III Maccabees 4:20

20 They said, and proved, that paper and pens had failed them for the carrying out of their purpose.

III Maccabees 4:20 In-Context

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.
20 They said, and proved, that paper and pens had failed them for the carrying out of their purpose.
21 Now this was an active interference of the unconquerable Providence which assisted the Jews from heaven.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.