the Macedonians, after one hundred and seventy years of
the empire [of Seleucus].

3. This Simon also had a plot laid against him, and was slain at a feast
by his son-in-law Ptolemy, who put his wife and two sons into prison,
and sent some persons to kill John, who was also called Hyrcanus. [2]
But when the young man was informed of their coming beforehand, he
made haste to get to the city, as having a very great confidence in the
people there, both on account of the memory of the glorious actions of
his father, and of the hatred they could not but bear to the injustice
of Ptolemy. Ptolemy also made an attempt to get into the city by another
gate; but was repelled by the people, who had just then admitted of
Hyrcanus; so he retired presently to one of the fortresses that were
about Jericho, which was called Dagon. Now when Hyrcanus had received
the high priesthood, which his father had held before, and had offered
sacrifice to God, he made great haste to attack Ptolemy, that he might
afford relief to his mother and brethren.

4. So he laid siege to the fortress, and was superior to Ptolemy in
other respects, but was overcome by him as to the just affection [he had
for his relations]; for when Ptolemy was distressed, he brought forth
his mother, and his brethren, and set them upon the wall, and beat them
with rods in every body's sight, and threatened, that unless he would
go away immediately, he would throw them down headlong; at which sight
Hyrcanus's commiseration and concern were too hard for his anger. But
his mother was not dismayed, neither at the stripes she received, nor
at the death with which she was threatened; but stretched out her hands,
and prayed her son not to be moved with the injuries that she suffered
to spare the wretch; since it was to her better to die by the means of
Ptolemy, than to live ever so long, provided he might be punished for
the injuries he done to their family. Now John's case was this: When
he considered the courage of his mother, and heard her entreaty, he set
about his attacks; but when he saw her beaten, and torn to pieces
with the stripes, he grew feeble, and was entirely overcome by his
affections. And as the siege was delayed by this means, the year of rest
came on, upon which the Jews rest every seventh year as they do on
every seventh day. On this year, therefore, Ptolemy was freed from being
besieged, and slew the brethren of John, with their mother, and fled to
Zeno, who wa