1
Now Simon heard that Tryphon was gathering together a very great army, to invade the land of Juda, and to destroy it.
2
And seeing that the people was in dread, and in fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and assembled the people:
3
And exhorted them, saying: You know what great battles I and my brethren, and the house of my father, have fought for the laws, and the sanctuary, and the distresses that we have seen:
4
By reason whereof all my brethren have lost their lives for Israel's sake, and I am left alone.
5
And now far be it from me to spare my life in any time of trouble: for I am not better than my brethren.
6
I will avenge then my nation and the sanctuary, and our children, and wives: for all the heathens are gathered together to destroy us out of mere malice.
7
And the spirit of the people was enkindled as soon as they heard these words.
8
And they answered with a loud voice, saying: Thou art our leader in the place of Judas, and Jonathan thy brother.
9
Fight thou our battles, and we will do whatsoever thou shalt say to us.
10
So gathering together all the men of war, he made haste to finish all the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.