16
And when the guards said, "Agree to eat so that you may be released from the tortures,"
17
he replied, "You abominable lackeys, your wheel is not so powerful as to strangle my reason. Cut my limbs, burn my flesh, and twist my joints;
18
through all these tortures I will convince you that children of the Hebrews alone are invincible where virtue is concerned."
19
While he was saying these things, they spread fire under him, and while fanning the flames they tightened the wheel further.
20
The wheel was completely smeared with blood, and the heap of coals was being quenched by the drippings of gore, and pieces of flesh were falling off the axles of the machine.
21
Although the ligaments joining his bones were already severed, the courageous youth, worthy of Abraham, did not groan,
22
but as though transformed by fire into immortality, he nobly endured the rackings.
23
"Imitate me, brothers," he said. "Do not leave your post in my struggle or renounce our courageous family ties.
24
Fight the sacred and noble battle for religion. Thereby the just Providence of our ancestors may become merciful to our nation and take vengeance on the accursed tyrant."
25
When he had said this, the saintly youth broke the thread of life.
26
While all were marveling at his courageous spirit, the guards brought in the next eldest, and after fitting themselves with iron gauntlets having sharp hooks, they bound him to the torture machine and catapult.