[28] The Chasidim, who were the backbone of the patriot party of the Maccabees, the Pharisees of the time.
[29] It is impossible to give the play of words which we have in the Greek. Epiphanes, "Splendid", was the title which Antiochus assumed; Epimanes, "Crazy", was the nickname to which it was altered.
[30] About £40, if we reckon, as usual, by weight of bullion at the standard price.
[31] 241 B.C.
[32] This was a drink made out of wine (mixed with water) and honey. It was frequently taken (warm) early in the day, being considered a wholesome draught for an empty stomach.
[33] The reader will remember the capture of Quebec by Wolfe's daring plan of scaling the Heights of Abraham.
[34] Mancinus was elected one of the consuls for the year 145 B.C. There is a curious story, that after the conclusion of the war he exhibited in the Forum of Rome maps and plans of Carthage, showing where the various attacks had been made, and that he was never weary of explaining to the people the operations of the siege. This conduct, the story continues, made him so popular that he offered himself as a candidate for the consulship, and was successful. This story looks somewhat strange as it stands. The consulship was a very great honour, and, what is more, a serious responsibility. It would hardly have been bestowed on the giver of a popular and entertaining exhibition. But there may have been a general feeling that Mancinus had really done good service in the siege—had shown the way, so to speak, for the capture of the city.
[35] Scipio was a tribune at this age. Young men of good birth were appointed to the office without previous service. Soldiers of lower origin who distinguished themselves were promoted to it, but, of course, at a later age. The great Marius was not a tribune till he was between thirty and forty.
[36] The Latin latrunculi, a game somewhat resembling our "military tactics", or "fox and geese".
[37] The battle which brought the Second Punic War to a conclusion in 202 B.C.