And now it is true that I [am thy] near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
Ver. 12. And now it is true.] He easily yieldeth to the truth of her allegation, as being φιλαληθης, a lover of truth - a title given to Arrian the historian - and a promoter of it, as it is said of Vespasian.
Howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.] Whose first right unto thee I freely acknowledge, and to whom thou shouldst first have addressed thyself. This was justice, - to give to every one his own.