20
the king, possessed by a savagery worse than that of Phalaris, said that the Jews were benefited by today's sleep, "but," he added, "tomorrow without delay prepare the elephants in the same way for the destruction of the lawless Jews!"
21
When the king had spoken, all those present readily and joyfully with one accord gave their approval, and each departed to his own home.
22
But they did not so much employ the duration of the night in sleep as in devising all sorts of insults for those they thought to be doomed.
23
Then, as soon as the cock had crowed in the early morning, Hermon, having equipped the beasts, began to move them along in the great colonnade.
24
The crowds of the city had been assembled for this most pitiful spectacle and they were eagerly waiting for daybreak.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.