Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/419

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her son, embraced the Jewish religion. She was the wife of her brother Monobazus, who left the kingdom to this his younger son, although he happened to be absent at the time of his father's death; it was confirmed by the nobles. In such a case, the other brothers were always put to death by the barbarous policy of those ages; out Helena managed to preserve those of Izates; and, till his return, put the crown upon the head of the eldest, who then willingly surrendered it. Though separated, Helena and her son had both been privately instructed in the Jewish religion; and the fearfulness of a mother made her anxious that he should conceal this difference in sentiment from his people; but he acted otherwise, and prospered, till she begun to think such concealment might be displeasing to the Almighty; and, having long formed a wish to go to Jerusalem, did so, being accompanied, the greatest part of the way, by her son. When she came there, she found the people afflicted with a famine, and sent for corn from Alexandria to relieve them. She became otherwise a great benefactor to the Jews, and built many public edifices in Judea. Antiquities of the Jews.

celebrated for her great piety, and for discovering, according to the superstitious opinions of the age, the wood of the true cross. F. C.

HELOISE,