ons that were laid upon the
sons of Mariamne, and was desirous to humble them, he still increased
the honor that he had bestowed on Antipater, and was at last so overcome
by his persuasions, that he brought his mother to court also. He
also wrote frequently to Caesar in favor of him, and more earnestly
recommended him to his care particularly. And when Agrippa was returning
to Rome, after he had finished his ten years' government in Asia. [2]
Herod sailed from Judea; and when he met with him, he had none with
him but Antipater, whom he delivered to Agrippa, that he might take him
along with him, together with many presents, that so he might become
Caesar's friend, insomuch that things already looked as if he had
all his father's favor, and that the young men were already entirely
rejected from any hopes of the kingdom.

CHAPTER 4. How During Antipater's Abode At Rome, Herod Brought Alexander
And Aristobulus Before Caesar And Accused Them. Alexander's Defense Of
Himself Before Caesar And Reconciliation To His Father.

1. And now what happened during Antipater's absence augmented the honor
to which he had been promoted, and his apparent eminence above his
brethren; for he had made a great figure in Rome, because Herod had sent
recommendations of him to all his friends there; only he was grieved
that he was not at home, nor had proper opportunities of perpetually
calumniating his brethren; and his chief fear was, lest his father
should alter his mind, and entertain a more favorable opinion of the
sons of Mariamne; and as he had this in his mind, he did not desist from
his purpose, but continually sent from Rome any such stories as he
hoped might grieve and irritate his father against his brethren, under
pretense indeed of a deep concern for his preservation, but in truth
such as his malicious mind dictated, in order to purchase a greater hope
of the succession, which yet was already great in itself: and thus he
did till he had excited such a degree of anger in Herod, that he was
already become very ill-disposed towards the young men; but still while
he delayed to exercise so violent a disgust against them, and that he
might not either be too remiss or too rash, and so offend, he thought it
best to sail to Rome, and there accuse his sons before Caesar, and
not indulge himself in any such crime as might be heinous enough to be
suspected of impiety. But as he was going up to Rome, it happened that
he made such haste