An account of the things which were done to the Sadducees by the Pharisees in the time of Alexandra.
1 There was among the Sadducees a chief man, who had been promoted by Alexander, named Diogenes, who formerly had induced him to slay eight hundred men of the Pharisees.
2 Therefore the leaders of the Pharisees come to Alexandra, and remind her of what Diogenes had done, asking her leave to slay him; which she gave: and they, having it, slew many Sadducees together with him.
3 Which the Sadducees taking very much to heart, went to Aristobulus; and, taking him with them, went to the queen, and said to her:
4 “You are aware what terrible and heavy things we have undergone, and the many wars and battles which we have fought, in aid of Alexander and his father Hyrcanus.
5 Wherefore it was not meet to trample on our rights, and to lift up the hand of our enemies over us, and to lower our dignities;
6 for a matter of this kind will not be hidden from Hartas and others of your enemies; who have experienced our bravery, and have not been able to resist us, and their hearts have been filled with the fear of us.
7 When therefore they shall perceive what you have done to us, they will imagine that our hearts are devising plans against you; of which when they shall be certified, trust that they will play false towards you.
8 Nor will we endure to be killed by the Pharisees, like sheep.
9 Therefore, either restrain their malice from us, or allow us to go out from the city into some of the towns of Judah.”
10 And she said to them, “Do this, that their annoyance to you may be prevented.”
11 And the Sadducees went forth of the city; and their chiefs departed with the men of war who adhered to them; and went with their cattle to those of the towns of Judah which they had selected, and dwelt in them;
12 and there were joined to them those who were devoted to virtue, (i.e. the Hasdanim.)