40
"O king, how long will you try us, as though we are idiots, ordering now for a third time that they be destroyed, and again revoking your decree in the matter?
41
As a result the city is in a tumult because of its expectation; it is crowded with masses of people, and also in constant danger of being plundered."
42
Upon this the king, a Phalaris in everything and filled with madness, took no account of the changes of mind which had come about within him for the protection of the Jews, and he firmly swore an irrevocable oath that he would send them to death without delay, mangled by the knees and feet of the beasts,
43
and would also march against Judea and rapidly level it to the ground with fire and spear, and by burning to the ground the temple inaccessible to him would quickly render it forever empty of those who offered sacrifices there.
44
Then the friends and officers departed with great joy, and they confidently posted the armed forces at the places in the city most favorable for keeping guard.