8
For we through this ill-treatment and endurance shall bear off the rewards of virtue.
9
But thou, for the wicked and despotic slaughter of us, shalt, from the Divine vengeance, endure eternal torture by fire.
10
When they had thus spoken, the tyrant was not only exasperated against them as being refractory, but enraged with them as being ungrateful.
11
So that, at his bidding, the torturers brought forth the eldest of them, and tearing through his tunic, bound his hands and arms on each side with thongs.
12
And when they had laboured hard without effect in scourging him, they hurled him upon the wheel.
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.