19
become a pattern of impiety to the young, in becoming an example of the eating of defiling food.
20
It would be shameful if we should survive for a little while and during that time be a laughing stock to all for our cowardice,
21
and if we should be despised by the tyrant as unmanly, and not protect our divine law even to death.
22
Therefore, O children of Abraham, die nobly for your religion!
23
And you, guards of the tyrant, why do you delay?"
24
When they saw that he was so courageous in the face of the afflictions, and that he had not been changed by their compassion, the guards brought him to the fire.
25
There they burned him with maliciously contrived instruments, threw him down, and poured stinking liquids into his nostrils.
26
When he was now burned to his very bones and about to expire, he lifted up his eyes to God and said,
27
"You know, O God, that though I might have saved myself, I am dying in burning torments for the sake of the law.
28
Be merciful to your people, and let our punishment suffice for them.
29
Make my blood their purification, and take my life in exchange for theirs."