Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/134

 listing the latter. Hyrcanus, however, not liking the appearance of such a large body of men» would admit only 500 within the walls of the city. Onelus, meanwhile, began to act his part within. He endeavoured to persuade Hyrcanus and Phseselus to go to Barzaphran, promising them that he would intercede in their behalf. Hyr- canus and Phaeselus hereupon sent messengers again to Barzaphran, requiring an oath from him to assure them of personal safety if they visited him. Barzaphran sWore by the Sun and Moon, by all the Gods of the Parthiaiis, and by the lives x>f Tigraaes and Arshez, that they should be safe in their intended journey to him. Hyrcanut and Phseselus, placing confidence in these assur-^ ances, felt inclined to go^ but Herod, doubting the good faith of Barzaphran, and suspecting the treachery of Onelus, advised them to decline the offer. They^ however, confided in the oath of Barzaphran, and after making over the city to Herod, started to perform their journey. They met Barzaphran at the village of Egtipon on the sea-shore.

He received them with much apparent res- pect, but leaving them shortly after, ordered his troops to seize and deliver them fettered into the hands of Antigonus. As sooti as they came into the presence of the latter, he fell on Hyrcanua and bit off his ear, in order that in

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