21
and appointed a day to meet together by themselves. And when the day came, and stools were set for each of them,
22
Judas placed armed men ready in suitable places, lest some treachery should be suddenly practiced by the enemies; so they held a peaceable conference.
23
Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people who came flocking unto him.
24
And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight, for he loved the man from his heart.
25
He prayed him also to take a wife and to beget children; so he married, was quiet, and took part in this life.
26
But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was between them and considering the covenants that were made, came to Demetrius and told him that Nicanor was not well-disposed toward the state; for he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be the king's successor.
27
Then the king, being in a rage and provoked by the accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding him that he should send Maccabeus as a prisoner with all haste unto Antioch.
28
When this came to Nicanor's hearing, he was much confounded in himself, and took it grievously that he should make void the articles which were agreed upon, the man being without fault.
29
But because there was no opposing the king, he watched his time to accomplish this thing by a stratagem.
30
Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be churlish unto him, and that he treated him more roughly than he was wont, perceiving that such sour behavior came not from good, he gathered together not a few of his men and withdrew himself from Nicanor.
31
But the other, knowing that he was notably outmaneuvered by Judas' policy, came into the great and holy temple, and commanded the priests who were offering their usual sacrifices to deliver the man to him.