19
To his back they applied sharp spits that had been heated in the fire, and pierced his ribs so that his entrails were burned through.
20
While being tortured he said, "O contest befitting holiness, in which so many of us brothers have been summoned to an arena of sufferings for religion, and in which we have not been defeated!
21
For religious knowledge, O tyrant, is invincible.
22
I also, equipped with nobility, will die with my brothers,
23
and I myself will bring a great avenger upon you, you inventor of tortures and enemy of those who are truly devout.
24
We six boys have paralyzed your tyranny!
25
Since you have not been able to persuade us to change our mind or to force us to eat defiling foods, is not this your downfall?
26
Your fire is cold to us, and the catapults painless, and your violence powerless.