The family from which I am derived is not an ignoble one but hath descended all along from the priests; and as nobility among several people is of a different origin so with us to be of the sacerdotal dignity is an indication of the splendor of a family. Now I am not only sprung from a sacerdotal family in general but from the first of the twenty-four 1 courses; and as among us there is not only a considerable difference between one family of each course and another I am of the chief family of that first course also; nay further by my mother I am of the royal blood; for the children of Asamoneus from whom that family was derived had both the office of the high priesthood and the dignity of a king for a long time together. I will accordingly set down my progenitors in order.