8
And it had been a worth thing to have inscribed upon the tomb itself these words as a memorial to those of the nation,
9
Here an aged priest, and an aged woman, and seven sons, are buried through the violence of a tyrant, who wished to destroy the polity of the Hebrews.
10
These also avenged their nation, looking unto God, and enduring torments unto death.
11
For it was truly a divine contest which was carried through by them.
12
For at that time virtue presided over the contest, approving the victory through endurance, namely, immortality, eternal life.
13
Eleazar was the first to contend: and the mother of the seven children entered the contest; and the brethren contended.
14
The tyrant was the opposite; and the world and living men were the spectators.
15
And reverence for God conquered, and crowned her own athletes.
16
Who did not admire those champions of true legislation? who were not astonied?
17
The tyrant himself, and all their council, admired their endurance;
18
through which, also, they now stand beside the divine throne, and live a blessed life.