9
The Greeks planned to come and destroy them,
10
but this became known to them, and they sent a general against the Greeks and attacked them. Many of them were wounded and fell, and the Romans took captive their wives and children; they plundered them, conquered the land, tore down their strongholds, and enslaved them to this day.
11
The remaining kingdoms and islands, as many as ever opposed them, they destroyed and enslaved;
12
but with their friends and those who rely on them they have kept friendship. They have subdued kings far and near, and as many as have heard of their fame have feared them.
13
Those whom they wish to help and to make kings, they make kings, and those whom they wish they depose; and they have been greatly exalted.
14
Yet for all this not one of them has put on a crown or worn purple as a mark of pride,
15
but they have built for themselves a senate chamber, and every day three hundred and twenty senators constantly deliberate concerning the people, to govern them well.
16
They trust one man each year to rule over them and to control all their land; they all heed the one man, and there is no envy or jealousy among them.
17
So Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome to establish friendship and alliance,
18
and to free themselves from the yoke; for they saw that the kingdom of the Greeks was completely enslaving Israel.
19
They went to Rome, a very long journey; and they entered the senate chamber and spoke as follows: