5
but I do beg you to yield, and to enjoy my friendship; for I possess the power, not only of punishing those who disobey my commands, but of doing good to those who obey them.
6
Put confidence in me, then, and you shall receive places of authority in my government, if you forsake your national ordinance,
7
and, conforming to the Greek mode of life, alter your rule, and revel in youth's delights.
8
For if you provoke me by your disobedience, you will compel me to destroy you, every one, with terrible punishments by tortures.
9
Have mercy, then, upon your own selves, whom I, although an enemy, compassionate for your age and comeliness.
The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.