The fourth brother’s torture and response
12 After he died like a true brother, they dragged the fourth one forward. They said,
13
"Don't show the same craziness as your brothers. Obey the king and save yourself!"
14
He replied, "You don't have a fire hot enough to turn me into a coward.
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I swear by the privileged deaths my brothers have suffered, by the eternal curse that will come on the tyrant, and by the everlasting life of those who love God: I will not deny my ties with my dignified brothers!
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Think up some new tortures, you tyrant, so that you can learn that I am a brother of those you have already tortured!"
17
When Antiochus heard this, the blood-sucking, murderous, and completely disgusting man ordered them to cut out the man's tongue.
18
But he said, "Tear out my tongue! God still hears those who are silent.
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See? Here's my tongue! Cut it off. You won't make my mind quiet by doing that!
20
For God's sake we gladly allow our bodies to be cut to pieces.