17. At the end of the above-mentioned interval of time, the registrars brought word to the king that the multitude of the Jews was too great for registration,
18. inasmuch as there were many still left in the land, of whom some were in inhabited houses, and others were scattered about in various places; so that all the commanders in Egypt were insufficient for the work.
19. The king threatened them, and charged them with taking bribes, in order to contrive the escape of the Jews: but was clearly convinced of the truth of what had been said.