asy; and Mariamne supposing that the king's love to her was
but hypocritical, and rather pretended [as advantageous to himself] than
real, she looked upon it as fallacious. She also was grieved that he
would not allow her any hopes of surviving him, if he should come to any
harm himself. She also recollected what commands he had formerly given
to Joseph, insomuch that she endeavored to please her keepers, and
especially Sohemus, as well apprized how all was in his power. And
at the first Sohemus was faithful to Herod, and neglected none of the
things he had given him in charge; but when the women, by kind words
and liberal presents, had gained his affections over to them, he was
by degrees overcome, and at length discovered to them all the king's
injunctions, and this on that account principally, that he did not so
much as hope he would come back with the same authority he had before;
so that he thought he should both escape any danger from him, mid
supposed that he did hereby much gratify the women, who were likely not
to be overlooked in the settling of the government; nay, that they would
be able to make him abundant recompense, since they must either reign
themselves, or be very near to him that should reign. He had a further
ground of hope also, that though Herod should have all the success he
could wish for, and should return again, he could not contradict his
wife in what she desired, for he knew that the king's fondness for his
wife was inexpressible. These were the motives that drew Sohemus to
discover what injunctions had been given him. So Mariamne was greatly
displeased to hear that there was no end of the dangers she was under
from Herod, and was greatly uneasy at it, and wished that he might
obtain no favors [from Caesar], and esteemed it almost an insupportable
task to live with him any longer; and this she afterward openly
declared, without concealing her resentment.

2. And now Herod sailed home with joy, at the unexpected good success
he had had; and went first of all, as was proper, to this his wife,
and told her, and her only, the good news, as preferring her before the
rest, on account of his fondness for her, and the intimacy there had
been between them, and saluted her; but so it happened, that as he told
her of the good success he had had, she was so far from rejoicing at
it, that she rather was sorry for it; nor was she able to conceal her
resentments, but, depending on her dignity, and the nobil