23
Our father being translated amongst the gods, we are desirous that they that are in our realm should live quietly, and apply themselves diligently to their own concerns,
24
And we have heard that the Jews would not consent to my father to turn to the rites of the Greeks, but that they would keep to their own manner of living, and therefore that they request us to allow them to live after their own laws.
25
Wherefore being desirous that this nation also should be at rest, we have ordained and decreed, that the temple should be restored to them, and that they may live according to the custom of their ancestors.
26
Thou shalt do well therefore to send to them, and grant them peace, that our pleasure being known, they may be of good comfort, and look to their own affairs.
27
But the king's letter to the Jews was in this manner: King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews, and to the rest of the Jews, greeting.
28
If you are well, you are as we desire, we ourselves also are well.
29
Menelaus came to us, saying that you desired to come down to your countrymen, that are with us.
30
We grant therefore a safe conduct to all that come and go, until the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus,
31
That the Jews may use their own Bind of meats, and their own laws as be- fore, and that none of them any manner of ways be molested for things which have been done by ignorance.
32
And we have sent also Menelaus to speak to you.
33
Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.