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.
30
When he was about to die under the blows, he groaned aloud and said: "It is clear to the Lord in his holy knowledge that, though I might have been saved from death, I am enduring terrible sufferings in my body under this beating, but in my soul I am glad to suffer these things because I fear him."