To this speech Vespasian, at the moment, seemed to attach little credit, supposing it to be an ingenious device of Josephus to save his life. Gradually, however, he was led to believe it, since God was already turning his thoughts to the imperial office[291] and by other tokens foreshadowing the throne. He found, moreover, that Josephus had proved a veracious prophet in other matters. For, one of the two friends in attendance at the private interview having expressed his surprise that he had not predicted the fall of Jotapata to its inhabitants nor his own captivity, if his present words were not a nonsensical invention to avert the indignation which he had aroused, Josephus replied that he had foretold to the people of Jotapata that their city would be captured after forty-seven days and that he himself would be taken alive by the Romans. Vespasian, having privately questioned the prisoners on these statements and found them true, then began to credit those concerning himself. He did not, however, exempt Josephus from custody or bonds, though he presented him with raiment and other precious possessions, and continued to treat him with kindness and attention, Titus contributing much to these complimentary honours.—_B.J._ III. 7. 33-8. 9 (316-408). Footnote 272: Or possibly “could no longer endure the strain, even under compulsion.” Footnote 273: Gr. “chiliarch(s).” Footnote 274: MSS “of the fifth and tenth legion” (_sic_). Footnote 275: Another reading, “the secret recesses of the city.” Footnote 276: Gr. “chiliarch(s).” Footnote 277: Lit. “right hands.” Footnote 278: Cf. “Romane, memento.... Parcere subjectis.”—Virg. _Æn._ VI, 851 ff. Footnote 279: Gr. “polemarch.” Footnote 280: Did he claim kinship with his namesake Joseph? Footnote 281: Or, perhaps, “began, in his straits, to reason ... philosophically.” Footnote 282: The doctrine of _metempsychosis_. Footnote 283: Or “a darker region.” Footnote 284: Gr. “Hades.” Footnote 285: Text (“those who did violence to their fathers”) corrupt. I read τὰς τῶν πατέρων ὕβρεις. Footnote 286: Traill, “be thrown on his own resolution” (lit. “lie on his own right hand”). Footnote 287: Or “to be made in good faith.” Footnote 288: Another reading, “through his own virtuous disposition” (ἐξ ἀρετῆς for ἐξαιρέτως). Footnote 289: Text and meaning doubtful. The reference is apparently to the short reigns of Galba, Otho and Vitellius; but, as Niese suggests, we expect a sentence to precede, predicting the impending death of Nero. Footnote 290: In the underworld apparently. Footnote 291: Another reading, “had already raised him to power.” (44) Reception at Jerusalem of the News of the Fall of Jotapata