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;
24
by which means our just and paternal Providence, becoming merciful to the nation, will punish the pestilent tyrant.
25
And saying this, the revered youth abruptly closed his life.
26
And when all admired his courageous soul, the spearmen brought forward him who was second in point of age, and having put on iron hands, bound him with pointed hooks to the catapelt.
27
And when, on enquiring whether he would eat before he was tortured, they heard his noble sentiment,