38
This man, for a long time, had held fast his purpose of keeping himself pure in the Jews' religion, and was ready to expose his body and life, that he might persevere therein.
39
So Nicanor being willing to declare the hatred that he bore the Jews, sent five hundred soldiers to take him.
40
For he thought by insnaring him to hurt the Jews very much.
41
Now as the multitude sought to rush into his house, and to break open the door, and to set fire to it, when he was ready to be taken, he struck himself with his sword:
42
Choosing to die nobly rather than to fall into the hands of the wicked, and to suffer abuses unbecoming his noble birth.