24
Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and suspecting it to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with oaths, that he would make him both a rich and a happy man if he would turn from the laws of his fathers, and that also he would take him for his friend and trust him with affairs.
25
But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king called his mother and exhorted her that she would counsel the young man to save his life.
26
And when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised him that she would counsel her son.
27
But she, bowing herself toward him, laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn, spoke in her country's language in this manner: O my son, have pity upon me that bore thee nine months in my womb, and gave thee suck three years, and nourished thee, and brought thee up unto this age, and endured the troubles of education.
28
I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise.
29
Fear not this tormentor; but, being worthy of thy brethren, take thy death, that I may receive thee again in mercy with thy brethren.
30
While she was yet speaking these words, the young man said, Whom wait ye for? I will not obey the king's commandment, but I will obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our fathers by Moses.
31
And thou, who hast been the author of all evil against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God.
32
For we suffer because of our sins.
33
And though the living Lord be angry with us a little while for our chastening and correction, yet shall He be at one again with His servants.
34
But thou, O godless man, and of all others most wicked, be not lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up with uncertain hopes, lifting up thy hand against the servants of God.