21
Although the ligaments joining his bones were already severed, the courageous youth, worthy of Abraham, did not groan,
22
but as though transformed by fire into immortality, he nobly endured the rackings.
23
"Imitate me, brothers," he said. "Do not leave your post in my struggle or renounce our courageous family ties.
24
Fight the sacred and noble battle for religion. Thereby the just Providence of our ancestors may become merciful to our nation and take vengeance on the accursed tyrant."
25
When he had said this, the saintly youth broke the thread of life.
26
While all were marveling at his courageous spirit, the guards brought in the next eldest, and after fitting themselves with iron gauntlets having sharp hooks, they bound him to the torture machine and catapult.
27
Before torturing him, they inquired if he were willing to eat, and they heard his noble decision.
28
These leopard-like beasts tore out his sinews with the iron hands, flayed all his flesh up to his chin, and tore away his scalp. But he steadfastly endured this agony and said,
29
"How sweet is any kind of death for the religion of our ancestors!"
30
To the tyrant he said, "Do you not think, you most savage tyrant, that you are being tortured more than I, as you see the arrogant design of your tyranny being defeated by our endurance for the sake of religion?
31
I lighten my pain by the joys that come from virtue,