10
What could be more excruciatingly painful than this? For the power of fire is intense and swift, and it consumed their bodies quickly.
11
Do not consider it amazing that reason had full command over these men in their tortures, since the mind of woman despised even more diverse agonies,
12
for the mother of the seven young men bore up under the rackings of each one of her children.
13
Observe how complex is a mother's love for her children, which draws everything toward an emotion felt in her inmost parts.
14
Even unreasoning animals, as well as human beings, have a sympathy and parental love for their offspring.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.