25
Therefore our mind is that this nation shall be at rest, and we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.
26
Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them and grant them peace, that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good comfort and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.
27
And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was in this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council and the rest of the Jews:
28
If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health.
29
Menelaus declared unto us that your desire is to return home and to follow your own business.
30
Therefore those who will depart shall have safe conduct with security till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus.
31
And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as before; and none of them in any manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done.
32
I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.
33
Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
34
The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews:
35
Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted, therewith we also are well pleased.