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, on whose account 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 was not only indignant, as at those who are disobedient, but also infuriated, 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 with every member disjointed he denounced the tyrant, saying,
15
"Most abominable tyrant, enemy of heavenly justice, savage of mind, you are mangling me in this manner, not because I am a murderer, or as one who acts impiously, but because I protect the divine law."
16
And when the guards said, "Agree to eat so that you may be released from the tortures,"