4
For we consider this pity of yours which insures our safety through transgression of the law to be more grievous than death itself.
5
You are trying to terrify us by threatening us with death by torture, as though a short time ago you learned nothing from Eleazar.
6
And if the aged men of the Hebrews because of their religion lived piously while enduring torture, it would be even more fitting that we young men should die despising your coercive tortures, which our aged instructor also overcame.
7
Therefore, tyrant, put us to the test; and if you take our lives because of our religion, do not suppose that you can injure us by torturing us.
8
For we, through this severe suffering and endurance, shall have the prize of virtue and shall be with God, for whom we suffer;
9
but you, because of your bloodthirstiness toward us, will deservedly undergo from the divine justice eternal torment by fire."
10
When they had said these things the tyrant not only was angry, as at those who are disobedient, but also was enraged, as at those who are ungrateful.
11
Then at his command the guards brought forward the eldest, and having torn off his tunic, they bound his hands and arms with thongs on each side.
12
When they had worn themselves out beating him with scourges, without accomplishing anything, they placed him upon the wheel.
13
When the noble youth was stretched out around this, his limbs were dislocated,
14
and though broken in every member he denounced the tyrant, saying,