Jew; historian. Vespasian orders Josephus to be guarded, intending to send him shortly to Nero. Josephus, when he heard this, said that he wished to say something to him alone. Vespasian sent away everyone save his son Titus and two friends. "Vespasian" Josephus said, "you think you have taken Josephus as a prisoner-of-war; but I come to you as a messenger of great matters. For if I were not sent by God, would I have known the fate of the Jews? Do you send me to Nero? Why then? Will those succeeding after Nero and before you remain? You will be Caesar, and your son as well. So, chain me up tightly, and keep watch over me yourself. You are lord of the earth, the sea, and every race of mankind. I am in need of a greater prison if I speak in a trifling manner on behalf of God."[1] Vespasian at first thought that Josephus was untrustworthy and a rogue. When he found Josephus true, however, he began to present him with clothing and other valuables.[2]