20
New-born babes were deserted by the mothers or nurses who waited upon them; some here, some there, in houses, or in fields; these now, with an ardour which could not be checked, swarmed into the Most High temple.
21
Various were the prayers offered up by those who assembled in this place, on account of the unholy attempt of the king.
22
Along with these there were some of the citizens who took courage, and would not submit to his obstinacy, and his intention of carrying out his purpose.
23
Calling out to arms, and to die bravely in defence of the law of their fathers, they created a great uproar in the place, and were with difficulty brought back by the aged and the elders to the station of prayer which they had occupied before.
24
During this time the multitude kept on praying.
25
The elders who surrounded the king strove in many ways to divert his haughty mind from the design which he had formed.
26
He, in his hardened mood, insensible to all persuasion, was going onwards with the view of carrying out this design.
27
Yet even his own officers, when they saw this, joined the Jews in an appeal to Him who has all power, to aid in the present crisis, and not wink at such overweening lawlessness.
28
Such was the frequency and the vehemence of the cry of the assembled crowd, that an indescribable noise ensued.
29
Not the men only, but the very walls and floor seemed to sound forth; all things preferring dissolution rather than to see the place defiled.