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And while not the king only, but the philosopher Menedemus also,
admired them, and said that all things were governed by Providence, and
that it was probable that thence it was that such force or beauty was discovered
in these men's words, they then left off asking any more such questions.
But the king said that he had gained very great advantages by their coming,
for that he had received this profit from them, that he had learned how
he ought to rule his subjects. And he gave order that they should have
every one three talents given them, and that those that were to conduct
them to their lodging should do it. Accordingly, when three days were over,
Demetrius took them, and went over the causeway seven furlongs long: it
was a bank in the sea to an island. And when they had gone over the bridge,
he proceeded to the northern parts, and showed them where they should meet,
which was in a house that was built near the shore, and was a quiet place,
and fit for their discoursing together about their work. When he had brought
them thither, he entreated them (now they had all things about them which
they wanted for the interpretation of their law) that they would suffer
nothing to interrupt them in their work. Accordingly, they made an accurate
interpretation, with great zeal and great pains, and this they continued
to do till the ninth hour of the day; after which time they relaxed, and
took care of their body, while their food was provided for them in great
plenty: besides, Dorotheus, at the king's command, brought them a great
deal of what was provided for the king himself. But in the morning they
came to the court and saluted Ptolemy, and then went away to their former
place, where, when they had washed their hands,
1
and purified themselves, they betook themselves to the interpretation of
the laws. Now when the law was transcribed, and the labor of interpretation
was over, which came to its conclusion in seventy-two days, Demetrius gathered
all the Jews together to the place where the laws were translated, and
where the interpreters were, and read them over. The multitude did also
approve of those elders that were the interpreters of the law. They withal
commended Demetrius for his proposal, as the inventor of what was greatly
for their happiness; and they desired that he would give leave to their
rulers also to read the law. Moreover, they all, both the priest and the
ancientest of the elders, and the principal men of their commonwealth,
made it their request, that since the interpretation was happily finished,
it might continue in the state it now was, and might not be altered. And
when they all commended that determination of theirs, they enjoined, that
if any one observed either any thing superfluous, or any thing omitted,
that he would take a view of it again, and have it laid before them, and
corrected; which was a wise action of theirs, that when the thing was judged
to have been well done, it might continue for ever.