5
And Antiochus seeing him, said,
6
I would counsel thee, old man, before thy tortures begin, to taste the swine's flesh, and save your life; for I feel respect for your age and hoary head, which since you have had so long, you appear to me to be no philosopher in retaining the superstition of the Jews.
7
For wherefore, since nature has conferred upon you the most excellent flesh of this animal, do you loathe it?
8
It seems senseless not to enjoy what is pleasant, yet not disgraceful; and from notions of sinfulness, to reject the boons of nature.
9
And you will be acting, I think, still more senselessly, if you follow vain conceits about the truth.
10
And you will, moreover, be despising me to your own punishment.
11
Will you not awake from your trifling philosophy? and give up the folly of your notions; and, regaining understanding worthy of your age, search into the truth of an expedient course?
12
and, reverencing my kindly admonition, have pity upon your own years?
13
For, bear in mind, that if there be any power which watches over this religion of yours, it will pardon you for all transgressions of the law which you commit through compulsion.
14
While the tyrant incited him in this manner to the unlawful eating of flesh, Eleazar begged permission to speak.
15
And having received power to speak, he began thus to deliver himself: