7
And Mathathias said: Woe is me, wherefore was I born to see the ruin of my people, and the ruin of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it is given into the hands of the enemies?
8
The holy places are come into the hands of strangers: her temple is become as a man without honour.
9
The vessels of her glory are carried away captive: her old men are murdered in the streets, and her young men are fallen by the sword of the enemies.
10
What nation hath not inherited her kingdom, and gotten of her spoils?
11
All her ornaments are taken away. She that was free is made a slave.
12
And behold our sanctuary, and our beauty, and our glory is laid waste, and the Gentiles have defiled them.
13
To what end then should we live any longer?
14
And Mathathias and his sons rent their garments, and they covered themselves with haircloth, and made great lamentation.
15
And they that were sent from king Antiochus came thither, to compel them that were fled into the city of Modin, to sacrifice, and to burn incense, and to depart from the law of God.
16
And many of the people of Israel consented, and came to them: but Mathathias and his sons stood firm.
17
And they that were sent from Antiochus, answering, said to Mathathias: Thou art a ruler, and an honourable, and great man in this city, and adorned with sons, and brethren.