9
but you, because of your bloodthirstiness toward us, will deservedly undergo from the divine justice eternal torment by fire."
10
When they had said these things, the tyrant was not only indignant, as at those who are disobedient, but also infuriated, as at those who are ungrateful.
11
Then at his command the guards brought forward the eldest, and having torn off his tunic, they bound his hands and arms with thongs on each side.
12
When they had worn themselves out beating him with scourges, without accomplishing anything, they placed him upon the wheel.
13
When the noble youth was stretched out around this, his limbs were dislocated,
14
and with every member disjointed he denounced the tyrant, saying,
15
"Most abominable tyrant, enemy of heavenly justice, savage of mind, you are mangling me in this manner, not because I am a murderer, or as one who acts impiously, but because I protect the divine law."
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.