13
And the noble youth, extended upon this, became dislocated.
14
And with every member disjointed, he exclaimed in expostulation,
15
O most accursed tyrant, and enemy of heavenly justice, and cruel-hearted, I am no murderer, nor sacrilegious man, whom thou thus ill-usest; but a defender of the Divine law.
16
And when the spearmen said, Consent to eat, that you may be released from your tortures,—
17
he answered, Not so powerful, O accursed ministers, is your wheel, as to stifle my reasoning; cut my limbs, and burn my flesh, and twist my joints.
18
For through all my torments I will convince you that the children of the Hebrews are alone unconquered in behalf of virtue.
19
While he was saying this, they heaped up fuel, and setting fire to it, strained him upon the wheel still more.
20
And the wheel was defiled all over with blood, and the hot ashes were quenched by the droppings of gore, and pieces of flesh were scattered about the axles of the machine.
21
And although the framework of his bones was now destroyed the high-minded and Abrahamic youth did not groan.
22
But, as though transformed by fire into immortality, he nobly endured the rackings, saying
23
Imitate me, O brethren, nor ever desert your station, nor abjure my brotherhood in courage: fight the holy and honourable fight of religion;