20
The wheel was completely smeared with blood, and the heap of coals was being quenched by the drippings of gore, and pieces of flesh were falling off the axles of the machine.
21
Although the ligaments joining his bones were already severed, the courageous youth, worthy of Abraham, did not groan,
22
but as though transformed by fire into immortality he nobly endured the rackings.
23
"Imitate me, brothers," he said. "Do not leave your post in my struggle or renounce our courageous brotherhood.
24
Fight the sacred and noble battle for religion. Thereby the just Providence of our ancestors may become merciful to our nation and take vengeance on the accursed tyrant."
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.