17
Now Simon the brother of Judas had joined battle with Nicanor, but was frightened with the sudden coming of the adversaries.
18
Nevertheless Nicanor hearing of the valour of Judas' companions, and the greatness of courage with which they fought for their country, was afraid to try the matter by the sword.
19
Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotius, and Matthias before to pre- sent and receive the right hands.
20
And when there had been a consultation thereupon, and the captain had acquainted the multitude with it, the) were all of one mind to consent to covenants.
21
So they appointed a day upon which they might commune together by them- selves: and seats were brought out, and set for each one.
22
But Judas ordered men to be ready in convenient places, lest some mischief might he suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made an agreeable conference.
23
And Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no wrong, but sent away the flocks of the multitudes that had been gathered together.
24
And Judas was always dear to him from the heart, and he was well affected to the man.
25
And he desired him to marry a wife, and to have children. So he married: he lived quietly, and they lived in common.
26
But Alcimus seeing the love they had one to another, and the covenants, came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor assented to the foreign interest, for that he meant to make Judas, who was a traitor to the kingdom, his successor.
27
Then the king being in a rage and provoked with this man's wicked accusations, wrote to Nicanor, signifying, that he was greatly displeased with the covenant of friendship: and that he commanded him nevertheless to send Machabeus prisoner in all haste to Antioch.