CHAPTER 26.
How Eurycles [40] Calumniated The Sons Of Mariamne; And How Euaratus Of Cos's Apology For Them Had No Effect.
1.

Now a little afterward there came into Judea a man that was much superior to Arehelaus's stratagems, who did not only overturn that reconciliation that had been so wisely made with Alexander, but proved the occasion of his ruin.

He was a Lacedemonian, and his name was Eurycles.

He was so corrupt a man, that out of the desire of getting money, he chose to live under a king, for Greece could not suffice his luxury.

He presented Herod with splendid gifts, as a bait which he laid in order to compass his ends, and quickly received them back again manifold; yet did he esteem bare gifts as nothing, unless he imbrued the kingdom in blood by his purchases.