven-footedandchewthe cud"representtotheinitiatedthesymbolofmemory

41Fortheactofchewingthecudisnothingelsethanthe reminiscenceoflifeandexistence

42Forlifeiswonttobesustainedbymeansoffood,wherefor heexhortsusintheScripturealsointhesewords:"Thoushalt surelyremembertheLordthatwroughtintheethosegreatand wonderfulthings"

43Forwhentheyareproperlyconceived,theyaremanifestly greatandglorious;firsttheconstructionofthebodyandthe dispositionofthefoodandtheseparationofeachindividual limband,formore,theorganisationofthesenses,the operationandinvisiblemovementofthemind,therapidityof itsparticularactionsanditsdiscoveryofthearts,displayan infiniteresourcefulness.

44Whereforeheexhortsustorememberthattheaforesaid partsarekepttogetherbythedivinepowerwithconsummate skill

45Forhehasmarkedouteverytimeandplacethatwemay continuallyremembertheGodwhorulesandpreservesus

46Forinthematterofmeatsanddrinkshebidsusfirstofall offerpartasasacrificeandthenforthwithenjoyourmeal

47Moreover,uponourgarmentshehasgivenusasymbolof remembrance,andinlikemannerhehasorderedustoputthe divineoraclesuponourgatesanddoorsasaremembranceof God.

48Anduponourhands,too,heexpresslyordersthesymbolto befastened,clearlyshowingthatweoughttoperformevery actinrighteousness,rememberingourowncreation,and aboveallthefearofGod

49Hebidsmenalso,whenlyingdowntosleepandrisingtip again,tomeditateupontheworksofGod,notonlyinword, butbyobservingdistinctlythechangeandimpression produceduponthem,whentheyaregoingtosleep,andalso theirwaking,howdivineandincomprehensiblethechange fromoneofthesestatestotheotheris

50Theexcellencyoftheanalogyinregardtodiscrimination andmemoryhasnowbeenpointedouttoyou,accordingto ourinterpretationof"theclovenhoofandthechewingofthe cud"

51Forourlawshavenotbeendrawnupatrandomorin accordancewiththefirstcasualthoughtthatoccurredtothe mind,butwithaviewtotruthandtheindicationofright reason

52Forbymeansofthedirectionswhichhegiveswithregard tomeatsanddrinksandparticularcasesoftouching,hebids usneithertodonorlistentoanythingthoughtlesslynorto resorttoinjusticebytheabuseofthepowerofreason

53Inthecaseofthewildanimals,too,thesameprinciplemay bediscovered

54Forthecharacteroftheweaselandofmiceandsuch animalsasthese,whichareexpresslymentioned,is destructive

55Micedefileanddamageeverything,notonlyfortheirown foodbuteventotheextentofrenderingabsolutelyuselessto manwhateveritfallsintheirwaytodamage

56Theweaselclass,too,ispeculiar:forbesideswhathas beensaid,ithasacharacteristicwhichisdefiling:Itconceives throughtheearsandbringsforththroughthemouth

57Anditisforthisreasonthatalikepracticeisdeclared uncleaninmen

58Forbyembodyinginspeechallthattheyreceivethrough theears,theyinvolveothersinevilsandworknoordinary impurity,beingthemselvesaltogetherdefiledbythepollution ofimpiety

59Andyourking,asweareinformed,doesquiterightin destroyingsuchmen'

60ThenIsaid'Isupposeyoumeantheinformers,forhe constantlyexposesthemtotorturesandtopainfulformsof death'

61'Yes,'hereplied,'thesearethemenImean;fortowatchfor men'sdestructionisanunholything.

62Andourlawforbidsustoinjureanyoneeitherbywordor deed

63Mybriefaccountofthesemattersoughttohaveconvinced you,thatallourregulationshavebeendrawnupwithaview torighteousness,andthatnothinghasbeenenactedinthe Scripturethoughtlesslyorwithoutduereason,butitspurpose istoenableusthroughoutourwholelifeandinallouractions topractiserighteousnessbeforeallmen,beingmindfulof AlmightyGod.

64Andsoconcerningmeatsandthingsunclean,creeping things,andwildbeasts,thewholesystemaimsat righteousnessandrighteousrelationshipsbetweenmanand man'

65Heseemedtometohavemadeagooddefenceonallthe points;forinreferencealsotothecalvesandramsandgoats whichareoffered,hesaidthatitwasnecessarytotakethem fromtheherdsandflocks,andsacrificetameanimalsand offernothingwild,thattheofferersofthesacrificesmight understandthesymbolicmeaningofthelawgiverandnotbe undertheinfluenceofanarrogantself-consciousness.

66Forhe,whooffersasacrifice,makesanofferingalsoofhis ownsoulinallitsmoods

67Ithinkthattheseparticularswithregardtoourdiscussion areworthnarrating,andonaccountofthesanctityandnatural meaningofthelaw,Ihavebeeninducedtoexplainthemto youclearly,Philocrates,becauseofyourowndevotionto learning

CHAPTER7

Thearrivaloftheenvoyswiththemanuscriptoftheprecious bookandgifts.Preparationsforaroyalbanquet.Thehost immediatelyuponbeingseatedattableentertainshisguests withquestionsandanswersSomesagecommentson sociology.

1AndEleazar,afterofferingthesacrifice,andselectingthe envoys,andpreparingmanygiftsfortheking,despatchedus onourjourneyingreatsecurity

2AndwhenwereachedAlexandria,thekingwasatonce informedofourarrival

3Onouradmissiontothepalace,AndreasandIwarmly greetedthekingandhandedovertohimtheletterwrittenby Eleazar.

4Thekingwasveryanxioustomeettheenvoys,andgave ordersthatalltheotherofficialsshouldbedismissedandthe envoyssummonedtohispresenceatonce.

5Nowthisexcitedgeneralsurprise,foritiscustomaryfor thosewhocometoseekanaudiencewiththekingonmatters ofimportancetobeadmittedtohispresenceonthefifthday, whileenvoysfromkingsorveryimportantcitieswith difficultysecureadmissiontotheCourtinthirtydays--but thesemenhecountedworthyofgreaterhonour,sinceheheld theirmasterinsuchhighesteem,andsoheimmediately dismissedthosewhosepresenceheregardedassuperfluous andcontinuedwalkingaboutuntiltheycameinandhewas abletowelcomethem

6Whentheyenteredwiththegiftswhichhadbeensentwith themandthevaluableparchments,onwhichthelawwas inscribedingoldinJewishcharacters,fortheparchmentwas wonderfullypreparedandtheconnexionbetweenthepages hadbeensoeffectedastobeinvisible,thekingassoonashe sawthembegantoaskthemaboutthebooks

7Andwhentheyhadtakentherollsoutoftheircoveringsand unfoldedthepages,thekingstoodstillforalongtimeand thenmakingobeisanceaboutseventimes,hesaid:

8'Ithankyou,myfriends,andIthankhimthatsentyoustill more,andmostofallGod,whoseoraclestheseare.'

9Andwhenall,theenvoysandtheotherswhowerepresent aswell,shoutedoutatonetimeandwithonevoice:'Godsave theKing!'heburstintotearsofjoy

10Forhisexaltationofsoulandthesenseofthe overwhelminghonourwhichhadbeenpaidhimcompelled himtoweepoverhisgoodfortune.

11Hecommandedthemtoputtherollsbackintheirplaces andthenaftersalutingthemen,said:'Itwasright,menofGod, thatIshouldfirstofallpaymyreverencetothebooksforthe sakeofwhichIsummonedyouhereandthenwhenIhaddone that,toextendtheright-handoffriendshiptoyou

12ItwasforthisreasonthatIdidthisfirst

13Ihaveenactedthatthisday,onwhichyouarrived,shallbe keptasagreatdayanditwillbecelebratedannually throughoutmylifetime

14Ithappensalsothatitistheanniversaryofmynaval victoryoverAntigonus.ThereforeIshallbegladtofeastwith youto-day

15Everythingthatyoumayhaveoccasiontouse,'hesaid, 'shallbepreparedforyouinabefittingmannerandforme alsowithyou'

16Aftertheyhadexpressedtheirdelight,hegaveordersthat thebestquartersnearthecitadelshouldbeassignedtothem, andthatpreparationsshouldbemadeforthebanquet

17AndNicanorsummonedthelordhighsteward,Dorotheus, whowasthespecialofficerappointedtolookaftertheJews, andcommandedhimtomakethenecessarypreparationfor eachone

18Forthisarrangementhadbeenmadebythekinganditis anarrangementwhichyouseemaintainedto-day

19Forasmanycitiesashavespecialcustomsinthematterof drinking,eating,andreclining,havespecialofficersappointed tolookaftertheirrequirements

20Andwhenevertheycometovisitthekings,preparations aremadeinaccordancewiththeirowncustoms,inorderthat theremaybenodiscomforttodisturbtheenjoymentoftheir visit

21The.sameprecautionwastakeninthecaseoftheJewish envoys

22NowDorotheuswhowasthepatronappointedtolookafter Jewishguestswasaveryconscientiousman

23Allthestoreswhichwereunderhiscontrolandsetapart forthereceptionofsuchguests,hebroughtoutforthefeast

24Hearrangedtheseatsintworowsinaccordancewiththe king'sinstructions.

25Forhehadorderedhimtomakehalfthemensitathisright handandtherestbehindhim,inorderthathemightnot withholdfromthemthehighestpossiblehonour.

26WhentheyhadtakentheirseatsheinstructedDorotheusto carryouteverythinginaccordancewiththecustomswhich wereinuseamongsthisJewishguests.

27Thereforehedispensedwiththeservicesofthesacred heraldsandthesacrificingpriestsandtheotherswhowere accustomedtooffertheprayers,andcalledupononeofour number,Eleazar,theoldestoftheJewishpriests,tooffer prayerinstead

28Andheroseupandmadearemarkableprayer.'May AlmightyGodenrichyou,Oking,withallthegoodthings whichHehasmadeandmayHegrantyouandyourwifeand yourchildrenandyourcomradesthecontinualpossessionof themaslongasyoulive!'

29Atthesewordsaloudandjoyousapplausebrokeoutwhich lastedforaconsiderabletime,andthentheyturnedtothe enjoymentofthebanquetwhichhadbeenprepared 30Allthearrangementsforserviceattablewerecarriedoutin accordancewiththeinjunctionofDorotheus.

31Amongtheattendantsweretheroyalpagesandotherswho heldplacesofhonourattheking'scourt

32Takinganopportunityaffordedbyapauseinthebanquet thekingaskedtheenvoywhosatintheseatofhonour(for theywerearrangedaccordingtoseniority),howhecouldkeep hiskingdomunimpairedtotheend?

33Afterponderingforamomenthereplied,'Youcouldbest establishitssecurityifyouweretoimitatetheunceasing benignityofGodForifyouexhibitclemencyandinflictmild punishmentsuponthosewhodeservetheminaccordancewith theirdeserts,youwillturnthemfromevilandleadthemto repentance'

34Thekingpraisedtheanswerandthenaskedthenextman, howhecoulddoeverythingforthebestinallhisactions?

35Andhereplied,'Ifamanmaintainsajustbearingtowards all,hewillalwaysactrightlyoneveryoccasion,remembering thateverythoughtisknowntoGod.Ifyoutakethefearof Godasyourstarting-point,youwillnevermissthegoal'

36Thekingcomplimentedthisman,too,uponhisanswerand askedanother,howhecouldhavefriendslike-mindedwith himself?

37Hereplied,'Iftheyseeyoustudyingtheinterestsofthe multitudesoverwhomyourule;youwilldowelltoobserve howGodbestowshisbenefitsonthehumanrace,providing forthemhealthandfoodand--allotherthingsindueseason'

38Afterexpressinghisagreementwiththereply,theking askedthenextguest,howingivingaudiencesandpassing judgmentshecouldgainthepraiseevenofthosewhofailedto wintheirsuit?

39Andhesaid,'Ifyouarefairinspeechtoallalikeandnever actinsolentlynortyrannicallyinyourtreatmentofoffenders AndyouwilldothisifyouwatchthemethodbywhichGod actsThepetitionsoftheworthyarealwaysfulfilled,while thosewhofailtoobtainananswertotheirprayersare informedbymeansofdreamsoreventsofwhatwasharmful intheirrequestsandthatGoddoesnotsmitethemaccording totheirsinsorthegreatnessofHisstrength,butactswith forbearancetowardsthem.'

40Thekingpraisedthemanwarmlyforhisanswerandasked thenextinorder,howhecouldbeinvincibleinmilitary affairs?

41Andhereplied,'Ifhedidnottrustentirelytohismultitudes orhiswarlikeforces,butcalleduponGodcontinuallytobring hisenterprisestoasuccessfulissue,whilehehimself. dischargedallhisdutiesinthespiritofjustice'

42Welcomingthisanswer,heaskedanotherhowhemight become.anobjectofdreadtohisenemies.

43Andhereplied,'Ifwhilemaintainingavastsupplyofarms andforcesherememberedthatthesethingswerepowerlessto achieveapermanentandconclusiveresult.ForevenGod instilsfearintothemindsofmenbygrantingreprievesand makingmerelyadisplayofthegreatnessofhispower'

44Thismanthekingpraisedandthensaidtothenext,'What isthehighestgoodinlife?'

45Andheanswered,'ToknowthatGodisLordofthe Universe,andthatinourfinestachievementsitisnotwewho attainsuccessbutGodwhobyhispowerbringsallthingsto fulfilmentandleadsustothegoal'

46Thekingexclaimedthatthemanhadansweredwelland thenaskedthenexthowhecouldkeepallhispossessions intactandfinallyhandthemdowntohissuccessorsinthe samecondition?

47Andheanswered,'ByprayingconstantlytoGodthatyou maybeinspiredwithhighmotivesinallyourundertakings andbywarningyourdescendantsnottobedazzledbyfameor wealth,foritisGodwhobestowsallthesegiftsandmen neverbythemselveswinthesupremacy'

48Thekingexpressedhisagreementwiththeanswerand inquiredofthenextguest,howhecouldbearwithequanimity whateverbefellhim?

49Andhesaid,'Ifyouhaveafirmgraspofthethoughtthat allmenareappointedbyGodtosharethegreatestevilaswell asthegreatestgood,sinceitisimpossibleforonewhoisa mantobeexemptfromtheseButGodtowhomweought alwaystopray,inspiresuswithcouragetoendure'

50Delightedwiththeman'sreply,thekingsaidthatalltheir answershadbeengood'Iwillputaquestiontooneother,'he added,'andthenIwillstopforthepresent:thatwemayturn ourattentiontotheenjoymentofthefeastandspenda pleasanttime'

51Thereuponheaskedtheman,'Whatisthetrueaimof courage?'

52Andheanswered,'Ifarightplaniscarriedoutinthehour ofdangerinaccordancewiththeoriginalintentionForall thingsareaccomplishedbyGodtoyouradvantage,Oking, sinceyourpurposeisgood'

53Whenallhadsignifiedbytheirapplausetheiragreement withtheanswer,thekingsaidtothephilosophers(fornota fewofthemwerepresent),'Itismyopinionthatthesemen excelinvirtueandpossessextraordinaryknowledge,sinceon thespurofthemomenttheyhavegivenfittinganswersto thesequestionswhichIhaveputtothem,andhaveallmade Godthestarting-pointoftheirwords'

54AndMenedemus,thephilosopherofEretria,said,'True,O King--forsincetheuniverseismanagedbyprovidenceand sincewerightlyperceivethatmanisthecreationofGod,it followsthatallpowerandbeautyofspeechproceedfrom God'

55Whenthekinghadnoddedhisassenttothissentiment,the speakingceasedandtheyproceededtoenjoythemselves Wheneveningcameon,thebanquetended

MorequestionsandanswersNoteVerse20withitsreference toflyingthroughtheairwrittenin150BC

1Onthefollowingdaytheysatdowntotableagainand continuedthebanquetaccordingtothesamearrangements.

2Whenthekingthoughtthatafittingopportunityhadarrived toputinquiriestohisguests,heproceededtoaskfurther questionsofthemenwhosatnextinordertothosewhohad givenanswersonthepreviousday

3Hebegantoopentheconversationwiththeeleventhman, forthereweretenwhohadbeenaskedquestionsonthe formeroccasion

4Whensilencewasestablished,heaskedhowhecould continuetoberich?

5Afterabriefreflection,themanwhohadbeenaskedthe questionreplied--'Ifhedidnothingunworthyofhisposition, neveractedlicentiously,neverlavishedexpenseonemptyand vainpursuits,butbyactsofbenevolencemadeallhissubjects welldisposedtowardshimselfForitisGodwhoistheauthor ofallgoodthingsandHimmanmustneedsobey.'

6Thekingbestowedpraiseuponhimandthenaskedanother howhecouldmaintainthetruth?

7Inreplytothequestionhesaid,'Byrecognizingthatalie bringsgreatdisgraceuponallmen,andmoreespeciallyupon kingsForsincetheyhavethepowertodowhatevertheywish, whyshouldtheyresorttolies?Inadditiontothisyoumust alwaysremember,OKing,thatGodisaloverofthetruth

8Thekingreceivedtheanswerwithgreatdelightandlooking atanothersaid,'Whatistheteachingofwisdom?'

9Andtheotherreplied,'Asyouwishthatnoevilshould befallyou,buttobeapartakerofallgoodthings,soyou shouldactonthesameprincipletowardsyoursubjectsand offenders,andyoushouldmildlyadmonishthenobleand good.ForGoddrawsallmentoHimselfbyhisbenignity.'

10Thekingpraisedhimandaskedthenextinorderhowhe couldbethefriendofmen?

11Andhereplied,'Byobservingthatthehumanrace increasesandisbornwithmuchtroubleandgreatsuffering: whereforeyoumustnotlightlypunishorinflicttormentsupon them,sinceyouknowthatthelifeofmenismadeupofpains andpenaltiesForifyouunderstoodeverythingyouwouldbe filledwithpity,forGodalsoitpitiful!

12Thekingreceivedtheanswerwithapprobationand inquiredofthenext,'Whatisthemostessentialqualification forruling?'

13'Tokeeponeself,'heanswered,'freefrombriberyandto practisesobrietyduringthegreaterpartofone'slife,tohonour rightousnessaboveallthings,andtomakefriendsofmenof thistype.ForGod,too,isaloverofjustice!

13Havingsignifiedhisapproval,thekingsaidtoanother, 'Whatisthetruemarkofpiety?'

14Andhereplied,'ToperceivethatGodconstantlyworksin theUniverseandknowsallthings,andnomanwhoacts unjustlyandworkswickednesscanescapeHisnoticeAsGod isthebenefactorofthewholeworld,soyou,too,mustimitate Himandbevoidofoffence!

15Thekingsignifiedhisagreementandsaidtoanother,'What istheessenceofkingship?'

16Andhereplied,'Toruleoneselfwellandnottobeled astraybywealthorfametoimmoderateorunseemlydesires, thisisthetruewayofrulingifyoureasonthematterwellout Forallthatyoureallyneedisyours,andGodisfreefrom needandbenignantwithalLetyourthoughtsbesuchas becomeaman,anddesirenotmanythingsbutonlysuchas arenecessaryforruling!

17Thekingpraisedhimandaskedanotherman,howhis deliberationsmightbeforthebest?

18Andhereplied,'Ifheconstantlysetjusticebeforehimin everythingandthoughtthatinjusticewasequivalentto deprivationoflifeForGodalwayspromisesthehighest blessingstothejust!'

19Havingpraisedhim,thekingaskedthenext,howhecould befreefromdisturbingthoughtsinhissleep?

20Andhereplied,'Youhaveaskedmea.questionwhichis verydifficulttoanswer,forwecannotbringourtrueselves intoplayduringthehoursforsleep,butareheldfastinthese byimaginationsthatcannotbecontrolledbyreason.Forour soulspossessthefeelingthattheyactuallyseethethingsthat enterintoourconsciousnessduringsleepButwemakea mistakeifwesupposethatweareactuallysailingonthesea inboatsorflyingthroughtheairortravellingtootherregions oranythingelseofthekindAndyetweactuallydoimagine suchthingstobetakingplace.

21Sofarasitispossibleformetodecide,Ihavereachedthe followingconclusionYoumustineverypossibleway,O King,governyourwordsandactionsbytheruleofpietythat youmayhavetheconsciousnessthatyouaremaintaining virtueandthatyouneverchoosetogratifyyourselfatthe expenseofreasonandneverbyabusingyourpowerdo despitetorighteousness

22Forthemindmostlybusiesitselfinsleepwiththesame thingswith,whichitoccupiesitselfwhenawake.Andhewho hasallhisthoughtsandactionssettowardsthenoblestends establisheshimselfinrighteousnessbothwhenheisawake andwhenheisasleepWhereforeyoumustbesteadfastin theconstantdisciplineofself

23Thekingbestowedpraiseonthemanandsaidtoanother-'Sinceyouarethetenthtoanswer,whenyouhavespoken,we willdevoteourselvestothebanquet'Andthenheputthe question,howcanIavoiddoinganythingunworthyofmyself?

24Andhereplied,'Lookalwaystoyourownfameandyour ownsupremeposition,thatyoumayspeakandthinkonly suchthingsasareconsistenttherewith,knowingthatallyour subjectsthinkandtalkaboutyouForyoumustnotappearto beworsethantheactors,whostudycarefullytherôle,which itisnecessaryforthemtoplay,andshapealltheiractionsin accordancewithitYouarenotactingapart,butarereallya king,sinceGodhasbestoweduponyouaroyalauthorityin keepingwithyourcharacter.'

25Whenthekinghadapplaudedloudandlonginthemost, graciousway,theguestswereurgedtoseekreposeSowhen theconversationceased,theydevotedthemselvestothenext courseofthefeast

26Onthefollowingday,thesamearrangementwasobserved, andwhenthekingfoundanopportunityofputtingquestions tothemen,hequestionedthefirstofthosewhohadbeenleft overforthenextinterrogation,Whatisthehighestformof government?

27Andhereplied,'Toruleoneselfandnottobecarriedaway byimpulsesForallmenpossessacertainnaturalbentof mind.Itisprobablethatmostmenhaveaninclinationtowards foodanddrinkandpleasure,andkingsabenttowardsthe acquisitionofterritoryandgreatrenownButitisgoodthat thereshouldbemoderationinallthings.

28WhatGodgives,thatyoumusttakeandkeep,butnever yearnforthingsthatarebeyondyourreach'

29Pleasedwiththesewords,thekingaskedthenext,howhe couldbefreefromenvy?

30Andheafterabriefpausereplied,'Ifyouconsiderfirstof allthatitisGodwhobestowsonallkingsgloryandgreat

wealthandnooneiskingbyhisownpowerAllmenwishto sharethisglorybutcannot,sinceitisthegiftofGod!

31Thekingpraisedthemaninalongspeechandthenasked another,howhecoulddespisehisenemies?

32Andhereplied,'ifyoushowkindnesstoallmenandwin theirfriendship,youneedfearnoone.Tobepopularwithall menisthebestofgoodgiftstoreceivefromGod!

33Havingpraisedthisanswerthekingorderedthenextman toreplytothequestion,howhecouldmaintainhisgreat renown?

34Andherepliedthat'Ifyouaregenerousandlarge-hearted inbestowingkindnessandactsofgraceuponothers,youwill neverloseyourrenown,butifyouwishtheaforesaidgraces tocontinueyours,youmustcalluponGodcontinually'

35Thekingexpressedhisapprovalandaskedthenext,To whomoughtamantoshowliberality?

36Andhereplied,'Allmenacknowledgethatweoughtto showliberalitytothosewhoarewelldisposedtowardsus,but Ithinkthatweoughttoshowthesamekeenspiritof generositytothosewhoareopposedtousthatbythismeans wemaywinthemovertotherightandtowhatis advantageoustoourselvesButwemustpraytoGodthatthis maybeaccomplished,forherulesthemindsofallmen'

37Havingexpressedhisagreementwiththeanswer,theking askedthesixthtoreplytothequestion,towhomoughtweto exhibitgratitude?

38Andhereplied,'Toourparentscontinually,forGodhas givenusamostimportantcommandmentwithregardtothe honourduetoparentsInthenextplaceHereckonsthe attitudeoffriendtowardsfriendforHespeaksof"afriend whichisasthineownsoul"Youdowellintryingtobringall menintofriendshipwithyourself'

39Thekingspokekindlytohimandthenaskedthenext, Whatisitthatresemblesbeautyinvalue?

40Andhesaid,'Piety,foritisthepre-eminentformofbeauty, anditspowerliesinlove,whichisthegiftofGodThisyou havealreadyacquiredandwithitalltheblessingsoflife'

41Thekinginthemostgraciouswayapplaudedtheanswer andaskedanother,how,ifheweretofail,hecouldregainhis reputationagaininthesamedegree?

42Andhesaid,'Itisnotpossibleforyoutofail,foryouhave sowninallmentheseedsofgratitudewhichproducea harvestofgoodwill,andthisismightierthanthestrongest weaponsandguaranteesthegreatestsecurity.Butifanyman doesfail,hemustneveragaindothosethingswhichcaused hisfailure,buthemustformfriendshipsandactjustlyForit isthegiftofGodtobeabletodogoodactionsandnotthe contrary'

43Delightedwiththesewords,thekingaskedanother,how hecouldbefreefromgrief?

44Andhereplied,'Ifheneverinjuredanyone,butdidgood toeverybodyandfollowedthepathwayofrighteousness,for itsfruitsbringfreedomfromgrief.ButwemustpraytoGod thatunexpectedevilssuchasdeathordiseaseorpainor anythingofthiskindmaynotcomeuponusandinjureusBut sinceyouaredevotedtopiety,nosuchmisfortunewillever comeuponyou'

45Thekingbestowedgreatpraiseuponhimandaskedthe tenth,Whatisthehighestformofglory?

46Andhesaid,'TohonourGod,andthisisdonenotwith giftsandsacrificesbutwithpurityofsoulandholyconviction, sinceallthingsarefashionedandgovernedbyGodin accordancewithHiswillOfthispurposeyouareinconstant possessionasallmencanshefromyourachievementsinthe pastandinthepresent.'

47Withloudvoicethekinggreetedthemallandspokekindly tothem,andallthosewhowerepresentexpressedtheir approval,especiallythephilosophers.Fortheywerefar superiortothem[iethephilosophers]bothinconductandin argument,sincetheyalwaysmadeGodtheirstarting-point

48Afterthisthekingtoshowhisgoodfeelingproceededto drinkthehealthofhisguests

CHAPTER9

Verse8epitomizesthevalueofknowledgeVerse28,parental affection.NoteespeciallythequestioninVerse26andthe answerAlsonotethequestioninVerse47andtheanswer Thisissageadviceforbusinessmen

1Onthefollowingdaythesamearrangementsweremadefor thebanquet,andtheking,assoonasanopportunityoccurred, begantoputquestionstothemenwhosatnexttothosewho hadalreadyresponded,andhesaidtothefirst'Iswisdom capableofbeingtaught?'

2Andhesaid,'Thesoulissoconstitutedthatitisablebythe divinepowertoreceiveallthegoodandrejectthecontrary.'

3Thekingexpressedapprovalandaskedthenextman,What isitthatismostbeneficialtohealth?

4Andhesaid,'Temperance,anditisnotpossibletoacquire thisunlessGodcreateadispositiontowardsit'

5Thekingspokekindlytothemanandsaidtoanother,'How canamanworthilypaythedebtofgratitudetohisparents?'

6Andhesaid,'Bynevercausingthempain,andthisisnot possibleunlessGoddisposethemindtothepursuitofthe noblestends'

7Thekingexpressedagreementandaskedthenext,howhe couldbecomeaneagerlistener?

8Andhesaid,'Byrememberingthatallknowledgeisuseful, becauseitenablesyoubythehelpofGodinatimeof emergencytoselectsomeofthethingswhichyouhave learnedandapplythemtothecrisiswhichconfrontsyouAnd sotheeffortsofmenarefulfilledbytheassistanceofGod'

9ThekingpraisedhimandaskedthenextHowhecould avoiddoinganythingcontrarytolaw?

10Andhesaid,'IfyourecognizethatitisGodwhohasput thethoughtsintotheheartsofthelawgiversthatthelivesof menmightbepreserved,youwillfollowthem'

11Thekingacknowledgedtheman'sanswerandsaidto another,'Whatistheadvantageofkinship?'

12Andhereplied,'Ifweconsiderthatweourselvesare afflictedbythemisfortuneswhichfalluponourrelativesand iftheirsufferingsbecomeourown--thenthestrengthof kinshipisapparentatonce,foritisonlywhensuchfeelingis shownthatweshallwinhonourandesteemintheireyesFor help,whenitislinkedwithkindliness,isofitselfabond whichisaltogetherindissolubleAndinthedayoftheir prosperitywemustnotcravetheirpossessions,butmustpray Godtobestowallmannerofgooduponthem.'

13Andhavingaccordedtohimthesamepraiseastotherest, thekingaskedanother,howhecouldattainfreedomfromfear?

14Andhesaid,'Whenthemindisconsciousthatithas wroughtnoevil,andwhenGoddirectsittoallnoble counsels'

15Thekingexpressedhisapprovalandaskedanother,howhe couldalwaysmaintainarightjudgement?

16Andhereplied,'Ifheconstantlysetbeforehiseyesthe misfortuneswhichbefallmenandrecognizedthatitisGod whotakesawayprosperityfromsomeandbringsothersto greathonourandglory'

17Thekinggaveakindlyreceptiontothemanandaskedthe nexttoanswerthequestion,howhecouldavoidalifeofease andpleasure?

18Andhereplied,'Ifhecontinuallyrememberedthathewas therulerofagreatempireandthelordofvastmultitudes,and thathismindoughtnottobeoccupiedwithotherthings,but, heoughtalwaystobeconsideringhowhecouldbestpromote theirwelfareHemustpray,too,toGodthatnodutymightbe neglected.'

19Havingbestowedpraiseuponhim,thekingaskedthetenth, howhecouldrecognizethosewhoweredealingtreacherously withhim?

20Andherepliedtothequestion,'Ifheobservedwhetherthe bearingofthoseabouthimwasnaturalandwhetherthey maintainedtheproperruleofprecedenceatreceptionsand councils,andintheirgeneralintercourse,nevergoingbeyond theboundsofproprietyincongratulationsorinothermatters ofdeportment.ButGodwillinclineyourmind,OKing,toall thatisnoble'

21Whenthekinghadexpressedhisloudapprovalandpraised themallindividually(amidtheplauditsofallwhowere present),theyturnedtotheenjoymentofthefeast

22Andonthenextday,whentheopportunityoffered,the kingaskedthenextman,Whatisthegrossestformofneglect?

23Andhereplied,'Ifamandoesnotcareforhischildrenand devoteeveryefforttotheireducationForwealwaysprayto Godnotsomuchforourselvesasforourchildrenthatevery blessingmaybetheirsOurdesirethatourchildrenmay possessself-controlisonlyrealizedbythepowerofGod'

24Thekingsaidthathehadspokenwellandthenasked another,howhecouldbepatriotic?

25'Bykeepingbeforeyourmind,'hereplied,'thethoughtthat itisgoodtoliveanddieinone'sowncountry.Residence abroadbringscontemptuponthepoorandshameuponthe richasthoughtheyhadbeenbanishedforacrime.Ifyou bestowbenefitsuponall,asyoucontinuallydo,Godwillgive youfavourwithallandyouwillbeaccountedpatriotic"

26Afterlisteningtothisman,thekingaskedthenextinorder, howhecouldliveamicablywithhiswife?

27Andheanswered,'Byrecognizingthatwomankindareby natureheadstrongandenergeticinthepursuitoftheirown desires,andsubjecttosuddenchangesofopinionthrough fallaciousreasoning,andtheirnatureisessentiallyweakItis necessarytodealwiselywiththemandnottoprovokestrife. Forthesuccessfulconductoflifethesteersmanmustknow thegoaltowardwhichheoughttodirecthiscourseItisonly bycallinguponthehelpofGodthatmencansteeratrue courseoflifeatalltimes'

28Thekingexpressedhisagreementandaskedthenext,how hecouldbefreefromerror?

29Andhereplied,'Ifyoualwaysactwithdeliberationand nevergivecredencetoslanders,butproveforyourselfthe thingsthataresaidtoyouanddecidebyyourownjudgement therequestswhicharemadetoyouandcarryouteverything inthelightofyourjudgement,youwillbefreefromerror,O King.Buttheknowledgeandpracticeofthesethingsisthe workoftheDivinepower'

30Delightedwiththesewords,thekingaskedanother,how hecouldbefreefromwrath?

31Andhesaidinreplytothequestion,'Ifherecognizedthat hehadpoweroveralleventoinflictdeathuponthem,ifhe gavewaytowrath,andthatitwouldbeuselessandpitifulif he,justbecausehewaslord,deprivedmanyoflife

32Whatneedwasthereforwrath,whenallmenwerein subjectionandnoonewashostiletohim?Itisnecessaryto recognizethatGodrulesthewholeworldinthespiritof

kindnessandwithoutwrathatall,andyou,'saidhe,'OKing, mustofnecessitycopyHisexample'

33Thekingsaidthathehadansweredwellandtheninquired ofthenextman,Whatisgoodcounsel?

34'Toactwellatalltimesandwithduereflection,'he explained,'comparingwhatisadvantageoustoourownpolicy withtheinjuriouseffectsthatwouldresultfromtheadoption oftheoppositeview,inorderthatbyweighingeverypointwe maybewelladvisedandourpurposemaybeaccomplished. Andmostimportantofall,bythepowerofGodeveryplanof yourswillfindfulfilmentbecauseyoupractisepiety'

35Thekingsaidthatthismanhadansweredwell,andasked another,Whatisphilosophy?

36Andheexplained,'Todeliberatewellinreferencetoany questionthatemergesandnevertobecarriedawayby impulses,buttoponderovertheinjuriesthatresultfromthe passions,andtoactrightlyasthecircumstancesdemand, practisingmoderation.ButwemustpraytoGodtoinstilinto ourmindaregardforthesethings'

37Thekingsignifiedhisconsentandaskedanother,howhe couldmeetwithrecognitionwhentravelingabroad?

38'Bybeingfairtoallmen,'hereplied,'andbyappearingto beinferiorratherthansuperiortothoseamongstwhomhewas traveling.ForitisarecognizedprinciplethatGodbyHisvery natureacceptsthehumbleAndthehumanracelovesthose whoarewillingtobeinsubjectiontothem'

39Havingexpressedhisapprovalatthisreply,thekingasked another,howhecouldbuildinsuchawaythathisstructures wouldendureafterhim?

40Andherepliedtothequestion,'Ifhiscreationswereona greatandnoblescale,sothatthebeholderswouldsparethem fortheirbeauty,andifheneverdismissedanyofthosewho wroughtsuchworksandnevercompelledotherstoministerto hisneedswithoutwages

41ForobservinghowGodprovidesforthehumanrace, grantingthemhealthandmentalcapacityandallothergifts, hehimselfshouldfollowHisexamplebyrenderingtomena recompensefortheirarduoustoilForitisthedeedsthatare wroughtinrighteousnessthatabidecontinually!

42Thekingsaidthatthisman,too,hadansweredwelland askedthetenth,Whatisthefruitofwisdom?

43Andhereplied,'Thatamanshouldbeconsciousinhimself thathehaswroughtnoevilandthatheshouldlivehislifein thetruth.Sinceitisfromthese,OmightyKing,thatthe greatestjoyandsteadfastnessofsoulandstrongfaithinGod accruetoyouifyouruleyourrealminpiety'

44Andwhentheyheardtheanswertheyallshoutedwithloud acclaim,andafterwardsthekinginthefullnessofhisjoy begantodrinktheirhealths

45Andonthenextdaythebanquetfollowedthesamecourse asonpreviousoccasions,andwhentheopportunitypresented itselfthekingproceededtoputquestionstotheremaining guests,andhesaidtothefirst,'Howcanamankeephimself frompride?'

46Andhereplied,'Ifhemaintainsequalityandrememberson alloccasionsthatheisamanrulingovermen.AndGod bringstheproudtonought,andexaltsthemeekandhumble!

47Thekingspokekindlytohimandaskedthenext,Whom oughtamantoselectashiscounsellors?

48Andhereplied,'Thosewhohavebeentestedinmany affairsandmaintainunmingledgoodwilltowardshimand partakeofhisowndispositionAndGodmanifestsHimselfto thosewhoareworthythattheseendsmaybeattained'

49Thekingpraisedhimandaskedanother,Whatisthemost necessarypossessionforaking?

50'Thefriendshipandloveofhissubjects,'hereplied,'forit isthroughthisthatthebondofgoodwillisrendered indissoluble.AnditisGodwhoensuresthatthismaycometo passinaccordancewithyourwish'

51Thekingpraisedhimandinquiredofanother,Whatisgoal ofspeech?Andhereplied,'Toconvinceyouropponentby showinghimhismistakesinawell-orderedarmyof arguments

52Forinthiswayyouwillwinyourhearer,notbyopposing him,butbybestowingpraiseuponhimwithaviewto persuadinghimAnditisbythepowerofGodthatpersuasion isaccomplished.'

53Thekingsaidthathehadgivenagoodanswer,andasked another,howhecouldliveamicablywiththemanydifferent raceswhoformedthepopulationofhiskingdom?

54'Byactingtheproperparttowardseach,'hereplied,'and takingrighteousnessasyourguide,asyouarenowdoingwith thehelpoftheinsightwhichGodbestowsuponyou.'

55Thekingwasdelightedbythisreply,andaskedanother, 'Underwhatcircumstancesoughtamantosuffergrief?'

56'Inthemisfortunesthatbefallourfriends,'hereplied,'when weseethattheyareprotractedandirremediableReasondoes notallowustogrieveforthosewhoaredeadandsetfreefrom evil,butallmendogrieveoverthembecausetheythinkonly ofthemselvesandtheirownadvantageItisbythepowerof Godalonethatwecanescapeallevil!

57Thekingsaidthathehadgivenafittinganswer,andasked another,howisreputationlost?

58Andhereplied,'Whenprideandunboundedselfconfidenceholdsway,dishonourandlossofreputationare engenderedForGodistheLordofallreputationandbestows itwhereHewill'

59Thekinggavehisconfirmationtotheanswer,andasked thenextman,Towhomoughtmentoentrustthemselves?

60'Tothose,'hereplied,'whoserveyoufromgoodwilland notfromfearorself-interest,thinkingonlyoftheirowngain Fortheoneisthesignoflove,theotherthemarkofillwill andtime-serving

61Forthemanwhoisalwayswatchingforhisowngainisa traitoratheartButyoupossesstheaffectionofallyour subjectsbythehelpofthegoodcounselwhichGodbestows uponyou'

62Thekingsaidthathehadansweredwisely,andasked another,Whatisitthatkeepsakingdomsafe?

63Andherepliedtothequestion,'Careandforethoughtthat noevilmaybewroughtbythosewhoareplacedinaposition ofauthorityoverthepeople,andthisyoualwaysdobythe helpofGodwhoinspiresyouwithgravejudgement'

64Thekingspokewordsofencouragementtohim,andasked another,Whatisitthatmaintainsgratitudeandhonour?

65Andhereplied,'Virtue,foritisthecreatorofgooddeeds, andbyitevilisdestroyed,evenasyouexhibitnobilityof charactertowardsallbythegiftwhichGodbestowsupon you'

66Thekinggraciouslyacknowledgedtheanswerandasked theeleventh(sincethereweretwomorethanseventy),howhe couldintimeofwarmaintaintranquillityofsoul?

67Andhereplied,'Byrememberingthathehaddonenoevil toanyofhissubjects,andthatallwouldfightforhimin returnforthebenefitswhichtheyhadreceived,knowingthat eveniftheylosetheirlives,youwillcareforthosedependent onthemForyouneverfailtomakereparationtoany--suchis thekind-heartednesswithwhichGodhasinspiredyou'

68Thekingloudlyapplaudedthemallandspokeverykindly tothemandthendrankalongdraughttothehealthofeach,

givinghimselfuptoenjoyment,andlavishingthemost generousandjoyousfriendshipuponhisguests

CHAPTER10

Thequestionsandanswerscontinue.Showinghowthearmy officersoughttobeselectedWhatmanisworthyof admirationandotherproblemsofdailylifeastruetodayas 2000yearsagoVerses15-17arenotableforrecommending thetheatreVerses21-22describethewisdomofelectinga presidentorhavingaking

1Ontheseventhdaymuchmoreextensivepreparationswere made,andmanyotherswerepresentfromthedifferentcities (amongthemalargenumberofambassadors)

2Whenanopportunityoccurred,thekingaskedthefirstof thosewhohadnotyetbeenquestioned,howhecouldavoid beingdeceivedbyfallaciousreasoning?

3Andhereplied,'Bynoticingcarefullythespeaker,thething spoken,andthesubjectunderdiscussion,andbyputtingthe samequestionsagainafteranintervalindifferentformsBut topossessanalertmindandtobeabletoformasound judgementineverycaseisoneofthegoodgiftsofGod,and youpossessit,OKing'

4Thekingloudlyapplaudedtheanswerandaskedanother, Whyisitthatthemajorityofmenneverbecomevirtuous?

5'Because,'hereplied,'allmenarebynatureintemperateand inclinedtopleasure.Hence,injusticespringsupandafloodof avariceThehabitofvirtueisahindrancetothosewhoare devotedtoalifeofpleasurebecauseitenjoinsuponthemthe preferenceoftemperanceandrighteousnessForitisGod whoisthemasterofthesethings'

6Thekingsaidthathehadansweredwell,andasked,What oughtkingstoobey?Andhesaid,'Thelaws,inorderthatby righteousenactmentstheymayrestorethelivesofmenEven asyoubysuchconductinobediencetotheDivinecommand havelaidupinstoreforyourselfaperpetualmemorial'

7Thekingsaidthatthisman,too,hadspokenwell,andasked thenext,Whomoughtwetoappointasgovernors?

SAndhereplied,'Allwhohatewickedness,andimitating yourownconductactrighteouslythattheymaymaintaina goodreputationconstantly.Forthisiswhatyoudo,Omighty King,'hesaid,'anditisGodwhohasbestoweduponyouthe crownofrighteousness'

9Thekingloudlyacclaimedtheanswerandthenlookingat thenextmansaid,'Whomoughtwetoappointasofficersover theforces?'

10Andheexplained,'Thosewhoexcelincourageand righteousnessandthosewhoaremoreanxiousaboutthe safetyoftheirmenthantogainavictorybyriskingtheirlives throughrashness.ForasGodactswelltowardsallmen,sotoo youinimitationofHimarethebenefactorofallyour subjects'

11Thekingsaidthathehadgivenagoodanswerandasked another,Whatmanisworthyofadmiration?

12Andhereplied,'Themanwhoisfurnishedwithreputation andwealthandpowerandpossessesasoulequaltoitall.You yourselfshowbyyouractionsthatyouaremostworthyof admirationthroughthehelpofGodwhomakesyoucarefor thesethings.'

113Thekingexpressedhisapprovalandsaidtoanother,'To whataffairsoughtkingstodevotemosttime?'

14Andhereplied,'Toreadingandthestudyoftherecordsof officialjourneys,whicharewritteninreferencetothevarious kingdoms,withaviewtothereformationandpreservationof thesubjects.Anditisbysuchactivitythatyouhaveattained

toaglorywhichhasneverbeenapproachedbyothers, throughthehelpofGodwhofulfilsallyourdesires'

15Thekingspokeenthusiasticallytothemanandasked another,howoughtamantooccupyhimselfduringhishours ofrelaxationandrecreation?

16Andhereplied,'Towatchthoseplayswhichcanbeacted withproprietyandtosetbeforeone'seyesscenestakenfrom lifeandenactedwithdignityanddecencyisprofitableand appropriate.

17Forthereissomeedificationtobefoundeveninthese amusements,foroftensomedesirablelessonistaughtbythe mostinsignificantaffairsoflife.Butbypractisingtheutmost proprietyinallyouractions,youhaveshownthatyouarea philosopherandyouarehonouredbyGodonaccountofyour virtue.'

18Theking,pleasedwiththewordswhichhadjustbeen spoken,saidtotheninthman,howoughtamantoconduct himselfatbanquets?

19Andhereplied,'Youshouldsummontoyoursidemenof learningandthosewhoareabletogiveyouusefulhintswith regardtotheaffairsofyourkingdomandthelivesofyour subjects(foryoucouldnotfindanythememoresuitableor moreeducativethanthis)sincesuchmenaredeartoGod becausetheyhavetrainedtheirmindstocontemplatethe noblestthemes--asyouindeedaredoingyourself,sinceall youractionsaredirectedbyGod'

20Delightedwiththereply,thekinginquiredofthenextman, Whatisbestforthepeople?Thataprivatecitizenshouldbe madekingoverthemoramemberoftheroyalfamily?

21Andhereplied,'HewhoisbestbynatureForkingswho comeofroyallineageareoftenharshandseveretowardstheir subjectsAndstillmoreisthisthecasewithsomeofthose whohaverisenfromtheranksofprivatecitizens,whoafter havingexperiencedevilandbornetheirshareofpoverty, whentheyruleovermultitudesturnouttobemorecruelthan thegodlesstyrants

22But,asIhavesaid,agoodnaturewhichhasbeenproperly trainediscapableofruling,andyouareagreatking,notso muchbecauseyouexcelinthegloryofyourruleandyour wealthbutratherbecauseyouhavesurpassedallmenin clemencyandphilanthropy,thankstoGodwhohasendowed youwiththesequalities'

23Thekingspentsometimeinpraisingthismanandthen askedthelastofall,Whatisthegreatestachievementinruling anempire?

24Andhereplied,'Thatthesubjectsshouldcontinuallydwell inastateofpeace,andthatjusticeshouldbespeedily administeredincasesofdispute'

25Theseresultsareachievedthroughtheinfluenceofthe ruler,whenheisamanwhohatesevilandlovesthegoodand devoteshisenergiestosavingthelivesofmen,justasyou considerinjusticetheworstformofevilandbyyourjust administrationhavefashionedforyourselfanundying reputation,sinceGodbestowsuponyouamindwhichispure anduntaintedbyanyevil'

26Andwhenheceased,loudandjoyfulapplausebrokeout forsomeconsiderabletimeWhenitstoppedthekingtooka cupandgaveatoastinhonourofallhisguestsandthewords whichtheyhaduttered.

27Theninconclusionhesaid,Ihavederivedthegreatest benefitfromyourpresenceIhaveprofitedmuchbythewise cachingwhichyouhavegivenmeinreferencetotheartof ruling'

28Thenheorderedthatthreetalentsofsilvershouldbe presentedtoeachofthem,andappointedoneofhisslavesto deliveroverthemoney

29Allatonceshoutedtheirapproval,andthebanquetbecame asceneofjoy,whilethekinggavehimselfuptoacontinuous roundoffestivity.

CHAPTER11

Foracommentonancientstenography,seeVerse7The translationissubmittedforapprovalandacceptedasread, and(Verse23)arisingvoteofapprovalistakenand unanimouslycarried

1Ihavewrittenatlengthandmustcraveyourpardon, Philocrates.

2Iwasastonishedbeyondmeasureatthemenandthewayin whichonthespurofthemomenttheygaveanswerswhich reallyneededalongtimetodevise.

3Forthoughthequestionerhadgivengreatthoughttoeach particularquestion,thosewhorepliedoneaftertheotherhad theiranswerstothequestionsreadyatonceandsothey seemedtomeandtoallwhowerepresentandespeciallyto thephilosopherstobeworthyofadmiration

4AndIsupposethatthethingwillseemincredibletothose whowillreadmynarrativeinthefuture

5Butitisunseemlytomisrepresentfactswhicharerecorded inthepublicarchives.

6Anditwouldnotberightformetotransgressinsucha matterasthisItellthestoryjustasithappened, conscientiouslyavoidinganyerror.

7Iwassoimpressedbytheforceoftheirutterances,thatI madeanefforttoconsultthosewhosebusinessitwastomake arecordofallthathappenedattheroyalaudiencesand banquets

8Foritisthecustom,asyouknow,fromthemomenttheking beginstotransactbusinessuntilthetimewhenheretiresto rest,forarecordtobetakenofallhissayingsanddoings--a mostexcellentandusefularrangement.

9Foronthefollowingdaytheminutesofthedoingsand sayingsofthepreviousdayarereadoverbeforebusiness commence,andiftherehasbeenanyirregularity,thematteris atoncesetright

10Iobtainedtherefore,ashasbeensaid,accurateinformation fromthepublicrecords,andIhavesetforththefactsinproper ordersinceIknowhoweageryouaretoobtainuseful information

11ThreedayslaterDemetriustookthemenandpassingalong thesea-wall,sevenstadialong,totheisland,crossedthe bridgeandmadeforthenortherndistrictsofPharos

12Thereheassembledtheminahouse,whichhadbeenbuilt uponthesea-shore,ofgreatbeautyandinasecludedsituation, andinvitedthemtocarryouttheworkoftranslation,since everythingthattheyneededforthepurposewasplacedat theirdisposal

13Sotheysettoworkcomparingtheirseveralresultsand makingthemagree,andwhatevertheyagreeduponwas suitablycopiedoutunderthedirectionofDemetrius

14Andthesessionlasteduntiltheninthhour;afterthisthey weresetfreetoministertotheirphysicalneeds.

15Everythingtheywantedwasfurnishedforthemonalavish scaleInadditiontothisDorotheusmadethesame preparationsforthemdailyasweremadeforthekinghimself-forthushehadbeencommandedbytheking

16IntheearlymorningtheyappeareddailyattheCourt,and aftersalutingthekingwentbacktotheirownplace

17AndasisthecustomofalltheJews,theywashedtheir handsintheseaandprayedtoGodandthendevoted themselvestoreadingandtranslatingtheparticularpassage

uponwhichtheywereengaged,andIputthequestiontothem, Whyitwasthattheywashedtheirhandsbeforetheyprayed?

18Andtheyexplainedthatitwasatokenthattheyhaddone noevil(foreveryformofactivityiswroughtbymeansofthe hands)sinceintheirnobleandholywaytheyregard everythingasasymbolofrighteousnessandtruth.

19AsIhavealreadysaid,theymettogetherdailyintheplace whichwasdelightfulforitsquietanditsbrightnessand appliedthemselvestotheirtask.

20Anditsochancedthattheworkoftranslationwas completedinseventy-twodays,justasifthishadbeen arrangedofsetpurpose.

21Whentheworkwascompleted,Demetriuscollected togethertheJewishpopulationintheplacewherethe translationhadbeenmade,andreaditovertoall,inthe presenceofthetranslators,whometwithagreatreception alsofromthepeople,becauseofthegreatbenefitswhichthey hadconferreduponthem.

22TheybestowedwarmpraiseuponDemetrius,too,and urgedhimtohavethewholelawtranscribedandpresenta copytotheirleaders.

23Afterthebookshadbeenread,thepriestsandtheeldersof thetranslatorsandtheJewishcommunityandtheleadersof thepeoplestoodupandsaid,thatsincesoexcellentand sacredandaccurateatranslationhadbeenmade,itwasonly rightthatitshouldremainasitwasandnoalterationshould bemadeinit

24Andwhenthewholecompanyexpressedtheirapproval, theybadethempronounceacurseinaccordancewiththeir customuponanyonewhoshouldmakeanyalterationeitherby addinganythingorchanginginanywaywhateveranyofthe wordswhichhadbeenwrittenormakinganyomission

25Thiswasaverywiseprecautiontoensurethatthebook mightbepreservedforallthefuturetimeunchanged 26Whenthematterwasreportedtotheking,herejoiced greatly,forhefeltthatthedesignwhichhehadformedhad beensafelycarriedout

27Thewholebookwasreadovertohimandhewasgreatly astonishedatthespiritofthelawgiver

28AndhesaidtoDemetrius,'Howisitthatnoneofthe historiansor'thepoetshaveeverthoughtitworththeirwhile toalludetosuchawonderfulachievement?'

29Andhereplied,'Becausethelawissacredandofdivine origin.Andsomeofthosewhoformedtheintentionofdealing withithavebeensmittenbyGodandthereforedesistedfrom theirpurpose'

30HesaidthathehadheardfromTheopompusthathehad beendrivenoutofhismindformorethanthirtydaysbecause heintendedtoinsertinhishistorysomeoftheincidentsfrom theearlierandsomewhatunreliabletranslationsofthelaw.

31Whenhehadrecoveredalittle,hebesoughtGodtomakeit cleartohimwhythemisfortunehadbefallenhim

32Anditwasrevealedtohiminadream,thatfromidle curiosityhewaswishingtocommunicatesacredtruthsto commonmen,andthatifhedesistedhewouldrecoverhis health.

33Ihaveheard,too,fromthelipsofTheodektes,oneofthe tragicpoets,thatwhenhewasabouttoadaptsomeofthe incidentsrecordedinthebookforoneofhisplays,hewas affectedwithcataractinbothhiseyes

34Andwhenheperceivedthereasonwhythemisfortunehad befallenhim,heprayedtoGodformanydaysandwas afterwardsrestored

35Andafter,theking,asIhavealreadysaid,hadreceivedthe explanationofDemetriusonthispoint,hedidhomageand

orderedthatgreatcareshouldbetakenofthebooks,andthat theyshouldbesacredlyguarded

36Andheurgedthetranslatorstovisithimfrequentlyafter theirreturntoJudea,foritwasonlyright,hesaid,thathe shouldnowsendthemhome

37Butwhentheycameback,hewouldtreatthemasfriends, aswasright,andtheywouldreceiverichpresentsfromhim 38Heorderedpreparationstobemadeforthemtoreturn home,andtreatedthemmostmunificently.

39Hepresentedeachoneofthemwiththreerobesofthe finestsort,twotalentsofgold,asideboardweighingone talent,allthefurnitureforthreecouches.

40AndwiththeescorthesentEleazartencoucheswithsilver legsandallthenecessaryequipment,asideboardworththirty talents,tenrobes,purple,andamagnificentcrown,anda hundredpiecesofthefinestwovenlinen,alsobowlsand dishes,andtwogoldenbeakerstobededicatedtoGod

41Heurgedhimalsoinaletterthatifanyofthemen preferredtocomebacktohim,nottohinderthem

42Forhecounteditagreatprivilegetoenjoythesocietyof suchlearnedmen,andhewouldratherlavishhiswealthupon themthanuponvanities

43AndnowPhilocrates,youhavethecompletestoryin accordancewithmypromise.

44Ithinkthatyoufindgreaterpleasureinthesemattersthan inthewritingsofthemythologists

45Foryouaredevotedtothestudyofthosethingswhichcan benefitthesoul,andspendmuchtimeuponitIshallattempt tonarratewhateverothereventsareworthrecording,thatby perusingthemyoumaysecurethehighestrewardforyour zeal