25
and through my pretense, for the sake of living a brief moment longer, they would be led astray because of me, while I defile and disgrace my old age.
26
Even if for the present I would avoid the punishment of mortals, yet whether I live or die I will not escape the hands of the Almighty.
27
Therefore, by bravely giving up my life now, I will show myself worthy of my old age
28
and leave to the young a noble example of how to die a good death willingly and nobly for the revered and holy laws." When he had said this, he went at once to the rack.
29
Those who a little before had acted toward him with goodwill now changed to ill will, because the words he had uttered were in their opinion sheer madness.