h said:

"'Let us depart hence!'

"So things went on, in Jerusalem, until the old feud at Caesarea
broke out afresh. The trouble, this time, began about one of our
synagogues. The land around it belonged to a Greek and, for this,
our people offered a high price. The heathen who owned it refused
and, to annoy us, raised mean houses round the synagogue. The
Jewish youths interrupted the workmen; and the wealthier of the
community--headed by John, a publican--subscribed eight talents,
and sent them to Florus as a bribe, that he might order the
building to be stopped.

"Florus took the money, and made many promises; but the evil man
desired that a revolt should take place, in order that he might
gain great plunder. So he went away from Caesarea, and did nothing;
and a great tumult arose between the heathen and our people. In
this we were worsted, and went away from the city; while John, with
twelve of the highest rank, went to Samaria to lay the matter
before Florus; who threw them into prison--doubtless the more to
excite the people--and at the same time sent to Jerusalem, and
demanded seventeen talents from the treasury of the Temple.

"The people burst into loud outcries, and Florus advanced upon the
city with all his force. But we knew that we could not oppose the
Romans; and so received Florus, on his arrival, with acclamations.
But this did not suit the tyrant. The next morning he ordered his
troops to plunder the upper market, and to put to death all they
met. The soldiers obeyed, and slew three thousand six hundred men,
women, and children.

"You may imagine, John, the feelings of grief and rage which filled
every heart. The next day the multitude assembled in the
marketplace, wailing for the dead and cursing Florus. But the
principal men of the city, with the priests, tore their robes and
went among them, praying them to disperse and not to provoke the
anger of the governor. The people obeyed their voices, and went
quietly home.

"But Florus was not content that matters should end so. He sent for
the priests and leaders, and commanded them to go forth and
receive, with acclamations of welcome, two cohorts of troops who
were advancing from Caesarea. The priests called the people
together in the Temple and, with difficulty, persuaded them to obey
the order. The troops, having orders from Florus, fell upon the
people and trampled them down and, driving the multitude before
them, entered the city; and at the