'Tis well you should know and beware.

I have a plan which will make them desire my good health.

Report to Quirinus, and remember"-- he took a hand of the youth in both of his with a fawning movement--"I have need of friends." That very day an order went forth that certain of the learned men of every city be assembled in the amphitheatre at Jericho, and be there confined to wait the further pleasure of the king.

It was a bold plan through which Herod hoped to confound his enemies and insure his safety.

He decreed that on the day of his death all these men should be executed..