1
Then, indeed, vehemently swayed with passion, he commanded to bring others of the adult Hebrews, and if they would eat of the unclean thing, to let them go when they had eaten; but if they objected, to torment them more grievously.
2
The tyrant having given this charge, seven brethren were brought into his presence, along with their aged mother, handsome, and modest, and well-born, and altogether comely.
3
Whom, when the tyrant beheld, encircling their mother as in a dance, he was pleased at them; and being struck with their becoming and ingenuous mien, smiled upon them, and calling them near, said:
4
O youths, with favourable feelings, I admire the beauty of each of you; and greatly honouring so numerous a band of brethren, I not only counsel you not to share the madness of the old man who has been tortured before,
5
but I do beg you to yield, and to enjoy my friendship; for I possess the power, not only of punishing those who disobey my commands, but of doing good to those who obey them.
6
Put confidence in me, then, and you shall receive places of authority in my government, if you forsake your national ordinance,
7
and, conforming to the Greek mode of life, alter your rule, and revel in youth's delights.
8
For if you provoke me by your disobedience, you will compel me to destroy you, every one, with terrible punishments by tortures.
9
Have mercy, then, upon your own selves, whom I, although an enemy, compassionate for your age and comeliness.