7
After the first brother died in this manner, they led forward the second one with mockery. They ripped off the skin of his head along with the hair and demanded, "Will you eat before every part of your body is punished limb by limb?"
8
But he answered in his native language, "Not at all." Therefore, this brother also received in turn the same punishment as the first.
9
With his last breath he said, "You, who are marked out for vengeance, may take our present life, but the king of the universe for whose laws we die will resurrect us again to eternal life."
10
After this, the third one was mocked. When it was demanded, he put out his tongue quickly, extended his hands courageously,
11
and stated with dignity, "I have received these limbs from heaven, and I give them up for the sake of God's laws. But I hope to recover them from God again."
12
The king and those with him marveled at the young man's spirit, since he considered his agonies nothing.
13
After this one had died, the tormenters tortured the fourth brother as well.
14
When the end was approaching, he said, "Death at the hands of humans is preferable, since we look forward to the hope that God gives of being raised by him. But for you there will be no resurrection to life."
15
Immediately afterward, they led the fifth brother forward and began to torture him.
16
While looking at the king he said, "You, though human, have power among human beings and do what you want. But don't think that God has abandoned our people.
17
Just wait and observe his great strength, when God will torture you and your children."