Herod Is Smitten with Mariamme

There was a citizen of Jerusalem, Simeon, the son of a certain Alexandrian, Boethus, one of the well-known priests, and he had a daughter who was considered the most beautiful woman at that time. So when there was talk about her among the people of Jerusalem, Herod was initially stirred up by the report, and when he saw her, the beauty of the girl struck him senseless. Still, he rejected exploiting his authority to consummate all his desire, being suspicious, for good reason, that he would be accused of using force and tyranny; so he believed it was better to take the young girl in marriage. And since Simeon was too obscure in reputation to be among his relations yet was too important to be looked down on, he went about pursuing his desire in a more appropriate manner, raising their family status and making them more honorable. In any event, he immediately removed Jesus, the son of Phabes, from the high priesthood and conferred the office on Simeon, and so became connected with him by marriage to his daughter.

Translated by William Whiston, adapted by Aaron Samuels.