24
Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and withal despising the voice of the upbraider, when the youngest was yet alive, did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with an oath, that he would make him a rich and a happy man, and, if he would turn from the laws of his fathers, would take him for a friend, and furnish him with things necessary.
25
But when the young man was not moved with these things, the king called the mother, and counselled her to deal with the young man to save his life.
26
And when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised that she would counsel her son.
27
So bending herself towards him, mocking the cruel tyrant, she said her own language: My son, have pi upon me, that bore thee nine months my womb, and save thee suck years, and nourished thee, and b thee up unto this age.
28
I beseech thee, my son, look upon heaven and earth, and all that is in them: and consider that God made the out of nothing, and mankind also:
29
So thou shalt not fear this tormentor, but being made a worthy partner with thy brethren, receive death, that in that mercy I may receive thee again with thy brethren.
30
While she was yet speaking these words, the young man said: For whom do you stay ? I will not obey the commandment of the king, but the commandment of the law, which was given us by Moses.
31
But thou that hast been the author of all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hand of God.
32
For we suffer thus for our sine.
33
And though the Lord our God is angry with us a little while for our chastisement and correction: yet he will be reconciled again to his servants.
34
But thou, O wicked and of all men most flagitious, be not lifted up without cause with vain hopes, whilst thou art raging against his servants.