1
But Simon, of whom we spoke before, and of his country, spoke ill of Onias, as though he had incited Heliodorus to do these things, and had been the promoter of evils:
2
And he presumed to call him a traitor to the kingdom, who provided for the city, and defended his nation, and wed zealous for the law of God.
3
But when the enmities proceeded so far, that murders also were committed by some of Simon's friends:
4
Onias considering the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, who was the governor of Celesyria and Phenicia, was outrageous, which increased the malice of Simon, went to the king,
5
Not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but with a view to the common good of all the people.
6
For he saw that, except the king took care, it was impossible that matters should be settled in peace, or that Simon would cease from his folly.
7
But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, who was called the Illustrious, had taken possession of the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias ambitiously sought the high priesthood:
8
And went to the king, promising him three hundred and sixty talents of silver, and out of other revenues four- score talents.