t
as she showed that she was a woman, and a contentious woman too, and
would not desist either night or day, but would always be speaking to
him about these matters, and about Herod's treacherous designs, she at
last prevailed with him to intrust Dositheus, one of his friends, with a
letter, wherein his resolution was declared; and he desired the Arabian
governor to send to him some horsemen, who should receive him, and
conduct him to the lake Asphaltites, which is from the bounds of
Jerusalem three hundred furlongs: and he did therefore trust Dositheus
with this letter, because he was a careful attendant on him, and on
Alexandra, and had no small occasions to bear ill-will to Herod; for he
was a kinsman of one Joseph, whom he had slain, and a brother of those
that were formerly slain at Tyre by Antony: yet could not these motives
induce Dositheus to serve Hyrcanus in this affair; for, preferring the
hopes he had from the present king to those he had from him, he gave
Herod the letter. So he took his kindness in good part, and bid him
besides do what he had already done, that is, go on in serving him,
by rolling up the epistle and sealing it again, and delivering it to
Malchus, and then to bring back his letter in answer to it; for it would
be much better if he could know Malchus's intentions also. And when
Dositheus was very ready to serve him in this point also, the Arabian
governor returned back for answer, that he would receive Hyrcanus, and
all that should come with him, and even all the Jews that were of his
party; that he would, moreover, send forces sufficient to secure them in
their journey; and that he should be in no want of any thing he should
desire. Now as soon as Herod had received this letter, he immediately
sent for Hyrcanus, and questioned him about the league he had made with
Malchus; and when he denied it, he showed his letter to the Sanhedrim,
and put the man to death immediately.

3. And this account we give the reader, as it is contained in the
commentaries of king Herod: but other historians do not agree with
them, for they suppose that Herod did not find, but rather make, this an
occasion for thus putting him to death, and that by treacherously laying
a snare for him; for thus do they write: That Herod and he were once at
a treat, and that Herod had given no occasion to suspect [that he was
displeased at him], but put this question to Hyrcanus, Whether he had
received any letters from Malchus? a