30
The king was filled with fierce anger at these words; for, by the Providence of God regarding these things, his mind had become entirely confused. He looked hard at Hermon, and threatened him as follows:
31
Your parents, or your children, were they here, to these wild beasts a large repast they should have furnished; not these innocent Jews, who me and my forefathers loyally have served.
32
Had it not been for familiar friendship, and the claims of your office, your life should have gone for theirs.
33
Hermon, being threatened in this unexpected and alarming manner, was troubled in visage, and depressed in countenance.
34
The friends, too, stole out one by one, and dismissed the assembled multitudes to their respective occupations.
35
The Jews, having heard of these events, praised the glorious God and King of kings, because they had obtained this help, too, from him.
36
Now the king arranged another banquet after the same manner, and proclaimed an invitation to mirth.
37
And he summoned Hermon to his presence, and said, with threats, How often, O wretch, must I repeat my orders to thee about these same persons?
38
Once more, arm the elephants against the morrow for the extermination of the Jews.
39
His kinsmen, who were reclining with him, wondered at his instability, and thus expressed themselves:
40
O king, how long dost thou make trial of us, as of men bereft of reason? This is the third time that thou hast ordered their destruction. When the thing is to be done, thou changest thy mind, and recallest thy instructions.