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the antiquities of the jews-1-第349章

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Caius。 These were the women; and the children; and the slaves;
and some of the soldiery。 This last sort had taken his pay; and
in a manner tyrannized with him; and had abused the best of the
citizens; in being subservient to his unjust commands; in order
to gain honors and advantages to themselves; but for the women
and the youth; they had been inveigled with shows; and the
fighting of the gladiators; and certain distributions of
flesh…meat among them; which things them pretense were designed
for the pleasing of multitude; but in reality to satiate the
barbarous cruelty and madness of Caius。 The slaves also were
sorry; because they were by Caius allowed to accuse and to
despise their masters; and they could have recourse to his
assistance when they had unjustly affronted them; for he was very
easy in believing them against their masters; even when they the
city; accused them falsely; and if they would discover what money
their masters had; they might soon obtain both riches and
liberty; as the rewards of their accusations; because the reward
of these informers was the eighth (6) part of the criminal's
substance。 As to the nobles; although the report appeared
credible to some of them; either because they knew of the plot
beforehand; or because they wished it might be true; however;
they concealed not only the joy they had at the relation of it;
but that they had heard any thing at all about it。 These last
acted so out of the fear they had; that if the report proved
false; they should be punished; for having so soon let men know
their minds。 But those that knew Caius was dead; because they
were partners with the conspirators; they concealed all still
more cautiously; as not knowing one another's minds; and fearing
lest they should speak of it to some of those to whom the
continuance of tyranny was advantageous; and if Caius should
prove to be alive; they might be informed against; and punished。
And another report went about; that although Caius had been
wounded indeed; yet was not he dead; but alive still; and under
the physician's hands。 Nor was any one looked upon by another as
faithful enough to be trusted; and to whom any one would open his
mind; for he was either a friend to Caius; and therefore
suspected to favor his tyranny; or he was one that hated him; who
therefore might be suspected to deserve the less credit; because
of his ill…will to him。 Nay; it was said by some (and this indeed
it was that deprived the nobility of their hopes; and made them
sad) that Caius was in a condition to despise the dangers he had
been in; and took no care of healing his wounds; but was gotten
away into the market…place; and; bloody as he was; was making an
harangue to the people。 And these were the conjectural reports of
those that were so unreasonable as to endeavor to raise tumults;
which they turned different ways; according to the opinions of
the bearers。 Yet did they not leave their seats; for fear of
being accused; if they should go out before the rest; for they
should not be sentenced according to the real intention with
which they went out; but according to the supposals of the
accusers and of the judges。

17。 But now a multitude of Germans had surrounded the theater
with their swords drawn: all the spectators looked for nothing
but death; and at every one coming in a fear seized upon them; as
if they were to be cut in pieces immediately; and in great
distress they were; as neither having courage enough to go out of
the theater; nor believing themselves safe from dangers if they
tarried there。 And when the Germans came upon them; the cry was
so great; that the theater rang again with the entreaties of the
spectators to the soldiers; pleading that they were entirely
ignorant of every thing that related to such seditious
contrivances; and that if there were any sedition raised; they
knew nothing of it; they therefore begged that they would spare
them; and not punish those that had not the least hand in such
bold crimes as belonged to other persons; while they neglected to
search after such as had really done whatsoever it be that hath
been done。 Thus did these people appeal to God; and deplore their
infelicity with shedding of tears; and beating their faces; and
said every thing that the most imminent danger and the utmost
concern for their lives could dictate to them。 This brake the
fury of the soldiers; and made them repent of what they minded to
do to the spectators; which would have been the greatest instance
of cruelty。 And so it appeared to even these savages; when they
had once fixed the heads of those that were slain with Asprenas
upon the altar; at which sight the spectators were sorely
afflicted; both upon the consideration of the dignity of the
persons; and out of a commiseration of their sufferings; nay;
indeed; they were almost in as great disorder at the prospect of
the danger themselves were in; seeing it was still uncertain
whether they should entirely escape the like calamity。 Whence it
was that such as thoroughly and justly hated Caius could yet no
way enjoy the pleasure of his death; because they were themselves
in jeopardy of perishing together with him; nor had they hitherto
any firm assurance of surviving。

18。 There was at this time one Euaristus Arruntius; a public
crier in the market; and therefore of a strong and audible voice;
who vied in wealth with the richest of the Romans; and was able
to do what he pleased in the city; both then and afterward。 This
man put himself into the most mournful habit he could; although
he had a greater hatred against Caius than any one else; his fear
and his wise contrivance to gain his safety taught him so to do;
and prevailed over his present pleasure; so he put on such a
mournful dress as he would have done had he lost his dearest
friends in the world; this man came into the theater; and
informed them of the death of Caius; and by this means put an end
to that state of ignorance the men had been in。 Arruntius also
went round about the pillars; and called out to the Germans; as
did the tribunes with him; bidding them put up their swords; and
telling them that Caius was dead。 And this proclamation it was
plainly which saved those that were collected together in the
theater; and all the rest who any way met the Germans; for while
they had hopes that Caius had still any breath in him; they
abstained from no sort of mischief; and such an abundant kindness
they still had for Caius; that they would willingly have
prevented the plot against him; and procured his escape from so
sad a misfortune; at the expense of their own lives。 But they now
left off the warm zeal they had to punish his enemies; now they
were fully satisfied that Caius was dead; because it was now in
vain for them to show their zeal and kindness to him; when he who
should reward them was perished。 They were also afraid that they
should be punished by the senate; if they should go on in doing
such injuries; that is; in case the authority of the supreme
governor should revert to them。 And thus at length a stop was
put; though not without difficulty; to that rage which possessed
the Germans on account of Ca
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