13
Fear, young men, and the righteousness which ye worship will be merciful to you if you err from compulsion.
14
Now they having listened to these words of persuasion, and seeing the fearful instruments, not only were not afraid, but even answered the arguments of the tyrant, and through their good reasoning destroyed his power.
15
Now let us consider the matter: had any of them been weak-spirited and cowardly among them, what reasonings would they have employed but these?
16
O wretched that we are, and exceeding senseless! when the king exhorts us, and calls us to his bounty, should we not obey him?
17
Why do we cheer ourselves with vain counsels, and venture upon a disobedience bringing death?
The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.