18
But his pains not ceasing (for the just judgment of God was come upon him) despairing of life he wrote to the Jews in the manner of a supplication, a letter in these words:
19
To his very good subjects the Jews, Antiochus king and ruler wisheth much health and welfare, and happiness.
20
If you and your children are well, and if all matters go with you to your mind, we give very great thanks.
21
As for me, being infirm, but yet kindly remembering you, returning out of the places of Persia, and being taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to take care for the common good:
22
Not distrusting my life, but having great hope to escape the sickness.