# verses

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In his last days shall the most High raise up three kingdoms, and renew many things therein, and they shall have the dominion of the earth,


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And of those that dwell therein, with much oppression, above all those that were before them: therefore are they called the heads of the eagle.


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And whereas thou sawest that the great head appeared no more, it signifieth that one of them shall die upon his bed, and yet with pain.


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For the sword of the one shall devour the other: but at the last shall he fall through the sword himself.


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And whereas thou sawest two feathers under the wings passing over the head that is on the right side;


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It signifieth that these are they, whom the Highest hath kept unto their end: this is the small kingdom and full of trouble, as thou sawest.


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And the lion, whom thou sawest rising up out of the wood, and roaring, and speaking to the eagle, and rebuking her for her unrighteousness with all the words which thou hast heard;


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This is the anointed, which the Highest hath kept for them and for their wickedness unto the end: he shall reprove them, and shall upbraid them with their cruelty.


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For the rest of my people shall he deliver with mercy, those that have been pressed upon my borders, and he shall make them joyful until the coming of the day of judgment, whereof I have spoken unto thee from the the beginning.


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And teach them to the wise of the people, whose hearts thou knowest may comprehend and keep these secrets.


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But wait thou here thyself yet seven days more, that it may be shewed thee, whatsoever it pleaseth the Highest to declare unto thee. And with that he went his way.


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And it came to pass, when all the people saw that the seven days were past, and I not come again into the city, they gathered them all together, from the least unto the greatest, and came unto me, and said,


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What have we offended thee? and what evil have we done against thee, that thou forsakest us, and sittest here in this place?


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For of all the prophets thou only art left us, as a cluster of the vintage, and as a candle in a dark place, and as a haven or ship preserved from the tempest.


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If thou shalt forsake us, how much better had it been for us, if we also had been burned in the midst of Sion?


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For we are not better than they that died there. And they wept with a loud voice. Then answered I them, and said,


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As for me, I have not forsaken you, neither am I departed from you: but am come into this place, to pray for the desolation of Sion, and that I might seek mercy for the low estate of your sanctuary.


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But I remained still in the field seven days, as the angel commanded me; and did eat only in those days of the flowers of the field, and had my meat of the herbs


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And I beheld, and, lo, that man waxed strong with the thousands of heaven: and when he turned his countenance to look, all the things trembled that were seen under him.


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And whensoever the voice went out of his mouth, all they burned that heard his voice, like as the earth faileth when it feeleth the fire.


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And after this I beheld, and, lo, there was gathered together a multitude of men, out of number, from the four winds of the heaven, to subdue the man that came out of the sea


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And after this I beheld, and, lo, all they which were gathered together to subdue him were sore afraid, and yet durst fight.


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And, lo, as he saw the violence of the multitude that came, he neither lifted up his hand, nor held sword, nor any instrument of war:


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But only I saw that he sent out of his mouth as it had been a blast of fire, and out of his lips a flaming breath, and out of his tongue he cast out sparks and tempests.


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And they were all mixed together; the blast of fire, the flaming breath, and the great tempest; and fell with violence upon the multitude which was prepared to fight, and burned them up every one, so that upon a sudden of an innumerable multitude nothing was to be perceived, but only dust and smell of smoke: when I saw this I was afraid.


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Afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain, and call unto him another peaceable Multitude.


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And there came much people unto him, whereof some were glad, some were sorry, and some of them were bound, and other some brought of them that were offered: then was I sick through great fear, and I awaked, and said,


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Thou hast shewed thy servant these wonders from the beginning, and hast counted me worthy that thou shouldest receive my prayer:


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For as I conceive in mine understanding, woe unto them that shall be left in those days and much more woe unto them that are not left behind!


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Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter days, which shall happen unto them, and to those that are left behind.


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Yet is it easier for him that is in danger to come into these things, than to pass away as a cloud out of the world, and not to see the things that happen in the last days. And he answered unto me, and said,


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The interpretation of the vision shall I shew thee, and I will open unto thee the thing that thou hast required.


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He that shall endure the peril in that time hath kept himself: they that be fallen into danger are such as have works, and faith toward the Almighty.


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The same is he whom God the Highest hath kept a great season, which by his own self shall deliver his creature: and he shall order them that are left behind.


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And that he held neither sword, nor any instrument of war, but that the rushing in of him destroyed the whole multitude that came to subdue him; this is the interpretation:


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And one shall undertake to fight against another, one city against another, one place against another, one people against another, and one realm against another.


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And the time shall be when these things shall come to pass, and the signs shall happen which I shewed thee before, and then shall my Son be declared, whom thou sawest as a man ascending.


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And when all the people hear his voice, every man shall in their own land leave the battle they have one against another.


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And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as thou sawest them, willing to come, and to overcome him by fighting.


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And Sion shall come, and shall be shewed to all men, being prepared and builded, like as thou sawest the hill graven without hands.


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And this my Son shall rebuke the wicked inventions of those nations, which for their wicked life are fallen into the tempest;


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And shall lay before them their evil thoughts, and the torments wherewith they shall begin to be tormented, which are like unto a flame: and he shall destroy them without labour by the law which is like unto me.


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Those are the ten tribes, which were carried away prisoners out of their own land in the time of Osea the king, whom Salmanasar the king of Assyria led away captive, and he carried them over the waters, and so came they into another land.


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But they took this counsel among themselves, that they would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further country, where never mankind dwelt,


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For through that country there was a great way to go, namely, of a year and a half: and the same region is called Arsareth.


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The Highest shall stay the springs of the stream again, that they may go through: therefore sawest thou the multitude with peace.


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Now when he destroyeth the multitude of the nations that are gathered together, he shall defend his people that remain.


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Then said I, O Lord that bearest rule, shew me this: Wherefore have I seen the man coming up from the midst of the sea?


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And he said unto me, Like as thou canst neither seek out nor know the things that are in the deep of the sea: even so can no man upon earth see my Son, or those that be with him, but in the day time.


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This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest, and whereby thou only art here lightened.


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And therefore have I shewed thee the treasures of the Highest: after other three days I will speak other things unto thee, and declare unto thee mighty and wondrous things.


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Then went I forth into the field, giving praise and thanks greatly unto the most High because of his wonders which he did in time;


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And because he governeth the same, and such things as fall in their seasons: and there I sat three days.


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And it came to pass upon the third day, I sat under an oak, and, behold, there came a voice out of a bush over against me, and said, Esdras, Esdras.


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Then said he unto me, In the bush I did manifestly reveal myself unto Moses, and talked with him, when my people served in Egypt:


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And I sent him and led my people out of Egypt, and brought him up to the mount of where I held him by me a long season,


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And told him many wondrous things, and shewed him the secrets of the times, and the end; and commanded him, saying,


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That thou lay up in thy heart the signs that I have shewed, and the dreams that thou hast seen, and the interpretations which thou hast heard:


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For thou shalt be taken away from all, and from henceforth thou shalt remain with my Son, and with such as be like thee, until the times be ended.


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For the world is divided into twelve parts, and the ten parts of it are gone already, and half of a tenth part:


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Now therefore set thine house in order, and reprove thy people, comfort such of them as be in trouble, and now renounce corruption,


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For look how much the world shall be weaker through age, so much the more shall evils increase upon them that dwell therein.


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For the time is fled far away, and leasing is hard at hand: for now hasteth the vision to come, which thou hast seen.


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Behold, Lord, I will go, as thou hast commanded me, and reprove the people which are present: but they that shall be born afterward, who shall admonish them? thus the world is set in darkness, and they that dwell therein are without light.


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For thy law is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the things that are done of thee, or the work that shall begin.


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But if I have found grace before thee, send the Holy Ghost into me, and I shall write all that hath been done in the world since the beginning, which were written in thy law, that men may find thy path, and that they which will live in the latter days may live.


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And he answered me, saying, Go thy way, gather the people together, and say unto them, that they seek thee not for forty days.


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But look thou prepare thee many box trees, and take with thee Sarea, Dabria, Selemia, Ecanus, and Asiel, these five which are ready to write swiftly;


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And come hither, and I shall light a candle of understanding in thine heart, which shall not be put out, till the things be performed which thou shalt begin to write.


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And when thou hast done, some things shalt thou publish, and some things shalt thou shew secretly to the wise: to morrow this hour shalt thou begin to write.


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Then was the land, even the land of Sion, parted among you by lot: but your fathers, and ye yourselves, have done unrighteousness, and have not kept the ways which the Highest commanded you.


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Therefore if so be that ye will subdue your own understanding, and reform your hearts, ye shall be kept alive and after death ye shall obtain mercy.


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For after death shall the judgment come, when we shall live again: and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest, and the works of the ungodly shall be declared.


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And the next day, behold, a voice called me, saying, Esdras, open thy mouth, and drink that I give thee to drink.


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Then opened I my mouth, and, behold, he reached me a full cup, which was full as it were with water, but the colour of it was like fire.


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And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my heart uttered understanding, and wisdom grew in my breast, for my spirit strengthened my memory:


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The Highest gave understanding unto the five men, and they wrote the wonderful visions of the night that were told, which they knew not: and they sat forty days, and they wrote in the day, and at night they ate bread.


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And it came to pass, when the forty days were filled, that the Highest spake, saying, The first that thou hast written publish openly, that the worthy and unworthy may read it:


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Behold, speak thou in the ears of my people the words of prophecy, which I will put in thy mouth, saith the Lord:


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Fear not the imaginations against thee, let not the incredulity of them trouble thee, that speak against thee.


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Behold, saith the Lord, I will bring plagues upon the world; the sword, famine, death, and destruction.


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I will hold my tongue no more as touching their wickedness, which they profanely commit, neither will I suffer them in those things, in which they wickedly exercise themselves: behold, the innocent and righteous blood crieth unto me, and the souls of the just complain continually.


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And therefore, saith the Lord, I will surely avenge them, and receive unto me all the innocent blood from among them.


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Behold, my people is led as a flock to the slaughter: I will not suffer them now to dwell in the land of Egypt:


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But I will bring them with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm, and smite Egypt with plagues, as before, and will destroy all the land thereof.


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Egypt shall mourn, and the foundation of it shall be smitten with the plague and punishment that God shall bring upon it.


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They that till the ground shall mourn: for their seeds shall fail through the blasting and hail, and with a fearful constellation.


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For the sword and their destruction draweth nigh, and one people shall stand up and fight against another, and swords in their hands.


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For there shall be sedition among men, and invading one another; they shall not regard their kings nor princes, and the course of their actions shall stand in their power.


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For because of their pride the cities shall be troubled, the houses shall be destroyed, and men shall be afraid.


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A man shall have no pity upon his neighbour, but shall destroy their houses with the sword, and spoil their goods, because of the lack of bread, and for great tribulation.


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Behold, saith God, I will call together all the kings of the earth to reverence me, which are from the rising of the sun, from the south, from the east, and Libanus; to turn themselves one against another, and repay the things that they have done to them.


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Like as they do yet this day unto my chosen, so will I do also, and recompense in their bosom. Thus saith the Lord God;


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My right hand shall not spare the sinners, and my sword shall not cease over them that shed innocent blood upon the earth.


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The fire is gone forth from his wrath, and hath consumed the foundations of the earth, and the sinners, like the straw that is kindled.


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For the Lord knoweth all them that sin against him, and therefore delivereth he them unto death and destruction.


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For now are the plagues come upon the whole earth and ye shall remain in them: for God shall not deliver you, because ye have sinned against him.


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Where the nations of the dragons of Arabia shall come out with many chariots, and the multitude of them shall be carried as the wind upon earth, that all they which hear them may fear and tremble.


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Also the Carmanians raging in wrath shall go forth as the wild boars of the wood, and with great power shall they come, and join battle with them, and shall waste a portion of the land of the Assyrians.


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And then shall the dragons have the upper hand, remembering their nature; and if they shall turn themselves, conspiring together in great power to persecute them,


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And from the land of the Assyrians shall the enemy besiege them, and consume some of them, and in their host shall be fear and dread, and strife among their kings.


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Behold clouds from the east and from the north unto the south, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and storm.


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They shall smite one upon another, and they shall smite down a great multitude of stars upon the earth, even their own star; and blood shall be from the sword unto the belly,


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And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon earth: and they that see the wrath shall be afraid, and trembling shall come upon them.


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And then shall there come great storms from the south, and from the north, and another part from the west.


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And strong winds shall arise from the east, and shall open it; and the cloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star stirred to cause fear toward the east and west wind, shall be destroyed.


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The great and mighty clouds shall be puffed up full of wrath, and the star, that they may make all the earth afraid, and them that dwell therein; and they shall pour out over every high and eminent place an horrible star,


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Fire, and hail, and flying swords, and many waters, that all fields may be full, and all rivers, with the abundance of great waters.


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And they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and hills, trees of the wood, and grass of the meadows, and their corn.


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They shall come to her, and besiege her, the star and all wrath shall they pour out upon her: then shall the dust and smoke go up unto the heaven, and all they that be about her shall bewail her.


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Woe be unto thee, thou wretch, because thou hast made thyself like unto her; and hast decked thy daughters in whoredom, that they might please and glory in thy lovers, which have always desired to commit whoredom with thee.


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I will send plagues upon thee; widowhood, poverty, famine, sword, and pestilence, to waste thy houses with destruction and death.


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And the glory of thy Power shall be dried up as a flower, the heat shall arise that is sent over thee.


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Thou shalt be weakened as a poor woman with stripes, and as one chastised with wounds, so that the mighty and lovers shall not be able to receive thee.


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If thou hadst not always slain my chosen, exalting the stroke of thine hands, and saying over their dead, when thou wast drunken,


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Like as thou hast done unto my chosen, saith the Lord, even so shall God do unto thee, and shall deliver thee into mischief


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Thy children shall die of hunger, and thou shalt fall through the sword: thy cities shall be broken down, and all thine shall perish with the sword in the field.


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They that be in the mountains shall die of hunger, and eat their own flesh, and drink their own blood, for very hunger of bread, and thirst of water.


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And in the passage they shall rush on the idle city, and shall destroy some portion of thy land, and consume part of thy glory, and shall return to Babylon that was destroyed.


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And shall consume thee, and thy cities, thy land, and thy mountains; all thy woods and thy fruitful trees shall they burn up with fire.


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Thy children shall they carry away captive, and, look, what thou hast, they shall spoil it, and mar the beauty of thy face.


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And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came out of the land of Chettiim, had smitten Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his stead, the first over Greece,


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And went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of many nations, insomuch that the earth was quiet before him; whereupon he was exalted and his heart was lifted up.


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And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over countries, and nations, and kings, who became tributaries unto him.


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Wherefore he called his servants, such as were honourable, and had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his kingdom among them, while he was yet alive.


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And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves; so did their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied in the earth.


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And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.


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In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them we have had much sorrow.


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Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they went to the king, who gave them licence to do after the ordinances of the heathen:


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And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.


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Now when the kingdom was established before Antiochus, he thought to reign over Egypt that he might have the dominion of two realms.


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Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,


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And made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was afraid of him, and fled; and many were wounded to death.


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And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he returned again in the hundred forty and third year, and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great multitude,


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And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels thereof,


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And the table of the shewbread, and the pouring vessels, and the vials. and the censers of gold, and the veil, and the crown, and the golden ornaments that were before the temple, all which he pulled off.


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He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious vessels: also he took the hidden treasures which he found.


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And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land, having made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.


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So that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.


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The land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.


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And after two years fully expired the king sent his chief collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto Jerusalem with a great multitude,


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And spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit: for when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of Israel.


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And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on fire, and pulled down the houses and walls thereof on every side.


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Then builded they the city of David with a great and strong wall, and with mighty towers, and made it a strong hold for them.


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They stored it also with armour and victuals, and when they had gathered together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up there, and so they became a sore snare:


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Insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them: whereupon the city was made an habitation of strangers, and became strange to those that were born in her; and her own children left her.


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Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour into contempt.


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And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king.


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Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.


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For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land,


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And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days:


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That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation:


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In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and appointed overseers over all the people, commanding the cities of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.


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Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit every one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the land;


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Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Juda on every side;


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And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament, or if any committed to the law, the king's commandment was, that they should put him to death.


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Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every month, to as many as were found in the cities.


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Now the five and twentieth day of the month they did sacrifice upon the idol altar, which was upon the altar of God.


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At which time according to the commandment they put to death certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised.


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And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them.


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Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing.


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Wherefore the rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died.


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In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin.


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He said, Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this misery of my people, and of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it was delivered into the hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into the hand of strangers?


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Her glorious vessels are carried away into captivity, her infants are slain in the streets, her young men with the sword of the enemy.


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And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.


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In the mean while the king's officers, such as compelled the people to revolt, came into the city Modin, to make them sacrifice.


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Then answered the king's officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise, Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:


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Now therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king's commandment, like as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem: so shalt thou and thy house be in the number of the king's friends, and thou and thy children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many rewards.


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Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud voice, Though all the nations that are under the king's dominion obey him, and fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments:


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We will not hearken to the king's words, to go from our religion, either on the right hand, or the left.


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Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king's commandment.


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Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the altar.


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Also the king's commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.


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And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.


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Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their cattle; because afflictions increased sore upon them.


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Now when it was told the king's servants, and the host that was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who had broken the king's commandment, were gone down into the secret places in the wilderness,


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They pursued after them a great number, and having overtaken them, they camped against them, and made war against them on the sabbath day.


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And they said unto them, Let that which ye have done hitherto suffice; come forth, and do according to the commandment of the king, and ye shall live.


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But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the king's commandment, to profane the sabbath day.


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Howbeit they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at them, nor stopped the places where they lay hid;


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But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth will testify for us, that ye put us to death wrongfully.


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So they rose up against them in battle on the sabbath, and they slew them, with their wives and children and their cattle, to the number of a thousand people.


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And one of them said to another, If we all do as our brethren have done, and fight not for our lives and laws against the heathen, they will now quickly root us out of the earth.


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At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall come to make battle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight against him; neither will we die all, as our brethren that were murdered im the secret places.


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Then came there unto him a company of Assideans who were mighty men of Israel, even all such as were voluntarily devoted unto the law.


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So they joined their forces, and smote sinful men in their anger, and wicked men in their wrath: but the rest fled to the heathen for succour.


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And what children soever they found within the coast of Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.


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So they recovered the law out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out of the hand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner to triumph.


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Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said unto his sons, Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:


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Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.


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Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time; so shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name.


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To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is come to nothing.


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Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.


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And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.


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As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even from his youth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle of the people.


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And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year, and his sons buried him in the sepulchres of his fathers at Modin, and all Israel made great lamentation for him.


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And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel.


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So he gat his people great honour, and put on a breastplate as a giant, and girt his warlike harness about him, and he made battles, protecting the host with his sword.


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Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered in his hand.


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He grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.


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Moreover he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel:


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So that he was renowned unto the utmost part of the earth, and he received unto him such as were ready to perish.


text:
Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel.


text:
Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him, and so he smote him, and slew him: many also fell down slain, but the rest fled.


text:
Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius' sword also, and therewith he fought all his life long.


text:
Now when Seron, a prince of the army of Syria, heard say that Judas had gathered unto him a multitude and company of the faithful to go out with him to war;


text:
He said, I will get me a name and honour in the kingdom; for I will go fight with Judas and them that are with him, who despise the king's commandment.


text:
So he made him ready to go up, and there went with him a mighty host of the ungodly to help him, and to be avenged of the children of Israel.


text:
And when he came near to the going up of Bethhoron, Judas went forth to meet him with a small company:


text:
Who, when they saw the host coming to meet them, said unto Judas, How shall we be able, being so few, to fight against so great a multitude and so strong, seeing we are ready to faint with fasting all this day?


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Unto whom Judas answered, It is no hard matter for many to be shut up in the hands of a few; and with the God of heaven it is all one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company:


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For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven.


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They come against us in much pride and iniquity to destroy us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us:


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Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our face: and as for you, be ye not afraid of them.


text:
Now as soon as he had left off speaking, he leapt suddenly upon them, and so Seron and his host was overthrown before him.


text:
And they pursued them from the going down of Bethhoron unto the plain, where were slain about eight hundred men of them; and the residue fled into the land of the Philistines.


text:
Then began the fear of Judas and his brethren, and an exceeding great dread, to fall upon the nations round about them:


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Now when king Antiochus heard these things, he was full of indignation: wherefore he sent and gathered together all the forces of his realm, even a very strong army.


text:
He opened also his treasure, and gave his soldiers pay for a year, commanding them to be ready whensoever he should need them.


text:
Nevertheless, when he saw that the money of his treasures failed and that the tributes in the country were small, because of the dissension and plague, which he had brought upon the land in taking away the laws which had been of old time;


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He feared that he should not be able to bear the charges any longer, nor to have such gifts to give so liberally as he did before: for he had abounded above the kings that were before him.


text:
Wherefore, being greatly perplexed in his mind, he determined to go into Persia, there to take the tributes of the countries, and to gather much money.


text:
So he left Lysias, a nobleman, and one of the blood royal, to oversee the affairs of the king from the river Euphrates unto the borders of Egypt:


text:
Moreover he delivered unto him the half of his forces, and the elephants, and gave him charge of all things that he would have done, as also concerning them that dwelt in Juda and Jerusalem:


text:
To wit, that he should send an army against them, to destroy and root out the strength of Israel, and the remnant of Jerusalem, and to take away their memorial from that place;


text:
So the king took the half of the forces that remained, and departed from Antioch, his royal city, the hundred forty and seventh year; and having passed the river Euphrates, he went through the high countries.


text:
Then Lysias chose Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and Gorgias, mighty men of the king's friends:


text:
And with them he sent forty thousand footmen, and seven thousand horsemen, to go into the land of Juda, and to destroy it, as the king commanded.


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And the merchants of the country, hearing the fame of them, took silver and gold very much, with servants, and came into the camp to buy the children of Israel for slaves: a power also of Syria and of the land of the Philistines joined themselves unto them.


text:
Now when Judas and his brethren saw that miseries were multiplied, and that the forces did encamp themselves in their borders: for they knew how the king had given commandment to destroy the people, and utterly abolish them;


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They said one to another, Let us restore the decayed fortune of our people, and let us fight for our people and the sanctuary.


text:
Then was the congregation gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and compassion.


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Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there was none of her children that went in or out: the sanctuary also was trodden down, and aliens kept the strong hold; the heathen had their habitation in that place; and joy was taken from Jacob, and the pipe with the harp ceased.


text:
Wherefore the Israelites assembled themselves together, and came to Maspha, over against Jerusalem; for in Maspha was the place where they prayed aforetime in Israel.


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Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes,


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And laid open the book of the law, wherein the heathen had sought to paint the likeness of their images.


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They brought also the priests' garments, and the firstfruits, and the tithes: and the Nazarites they stirred up, who had accomplished their days.


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Then cried they with a loud voice toward heaven, saying, What shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them away?


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And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to destroy us: what things they imagine against us, thou knowest.


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And after this Judas ordained captains over the people, even captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties, and over tens.


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But as for such as were building houses, or had betrothed wives, or were planting vineyards, or were fearful, those he commanded that they should return, every man to his own house, according to the law.


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And Judas said, arm yourselves, and be valiant men, and see that ye be in readiness against the morning, that ye may fight with these nations, that are assembled together against us to destroy us and our sanctuary:


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For it is better for us to die in battle, than to behold the calamities of our people and our sanctuary.


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Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;


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To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.


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Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king's army which was at Emmaus,


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In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us


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But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor swords to their minds.


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And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert of war.


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Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.


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Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:


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Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.


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Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword: for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men.


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And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils.


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Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:


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When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight,


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Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.


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After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever.


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Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged, because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.


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The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.


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So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men.


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And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armourbearer;


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Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:


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Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their destruction:


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Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.


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So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they slain.


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Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness of Judas' soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it was, he purposed to come again into Judea.


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Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.


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And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the priests' chambers pulled down;


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And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.


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Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.


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They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore they pulled it down,


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And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them.


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They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table.


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And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.


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Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to make.


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Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up betimes in the morning,


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And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made.


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Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.


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Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.


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And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise.


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They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors upon them.


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Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.


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Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness.


text:
At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down as they had done before.


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And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea.


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Now when the nations round about heard that the altar was built and the sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them very much.


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Wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob that was among them, and thereupon they began to slay and destroy the people.


text:
Then Judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumea at Arabattine, because they besieged Gael: and he gave them a great overthrow, and abated their courage, and took their spoils.


text:
Also he remembered the injury of the children of Bean, who had been a snare and an offence unto the people, in that they lay in wait for them in the ways.


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He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped against them, and destroyed them utterly, and burned the towers of that place with fire, and all that were therein.


text:
Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their captain.


text:
So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were discomfited before him; and he smote them.


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Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled themselves together against the Israelites that were in their quarters, to destroy them; but they fled to the fortress of Dathema.


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And sent letters unto Judas and his brethren, The heathen that are round about us are assembled together against us to destroy us:


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And they are preparing to come and take the fortress whereunto we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.


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Yea, all our brethren that were in the places of Tobie are put to death: their wives and their children also they have carried away captives, and borne away their stuff; and they have destroyed there about a thousand men.


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While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came other messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent, who reported on this wise,


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And said, They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled together against us to consume us.


text:
Now when Judas and the people heard these words, there assembled a great congregation together, to consult what they should do for their brethren, that were in trouble, and assaulted of them.


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Then said Judas unto Simon his brother, Choose thee out men, and go and deliver thy brethren that are in Galilee, for I and Jonathan my brother will go into the country of Galaad.


text:
So he left Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the people, with the remnant of the host in Judea to keep it.


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Unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Take ye the charge of this people, and see that ye make not war against the heathen until the time that we come again.


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Now unto Simon were given three thousand men to go into Galilee, and unto Judas eight thousand men for the country of Galaad.


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Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought many battles with the heathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him.


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And he pursued them unto the gate of Ptolemais; and there were slain of the heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils he took.


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And those that were in Galilee, and in Arbattis, with their wives and their children, and all that they had, took he away with him, and brought them into Judea with great joy.


text:
Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan went over Jordan, and travelled three days' journey in the wilderness,


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Where they met with the Nabathites, who came unto them in a peaceable manner, and told them every thing that had happened to their brethren in the land of Galaad:


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And how that many of them were shut up in Bosora, and Bosor, and Alema, Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim; all these cities are strong and great:


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And that they were shut up in the rest of the cities of the country of Galaad, and that against to morrow they had appointed to bring their host against the forts, and to take them, and to destroy them all in one day.


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Hereupon Judas and his host turned suddenly by the way of the wilderness unto Bosora; and when he had won the city, he slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and took all their spoils, and burned the city with fire,


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And betimes in the morning they looked up, and, behold, there was an innumerable people bearing ladders and other engines of war, to take the fortress: for they assaulted them.


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When Judas therefore saw that the battle was begun, and that the cry of the city went up to heaven, with trumpets, and a great sound,


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Then the host of Timotheus, knowing that it was Maccabeus, fled from him: wherefore he smote them with a great slaughter; so that there were killed of them that day about eight thousand men.


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This done, Judas turned aside to Maspha; and after he had assaulted it he took and slew all the males therein, and received the spoils thereof and and burnt it with fire.


text:
So Judas sent men to espy the host, who brought him word, saying, All the heathen that be round about us are assembled unto them, even a very great host.


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He hath also hired the Arabians to help them and they have pitched their tents beyond the brook, ready to come and fight against thee. Upon this Judas went to meet them.


text:
Then Timotheus said unto the captains of his host, When Judas and his host come near the brook, if he pass over first unto us, we shall not be able to withstand him; for he will mightily prevail against us:


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Now when Judas came near the brook, he caused the scribes of the people to remain by the brook: unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Suffer no man to remain in the camp, but let all come to the battle.


text:
So he went first over unto them, and all the people after him: then all the heathen, being discomfited before him, cast away their weapons, and fled unto the temple that was at Carnaim.


text:
But they took the city, and burned the temple with all that were therein. Thus was Carnaim subdued, neither could they stand any longer before Judas.


text:
Then Judas gathered together all the Israelites that were in the country of Galaad, from the least unto the greatest, even their wives, and their children, and their stuff, a very great host, to the end they might come into the land of Judea.


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Now when they came unto Ephron, (this was a great city in the way as they should go, very well fortified) they could not turn from it, either on the right hand or the left, but must needs pass through the midst of it.


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Whereupon Judas sent unto them in peaceable manner, saying, Let us pass through your land to go into our own country, and none shall do you any hurt; we will only pass through on foot: howbeit they would not open unto him.


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Wherefore Judas commanded a proclamation to be made throughout the host, that every man should pitch his tent in the place where he was.


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So the soldiers pitched, and assaulted the city all that day and all that night, till at the length the city was delivered into his hands:


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Who then slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and rased the city, and took the spoils thereof, and passed through the city over them that were slain.


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And Judas gathered together those that came behind, and exhorted the people all the way through, till they came into the land of Judea.


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So they went up to mount Sion with joy and gladness, where they offered burnt offerings, because not one of them were slain until they had returned in peace.


text:
Now what time as Judas and Jonathan were in the land of Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee before Ptolemais,


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Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the garrisons, heard of the valiant acts and warlike deeds which they had done.


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Wherefore they said, Let us also get us a name, and go fight against the heathen that are round about us.


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And so it was, that Joseph and Azaras were put to flight, and pursued unto the borders of Judea: and there were slain that day of the people of Israel about two thousand men.


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Thus was there a great overthrow among the children of Israel, because they were not obedient unto Judas and his brethren, but thought to do some valiant act.


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Howbeit the man Judas and his brethren were greatly renowned in the sight of all Israel, and of all the heathen, wheresoever their name was heard of;


text:
Afterward went Judas forth with his brethren, and fought against the children of Esau in the land toward the south, where he smote Hebron, and the towns thereof, and pulled down the fortress of it, and burned the towers thereof round about.


text:
At that time certain priests, desirous to shew their valour, were slain in battle, for that they went out to fight unadvisedly.


text:
So Judas turned to Azotus in the land of the Philistines, and when he had pulled down their altars, and burned their carved images with fire, and spoiled their cities, he returned into the land of Judea.


text:
About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high countries heard say, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a city greatly renowned for riches, silver, and gold;


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And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were coverings of gold, and breastplates, and shields, which Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the Grecians, had left there.


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Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil it; but he was not able, because they of the city, having had warning thereof,


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Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon.


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Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia, that the armies, which went against the land of Judea, were put to flight:


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And that Lysias, who went forth first with a great power was driven away of the Jews; and that they were made strong by the armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of the armies, whom they had destroyed:


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Also that they had pulled down the abomination, which he had set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed about the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and his city Bethsura.


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Now when the king heard these words, he was astonished and sore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell sick for grief, because it had not befallen him as he looked for.


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And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more and more, and he made account that he should die.


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Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them, The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very care.


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And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come, and how great a flood of misery is it, wherein now I am! for I was bountiful and beloved in my power.


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But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a cause.


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I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come upon me, and, behold, I perish through great grief in a strange land.


text:
And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the kingdom.


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Now when Lysias knew that the king was dead, he set up Antiochus his son, whom he had brought up being young, to reign in his stead, and his name he called Eupator.


text:
About this time they that were in the tower shut up the Israelites round about the sanctuary, and sought always their hurt, and the strengthening of the heathen.


text:
So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot against them, and other engines.


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Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves:


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And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be ere thou execute judgment, and avenge our brethren?


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We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he would have us, and to obey his commandments;


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For which cause they of our nation besiege the tower, and are alienated from us: moreover as many of us as they could light on they slew, and spoiled our inheritance.


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And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at Jerusalem, to take it: the sanctuary also and Bethsura have they fortified.


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Wherefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do the greater things than these, neither shalt thou be able to rule them.


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Now when the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered together all his friends, and the captains of his army, and those that had charge of the horse.


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So that the number of his army was an hundred thousand footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and thirty elephants exercised in battle.


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These went through Idumea, and pitched against Bethsura, which they assaulted many days, making engines of war; but they of Bethsura came out, and burned them with fire, and fought valiantly.


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Then the king rising very early marched fiercely with his host toward Bathzacharias, where his armies made them ready to battle, and sounded the trumpets.


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And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight, they shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries.


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Moreover they divided the beasts among the armies, and for every elephant they appointed a thousand men, armed with coats of mail, and with helmets of brass on their heads; and beside this, for every beast were ordained five hundred horsemen of the best.


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These were ready at every occasion: wheresoever the beast was, and whithersoever the beast went, they went also, neither departed they from him.


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And upon the beasts were there strong towers of wood, which covered every one of them, and were girt fast unto them with devices: there were also upon every one two and thirty strong men, that fought upon them, beside the Indian that ruled him.


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As for the remnant of the horsemen, they set them on this side and that side at the two parts of the host giving them signs what to do, and being harnessed all over amidst the ranks.


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Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass, the mountains glistered therewith, and shined like lamps of fire.


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So part of the king's army being spread upon the high mountains, and part on the valleys below, they marched on safely and in order.


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Wherefore all that heard the noise of their multitude, and the marching of the company, and the rattling of the harness, were moved: for the army was very great and mighty.


text:
Then Judas and his host drew near, and entered into battle, and there were slain of the king's army six hundred men.


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Eleazar also, surnamed Savaran, perceiving that one of the beasts, armed with royal harness, was higher than all the rest, and supposing that the king was upon him,


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Wherefore he ran upon him courageously through the midst of the battle, slaying on the right hand and on the left, so that they were divided from him on both sides.


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Which done, he crept under the elephant, and thrust him under, and slew him: whereupon the elephant fell down upon him, and there he died.


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Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the king, and the violence of his forces, turned away from them.


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Then the king's army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and the king pitched his tents against Judea, and against mount Sion.


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But with them that were in Bethsura he made peace: for they came out of the city, because they had no victuals there to endure the siege, it being a year of rest to the land.


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As for the sanctuary, he besieged it many days: and set there artillery with engines and instruments to cast fire and stones, and pieces to cast darts and slings.


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Yet at the last, their vessels being without victuals, (for that it was the seventh year, and they in Judea that were delivered from the Gentiles, had eaten up the residue of the store;)


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There were but a few left in the sanctuary, because the famine did so prevail against them, that they were fain to disperse themselves, every man to his own place.


text:
At that time Lysias heard say, that Philip, whom Antiochus the king, whiles he lived, had appointed to bring up his son Antiochus, that he might be king,


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Was returned out of Persia and Media, and the king's host also that went with him, and that he sought to take unto him the ruling of the affairs.


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Wherefore he went in all haste, and said to the king and the captains of the host and the company, We decay daily, and our victuals are but small, and the place we lay siege unto is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us:


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Now therefore let us be friends with these men, and make peace with them, and with all their nation;


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And covenant with them, that they shall live after their laws, as they did before: for they are therefore displeased, and have done all these things, because we abolished their laws.


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So the king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent unto them to make peace; and they accepted thereof.


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Then the king entered into mount Sion; but when he saw the strength of the place, he broke his oath that he had made, and gave commandment to pull down the wall round about.


text:
Afterward departed he in all haste, and returned unto Antiochia, where he found Philip to be master of the city: so he fought against him, and took the city by force.


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In the hundred and one and fiftieth year Demetrius the son of Seleucus departed from Rome, and came up with a few men unto a city of the sea coast, and reigned there.


text:
And as he entered into the palace of his ancestors, so it was, that his forces had taken Antiochus and Lysias, to bring them unto him.


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There came unto him all the wicked and ungodly men of Israel, having Alcimus, who was desirous to be high priest, for their captain:


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And they accused the people to the king, saying, Judas and his brethren have slain all thy friends, and driven us out of our own land.


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Now therefore send some man whom thou trustest, and let him go and see what havock he hath made among us, and in the king's land, and let him punish them with all them that aid them.


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Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who ruled beyond the flood, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king,


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And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high priest, and commanded that he should take vengeance of the children of Israel.


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So they departed, and came with a great power into the land of Judea, where they sent messengers to Judas and his brethren with peaceable words deceitfully.


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For said they, One that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is come with this army, and he will do us no wrong.


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So he spake unto them, peaceably, and sware unto them, saying, we will procure the harm neither of you nor your friends.


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Whereupon they believed him: howbeit he took of them threescore men, and slew them in one day, according to the words which he wrote,


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The flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their blood have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them.


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Wherefore the fear and dread of them fell upon all the people, who said, There is neither truth nor righteousness in them; for they have broken the covenant and oath that they made.


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After this, removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bezeth, where he sent and took many of the men that had forsaken him, and certain of the people also, and when he had slain them, he cast them into the great pit.


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Then committed he the country to Alcimus, and left with him a power to aid him: so Bacchides went to the king.


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And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people, who, after they had gotten the land of Juda into their power, did much hurt in Israel.


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Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen,


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He went out into all the coasts of Judea round about, and took vengeance of them that had revolted from him, so that they durst no more go forth into the country.


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On the other side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was not able to abide their force, he went again to the king, and said all the worst of them that he could.


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Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable princes, a man that bare deadly hate unto Israel, with commandment to destroy the people.


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So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force; and sent unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with friendly words, saying,


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He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably. Howbeit the enemies were prepared to take away Judas by violence.


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Which thing after it was known to Judas, to wit, that he came unto him with deceit, he was sore afraid of him, and would see his face no more.


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Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered, went out to fight against Judas beside Capharsalama:


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Where there were slain of Nicanor's side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into the city of David.


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After this went Nicanor up to mount Sion, and there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests and certain of the elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to shew him the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king.


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And sware in his wrath, saying, Unless Judas and his host be now delivered into my hands, if ever I come again in safety, I will burn up this house: and with that he went out in a great rage.


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Thou, O Lord, didst choose this house to be called by thy name, and to be a house of prayer and petition for thy people:


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Be avenged of this man and his host, and let them fall by the sword: remember their blasphemies, and suffer them not to continue any longer.


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So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met him.


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O Lord, when they that were sent from the king of the Assyrians blasphemed, thine angel went out, and smote an hundred fourscore and five thousand of them.


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Even so destroy thou this host before us this day, that the rest may know that he hath spoken blasphemously against thy sanctuary, and judge thou him according to his wickedness.


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So the thirteenth day of the month Adar the hosts joined battle: but Nicanor's host was discomfited, and he himself was first slain in the battle.


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Then they pursued after them a day's journey, from Adasa unto Gazera, sounding an alarm after them with their trumpets.


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Whereupon they came forth out of all the towns of Judea round about, and closed them in; so that they, turning back upon them that pursued them, were all slain with the sword, and not one of them was left.


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Afterwards they took the spoils, and the prey, and smote off Nicanors head, and his right hand, which he stretched out so proudly, and brought them away, and hanged them up toward Jerusalem.


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Now Judas had heard of the the Romans, that they were mighty and valiant men, and such as would lovingly accept all that joined themselves unto them, and make a league of amity with all that came unto them;


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And that they were men of great valour. It was told him also of their wars and noble acts which they had done among the Galatians, and how they had conquered them, and brought them under tribute;


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And what they had done in the country of Spain, for the winning of the mines of the silver and gold which is there;


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And that by their policy and patience they had conquered all the place, though it were very far from them; and the kings also that came against them from the uttermost part of the earth, till they had discomfited them, and given them a great overthrow, so that the rest did give them tribute every year:


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Beside this, how they had discomfited in battle Philip, and Perseus, king of the Citims, with others that lifted up themselves against them, and had overcome them:


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How also Antiochus the great king of Asia, that came against them in battle, having an hundred and twenty elephants, with horsemen, and chariots, and a very great army, was discomfited by them;


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And how they took him alive, and covenanted that he and such as reigned after him should pay a great tribute, and give hostages, and that which was agreed upon,


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And the country of India, and Media and Lydia and of the goodliest countries, which they took of him, and gave to king Eumenes:


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And that they, having knowledge thereof sent against them a certain captain, and fighting with them slew many of them, and carried away captives their wives and their children, and spoiled them, and took possession of their lands, and pulled down their strong holds, and brought them to be their servants unto this day:


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It was told him besides, how they destroyed and brought under their dominion all other kingdoms and isles that at any time resisted them;


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But with their friends and such as relied upon them they kept amity: and that they had conquered kingdoms both far and nigh, insomuch as all that heard of their name were afraid of them:


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Also that, whom they would help to a kingdom, those reign; and whom again they would, they displace: finally, that they were greatly exalted:


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Moreover how they had made for themselves a senate house, wherein three hundred and twenty men sat in council daily, consulting alway for the people, to the end they might be well ordered:


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And that they committed their government to one man every year, who ruled over all their country, and that all were obedient to that one, and that there was neither envy nor emmulation among them.


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In consideration of these things, Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, the son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome, to make a league of amity and confederacy with them,


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And to intreat them that they would take the yoke from them; for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress Israel with servitude.


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They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey, and came into the senate, where they spake and said.


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Judas Maccabeus with his brethren, and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto you, to make a confederacy and peace with you, and that we might be registered your confederates and friends.


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And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote back again in tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that there they might have by them a memorial of peace and confederacy:


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Good success be to the Romans, and to the people of the Jews, by sea and by land for ever: the sword also and enemy be far from them,


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If there come first any war upon the Romans or any of their confederates throughout all their dominion,


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Neither shall they give any thing unto them that make war upon them, or aid them with victuals, weapons, money, or ships, as it hath seemed good unto the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants without taking any thing therefore.


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In the same manner also, if war come first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall help them with all their heart, according as the time shall be appointed them:


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Neither shall victuals be given to them that take part against them, or weapons, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed good to the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants, and that without deceit.


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Howbeit if hereafter the one party or the other shall think to meet to add or diminish any thing, they may do it at their pleasures, and whatsoever they shall add or take away shall be ratified.


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And as touching the evils that Demetrius doeth to the Jews, we have written unto him, saying, Wherefore thou made thy yoke heavy upon our friends and confederates the Jews?


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If therefore they complain any more against thee, we will do them justice, and fight with thee by sea and by land.


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Furthermore, when Demetrius heard the Nicanor and his host were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea the second time, and with them the chief strength of his host:


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Who went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had won it, they slew much people.


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From whence they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen.


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Who seeing the multitude of the other army to he so great were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, insomuch as abode of them no more but eight hundred men.


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When Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together.


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Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with them.


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But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us now rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our brethren, and fight against them: for we are but few.


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Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and flee away from them: if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour.


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With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents, and stood over against them, their horsemen being divided into two troops, and their slingers and archers going before the host and they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men.


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As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew near on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets.


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They also of Judas' side, even they sounded their trumpets also, so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and the battle continued from morning till night.


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Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men,


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But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him hard at the heels from behind:


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THen Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.


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Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying,


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As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written: for they were very many.


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Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity.


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In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason whereof the country revolted, and went with them.


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And they made enquiry and search for Judas' friends, and brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used them despitefully.


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So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.


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Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us.


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Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.


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Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas.


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Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar.


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Now Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might leave with them their carriage, which was much.


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But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John, and all that he had, and went their way with it.


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After this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan.


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Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain:


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Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold, there was much ado and great carriage: and the bridegroom came forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with drums, and instruments of musick, and many weapons.


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Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils.


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So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they turned again to the marsh of Jordan.


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Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day unto the banks of Jordan with a great power.


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Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight for our lives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time past:


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For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside.


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With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him.


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Then Jonathan and they that were with him leapt into Jordan, and swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan unto them.


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Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem and repaired the strong cites in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates and with bars.


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He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.


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Besides, he took the chief men's sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.


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Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets


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And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house.


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Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years.


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Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night.


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Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not, because their counsel was known unto them.


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Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them.


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Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong.


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Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his host, and sent word to them that were of Judea.


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Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought against it a long season and made engines of war.


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But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went he forth.


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And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company went out of the city, and burned up the engines of war,


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And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them, and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in vain.


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Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of them, and purposed to return into his own country.


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Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them the prisoners.


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Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands, and sware unto him that he would never do him harm all the days of his life.


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When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into their borders.


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Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel.


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In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there,


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Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight.


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Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him, and against his brethren and his people.


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Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host, and to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should be delivered him.


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Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower:


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Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together an host.


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Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents.


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And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount Sion and about with square stones for fortification; and they did so.


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Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law and the commandments remained still: for it was their place of refuge.


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Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him of the battles and noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the pains that they had endured,


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Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of thy nation, and to be called the king's friend; (and therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and require thee to take our part, and keep friendship with us.


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So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and gathered together forces, and provided much armour.


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What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?


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I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.


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He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:


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Whereas ye have kept covenants with us, and continued in our friendship, not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have heard hereof, and are glad.


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Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we will well recompense you for the things ye do in our behalf,


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And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the Jews, from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and from crown taxes,


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And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the third part or the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not be taken of the land of Judea, nor of the three governments which are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth for evermore.


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And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up authority over it, and give the high priest, that he may set in it such men as he shall choose to keep it.


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Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews, that were carried captives out of the land of Judea into any part of my kingdom, and I will that all my officers remit the tributes even of their cattle.


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Furthermore I will that all the feasts, and sabbaths, and new moons, and solemn days, and the three days before the feast, and the three days after the feast shall be all of immunity and freedom for all the Jews in my realm.


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I will further, that there be enrolled among the king's forces about thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay shall be given, as belongeth to all king's forces.


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And of them some shall be placed in the king's strong holds, of whom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom, which are of trust: and I will that their overseers and governors be of themselves, and that they live after their own laws, even as the king hath commanded in the land of Judea.


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And concerning the three governments that are added to Judea from the country of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that they may be reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey other authority than the high priest's.


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As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it as a free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary expences of the sanctuary.


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Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver out of the king's accounts from the places appertaining.


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And all the overplus, which the officers payed not in as in former time, from henceforth shall be given toward the works of the temple.


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And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which they took from the uses of the temple out of the accounts year by year, even those things shall be released, because they appertain to the priests that minister.


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And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or be within the liberties hereof, being indebted unto the king, or for any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all that they have in my realm.


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For the building also and repairing of the works of the sanctuary expences shall be given of the king's accounts.


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Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the fortifying thereof round about, expences shall be given out of the king's accounts, as also for the building of the walls in Judea.


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Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave no credit unto them, nor received them, because they remembered the great evil that he had done in Israel; for he had afflicted them very sore.


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But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the first that entreated of true peace with them, and they were confederate with him always.


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And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius' host fled: but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against them.


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Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country;


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For after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host was discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his kingdom:


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Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and give me now thy daughter to wife: and I will be thy son in law, and will give both thee and her as according to thy dignity.


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Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day wherein thou didst return into the land of thy fathers, and satest in the throne of their kingdom.


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And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; for I will marry my daughter to thee according to thy desire.


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So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and second year:


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Where king Alexander meeting him, he gave unto him his daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais with great glory, as the manner of kings is.


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Who thereupon went honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the two kings, and gave them and their friends silver and gold, and many presents, and found favour in their sight.


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At that time certain pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a wicked life, assembled themselves against him, to accuse him: but the king would not hear them.


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Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so.


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And he made him sit by himself, and said into his princes, Go with him into the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that no man complain against him of any matter, and that no man trouble him for any manner of cause.


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Now when his accusers saw that he was honored according to the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away.


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So the king honoured him, and wrote him among his chief friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion.


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Furthermore in the; hundred threescore and fifth year came Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his fathers:


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Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his general, who gathered together a great host, and camped in Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying,


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Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to scorn for thy sake, and reproached: and why dost thou vaunt thy power against us in the mountains?


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Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine own strength, come down to us into the plain field, and there let us try the matter together: for with me is the power of the cities.


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Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and they shall tell thee that thy foot is not able to to flight in their own land.


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Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen and so great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint, nor place to flee unto.


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So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was moved in his mind, and choosing ten thousand men he went out of Jerusalem, where Simon his brother met him for to help him.


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And he pitched his tents against Joppa: but; they of Joppa shut him out of the city, because Apollonius had a garrison there.


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Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa.


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Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth into the plain. because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put his trust.


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And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him; for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the people, from morning till evening.


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Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by him, and fled.


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The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol's temple, for safety.


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But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about it, and took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them that were fled into it, he burned with fire.


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And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with great pomp.


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And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to such as are of the king's blood: he gave him also Accaron with the borders thereof in possession.


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And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went about through deceit to get Alexander's kingdom, and join it to his own.


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Whereupon he took his journey into Spain in peaceable manner, so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his brother in law.


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Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.


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And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them by the way where he should pass.


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Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.


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Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.


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King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined wicked counsels against Alexander.


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Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father's kingdom:


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Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly known.


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Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.


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In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.


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But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with a mighty power, and put him to flight.


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King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain one of another.


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At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it.


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Then came ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,


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Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him at Ptolemais in great haste.


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Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and the priests, and put himself in peril;


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And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found favour in his sight.


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Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,


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And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends.


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Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents.


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We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.


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We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will toward us.


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Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem, that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of trees.


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And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief.


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Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place.


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After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent away all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain bands of strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.


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Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander's part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up Antiochus the young son of Alexander,


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And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus, that he might reign in his father's stead: he told him therefore all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.


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In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.


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So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity serve.


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Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me.


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Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king was very glad of their coming.


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Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.


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Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.


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Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all at once, and dispersing themselves through the city slew that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand.


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So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made supplication to the king, and cried, saying,


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With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm; and they returned to Jerusalem, having great spoils.


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Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him very sore.


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Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.


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At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four governments, and to be one of the king's friends.


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Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle.


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His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.


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Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for to help him: and when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.


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From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out; wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.


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Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus.


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Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to remove him out of the country,


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But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and set a garrison in it.


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As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain of Nasor.


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And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who, having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves over against him.


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So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's side fled;


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Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host.


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Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto their own tents, and there they camped.


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So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.


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Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.


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So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye had with them, and league, as in former time.


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Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.


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Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting:


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There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.


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At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.


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Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,


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Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.


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We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren:


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As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have fought against us.


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Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars:


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For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.


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For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.


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We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.


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It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:


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Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity.


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We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are our's, and our's are your's We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.


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Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius' princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore,


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He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.


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He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season.


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Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be ready to fight: also he sent forth centinels round about the host.


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But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp.


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Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus.


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Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.


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Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside to Joppa, and won it.


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For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that took Demetrius' part; wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it.


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After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea,


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And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it.


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Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch as part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.


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Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his own head.


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Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and came to Bethsan.


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Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.


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Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him;


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But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.


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Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?


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Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of my coming.


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So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea.


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And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.


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Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all them that came with him they slew with the sword.


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Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's company.


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But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him were taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went close together, prepared to fight.


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They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.


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Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.


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Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to destroy them: for said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from among men.


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Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,


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And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,


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And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father's house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen.


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Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren.


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Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice.


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And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.


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So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.


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Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there in it.


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So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.


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Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying,


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Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king's treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto him.


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Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go.


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Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the people:


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So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.


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And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place, wheresoever he went.


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Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and send them victuals.


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Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad.


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Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.


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Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind and before.


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Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four brethren.


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And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they might be seen of all that sail on the sea.


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And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.


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Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced them about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and bars, and laid up victuals therein.


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Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to spoil.


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King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:


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The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we have received: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the immunities which we have granted.


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And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.


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As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid.


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And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.


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Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments and contracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and leader of the Jews.


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In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and battered a certain tower, and took it.


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And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city:


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Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.


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So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving.


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Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein a dwellingplace for himself.


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They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy, nor sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want of victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine.


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Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions:


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And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.


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He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.


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And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.


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Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius gathered his forces together, and went into Media to get him help to fight against Tryphone.


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But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius was entered within his borders, he sent one of his princes to take him alive:


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Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward.


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As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of Simon; for he sought the good of his nation in such wise, as that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well.


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And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he took Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of the sea,


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And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the which he took all uncleaness, neither was there any that resisted him.


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Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.


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The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike apparel.


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He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all manner of munition, so that his honourable name was renowned unto the end of the world.


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Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them: yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.


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Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the law and wicked person he took away.


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But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest in his stead, and ruled the country, and the cities therein:


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They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren:


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And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians sent; The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon the high priest, and the elders, and priests, and residue of the people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting:


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The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us of your glory and honour: wherefore we were glad of their coming,


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And did register the things that they spake in the council of the people in this manner; Numenius son of Antiochus, and Antipater son of Jason, the Jews' ambassadors, came unto us to renew the friendship they had with us.


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And it pleased the people to entertain the men honourably, and to put the copy of their ambassage in publick records, to the end the people of the Lacedemonians might have a memorial thereof: furthermore we have written a copy thereof unto Simon the high priest.


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After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of gold of a thousand pound weight to confirm the league with them.


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For he and his brethren and the house of his father have established Israel, and chased away in fight their enemies from them, and confirmed their liberty.


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So then they wrote it in tables of brass, which they set upon pillars in mount Sion: and this is the copy of the writing; The eighteenth day of the month Elul, in the hundred threescore and twelfth year, being the third year of Simon the high priest,


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At Saramel in the great congregation of the priests, and people, and rulers of the nation, and elders of the country, were these things notified unto us.


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Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been wars in the country, wherein for the maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law, Simon the son of Mattathias, of the posterity of Jarib, together with his brethren, put themselves in jeopardy, and resisting the enemies of their nation did their nation great honour:


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(For after that Jonathan, having gathered his nation together, and been their high priest, was added to his people,


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Their enemies prepared to invade their country, that they might destroy it, and lay hands on the sanctuary:


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At which time Simon rose up, and fought for his nation, and spent much of his own substance, and armed the valiant men of his nation and gave them wages,


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And fortified the cities of Judea, together with Bethsura, that lieth upon the borders of Judea, where the armour of the enemies had been before; but he set a garrison of Jews there:


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Moreover he fortified Joppa, which lieth upon the sea, and Gazera, that bordereth upon Azotus, where the enemies had dwelt before: but he placed Jews there, and furnished them with all things convenient for the reparation thereof.)


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The people therefore sang the acts of Simon, and unto what glory he thought to bring his nation, made him their governor and chief priest, because he had done all these things, and for the justice and faith which he kept to his nation, and for that he sought by all means to exalt his people.


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For in his time things prospered in his hands, so that the heathen were taken out of their country, and they also that were in the city of David in Jerusalem, who had made themselves a tower, out of which they issued, and polluted all about the sanctuary, and did much hurt in the holy place:


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But he placed Jews therein. and fortified it for the safety of the country and the city, and raised up the walls of Jerusalem.


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For he had heard say, that the Romans had called the Jews their friends and confederates and brethren; and that they had entertained the ambassadors of Simon honourably;


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Also that the Jews and priests were well pleased that Simon should be their governor and high priest for ever, until there should arise a faithful prophet;


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Moreover that he should be their captain, and should take charge of the sanctuary, to set them over their works, and over the country, and over the armour, and over the fortresses, that, I say, he should take charge of the sanctuary;


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Beside this, that he should be obeyed of every man, and that all the writings in the country should be made in his name, and that he should be clothed in purple, and wear gold:


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Also that it should be lawful for none of the people or priests to break any of these things, or to gainsay his words, or to gather an assembly in the country without him, or to be clothed in purple, or wear a buckle of gold;


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Then Simon accepted hereof, and was well pleased to be high priest, and captain and governor of the Jews and priests, and to defend them all.


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So they commanded that this writing should be put in tables of brass, and that they should be set up within the compass of the sanctuary in a conspicuous place;


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Also that the copies thereof should be laid up in the treasury, to the end that Simon and his sons might have them.


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Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters from the isles of the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of the Jews, and to all the people;


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The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the high priest and prince of his nation, and to the people of the Jews, greeting:


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Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom of our fathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I may restore it to the old estate, and to that end have gathered a multitude of foreign soldiers together, and prepared ships of war;


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My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may be avenged of them that have destroyed it, and made many cities in the kingdom desolate:


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Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they granted.


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And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be free; and all the armour that thou hast made, and fortresses that thou hast built, and keepest in thine hands, let them remain unto thee.


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And if anything be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be forgiven thee from this time forth for evermore.


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Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will honour thee, and thy nation, and thy temple, with great honour, so that your honour shall be known throughout the world.


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In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus into the land of his fathers: at which time all the forces came together unto him, so that few were left with Tryphon.


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Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an hundred and twenty thousand men of war, and eight thousand horsemen.


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And when he had compassed the city round about, and joined ships close to the town on the sea side, he vexed the city by land and by sea, neither suffered he any to go out or in.


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In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome, having letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written these things:


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The Jews' ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came unto us to renew the old friendship and league, being sent from Simon the high priest, and from the people of the Jews:


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We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and countries, that they should do them no harm, nor fight against them, their cities, or countries, nor yet aid their enemies against them.


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If therefore there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled from their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high priest, that he may punish them according to their own law.


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And to all the countries and to Sampsames, and the Lacedemonians, and to Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria, and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and Rhodus, and Aradus, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and Gortyna, and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene.


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So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the second day, assaulting it continually, and making engines, by which means he shut up Tryphon, that he could neither go out nor in.


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At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid him; silver also, and gold, and much armour.


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Nevertheless he would not receive them, but brake all the covenants which he had made with him afore, and became strange unto him.


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Furthermore he sent unto him Athenobius, one of his friends, to commune with him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa and Gazera; with the tower that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.


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The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in the land, and got the dominion of many places within my kingdom.


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Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the tributes of the places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without the borders of Judea:


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Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and for the harm that ye have done, and the tributes of the cities, other five hundred talents: if not, we will come and fight against you


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So Athenobius the king's friend came to Jerusalem: and when he saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver plate, and his great attendance, he was astonished, and told him the king's message.


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Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have neither taken other men's land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others, but the inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had wrongfully in possession a certain time.


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And whereas thou demandest Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did great harm unto the people in our country, yet will we give thee an hundred talents for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him not a word;


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But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him of these speeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he had seen: whereupon the king was exceeding wroth.


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Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and gave him an host of footmen and horsemen,


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And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he commanded him to build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and to war against the people; but as for the king himself, he pursued Tryphon.


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So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people and to invade Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay them.


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And when he had built up Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and an host of footmen, to the end that issuing out they might make outroads upon the ways of Judea, as the king had commanded him.


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The brethren, the Jews that be at Jerusalem and in the land of Judea, wish unto the brethren, the Jews that are throughout Egypt health and peace:


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God be gracious unto you, and remember his covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants;


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What time as Demetrius reigned, in the hundred threescore and ninth year, we the Jews wrote unto you in the extremity of trouble that came upon us in those years, from the time that Jason and his company revolted from the holy land and kingdom,


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And burned the porch, and shed innocent blood: then we prayed unto the Lord, and were heard; we offered also sacrifices and fine flour, and lighted the lamps, and set forth the loaves.


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In the hundred fourscore and eighth year, the people that were at Jerusalem and in Judea, and the council, and Judas, sent greeting and health unto Aristobulus, king Ptolemeus' master, who was of the stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews that were in Egypt:


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Insomuch as God hath delivered us from great perils, we thank him highly, as having been in battle against a king.


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For when the leader was come into Persia, and the army with him that seemed invincible, they were slain in the temple of Nanea by the deceit of Nanea's priests.


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For Antiochus, as though he would marry her, came into the place, and his friends that were with him, to receive money in name of a dowry.


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Which when the priests of Nanea had set forth, and he was entered with a small company into the compass of the temple, they shut the temple as soon as Antiochus was come in:


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And opening a privy door of the roof, they threw stones like thunderbolts, and struck down the captain, hewed them in pieces, smote off their heads and cast them to those that were without.


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Therefore whereas we are now purposed to keep the purification of the temple upon the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, we thought it necessary to certify you thereof, that ye also might keep it, as the feast of the tabernacles, and of the fire, which was given us when Neemias offered sacrifice, after that he had builded the temple and the altar.


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For when our fathers were led into Persia, the priests that were then devout took the fire of the altar privily, and hid it in an hollow place of a pit without water, where they kept it sure, so that the place was unknown to all men.


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Now after many years, when it pleased God, Neemias, being sent from the king of Persia, did send of the posterity of those priests that had hid it to the fire: but when they told us they found no fire, but thick water;


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Then commanded he them to draw it up, and to bring it; and when the sacrifices were laid on, Neemias commanded the priests to sprinkle the wood and the things laid thereupon with the water.


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When this was done, and the time came that the sun shone, which afore was hid in the cloud, there was a great fire kindled, so that every man marvelled.


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And the priests made a prayer whilst the sacrifice was consuming, I say, both the priests, and all the rest, Jonathan beginning, and the rest answering thereunto, as Neemias did.


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And the prayer was after this manner; O Lord, Lord God, Creator of all things, who art fearful and strong, and righteous, and merciful, and the only and gracious King,


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The only giver of all things, the only just, almighty, and everlasting, thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble, and didst choose the fathers, and sanctify them:


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Gather those together that are scattered from us, deliver them that serve among the heathen, look upon them that are despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that thou art our God.


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Now when the sacrifice was consumed, Neemias commanded the water that was left to be poured on the great stones.


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When this was done, there was kindled a flame: but it was consumed by the light that shined from the altar.


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So when this matter was known, it was told the king of Persia, that in the place, where the priests that were led away had hid the fire, there appeared water, and that Neemias had purified the sacrifices therewith.


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And Neemias called this thing Naphthar, which is as much as to say, a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi.


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It is also found in the records, that Jeremy the prophet commanded them that were carried away to take of the fire, as it hath been signified:


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And how that the prophet, having given them the law, charged them not to forget the commandments of the Lord, and that they should not err in their minds, when they see images of silver and gold, with their ornaments.


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It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet, being warned of God, commanded the tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses climbed up, and saw the heritage of God.


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And when Jeremy came thither, he found an hollow cave, wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense, and so stopped the door.


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Which when Jeremy perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for that place, it shall be unknown until the time that God gather his people again together, and receive them unto mercy.


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Then shall the Lord shew them these things, and the glory of the Lord shall appear, and the cloud also, as it was shewed under Moses, and as when Solomon desired that the place might be honourably sanctified.


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It was also declared, that he being wise offered the sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple.


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And as when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the sacrifices: even so prayed Solomon also, and the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offerings.


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The same things also were reported in the writings and commentaries of Neemias; and how he founding a library gathered together the acts of the kings, and the prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the kings concerning the holy gifts.


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In like manner also Judas gathered together all those things that were lost by reason of the war we had, and they remain with us,


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Whereas we then are about to celebrate the purification, we have written unto you, and ye shall do well, if ye keep the same days.


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We hope also, that the God, that delivered all his people, and gave them all an heritage, and the kingdom, and the priesthood, and the sanctuary,


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As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us, and gather us together out of every land under heaven into the holy place: for he hath delivered us out of great troubles, and hath purified the place.


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Now as concerning Judas Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the altar,


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And the manifest signs that came from heaven unto those that behaved themselves manfully to their honour for Judaism: so that, being but a few, they overcame the whole country, and chased barbarous multitudes,


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And recovered again the temple renowned all the world over, and freed the city, and upheld the laws which were going down, the Lord being gracious unto them with all favour:


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All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume.


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For considering the infinite number, and the difficulty which they find that desire to look into the narrations of the story, for the variety of the matter,


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We have been careful, that they that will read may have delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to memory might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might have profit.


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Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching;


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Even as it is no ease unto him that prepareth a banquet, and seeketh the benefit of others: yet for the pleasuring of many we will undertake gladly this great pains;


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Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.


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For as the master builder of a new house must care for the whole building; but he that undertaketh to set it out, and paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof: even so I think it is with us.


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To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of the story:


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But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.


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Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to that which hath been said, that it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.


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Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,


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It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts;


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Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.


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But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in the city.


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And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of Celosyria and Phenice,


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And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches, which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the king's hand.


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Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of the money whereof he was told, the king chose out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the foresaid money.


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So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to fulfil the king's purpose.


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And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received of the high priest of the city, he told him what intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he came, and asked if these things were so indeed.


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Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid up for the relief of widows and fatherless children:


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And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed: the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold:


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And that it was altogether impossible that such wrongs should be done unto them, that had committed it to the holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple, honoured over all the world.


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But Heliodorus, because of the king's commandment given him, said, That in any wise it must be brought into the king's treasury.


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So at the day which he appointed he entered in to order this matter: wherefore there was no small agony throughout the whole city.


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But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in their priests' vestments, called unto heaven upon him that made a law concerning things given to he kept, that they should safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.


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Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance and the changing of his colour declared the inward agony of his mind.


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For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon him, what sorrow he had now in his heart.


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Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.


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And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in the streets, and the virgins that were kept in ran, some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.


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Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the high priest being in such an agony.


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They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for those that had committed them.


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Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince of all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and were sore afraid.


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For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete harness of gold.


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Moreover two other young men appeared before him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood by him on either side; and scourged him continually, and gave him many sore stripes.


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And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him took him up, and put him into a litter.


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Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all his guard into the said treasury, they carried out, being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they acknowledged the power of God.


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But they praised the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his own place: for the temple; which a little afore was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.


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Then straightways certain of Heliodorus' friends prayed Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.


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So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.


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Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life:


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And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God. And when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more.


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So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.


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And when the king Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,


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If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt; there is an especial power of God.


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For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place, and defendeth it; and he beateth and destroyeth them that come to hurt it.


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This Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having been a betrayer of the money, and of his country, slandered Onias, as if he ha terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these evils.


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Thus was he bold to call him a traitor, that had deserved well of the city, and tendered his own nation, and was so zealous of the laws.


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Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did rage, and increase Simon's malice,


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He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all, both publick and private:


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For he saw that it was impossible that the state should continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless the king did look thereunto.


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But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured underhand to be high priest,


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Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty talents:


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Beside this, he promised to assign an hundred and fifty more, if he might have licence to set him up a place for exercise, and for the training up of youth in the fashions of the heathen, and to write them of Jerusalem by the name of Antiochians.


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Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten into his hand the rule he forthwith brought his own nation to Greekish fashion.


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And the royal privileges granted of special favour to the Jews by the means of John the father of Eupolemus, who went ambassador to Rome for amity and aid, he took away; and putting down the governments which were according to the law, he brought up new customs against the law:


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For he built gladly a place of exercise under the tower itself, and brought the chief young men under his subjection, and made them wear a hat.


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Now such was the height of Greek fashions, and increase of heathenish manners, through the exceeding profaneness of Jason, that ungodly wretch, and no high priest;


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That the priests had no courage to serve any more at the altar, but despising the temple, and neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of the unlawful allowance in the place of exercise, after the game of Discus called them forth;


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By reason whereof sore calamity came upon them: for they had them to be their enemies and avengers, whose custom they followed so earnestly, and unto whom they desired to be like in all things.


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For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God: but the time following shall declare these things.


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This ungracious Jason sent special messengers from Jerusalem, who were Antiochians, to carry three hundred drachms of silver to the sacrifice of Hercules, which even the bearers thereof thought fit not to bestow upon the sacrifice, because it was not convenient, but to be reserved for other charges.


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This money then, in regard of the sender, was appointed to Hercules' sacrifice; but because of the bearers thereof, it was employed to the making of gallies.


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Now when Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt for the coronation of king Ptolemeus Philometor, Antiochus, understanding him not to be well affected to his affairs, provided for his own safety: whereupon he came to Joppa, and from thence to Jerusalem:


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Where he was honourably received of Jason, and of the city, and was brought in with torch alight, and with great shoutings: and so afterward went with his host unto Phenice.


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Three years afterward Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid Simon's brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put him in mind of certain necessary matters.


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But he being brought to the presence of the king, when he had magnified him for the glorious appearance of his power, got the priesthood to himself, offering more than Jason by three hundred talents of silver.


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So he came with the king's mandate, bringing nothing worthy the high priesthood, but having the fury of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.


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Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the country of the Ammonites.


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So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money that he had promised unto the king, he took no good order for it, albeit Sostratis the ruler of the castle required it:


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For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs. Wherefore they were both called before the king.


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Now Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the Cyprians.


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While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos made insurrection, because they were given to the king's concubine, called Antiochus.


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Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.


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Now Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a convenient time, stole certain vessels of gold out of the temple, and gave some of them to Andronicus, and some he sold into Tyrus and the cities round about.


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Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by Antiochia.


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Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed, him to get Onias into his hands; who being persuaded thereunto, and coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right hand with oaths; and though he were suspected by him, yet persuaded he him to come forth of the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut up without regard of justice.


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For the which cause not only the Jews, but many also of other nations, took great indignation, and were much grieved for the unjust murder of the man.


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And when the king was come again from the places about Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city, and certain of the Greeks that abhorred the fact also, complained because Onias was slain without cause.


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Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that was dead.


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And being kindled with anger, forthwith he took away Andronicus his purple, and rent off his clothes, and leading him through the whole city unto that very place, where he had committed impiety against Onias, there slew he the cursed murderer. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had deserved.


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Now when many sacrileges had been committed in the city by Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus, and the fruit thereof was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together against Lysimachus, many vessels of gold being already carried away.


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Whereupon the common people rising, and being filled with rage, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and began first to offer violence; one Auranus being the leader, a man far gone in years, and no less in folly.


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They then seeing the attempt of Lysimachus, some of them caught stones, some clubs, others taking handfuls of dust, that was next at hand, cast them all together upon Lysimachus, and those that set upon them.


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Thus many of them they wounded, and some they struck to the ground, and all of them they forced to flee: but as for the churchrobber himself, him they killed beside the treasury.


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Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before him:


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But Menelaus, being now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes to give him much money, if he would pacify the king toward him.


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Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king aside into a certain gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of another mind:


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Insomuch that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations, who notwithstanding was cause of all the mischief: and those poor men, who, if they had told their cause, yea, before the Scythians, should have been judged innocent, them he condemned to death.


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Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.


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Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.


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And so through the covetousness of them that were of power Menelaus remained still in authority, increasing in malice, and being a great traitor to the citizens.


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And then it happened, that through all the city, for the space almost of forty days, there were seen horsemen running in the air, in cloth of gold, and armed with lances, like a band of soldiers,


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And troops of horsemen in array, encountering and running one against another, with shaking of shields, and multitude of pikes, and drawing of swords, and casting of darts, and glittering of golden ornaments, and harness of all sorts.


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Now when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though Antiochus had been dead, Jason took at the least a thousand men, and suddenly made an assault upon the city; and they that were upon the walls being put back, and the city at length taken, Menelaus fled into the castle:


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But Jason slew his own citizens without mercy, not considering that to get the day of them of his own nation would be a most unhappy day for him; but thinking they had been his enemies, and not his countrymen, whom he conquered.


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Howbeit for all this he obtained not the principality, but at the last received shame for the reward of his treason, and fled again into the country of the Ammonites.


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In the end therefore he had an unhappy return, being accused before Aretas the king of the Arabians, fleeing from city to city, pursued of all men, hated as a forsaker of the laws, and being had in abomination as an open enemy of his country and countrymen, he was cast out into Egypt.


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Thus he that had driven many out of their country perished in a strange land, retiring to the Lacedemonians, and thinking there to find succour by reason of his kindred:


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And he that had cast out many unburied had none to mourn for him, nor any solemn funerals at all, nor sepulchre with his fathers.


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Now when this that was done came to the king's car, he thought that Judea had revolted: whereupon removing out of Egypt in a furious mind, he took the city by force of arms,


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And commanded his men of war not to spare such as they met, and to slay such as went up upon the houses.


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Thus there was killing of young and old, making away of men, women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants.


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And there were destroyed within the space of three whole days fourscore thousand, whereof forty thousand were slain in the conflict; and no fewer sold than slain.


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Yet was he not content with this, but presumed to go into the most holy temple of all the world; Menelaus, that traitor to the laws, and to his own country, being his guide:


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And taking the holy vessels with polluted hands, and with profane hands pulling down the things that were dedicated by other kings to the augmentation and glory and honour of the place, he gave them away.


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And so haughty was Antiochus in mind, that he considered not that the Lord was angry for a while for the sins of them that dwelt in the city, and therefore his eye was not upon the place.


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For had they not been formerly wrapped in many sins, this man, as soon as he had come, had forthwith been scourged, and put back from his presumption, as Heliodorus was, whom Seleucus the king sent to view the treasury.


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Nevertheless God did not choose the people for the place's sake, but the place far the people's sake.


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And therefore the place itself, that was partaker with them of the adversity that happened to the nation, did afterward communicate in the benefits sent from the Lord: and as it was forsaken in the wrath of the Almighty, so again, the great Lord being reconciled, it was set up with all glory.


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So when Antiochus had carried out of the temple a thousand and eight hundred talents, he departed in all haste unto Antiochia, weening in his pride to make the land navigable, and the sea passable by foot: such was the haughtiness of his mind.


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And he left governors to vex the nation: at Jerusalem, Philip, for his country a Phrygian, and for manners more barbarous than he that set him there;


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And at Garizim, Andronicus; and besides, Menelaus, who worse than all the rest bare an heavy hand over the citizens, having a malicious mind against his countrymen the Jews.


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He sent also that detestable ringleader Apollonius with an army of two and twenty thousand, commanding him to slay all those that were in their best age, and to sell the women and the younger sort:


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Who coming to Jerusalem, and pretending peace, did forbear till the holy day of the sabbath, when taking the Jews keeping holy day, he commanded his men to arm themselves.


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And so he slew all them that were gone to the celebrating of the sabbath, and running through the city with weapons slew great multitudes.


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But Judas Maccabeus with nine others, or thereabout, withdrew himself into the wilderness, and lived in the mountains after the manner of beasts, with his company, who fed on herbs continually, lest they should be partakers of the pollution.


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Not long after this the king sent an old man of Athens to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers, and not to live after the laws of God:


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And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius; and that in Garizim, of Jupiter the Defender of strangers, as they did desire that dwelt in the place.


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For the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the Gentiles, who dallied with harlots, and had to do with women within the circuit of the holy places, and besides that brought in things that were not lawful.


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Neither was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath days or ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew.


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And in the day of the king's birth every month they were brought by bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and when the fast of Bacchus was kept, the Jews were compelled to go in procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy.


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Moreover there went out a decree to the neighbour cities of the heathen, by the suggestion of Ptolemee, against the Jews, that they should observe the same fashions, and be partakers of their sacrifices:


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And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the Gentiles should be put to death. Then might a man have seen the present misery.


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For there were two women brought, who had circumcised their children; whom when they had openly led round about the city, the babes handing at their breasts, they cast them down headlong from the wall.


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And others, that had run together into caves near by, to keep the sabbath day secretly, being discovered by Philip, were all burnt together, because they made a conscience to help themselves for the honour of the most sacred day.


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Now I beseech those that read this book, that they be not discouraged for these calamities, but that they judge those punishments not to be for destruction, but for a chastening of our nation.


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For it is a token of his great goodness, when wicked doers are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished.


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For not as with other nations, whom the Lord patiently forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulness of their sins, so dealeth he with us,


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And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people.


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But let this that we at spoken be for a warning unto us. And now will we come to the declaring of the matter in a few words.


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Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a well favoured countenance, was constrained to open his mouth, and to eat swine's flesh.


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But he, choosing rather to die gloriously, than to live stained with such an abomination, spit it forth, and came of his own accord to the torment,


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As it behoved them to come, that are resolute to stand out against such things, as are not lawful for love of life to be tasted.


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But they that had the charge of that wicked feast, for the old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside, besought him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as was lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king;


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That in so doing he might be delivered from death, and for the old friendship with them find favour.


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But he began to consider discreetly, and as became his age, and the excellency of his ancient years, and the honour of his gray head, whereon was come, and his most honest education from a child, or rather the holy law made and given by God: therefore he answered accordingly, and willed them straightways to send him to the grave.


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For it becometh not our age, said he, in any wise to dissemble, whereby many young persons might think that Eleazar, being fourscore years old and ten, were now gone to a strange religion;


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And so they through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a little time and a moment longer, should be deceived by me, and I get a stain to mine old age, and make it abominable.


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For though for the present time I should be delivered from the punishment of men: yet should I not escape the hand of the Almighty, neither alive, nor dead.


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And leave a notable example to such as be young to die willingly and courageously for the honourable and holy laws. And when he had said these words, immediately he went to the torment:


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They that led him changing the good will they bare him a little before into hatred, because the foresaid speeches proceeded, as they thought, from a desperate mind.


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But when he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and said, It is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy knowledge, that whereas I might have been delivered from death, I now endure sore pains in body by being beaten: but in soul am well content to suffer these things, because I fear him.


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And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example of a noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young men, but unto all his nation.


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It came to pass also, that seven brethren with their mother were taken, and compelled by the king against the law to taste swine's flesh, and were tormented with scourges and whips.


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But one of them that spake first said thus, What wouldest thou ask or learn of us? we are ready to die, rather than to transgress the laws of our fathers.


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Which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the tongue of him that spake first, and to cut off the utmost parts of his body, the rest of his brethren and his mother looking on.


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Now when he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded him being yet alive to be brought to the fire, and to be fried in the pan: and as the vapour of the pan was for a good space dispersed, they exhorted one another with the mother to die manfully, saying thus,


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The Lord God looketh upon us, and in truth hath comfort in us, as Moses in his song, which witnessed to their faces, declared, saying, And he shall be comforted in his servants.


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So when the first was dead after this number, they brought the second to make him a mocking stock: and when they had pulled off the skin of his head with the hair, they asked him, Wilt thou eat, before thou be punished throughout every member of thy body?


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But he answered in his own language, and said, No. Wherefore he also received the next torment in order, as the former did.


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And when he was at the last gasp, he said, Thou like a fury takest us out of this present life, but the King of the world shall raise us up, who have died for his laws, unto everlasting life.


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After him was the third made a mocking stock: and when he was required, he put out his tongue, and that right soon, holding forth his hands manfully.


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And said courageously, These I had from heaven; and for his laws I despise them; and from him I hope to receive them again.


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Insomuch that the king, and they that were with him, marvelled at the young man's courage, for that he nothing regarded the pains.


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So when he was ready to die he said thus, It is good, being put to death by men, to look for hope from God to be raised up again by him: as for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection to life.


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Then looked he unto the king, and said, Thou hast power over men, thou art corruptible, thou doest what thou wilt; yet think not that our nation is forsaken of God;


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After him also they brought the sixth, who being ready to die said, Be not deceived without cause: for we suffer these things for ourselves, having sinned against our God: therefore marvellous things are done unto us.


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But the mother was marvellous above all, and worthy of honourable memory: for when she saw her seven sons slain within the space of one day, she bare it with a good courage, because of the hope that she had in the Lord.


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Yea, she exhorted every one of them in her own language, filled with courageous spirits; and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly stomach, she said unto them,


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I cannot tell how ye came into my womb: for I neither gave you breath nor life, neither was it I that formed the members of every one of you;


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But doubtless the Creator of the world, who formed the generation of man, and found out the beginning of all things, will also of his own mercy give you breath and life again, as ye now regard not your own selves for his laws' sake.


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Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and suspecting it to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive, did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with oaths, that he would make him both a rich and a happy man, if he would turn from the laws of his fathers; and that also he would take him for his friend, and trust him with affairs.


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But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king called his mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel the young man to save his life.


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But she bowing herself toward him, laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn, spake in her country language on this manner; O my son, have pity upon me that bare thee nine months in my womb, and gave thee such three years, and nourished thee, and brought thee up unto this age, and endured the troubles of education.


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I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise.


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Fear not this tormentor, but, being worthy of thy brethren, take thy death that I may receive thee again in mercy with thy brethren.


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Whiles she was yet speaking these words, the young man said, Whom wait ye for? I will not obey the king's commandment: but I will obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our fathers by Moses.


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And thou, that hast been the author of all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God.


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And though the living Lord be angry with us a little while for our chastening and correction, yet shall he be at one again with his servants.


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But thou, O godless man, and of all other most wicked, be not lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up with uncertain hopes, lifting up thy hand against the servants of God:


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For our brethren, who now have suffered a short pain, are dead under God's covenant of everlasting life: but thou, through the judgment of God, shalt receive just punishment for thy pride.


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But I, as my brethren, offer up my body and life for the laws of our fathers, beseeching God that he would speedily be merciful unto our nation; and that thou by torments and plagues mayest confess, that he alone is God;


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And that in me and my brethren the wrath of the Almighty, which is justly brought upon our nation, may cease.


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Than the king' being in a rage, handed him worse than all the rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked.


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Then Judas Maccabeus, and they that were with him, went privily into the towns, and called their kinsfolks together, and took unto them all such as continued in the Jews' religion, and assembled about six thousand men.


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And they called upon the Lord, that he would look upon the people that was trodden down of all; and also pity the temple profaned of ungodly men;


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And that he would have compassion upon the city, sore defaced, and ready to be made even with the ground; and hear the blood that cried unto him,


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And remember the wicked slaughter of harmless infants, and the blasphemies committed against his name; and that he would shew his hatred against the wicked.


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Now when Maccabeus had his company about him, he could not be withstood by the heathen: for the wrath of the Lord was turned into mercy.


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Therefore he came at unawares, and burnt up towns and cities, and got into his hands the most commodious places, and overcame and put to flight no small number of his enemies.


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But specially took he advantage of the night for such privy attempts, insomuch that the fruit of his holiness was spread every where.


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So when Philip saw that this man increased by little and little, and that things prospered with him still more and more, he wrote unto Ptolemeus, the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, to yield more aid to the king's affairs.


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Then forthwith choosing Nicanor the son of Patroclus, one of his special friends, he sent him with no fewer than twenty thousand of all nations under him, to root out the whole generation of the Jews; and with him he joined also Gorgias a captain, who in matters of war had great experience.


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So Nicanor undertook to make so much money of the captive Jews, as should defray the tribute of two thousand talents, which the king was to pay to the Romans.


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Wherefore immediately he sent to the cities upon the sea coast, proclaiming a sale of the captive Jews, and promising that they should have fourscore and ten bodies for one talent, not expecting the vengeance that was to follow upon him from the Almighty God.


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Now when word was brought unto Judas of Nicanor's coming, and he had imparted unto those that were with him that the army was at hand,


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Others sold all that they had left, and withal besought the Lord to deliver them, sold by the wicked Nicanor before they met together:


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And if not for their own sakes, yet for the covenants he had made with their fathers, and for his holy and glorious name's sake, by which they were called.


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So Maccabeus called his men together unto the number of six thousand, and exhorted them not to be stricken with terror of the enemy, nor to fear the great multitude of the heathen, who came wrongly against them; but to fight manfully,


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And to set before their eyes the injury that they had unjustly done to the holy place, and the cruel handling of the city, whereof they made a mockery, and also the taking away of the government of their forefathers:


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For they, said he, trust in their weapons and boldness; but our confidence is in the Almighty who at a beck can cast down both them that come against us, and also all the world.


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Moreover, he recounted unto them what helps their forefathers had found, and how they were delivered, when under Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand perished.


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And he told them of the battle that they had in Babylon with the Galatians, how they came but eight thousand in all to the business, with four thousand Macedonians, and that the Macedonians being perplexed, the eight thousand destroyed an hundred and twenty thousand because of the help that they had from heaven, and so received a great booty.


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Thus when he had made them bold with these words, and ready to die for the law and the country, he divided his army into four parts;


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And joined with himself his own brethren, leaders of each band, to wit Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving each one fifteen hundred men.


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Also he appointed Eleazar to read the holy book: and when he had given them this watchword, The help of God; himself leading the first band,


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And by the help of the Almighty they slew above nine thousand of their enemies, and wounded and maimed the most part of Nicanor's host, and so put all to flight;


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So when they had gathered their armour together, and spoiled their enemies, they occupied themselves about the sabbath, yielding exceeding praise and thanks to the Lord, who had preserved them unto that day, which was the beginning of mercy distilling upon them.


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And after the sabbath, when they had given part of the spoils to the maimed, and the widows, and orphans, the residue they divided among themselves and their servants.


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When this was done, and they had made a common supplication, they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled with his servants for ever.


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Moreover of those that were with Timotheus and Bacchides, who fought against them, they slew above twenty thousand, and very easily got high and strong holds, and divided among themselves many spoils more, and made the maimed, orphans, widows, yea, and the aged also, equal in spoils with themselves.


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And when they had gathered their armour together, they laid them up all carefully in convenient places, and the remnant of the spoils they brought to Jerusalem.


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They slew also Philarches, that wicked person, who was with Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews many ways.


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Furthermore at such time as they kept the feast for the victory in their country they burnt Callisthenes, that had set fire upon the holy gates, who had fled into a little house; and so he received a reward meet for his wickedness.


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He was through the help of the Lord brought down by them, of whom he made least account; and putting off his glorious apparel, and discharging his company, he came like a fugitive servant through the midland unto Antioch having very great dishonour, for that his host was destroyed.


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Thus he, that took upon him to make good to the Romans their tribute by means of captives in Jerusalem, told abroad, that the Jews had God to fight for them, and therefore they could not be hurt, because they followed the laws that he gave them.


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For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and went about to rob the temple, and to hold the city; whereupon the multitude running to defend themselves with their weapons put them to flight; and so it happened, that Antiochus being put to flight of the inhabitants returned with shame.


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Then swelling with anger. he thought to avenge upon the Jews the disgrace done unto him by those that made him flee. Therefore commanded he his chariotman to drive without ceasing, and to dispatch the journey, the judgment of GOd now following him. For he had spoken proudly in this sort, That he would come to Jerusalem and make it a common burying place of the Jew


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But the Lord Almighty, the God of Isreal, smote him with an incurable and invisible plague: or as soon as he had spoken these words, a pain of the bowels that was remediless came upon him, and sore torments of the inner parts;


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Howbeit he nothing at all ceased from his bragging, but still was filled with pride, breathing out fire in his rage against the Jews, and commanding to haste the journey: but it came to pass that he fell down from his chariot, carried violently; so that having a sore fall, all the members of his body were much pained.


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And thus he that a little afore thought he might command the waves of the sea, (so proud was he beyond the condition of man) and weigh the high mountains in a balance, was now cast on the ground, and carried in an horselitter, shewing forth unto all the manifest power of God.


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So that the worms rose up out of the body of this wicked man, and whiles he lived in sorrow and pain, his flesh fell away, and the filthiness of his smell was noisome to all his army.


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And the man, that thought a little afore he could reach to the stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry for his intolerable stink.


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Here therefore, being plagued, he began to leave off his great pride, and to come to the knowledge of himself by the scourge of God, his pain increasing every moment.


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And when he himself could not abide his own smell, he said these words, It is meet to be subject unto God, and that a man that is mortal should not proudly think of himself if he were God.


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This wicked person vowed also unto the Lord, who now no more would have mercy upon him, saying thus,


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That the holy city (to the which he was going in haste to lay it even with the ground, and to make it a common buryingplace,) he would set at liberty:


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And as touching the Jews, whom he had judged not worthy so much as to be buried, but to be cast out with their children to be devoured of the fowls and wild beasts, he would make them all equals to the citizens of Athens:


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And the holy temple, which before he had spoiled, he would garnish with goodly gifts, and restore all the holy vessels with many more, and out of his own revenue defray the charges belonging to the sacrifices:


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Yea, and that also he would become a Jew himself, and go through all the world that was inhabited, and declare the power of God.


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But for all this his pains would not cease: for the just judgment of God was come upon him: therefore despairing of his health, he wrote unto the Jews the letter underwritten, containing the form of a supplication, after this manner:


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Antiochus, king and governor, to the good Jews his citizens wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity:


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If ye and your children fare well, and your affairs be to your contentment, I give very great thanks to God, having my hope in heaven.


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As for me, I was weak, or else I would have remembered kindly your honour and good will returning out of Persia, and being taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to care for the common safety of all:


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But considering that even my father, at what time he led an army into the high countries. appointed a successor,


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To the end that, if any thing fell out contrary to expectation, or if any tidings were brought that were grievous, they of the land, knowing to whom the state was left, might not be troubled:


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Again, considering how that the princes that are borderers and neighbours unto my kingdom wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be the event. I have appointed my son Antiochus king, whom I often committed and commended unto many of you, when I went up into the high provinces; to whom I have written as followeth:


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Therefore I pray and request you to remember the benefits that I have done unto you generally, and in special, and that every man will be still faithful to me and my son.


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For I am persuaded that he understanding my mind will favourably and graciously yield to your desires.


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Thus the murderer and blasphemer having suffered most grievously, as he entreated other men, so died he a miserable death in a strange country in the mountains.


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And Philip, that was brought up with him, carried away his body, who also fearing the son of Antiochus went into Egypt to Ptolemeus Philometor.


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But the altars which the heathen had built in the open street, and also the chapels, they pulled down.


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And having cleansed the temple they made another altar, and striking stones they took fire out of them, and offered a sacrifice after two years, and set forth incense, and lights, and shewbread.


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When that was done, they fell flat down, and besought the Lord that they might come no more into such troubles; but if they sinned any more against him, that he himself would chasten them with mercy, and that they might not be delivered unto the blasphemous and barbarous nations.


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Now upon the same day that the strangers profaned the temple, on the very same day it was cleansed again, even the five and twentieth day of the same month, which is Casleu.


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And they kept the eight days with gladness, as in the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long afore they had held the feast of the tabernacles, when as they wandered in the mountains and dens like beasts.


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Therefore they bare branches, and fair boughs, and palms also, and sang psalms unto him that had given them good success in cleansing his place.


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They ordained also by a common statute and decree, That every year those days should be kept of the whole nation of the Jews.


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Now will we declare the acts of Antiochus Eupator, who was the son of this wicked man, gathering briefly the calamities of the wars.


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So when he was come to the crown, he set one Lysias over the affairs of his realm, and appointed him his chief governor of Celosyria and Phenice.


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For Ptolemeus, that was called Macron, choosing rather to do justice unto the Jews for the wrong that had been done unto them, endeavoured to continue peace with them.


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Whereupon being accused of the king's friends before Eupator, and called traitor at every word because he had left Cyprus, that Philometor had committed unto him, and departed to Antiochus Epiphanes, and seeing that he was in no honourable place, he was so discouraged, that he poisoned himself and died.


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But when Gorgias was governor of the holds, he hired soldiers, and nourished war continually with the Jews:


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And therewithall the Idumeans, having gotten into their hands the most commodious holds, kept the Jews occupied, and receiving those that were banished from Jerusalem, they went about to nourish war.


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Then they that were with Maccabeus made supplication, and besought God that he would be their helper; and so they ran with violence upon the strong holds of the Idumeans,


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And assaulting them strongly, they won the holds, and kept off all that fought upon the wall, and slew all that fell into their hands, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.


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And because certain, who were no less than nine thousand, were fled together into two very strong castles, having all manner of things convenient to sustain the siege,


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Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zaccheus also, and them that were with him, who were enough to besiege them, and departed himself unto those places which more needed his help.


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Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness, were persuaded for money through certain of those that were in the castle, and took seventy thousand drachms, and let some of them escape.


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But when it was told Maccabeus what was done, he called the governors of the people together, and accused those men, that they had sold their brethren for money, and set their enemies free to fight against them.


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And having good success with his weapons in all things he took in hand, he slew in the two holds more than twenty thousand.


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Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had gathered a great multitude of foreign forces, and horses out of Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of arms.


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But when he drew near, they that were with Maccabeus turned themselves to pray unto God, and sprinkled earth upon their heads, and girded their loins with sackcloth,


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And fell down at the foot of the altar, and besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law declareth.


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So after the prayer they took their weapons, and went on further from the city: and when they drew near to their enemies, they kept by themselves.


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Now the sun being newly risen, they joined both together; the one part having together with their virtue their refuge also unto the Lord for a pledge of their success and victory: the other side making their rage leader of their battle


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But when the battle waxed strong, there appeared unto the enemies from heaven five comely men upon horses, with bridles of gold, and two of them led the Jews,


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And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every side weapons, and kept him safe, but shot arrows and lightnings against the enemies: so that being confounded with blindness, and full of trouble, they were killed.


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As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold, called Gawra, where Chereas was governor.


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And they that were within, trusting to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked words.


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Nevertheless upon the fifth day early twenty young men of Maccabeus' company, inflamed with anger because of the blasphemies, assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage killed all that they met withal.


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Others likewise ascending after them, whiles they were busied with them that were within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires burnt the blasphemers alive; and others broke open the gates, and, having received in the rest of the army, took the city,


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When this was done, they praised the Lord with psalms and thanksgiving, who had done so great things for Israel, and given them the victory.


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Not long after the, Lysias the king's protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the things that were done.


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And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with all the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to make the city an habitation of the Gentiles,


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And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to sale every year:


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Not at all considering the power of God but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and his fourscore elephants.


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So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five furlongs, and he laid sore siege unto it.


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Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged the holds, they and all the people with lamentation and tears besought the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel.


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Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting the other that they would jeopard themselves together with him to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a willing mind.


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And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.


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Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took heart, insomuch that they were ready not only to fight with men, but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron.


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Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them


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And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put all the other to flight.


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Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped.


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Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself what loss he had had, and considering that the Hebrews could not be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto them,


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And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and promised that he would persuade the king that he must needs be a friend unto them.


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Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.


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For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:


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John and Absolom, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the contents thereof.


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Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might be.


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And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good.


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But of the particulars I have given order both to these and the other that came from me, to commune with you.


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Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.


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Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:


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Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may attend upon his own affairs.


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We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause they require of us, that we should suffer them to live after their own laws.


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Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.


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Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant them peace, that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.


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And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council, and the rest of the Jews:


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Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.


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And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done.


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The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.


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But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, after ye have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to Antioch.


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But of the governours of several places, Timotheus, and Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon, and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to be quiet and live in peace.


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The men of Joppa also did such an ungodly deed: they prayed the Jews that dwelt among them to go with their wives and children into the boats which they had prepared, as though they had meant them no hurt.


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Who accepted of it according to the common decree of the city, as being desirous to live in peace, and suspecting nothing: but when they were gone forth into the deep, they drowned no less than two hundred of them.


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When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he commanded those that were with him to make them ready.


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And calling upon God the righteous Judge, he came against those murderers of his brethren, and burnt the haven by night, and set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he slew.


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And when the town was shut up, he went backward, as if he would return to root out all them of the city of Joppa.


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But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,


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He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set fire on the haven and the navy, so that the light of the fire was seen at Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.


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Now when they were gone from thence nine furlongs in their journey toward Timotheus, no fewer than five thousand men on foot and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon him.


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Whereupon there was a very sore battle; but Judas' side by the help of God got the victory; so that the Nomades of Arabia, being overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising both to give him cattle, and to pleasure him otherwise.


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Then Judas, thinking indeed that they would be profitable in many things, granted them peace: whereupon they shook hands, and so they departed to their tents.


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He went also about to make a bridge to a certain strong city, which was fenced about with walls, and inhabited by people of divers countries; and the name of it was Caspis.


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But they that were within it put such trust in the strength of the walls and provision of victuals, that they behaved themselves rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.


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Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord of the world, who without rams or engines of war did cast down Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against the walls,


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And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with blood.


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Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are called Tubieni.


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But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for before he had dispatched any thing, he departed from thence, having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold.


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Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus' captains, went forth, and slew those that Timotheus had left in the fortress, above ten thousand men.


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And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands, and set them over the bands, and went against Timotheus, who had about him an hundred and twenty thousand men of foot, and two thousand and five hundred horsemen.


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Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas' coming, he sent the women and children and the other baggage unto a fortress called Carnion: for the town was hard to besiege, and uneasy to come unto, by reason of the straitness of all the places.


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But when Judas his first band came in sight, the enemies, being smitten with fear and terror through the appearing of him who seeth all things, fled amain, one running into this way, another that way, so as that they were often hurt of their own men, and wounded with the points of their own swords.


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Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.


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Moreover Timotheus himself fell into the hands of Dositheus and Sosipater, whom he besought with much craft to let him go with his life, because he had many of the Jews' parents, and the brethren of some of them, who, if they put him to death, should not be regarded.


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So when he had assured them with many words that he would restore them without hurt, according to the agreement, they let him go for the saving of their brethren.


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Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.


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And after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas removed the host toward Ephron, a strong city, wherein Lysias abode, and a great multitude of divers nations, and the strong young men kept the walls, and defended them mightily: wherein also was great provision of engines and darts.


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But when Judas and his company had called upon Almighty God, who with his power breaketh the strength of his enemies, they won the city, and slew twenty and five thousand of them that were within,


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But when the Jews that dwelt there had testified that the Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them, and entreated them kindly in the time of their adversity;


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They gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the weeks approaching.


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At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor's company, who was on horseback, and a strong man, was still upon Gorgias, and taking hold of his coat drew him by force; and when he would have taken that cursed man alive, a horseman of Thracia coming upon him smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto Marisa.


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Now when they that were with Gorgias had fought long, and were weary, Judas called upon the Lord, that he would shew himself to be their helper and leader of the battle.


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And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias' men, he put them to flight.


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So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of Odollam, And when the seventh day came, they purified themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same place.


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And upon the day following, as the use had been, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers' graves.


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Now under the coats of every one that was slain they found things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every man saw that this was the cause wherefore they were slain.


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Betook themselves unto prayer, and besought him that the sin committed might wholly be put out of remembrance. Besides, that noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, forsomuch as they saw before their eyes the things that came to pass for the sins of those that were slain.


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And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to the sum of two thousand drachms of silver, he sent it to Jerusalem to offer a sin offering, doing therein very well and honestly, in that he was mindful of the resurrection:


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For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead.


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And also in that he perceived that there was great favour laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.


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In the hundred forty and ninth year it was told Judas, that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great power into Judea,


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And with him Lysias his protector, and ruler of his affairs, having either of them a Grecian power of footmen, an hundred and ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three hundred, and elephants two and twenty, and three hundred chariots armed with hooks.


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Menelaus also joined himself with them, and with great dissimulation encouraged Antiochus, not for the safeguard of the country, but because he thought to have been made governor.


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But the King of kings moved Antiochus' mind against this wicked wretch, and Lysias informed the king that this man was the cause of all mischief, so that the king commanded to bring him unto Berea, and to put him to death, as the manner is in that place.


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Now there was in that place a tower of fifty cubits high, full of ashes, and it had a round instrument which on every side hanged down into the ashes.


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And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed any other grievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto death.


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Such a death it happened that wicked man to die, not having so much as burial in the earth; and that most justly:


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For inasmuch as he had committed many sins about the altar, whose fire and ashes were holy, he received his death in ashes.


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Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind to do far worse to the Jews, than had been done in his father's time.


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Which things when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude to call upon the Lord night and day, that if ever at any other time, he would now also help them, being at the point to be put from their law, from their country, and from the holy temple:


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And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the blasphemous nations.


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So when they had all done this together, and besought the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat upon the ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded they should be in a readiness.


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And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before the king's host should enter into Judea, and get the city, to go forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.


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So when he had committed all to the Creator of the world, and exhorted his soldiers to fight manfully, even unto death, for the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the commonwealth, he camped by Modin:


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And having given the watchword to them that were about him, Victory is of God; with the most valiant and choice young men he went in into the king's tent by night, and slew in the camp about four thousand men, and the chiefest of the elephants, with all that were upon him.


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Now when the king had taken a taste of the manliness of the Jews, he went about to take the holds by policy,


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And marched toward Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the Jews: but he was put to flight, failed, and lost of his men:


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But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews' host, disclosed the secrets to the enemies; therefore he was sought out, and when they had gotten him, they put him in prison.


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The king treated with them in Bethsum the second time, gave his hand, took their's, departed, fought with Judas, was overcome;


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Heard that Philip, who was left over the affairs in Antioch, was desperately bent, confounded, intreated the Jews, submitted himself, and sware to all equal conditions, agreed with them, and offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and dealt kindly with the place,


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Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the covenants; for they stormed, because they would make their covenants void:


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Lysias went up to the judgment seat, said as much as could be in defence of the cause, persuaded, pacified, made them well affected, returned to Antioch. Thus it went touching the king's coming and departing.


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After three years was Judas informed, that Demetrius the son of Seleucus, having entered by the haven of Tripolis with a great power and navy,


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Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and had defiled himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor have any more access to the holy altar,


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Came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one and fiftieth year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and also of the boughs which were used solemnly in the temple: and so that day he held his peace.


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Howbeit having gotten opportunity to further his foolish enterprize, and being called into counsel by Demetrius, and asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he answered thereunto:


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Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let the rest be in peace.


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Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors' honour, I mean the high priesthood, am now come hither:


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First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I intend the good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforersaid.


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Wherefore, O king, seeing knowest all these things, be careful for the country, and our nation, which is pressed on every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest unto all.


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This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king's friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense Demetrius.


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And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him forth,


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Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple.


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Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities ot the Jews to be their welfare.


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Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and that the heathen were up against them, they cast earth upon their heads, and made supplication to him that had established his people for ever, and who always helpeth his portion with manifestation of his presence.


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So at the commandment of the captain they removed straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town of Dessau.


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Now Simon, Judas' brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his enemies.


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Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that were with Judas, and the courageousness that they had to fight for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword.


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So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the captain had made the multitude acquainted therewith, and it appeared that they were all of one mind, they consented to the covenants,


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And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and when the day came, and stools were set for either of them,


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Ludas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some treachery should be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made a peaceable conference.


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Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people that came flocking unto him.


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He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so he married, was quiet, and took part of this life.


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But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and considering the covenants that were made, came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor was not well affected toward the state; for that he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be the king's successor.


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Then the king being in a rage, and provoked with the accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto Antioch.


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When this came to Nicanor's hearing, he was much confounded in himself, and took it grievously that he should make void the articles which were agreed upon, the man being in no fault.


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But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched his time to accomplish this thing by policy.


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Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be churlish unto him, and that he entreated him more roughly than he was wont, perceiving that such sour behaviour came not of good, he gathered together not a few of his men, and withdrew himself from Nicanor.


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But the other, knowing that he was notably prevented by Judas' policy, came into the great and holy temple, and commanded the priests, that were offering their usual sacrifices, to deliver him the man.


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He stretched out his right hand toward the temple, and made an oath in this manner: If ye will not deliver me Judas as a prisoner, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground, and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto Bacchus.


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After these words he departed. Then the priests lifted up their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was ever a defender of their nation, saying in this manner;


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Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast pleased that the temple of thine habitation should be among us:


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Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every unrighteous mouth.


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Now was there accused unto Nicanor one Razis, one of the elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and a man of very good report, who for his kindness was called a father of the Jews.


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For in the former times, when they mingled not themselves with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and did boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the religion of the Jews.


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So Nicanor, willing to declare the hate that he bare unto the Jews, sent above five hundred men of war to take him:


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Now when the multitude would have taken the tower, and violently broken into the outer door, and bade that fire should be brought to burn it, he being ready to be taken on every side fell upon his sword;


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Choosing rather to die manfully, than to come into the hands of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than beseemed his noble birth:


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But missing his stroke through haste, the multitude also rushing within the doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and cast himself down manfully among the thickest of them.


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But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell down into the midst of the void place.


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Nevertheless, while there was yet breath within him, being inflamed with anger, he rose up; and though his blood gushed out like spouts of water, and his wounds were grievous, yet he ran through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a steep rock,


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When as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast them upon the throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore him those again, he thus died.


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But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the strong places about Samaria, resolved without any danger to set upon them on the sabbath day.


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Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour to that day, which he, that seeth all things, hath honoured with holiness above all other days.


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Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a Mighty one in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be kept.


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And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept:


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Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I command to take arms, and to do the king's business. Yet he obtained not to have his wicked will done.


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So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness determined to set up a publick monument of his victory over Judas and them that were with him.


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Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of the heathen against them, but to remember the help which in former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect the victory and aid, which should come unto them from the Almighty.


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And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles that they won afore, he made them more cheerful.


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And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their charge, shewing them therewithall the falsehood of the heathen, and the breach of oaths.


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Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words: and beside that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them.


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And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation, gentle in condition, well spoken also, and exercised from a child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands prayed for the whole body of the Jews.


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This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and excellent majesty.


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Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God.


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Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus,


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Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were very good, and able to stir them up to valour, and to encourage the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were in danger.


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For the care that they took for their wives, and their children, their brethren, and folks, was in least account with them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple.


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And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army was set in array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings,


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Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy:


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Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand:


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And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with terror, that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus.


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So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered.


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Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.


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And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens both in body and mind, and who continued his love toward his countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head, and his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.


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So when he was there, and called them of his nation together, and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were of the tower,


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And shewed them vile Nicanor's head, and the hand of that blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against the holy temple of the Almighty.


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And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.


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So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.


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He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.


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And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirtieth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day before Mardocheus' day.


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Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make an end.


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And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.


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For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone; and as wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth the taste: even so speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that read the story. And here shall be an end.


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The book of the words of Tobit, son of Tobiel, the son of Ananiel, the son of Aduel, the son of Gabael, of the seed of Asael, of the tribe of Nephthali;


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Who in the time of Enemessar king of the Assyrians was led captive out of Thisbe, which is at the right hand of that city, which is called properly Nephthali in Galilee above Aser.


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I Tobit have walked all the days of my life in the ways of truth and justice, and I did many almsdeeds to my brethren, and my nation, who came with me to Nineve, into the land of the Assyrians.


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And when I was in mine own country, in the land of Israel being but young, all the tribe of Nephthali my father fell from the house of Jerusalem, which was chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, that all the tribes should sacrifice there, where the temple of the habitation of the most High was consecrated and built for all ages.


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Now all the tribes which together revolted, and the house of my father Nephthali, sacrificed unto the heifer Baal.


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But I alone went often to Jerusalem at the feasts, as it was ordained unto all the people of Israel by an everlasting decree, having the firstfruits and tenths of increase, with that which was first shorn; and them gave I at the altar to the priests the children of Aaron.


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The first tenth part of all increase I gave to the sons of Aaron, who ministered at Jerusalem: another tenth part I sold away, and went, and spent it every year at Jerusalem:


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And the third I gave unto them to whom it was meet, as Debora my father's mother had commanded me, because I was left an orphan by my father.


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Furthermore, when I was come to the age of a man, I married Anna of mine own kindred, and of her I begat Tobias.


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And when we were carried away captives to Nineve, all my brethren and those that were of my kindred did eat of the bread of the Gentiles.


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And I went into Media, and left in trust with Gabael, the brother of Gabrias, at Rages a city of Media ten talents of silver.


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Now when Enemessar was dead, Sennacherib his son reigned in his stead; whose estate was troubled, that I could not go into Media.


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And my clothes to the naked: and if I saw any of my nation dead, or cast about the walls of Nineve, I buried him.


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And if the king Sennacherib had slain any, when he was come, and fled from Judea, I buried them privily; for in his wrath he killed many; but the bodies were not found, when they were sought for of the king.


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And when one of the Ninevites went and complained of me to the king, that I buried them, and hid myself; understanding that I was sought for to be put to death, I withdrew myself for fear.


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Then all my goods were forcibly taken away, neither was there any thing left me, beside my wife Anna and my son Tobias.


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And there passed not five and fifty days, before two of his sons killed him, and they fled into the mountains of Ararath; and Sarchedonus his son reigned in his stead; who appointed over his father's accounts, and over all his affairs, Achiacharus my brother Anael's son.


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And Achiacharus intreating for me, I returned to Nineve. Now Achiacharus was cupbearer, and keeper of the signet, and steward, and overseer of the accounts: and Sarchedonus appointed him next unto him: and he was my brother's son.


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Now when I was come home again, and my wife Anna was restored unto me, with my son Tobias, in the feast of Pentecost, which is the holy feast of the seven weeks, there was a good dinner prepared me, in the which I sat down to eat.


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And when I saw abundance of meat, I said to my son, Go and bring what poor man soever thou shalt find out of our brethren, who is mindful of the Lord; and, lo, I tarry for thee.


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But he came again, and said, Father, one of our nation is strangled, and is cast out in the marketplace.


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Then before I had tasted of any meat, I started up, and took him up into a room until the going down of the sun.


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Remembering that prophecy of Amos, as he said, Your feasts shall be turned into mourning, and all your mirth into lamentation.


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But my neighbours mocked me, and said, This man is not yet afraid to be put to death for this matter: who fled away; and yet, lo, he burieth the dead again.


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The same night also I returned from the burial, and slept by the wall of my courtyard, being polluted and my face was uncovered:


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And I knew not that there were sparrows in the wall, and mine eyes being open, the sparrows muted warm dung into mine eyes, and a whiteness came in mine eyes: and I went to the physicians, but they helped me not: moreover Achiacharus did nourish me, until I went into Elymais.


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And when she had sent them home to the owners, they paid her wages, and gave her also besides a kid.


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And when it was in my house, and began to cry, I said unto her, From whence is this kid? is it not stolen? render it to the owners; for it is not lawful to eat any thing that is stolen.


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But she replied upon me, It was given for a gift more than the wages. Howbeit I did not believe her, but bade her render it to the owners: and I was abashed at her. But she replied upon me, Where are thine alms and thy righteous deeds? behold, thou and all thy works are known.


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O Lord, thou art just, and all thy works and all thy ways are mercy and truth, and thou judgest truly and justly for ever.


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Remember me, and look on me, punish me not for my sins and ignorances, and the sins of mg fathers, who have sinned before thee:


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For they obeyed not thy commandments: wherefore thou hast delivered us for a spoil, and unto captivity, and unto death, and for a proverb of reproach to all the nations among whom we are dispersed.


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And now thy judgments are many and true: deal with me according to my sins and my fathers': because we have not kept thy commandments, neither have walked in truth before thee.


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Now therefore deal with me as seemeth best unto thee, and command my spirit to be taken from me, that I may be dissolved, and become earth: for it is profitable for me to die rather than to live, because I have heard false reproaches, and have much sorrow: command therefore that I may now be delivered out of this distress, and go into the everlasting place: turn not thy face away from me.


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It came to pass the same day, that in Ecbatane a city of Media Sara the daughter of Raguel was also reproached by her father's maids;


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Because that she had been married to seven husbands, whom Asmodeus the evil spirit had killed, before they had lain with her. Dost thou not know, said they, that thou hast strangled thine husbands? thou hast had already seven husbands, neither wast thou named after any of them.


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Wherefore dost thou beat us for them? if they be dead, go thy ways after them, let us never see of thee either son or daughter.


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Whe she heard these things, she was very sorrowful, so that she thought to have strangled herself; and she said, I am the only daughter of my father, and if I do this, it shall be a reproach unto him, and I shall bring his old age with sorrow unto the grave.


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Then she prayed toward the window, and said, Blessed art thou, O Lord my God, and thine holy and glorious name is blessed and honourable for ever: let all thy works praise thee for ever.


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And that I never polluted my name, nor the name of my father, in the land of my captivity: I am the only daughter of my father, neither hath he any child to be his heir, neither any near kinsman, nor any son of his alive, to whom I may keep myself for a wife: my seven husbands are already dead; and why should I live? but if it please not thee that I should die, command some regard to be had of me, and pity taken of me, that I hear no more reproach.


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And Raphael was sent to heal them both, that is, to scale away the whiteness of Tobit's eyes, and to give Sara the daughter of Raguel for a wife to Tobias the son of Tobit; and to bind Asmodeus the evil spirit; because she belonged to Tobias by right of inheritance. The selfsame time came Tobit home, and entered into his house, and Sara the daughter of Raguel came down from her upper chamber.


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And said with himself, I have wished for death; wherefore do I not call for my son Tobias that I may signify to him of the money before I die?


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And when he had called him, he said, My son, when I am dead, bury me; and despise not thy mother, but honour her all the days of thy life, and do that which shall please her, and grieve her not.


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Remember, my son, that she saw many dangers for thee, when thou wast in her womb: and when she is dead, bury her by me in one grave.


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My son, be mindful of the Lord our God all thy days, and let not thy will be set to sin, or to transgress his commandments: do uprightly all thy life long, and follow not the ways of unrighteousness.


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For if thou deal truly, thy doings shall prosperously succeed to thee, and to all them that live justly.


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Give alms of thy substance; and when thou givest alms, let not thine eye be envious, neither turn thy face from any poor, and the face of God shall not be turned away from thee.


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If thou hast abundance give alms accordingly: if thou have but a little, be not afraid to give according to that little:


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Beware of all whoredom, my son, and chiefly take a wife of the seed of thy fathers, and take not a strange woman to wife, which is not of thy father's tribe: for we are the children of the prophets, Noe, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: remember, my son, that our fathers from the beginning, even that they all married wives of their own kindred, and were blessed in their children, and their seed shall inherit the land.


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Now therefore, my son, love thy brethren, and despise not in thy heart thy brethren, the sons and daughters of thy people, in not taking a wife of them: for in pride is destruction and much trouble, and in lewdness is decay and great want: for lewdness is the mother of famine.


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Let not the wages of any man, which hath wrought for thee, tarry with thee, but give him it out of hand: for if thou serve God, he will also repay thee: be circumspect my son, in all things thou doest, and be wise in all thy conversation.


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Do that to no man which thou hatest: drink not wine to make thee drunken: neither let drunkenness go with thee in thy journey.


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Give of thy bread to the hungry, and of thy garments to them that are naked; and according to thine abundance give alms: and let not thine eye be envious, when thou givest alms.


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Bless the Lord thy God alway, and desire of him that thy ways may be directed, and that all thy paths and counsels may prosper: for every nation hath not counsel; but the Lord himself giveth all good things, and he humbleth whom he will, as he will; now therefore, my son, remember my commandments, neither let them be put out of thy mind.


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And now I signify this to they that I committed ten talents to Gabael the son of Gabrias at Rages in Media.


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And fear not, my son, that we are made poor: for thou hast much wealth, if thou fear God, and depart from all sin, and do that which is pleasing in his sight.


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Then he gave him the handwriting, and said unto him, Seek thee a man which may go with thee, whiles I yet live, and I will give him wages: and go and receive the money.


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But he knew not; and he said unto him, Canst thou go with me to Rages? and knowest thou those places well?


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To whom the angel said, I will go with thee, and I know the way well: for I have lodged with our brother Gabael.


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Then he said unto him, Go and tarry not. So he went in and said to his father, Behold, I have found one which will go with me. Then he said, Call him unto me, that I may know of what tribe he is, and whether he be a trusty man to go with thee.


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To whom he said, Dost thou seek for a tribe or family, or an hired man to go with thy son? Then Tobit said unto him, I would know, brother, thy kindred and name.


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Then Tobit said, Thou art welcome, brother; be not now angry with me, because I have enquired to know thy tribe and thy family; for thou art my brother, of an honest and good stock: for I know Ananias and Jonathas, sons of that great Samaias, as we went together to Jerusalem to worship, and offered the firstborn, and the tenths of the fruits; and they were not seduced with the error of our brethren: my brother, thou art of a good stock.


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But tell me, what wages shall I give thee? wilt thou a drachm a day, and things necessary, as to mine own son?


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So they were well pleased. Then said he to Tobias, Prepare thyself for the journey, and God send you a good journey. And when his son had prepared all things far the journey, his father said, Go thou with this man, and God, which dwelleth in heaven, prosper your journey, and the angel of God keep you company. So they went forth both, and the young man's dog with them.


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But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, Why hast thou sent away our son? is he not the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us?


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Then said Tobit to her, Take no care, my sister; he shall return in safety, and thine eyes shall see him.


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For the good angel will keep him company, and his journey shall be prosperous, and he shall return safe.


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And as they went on their journey, they came in the evening to the river Tigris, and they lodged there.


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And when the young man went down to wash himself, a fish leaped out of the river, and would have devoured him.


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Then the angel said unto him, Take the fish. And the young man laid hold of the fish, and drew it to land.


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To whom the angel said, Open the fish, and take the heart and the liver and the gall, and put them up safely.


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So the young man did as the angel commanded him; and when they had roasted the fish, they did eat it: then they both went on their way, till they drew near to Ecbatane.


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Then the young man said to the angel, Brother Azarias, to what use is the heart and the liver and the gal of the fish?


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And he said unto him, Touching the heart and the liver, if a devil or an evil spirit trouble any, we must make a smoke thereof before the man or the woman, and the party shall be no more vexed.


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As for the gall, it is good to anoint a man that hath whiteness in his eyes, and he shall be healed.


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The angel said to the young man, Brother, to day we shall lodge with Raguel, who is thy cousin; he also hath one only daughter, named Sara; I will speak for her, that she may be given thee for a wife.


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And the maid is fair and wise: now therefore hear me, and I will speak to her father; and when we return from Rages we will celebrate the marriage: for I know that Raguel cannot marry her to another according to the law of Moses, but he shall be guilty of death, because the right of inheritance doth rather appertain to thee than to any other.


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Then the young man answered the angel, I have heard, brother Azarias that this maid hath been given to seven men, who all died in the marriage chamber.


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And now I am the only son of my father, and I am afraid, lest if I go in unto her, I die, as the other before: for a wicked spirit loveth her, which hurteth no body, but those which come unto her; wherefore I also fear lest I die, and bring my father's and my mother's life because of me to the grave with sorrow: for they have no other son to bury them.


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Then the angel said unto him, Dost thou not remember the precepts which thy father gave thee, that thou shouldest marry a wife of thine own kindred? wherefore hear me, O my brother; for she shall be given thee to wife; and make thou no reckoning of the evil spirit; for this same night shall she be given thee in marriage.


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And when thou shalt come into the marriage chamber, thou shalt take the ashes of perfume, and shalt lay upon them some of the heart and liver of the fish, and shalt make a smoke with it:


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And the devil shall smell it, and flee away, and never come again any more: but when thou shalt come to her, rise up both of you, and pray to God which is merciful, who will have pity on you, and save you: fear not, for she is appointed unto thee from the beginning; and thou shalt preserve her, and she shall go with thee. Moreover I suppose that she shall bear thee children. Now when Tobias had heard these things, he loved her, and his heart was effectually joined to her.


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And when they were come to Ecbatane, they came to the house of Raguel, and Sara met them: and after they had saluted one another, she brought them into the house.


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And Raguel asked them, From whence are ye, brethren? To whom they said, We are of the sons of Nephthalim, which are captives in Nineve.


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Then he said to them, Do ye know Tobit our kinsman? And they said, We know him. Then said he, Is he in good health?


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And blessed him, and said unto him, Thou art the son of an honest and good man. But when he had heard that Tobit was blind, he was sorrowful, and wept.


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And likewise Edna his wife and Sara his daughter wept. Moreover they entertained them cheerfully; and after that they had killed a ram of the flock, they set store of meat on the table. Then said Tobias to Raphael, Brother Azarias, speak of those things of which thou didst talk in the way, and let this business be dispatched.


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So he communicated the matter with Raguel: and Raguel said to Tobias, Eat and drink, and make merry:


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For it is meet that thou shouldest marry my daughter: nevertheless I will declare unto thee the truth.


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I have given my daughter in marriage te seven men, who died that night they came in unto her: nevertheless for the present be merry. But Tobias said, I will eat nothing here, till we agree and swear one to another.


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Raguel said, Then take her from henceforth according to the manner, for thou art her cousin, and she is thine, and the merciful God give you good success in all things.


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Then he called his daughter Sara, and she came to her father, and he took her by the hand, and gave her to be wife to Tobias, saying, Behold, take her after the law of Moses, and lead her away to thy father. And he blessed them;


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After Raguel called his wife Edna, and said unto her, Sister, prepare another chamber, and bring her in thither.


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Which when she had done as he had bidden her, she brought her thither: and she wept, and she received the tears of her daughter, and said unto her,


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Be of good comfort, my daughter; the Lord of heaven and earth give thee joy for this thy sorrow: be of good comfort, my daughter.


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And as he went, he remembered the words of Raphael, and took the ashes of the perfumes, and put the heart and the liver of the fish thereupon, and made a smoke therewith.


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The which smell when the evil spirit had smelled, he fled into the utmost parts of Egypt, and the angel bound him.


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And after that they were both shut in together, Tobias rose out of the bed, and said, Sister, arise, and let us pray that God would have pity on us.


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Then began Tobias to say, Blessed art thou, O God of our fathers, and blessed is thy holy and glorious name for ever; let the heavens bless thee, and all thy creatures.


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Thou madest Adam, and gavest him Eve his wife for an helper and stay: of them came mankind: thou hast said, It is not good that man should be alone; let us make unto him an aid like unto himself.


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And now, O Lord, I take not this my sister for lush but uprightly: therefore mercifully ordain that we may become aged together.


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He said unto his wife Edna. Send one of the maids, and let her see whether he be alive: if he be not, that we may bury him, and no man know it.


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Then Raguel praised God, and said, O God, thou art worthy to be praised with all pure and holy praise; therefore let thy saints praise thee with all thy creatures; and let all thine angels and thine elect praise thee for ever.


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Thou art to be praised, for thou hast made me joyful; and that is not come to me which I suspected; but thou hast dealt with us according to thy great mercy.


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Thou art to be praised because thou hast had mercy of two that were the only begotten children of their fathers: grant them mercy, O Lord, and finish their life in health with joy and mercy.


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For before the days of the marriage were finished, Raguel had said unto him by an oath, that he should not depart till the fourteen days of the marriage were expired;


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And then he should take the half of his goods, and go in safety to his father; and should have the rest when I and my wife be dead.


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Brother Azarias, take with thee a servant, and two camels, and go to Rages of Media to Gabael, and bring me the money, and bring him to the wedding.


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So Raphael went out, and lodged with Gabael, and gave him the handwriting: who brought forth bags which were sealed up, and gave them to him.


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And early in the morning they went forth both together, and came to the wedding: and Tobias blessed his wife.


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Now Tobit his father counted every day: and when the days of the journey were expired, and they came not,


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Then his wife said unto him, My son is dead, seeing he stayeth long; and she began to wail him, and said,


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But she said, Hold thy peace, and deceive me not; my son is dead. And she went out every day into the way which they went, and did eat no meat on the daytime, and ceased not whole nights to bewail her son Tobias, until the fourteen days of the wedding were expired, which Raguel had sworn that he should spend there. Then Tobias said to Raguel, Let me go, for my father and my mother look no more to see me.


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But his father in law said unto him, Tarry with me, and I will send to thy father, and they shall declare unto him how things go with thee.


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And he blessed them, and sent them away, saying, The God of heaven give you a prosperous journey, my children.


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And he said to his daughter, Honour thy father and thy mother in law, which are now thy parents, that I may hear good report of thee. And he kissed her. Edna also said to Tobias, The Lord of heaven restore thee, my dear brother, and grant that I may see thy children of my daughter Sara before I die, that I may rejoice before the Lord: behold, I commit my daughter unto thee of special trust; where are do not entreat her evil.


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After these things Tobias went his way, praising God that he had given him a prosperous journey, and blessed Raguel and Edna his wife, and went on his way till they drew near unto Nineve.


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And when she espied him coming, she said to his father, Behold, thy son cometh, and the man that went with him.


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Therefore anoint thou his eyes with the gall, and being pricked therewith, he shall rub, and the whiteness shall fall away, and he shall see thee.


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Then Anna ran forth, and fell upon the neck of her son, and said unto him, Seeing I have seen thee, my son, from henceforth I am content to die. And they wept both.


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And took hold of his father: and he strake of the gall on his fathers' eyes, saying, Be of good hope, my father.


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And the whiteness pilled away from the corners of his eyes: and when he saw his son, he fell upon his neck.


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And he wept, and said, Blessed art thou, O God, and blessed is thy name for ever; and blessed are all thine holy angels:


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For thou hast scourged, and hast taken pity on me: for, behold, I see my son Tobias. And his son went in rejoicing, and told his father the great things that had happened to him in Media.


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Then Tobit went out to meet his daughter in law at the gate of Nineve, rejoicing and praising God: and they which saw him go marvelled, because he had received his sight.


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But Tobias gave thanks before them, because God had mercy on him. And when he came near to Sara his daughter in law, he blessed her, saying, Thou art welcome, daughter: God be blessed, which hath brought thee unto us, and blessed be thy father and thy mother. And there was joy among all his brethren which were at Nineve.


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Then Tobit called his son Tobias, and said unto him, My son, see that the man have his wages, which went with thee, and thou must give him more.


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And Tobias said unto him, O father, it is no harm to me to give him half of those things which I have brought:


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For he hath brought me again to thee in safety, and made whole my wife, and brought me the money, and likewise healed thee.


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So he called the angel, and he said unto him, Take half of all that ye have brought and go away in safety.


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Then he took them both apart, and said unto them, Bless God, praise him, and magnify him, and praise him for the things which he hath done unto you in the sight of all that live. It is good to praise God, and exalt his name, and honourably to shew forth the works of God; therefore be not slack to praise him.


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It is good to keep close the secret of a king, but it is honourable to reveal the works of God. Do that which is good, and no evil shall touch you.


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Prayer is good with fasting and alms and righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than much with unrighteousness. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold:


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For alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin. Those that exercise alms and righteousness shall be filled with life:


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Surely I will keep close nothing from you. For I said, It was good to keep close the secret of a king, but that it was honourable to reveal the works of God.


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Now therefore, when thou didst pray, and Sara thy daughter in law, I did bring the remembrance of your prayers before the Holy One: and when thou didst bury the dead, I was with thee likewise.


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And when thou didst not delay to rise up, and leave thy dinner, to go and cover the dead, thy good deed was not hid from me: but I was with thee.


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I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One.


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Now therefore give God thanks: for I go up to him that sent me; but write all things which are done in a book.


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Then they confessed the great and wonderful works of God, and how the angel of the Lord had appeared unto them.


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Then Tobit wrote a prayer of rejoicing, and said, Blessed be God that liveth for ever, and blessed be his kingdom.


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For he doth scourge, and hath mercy: he leadeth down to hell, and bringeth up again: neither is there any that can avoid his hand.


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There declare his greatness, and extol him before all the living: for he is our Lord, and he is the God our Father for ever.


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And he will scourge us for our iniquities, and will have mercy again, and will gather us out of all nations, among whom he hath scattered us.


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If ye turn to him with your whole heart, and with your whole mind, and deal uprightly before him, then will he turn unto you, and will not hide his face from you. Therefore see what he will do with you, and confess him with your whole mouth, and praise the Lord of might, and extol the everlasting King. In the land of my captivity do I praise him, and declare his might and majesty to a sinful nation. O ye sinners, turn and do justice before him: who can tell if he will accept you, and have mercy on you?


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I will extol my God, and my soul shall praise the King of heaven, and shall rejoice in his greatness.


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O Jerusalem, the holy city, he will scourge thee for thy children's works, and will have mercy again on the sons of the righteous.


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Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: and praise the everlasting King, that his tabernacle may be builded in thee again with joy, and let him make joyful there in thee those that are captives, and love in thee for ever those that are miserable.


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Many nations shall come from far to the name of the Lord God with gifts in their hands, even gifts to the King of heaven; all generations shall praise thee with great joy.


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Rejoice and be glad for the children of the just: for they shall be gathered together, and shall bless the Lord of the just.


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O blessed are they which love thee, for they shall rejoice in thy peace: blessed are they which have been sorrowful for all thy scourges; for they shall rejoice for thee, when they have seen all thy glory, and shall be glad for ever.


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For Jerusalem shall be built up with sapphires and emeralds, and precious stone: thy walls and towers and battlements with pure gold.


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And all her streets shall say, Alleluia; and they shall praise him, saying, Blessed be God, which hath extolled it for ever.


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And he was eight and fifty years old when he lost his sight, which was restored to him after eight years: and he gave alms, and he increased in the fear of the Lord God, and praised him.


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And when he was very aged he called his son, and the sons of his son, and said to him, My son, take thy children; for, behold, I am aged, and am ready to depart out of this life.


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Go into Media my son, for I surely believe those things which Jonas the prophet spake of Nineve, that it shall be overthrown; and that for a time peace shall rather be in Media; and that our brethren shall lie scattered in the earth from that good land: and Jerusalem shall be desolate, and the house of God in it shall be burned, and shall be desolate for a time;


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And that again God will have mercy on them, and bring them again into the land, where they shall build a temple, but not like to the first, until the time of that age be fulfilled; and afterward they shall return from all places of their captivity, and build up Jerusalem gloriously, and the house of God shall be built in it for ever with a glorious building, as the prophets have spoken thereof.


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So shall all nations praise the Lord, and his people shall confess God, and the Lord shall exalt his people; and all those which love the Lord God in truth and justice shall rejoice, shewing mercy to our brethren.


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And now, my son, depart out of Nineve, because that those things which the prophet Jonas spake shall surely come to pass.


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But keep thou the law and the commandments, and shew thyself merciful and just, that it may go well with thee.


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And bury me decently, and thy mother with me; but tarry no longer at Nineve. Remember, my son, how Aman handled Achiacharus that brought him up, how out of light he brought him into darkness, and how he rewarded him again: yet Achiacharus was saved, but the other had his reward: for he went down into darkness. Manasses gave alms, and escaped the snares of death which they had set for him: but Aman fell into the snare, and perished.


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Wherefore now, my son, consider what alms doeth, and how righteousness doth deliver. When he had said these things, he gave up the ghost in the bed, being an hundred and eight and fifty years old; and he buried him honourably.


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And when Anna his mother was dead, he buried her with his father. But Tobias departed with his wife and children to Ecbatane to Raguel his father in law,


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Where he became old with honour, and he buried his father and mother in law honourably, and he inherited their substance, and his father Tobit's.


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But before he died he heard of the destruction of Nineve, which was taken by Nabuchodonosor and Assuerus: and before his death he rejoiced over Nineve.


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In the twelfth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, who reigned in Nineve, the great city; in the days of Arphaxad, which reigned over the Medes in Ecbatane,


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And built in Ecbatane walls round about of stones hewn three cubits broad and six cubits long, and made the height of the wall seventy cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits:


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And set the towers thereof upon the gates of it an hundred cubits high, and the breadth thereof in the foundation threescore cubits:


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And he made the gates thereof, even gates that were raised to the height of seventy cubits, and the breadth of them was forty cubits, for the going forth of his mighty armies, and for the setting in array of his footmen:


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Even in those days king Nabuchodonosor made war with king Arphaxad in the great plain, which is the plain in the borders of Ragau.


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And there came unto him all they that dwelt in the hill country, and all that dwelt by Euphrates, and Tigris and Hydaspes, and the plain of Arioch the king of the Elymeans, and very many nations of the sons of Chelod, assembled themselves to the battle.


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Then Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians sent unto all that dwelt in Persia, and to all that dwelt westward, and to those that dwelt in Cilicia, and Damascus, and Libanus, and Antilibanus, and to all that dwelt upon the sea coast,


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And to those among the nations that were of Carmel, and Galaad, and the higher Galilee, and the great plain of Esdrelom,


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And to all that were in Samaria and the cities thereof, and beyond Jordan unto Jerusalem, and Betane, and Chelus, and Kades, and the river of Egypt, and Taphnes, and Ramesse, and all the land of Gesem,


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Until ye come beyond Tanis and Memphis, and to all the inhabitants of Egypt, until ye come to the borders of Ethiopia.


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But all the inhabitants of the land made light of the commandment of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians, neither went they with him to the battle; for they were not afraid of him: yea, he was before them as one man, and they sent away his ambassadors from them without effect, and with disgrace.


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Therefore Nabuchodonosor was very angry with all this country, and sware by his throne and kingdom, that he would surely be avenged upon all those coasts of Cilicia, and Damascus, and Syria, and that he would slay with the sword all the inhabitants of the land of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and all Judea, and all that were in Egypt, till ye come to the borders of the two seas.


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Then he marched in battle array with his power against king Arphaxad in the seventeenth year, and he prevailed in his battle: for he overthrew all the power of Arphaxad, and all his horsemen, and all his chariots,


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And became lord of his cities, and came unto Ecbatane, and took the towers, and spoiled the streets thereof, and turned the beauty thereof into shame.


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He took also Arphaxad in the mountains of Ragau, and smote him through with his darts, and destroyed him utterly that day.


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So he returned afterward to Nineve, both he and all his company of sundry nations being a very great multitude of men of war, and there he took his ease, and banqueted, both he and his army, an hundred and twenty days.


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And in the eighteenth year, the two and twentieth day of the first month, there was talk in the house of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians that he should, as he said, avenge himself on all the earth.


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So he called unto him all his officers, and all his nobles, and communicated with them his secret counsel, and concluded the afflicting of the whole earth out of his own mouth.


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And when he had ended his counsel, Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians called Holofernes the chief captain of his army, which was next unto him, and said unto him.


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Thus saith the great king, the lord of the whole earth, Behold, thou shalt go forth from my presence, and take with thee men that trust in their own strength, of footmen an hundred and twenty thousand; and the number of horses with their riders twelve thousand.


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And thou shalt declare unto that they prepare for me earth and water: for I will go forth in my wrath against them and will cover the whole face of the earth with the feet of mine army, and I will give them for a spoil unto them:


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So that their slain shall fill their valleys and brooks and the river shall be filled with their dead, till it overflow:


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Thou therefore shalt go forth. and take beforehand for me all their coasts: and if they will yield themselves unto thee, thou shalt reserve them for me till the day of their punishment.


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But concerning them that rebel, let not thine eye spare them; but put them to the slaughter, and spoil them wheresoever thou goest.


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For as I live, and by the power of my kingdom, whatsoever I have spoken, that will I do by mine hand.


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And take thou heed that thou transgress none of the commandments of thy lord, but accomplish them fully, as I have commanded thee, and defer not to do them.


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Then Holofernes went forth from the presence of his lord, and called ail the governors and captains, and the officers of the army of Assur;


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And he mustered the chosen men for the battle, as his lord had commanded him, unto an hundred and twenty thousand, and twelve thousand archers on horseback;


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And he took camels and asses for their carriages, a very great number; and sheep and oxen and goats without number for their provision:


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And plenty of victual for every man of the army, and very much gold and silver out of the king's house.


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Then he went forth and all his power to go before king Nabuchodonosor in the voyage, and to cover all the face of the earth westward with their chariots, and horsemen, and their chosen footmen.


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A great number also sundry countries came with them like locusts, and like the sand of the earth: for the multitude was without number.


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And they went forth of Nineve three days' journey toward the plain of Bectileth, and pitched from Bectileth near the mountain which is at the left hand of the upper Cilicia.


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Then he took all his army, his footmen, and horsemen and chariots, and went from thence into the hill country;


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And destroyed Phud and Lud, and spoiled all the children of Rasses, and the children of Israel, which were toward the wilderness at the south of the land of the Chellians.


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Then he went over Euphrates, and went through Mesopotamia, and destroyed all the high cities that were upon the river Arbonai, till ye come to the sea.


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And he took the borders of Cilicia, and killed all that resisted him, and came to the borders of Japheth, which were toward the south, over against Arabia.


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He compassed also all the children of Madian, and burned up their tabernacles, and spoiled their sheepcotes.


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Then he went down into the plain of Damascus in the time of wheat harvest, and burnt up all their fields, and destroyed their flocks and herds, also he spoiled their cities, and utterly wasted their countries, and smote all their young men with the edge of the sword.


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Therefore the fear and dread of him fell upon all the inhabitants of the sea coasts, which were in Sidon and Tyrus, and them that dwelt in Sur and Ocina, and all that dwelt in Jemnaan; and they that dwelt in Azotus and Ascalon feared him greatly.


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Behold, we the servants of Nabuchodonosor the great king lie before thee; use us as shall be good in thy sight.


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Behold, our houses, and all our places, and all our fields of wheat, and flocks, and herds, and all the lodges of our tents lie before thy face; use them as it pleaseth thee.


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Behold, even our cities and the inhabitants thereof are thy servants; come and deal with them as seemeth good unto thee.


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Then came he down toward the sea coast, both he and his army, and set garrisons in the high cities, and took out of them chosen men for aid.


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So they and all the country round about received them with garlands, with dances, and with timbrels.


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Yet he did cast down their frontiers, and cut down their groves: for he had decreed to destroy all the gods of the land, that all nations should worship Nabuchodonosor only, and that all tongues and tribes should call upon him as god.


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And he pitched between Geba and Scythopolis, and there he tarried a whole month, that he might gather together all the carriages of his army.


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Now the children of Israel, that dwelt in Judea, heard all that Holofernes the chief captain of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians had done to the nations, and after what manner he had spoiled all their temples, and brought them to nought.


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Therefore they were exceedingly afraid of him, and were troubled for Jerusalem, and for the temple of the Lord their God:


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For they were newly returned from the captivity, and all the people of Judea were lately gathered together: and the vessels, and the altar, and the house, were sanctified after the profanation.


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Therefore they sent into all the coasts of Samaria, and the villages and to Bethoron, and Belmen, and Jericho, and to Choba, and Esora, and to the valley of Salem:


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And possessed themselves beforehand of all the tops of the high mountains, and fortified the villages that were in them, and laid up victuals for the provision of war: for their fields were of late reaped.


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Also Joacim the high priest, which was in those days in Jerusalem, wrote to them that dwelt in Bethulia, and Betomestham, which is over against Esdraelon toward the open country, near to Dothaim,


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Charging them to keep the passages of the hill country: for by them there was an entrance into Judea, and it was easy to stop them that would come up, because the passage was straight, for two men at the most.


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And the children of Israel did as Joacim the high priest had commanded them, with the ancients of all the people of Israel, which dwelt at Jerusalem.


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Then every man of Israel cried to God with great fervency, and with great vehemency did they humble their souls:


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Both they, and their wives and their children, and their cattle, and every stranger and hireling, and their servants bought with money, put sackcloth upon their loins.


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Thus every man and women, and the little children, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, fell before the temple, and cast ashes upon their heads, and spread out their sackcloth before the face of the Lord: also they put sackcloth about the altar,


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And cried to the God of Israel all with one consent earnestly, that he would not give their children for a prey, and their wives for a spoil, and the cities of their inheritance to destruction, and the sanctuary to profanation and reproach, and for the nations to rejoice at.


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So God heard their prayers, and looked upon their afflictions: for the people fasted many days in all Judea and Jerusalem before the sanctuary of the Lord Almighty.


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And Joacim the high priest, and all the priests that stood before the Lord, and they which ministered unto the Lord, had their loins girt with sackcloth, and offered the daily burnt offerings, with the vows and free gifts of the people,


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And had ashes on their mitres, and cried unto the Lord with all their power, that he would look upon all the house of Israel graciously.


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Then was it declared to Holofernes, the chief captain of the army of Assur, that the children of Israel had prepared for war, and had shut up the passages of the hill country, and had fortified all the tops of the high hills and had laid impediments in the champaign countries:


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Wherewith he was very angry, and called all the princes of Moab, and the captains of Ammon, and all the governors of the sea coast,


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And he said unto them, Tell me now, ye sons of Chanaan, who this people is, that dwelleth in the hill country, and what are the cities that they inhabit, and what is the multitude of their army, and wherein is their power and strength, and what king is set over them, or captain of their army;


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Then said Achior, the captain of all the sons of Ammon, Let my lord now hear a word from the mouth of thy servant, and I will declare unto thee the truth concerning this people, which dwelleth near thee, and inhabiteth the hill countries: and there shall no lie come out of the mouth of thy servant.


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And they sojourned heretofore in Mesopotamia, because they would not follow the gods of their fathers, which were in the land of Chaldea.


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For they left the way of their ancestors, and worshipped the God of heaven, the God whom they knew: so they cast them out from the face of their gods, and they fled into Mesopotamia, and sojourned there many days.


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Then their God commanded them to depart from the place where they sojourned, and to go into the land of Chanaan: where they dwelt, and were increased with gold and silver, and with very much cattle.


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But when a famine covered all the land of Chanaan, they went down into Egypt, and sojourned there, while they were nourished, and became there a great multitude, so that one could not number their nation.


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Therefore the king of Egypt rose up against them, and dealt subtilly with them, and brought them low with labouring in brick, and made them slaves.


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Then they cried unto their God, and he smote all the land of Egypt with incurable plagues: so the Egyptians cast them out of their sight.


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So they dwelt in the land of the Amorites, and they destroyed by their strength all them of Esebon, and passing over Jordan they possessed all the hill country.


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And they cast forth before them the Chanaanite, the Pherezite, the Jebusite, and the Sychemite, and all the Gergesites, and they dwelt in that country many days.


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And whilst they sinned not before their God, they prospered, because the God that hateth iniquity was with them.


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But when they departed from the way which he appointed them, they were destroyed in many battles very sore, and were led captives into a land that was not their's, and the temple of their God was cast to the ground, and their cities were taken by the enemies.


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But now are they returned to their God, and are come up from the places where they were scattered, and have possessed Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is, and are seated in the hill country; for it was desolate.


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Now therefore, my lord and governor, if there be any error against this people, and they sin against their God, let us consider that this shall be their ruin, and let us go up, and we shall overcome them.


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But if there be no iniquity in their nation, let my lord now pass by, lest their Lord defend them, and their God be for them, and we become a reproach before all the world.


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And when Achior had finished these sayings, all the people standing round about the tent murmured, and the chief men of Holofernes, and all that dwelt by the sea side, and in Moab, spake that he should kill him.


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For, say they, we will not be afraid of the face of the children of Israel: for, lo, it is a people that have no strength nor power for a strong battle


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Now therefore, lord Holofernes, we will go up, and they shall be a prey to be devoured of all thine army.


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And when the tumult of men that were about the council was ceased, Holofernes the chief captain of the army of Assur said unto Achior and all the Moabites before all the company of other nations,


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And who art thou, Achior, and the hirelings of Ephraim, that thou hast prophesied against us as to day, and hast said, that we should not make war with the people of Israel, because their God will defend them? and who is God but Nabuchodonosor?


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He will send his power, and will destroy them from the face of the earth, and their God shall not deliver them: but we his servants will destroy them as one man; for they are not able to sustain the power of our horses.


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For with them we will tread them under foot, and their mountains shall be drunken with their blood, and their fields shall be filled with their dead bodies, and their footsteps shall not be able to stand before us, for they shall utterly perish, saith king Nabuchodonosor, lord of all the earth: for he said, None of my words shall be in vain.


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And thou, Achior, an hireling of Ammon, which hast spoken these words in the day of thine iniquity, shalt see my face no more from this day, until I take vengeance of this nation that came out of Egypt.


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And then shall the sword of mine army, and the multitude of them that serve me, pass through thy sides, and thou shalt fall among their slain, when I return.


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Now therefore my servants shall bring thee back into the hill country, and shall set thee in one of the cities of the passages:


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And if thou persuade thyself in thy mind that they shall be taken, let not thy countenance fall: I have spoken it, and none of my words shall be in vain.


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Then Holofernes commanded his servants, that waited in his tent, to take Achior, and bring him to Bethulia, and deliver him into the hands of the children of Israel.


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So his servants took him, and brought him out of the camp into the plain, and they went from the midst of the plain into the hill country, and came unto the fountains that were under Bethulia.


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And when the men of the city saw them, they took up their weapons, and went out of the city to the top of the hill: and every man that used a sling kept them from coming up by casting of stones against them.


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Nevertheless having gotten privily under the hill, they bound Achior, and cast him down, and left him at the foot of the hill, and returned to their lord.


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But the Israelites descended from their city, and came unto him, and loosed him, and brought him to Bethulia, and presented him to the governors of the city:


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Which were in those days Ozias the son of Micha, of the tribe of Simeon, and Chabris the son of Gothoniel, and Charmis the son of Melchiel.


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And they called together all the ancients of the city, and all their youth ran together, and their women, to the assembly, and they set Achior in the midst of all their people. Then Ozias asked him of that which was done.


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And he answered and declared unto them the words of the council of Holofernes, and all the words that he had spoken in the midst of the princes of Assur, and whatsoever Holofernes had spoken proudly against the house of Israel.


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O Lord God of heaven, behold their pride, and pity the low estate of our nation, and look upon the face of those that are sanctified unto thee this day.


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And Ozias took him out of the assembly unto his house, and made a feast to the elders; and they called on the God of Israel all that night for help.


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The next day Holofernes commanded all his army, and all his people which were come to take his part, that they should remove their camp against Bethulia, to take aforehand the ascents of the hill country, and to make war against the children of Israel.


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Then their strong men removed their camps in that day, and the army of the men of war was an hundred and seventy thousand footmen, and twelve thousand horsemen, beside the baggage, and other men that were afoot among them, a very great multitude.


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And they camped in the valley near unto Bethulia, by the fountain, and they spread themselves in breadth over Dothaim even to Belmaim, and in length from Bethulia unto Cynamon, which is over against Esdraelon.


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Now the children of Israel, when they saw the multitude of them, were greatly troubled, and said every one to his neighbour, Now will these men lick up the face of the earth; for neither the high mountains, nor the valleys, nor the hills, are able to bear their weight.


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Then every man took up his weapons of war, and when they had kindled fires upon their towers, they remained and watched all that night.


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But in the second day Holofernes brought forth all his horsemen in the sight of the children of Israel which were in Bethulia,


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And viewed the passages up to the city, and came to the fountains of their waters, and took them, and set garrisons of men of war over them, and he himself removed toward his people.


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Then came unto him all the chief of the children of Esau, and all the governors of the people of Moab, and the captains of the sea coast, and said,


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For this people of the children of Israel do not trust in their spears, but in the height of the mountains wherein they dwell, because it is not easy to come up to the tops of their mountains.


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Now therefore, my lord, fight not against them in battle array, and there shall not so much as one man of thy people perish.


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Remain in thy camp, and keep all the men of thine army, and let thy servants get into their hands the fountain of water, which issueth forth of the foot of the mountain:


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For all the inhabitants of Bethulia have their water thence; so shall thirst kill them, and they shall give up their city, and we and our people shall go up to the tops of the mountains that are near, and will camp upon them, to watch that none go out of the city.


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So they and their wives and their children shall be consumed with fire, and before the sword come against them, they shall be overthrown in the streets where they dwell.


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Thus shalt thou render them an evil reward; because they rebelled, and met not thy person peaceably.


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So the camp of the children of Ammon departed, and with them five thousand of the Assyrians, and they pitched in the valley, and took the waters, and the fountains of the waters of the children of Israel.


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Then the children of Esau went up with the children of Ammon, and camped in the hill country over against Dothaim: and they sent some of them toward the south, and toward the east over against Ekrebel, which is near unto Chusi, that is upon the brook Mochmur; and the rest of the army of the Assyrians camped in the plain, and covered the face of the whole land; and their tents and carriages were pitched to a very great multitude.


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Then the children of Israel cried unto the Lord their God, because their heart failed, for all their enemies had compassed them round about, and there was no way to escape out from among them.


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Thus all the company of Assur remained about them, both their footmen, chariots, and horsemen, four and thirty days, so that all their vessels of water failed all the inhibitants of Bethulia.


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And the cisterns were emptied, and they had not water to drink their fill for one day; for they gave them drink by measure.


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Therefore their young children were out of heart, and their women and young men fainted for thirst, and fell down in the streets of the city, and by the passages of the gates, and there was no longer any strength in them.


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Then all the people assembled to Ozias, and to the chief of the city, both young men, and women, and children, and cried with a loud voice, and said before all the elders,


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God be judge between us and you: for ye have done us great injury, in that ye have not required peace of the children of Assur.


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For now we have no helper: but God hath sold us into their hands, that we should be thrown down before them with thirst and great destruction.


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Now therefore call them unto you, and deliver the whole city for a spoil to the people of Holofernes, and to all his army.


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For it is better for us to be made a spoil unto them, than to die for thirst: for we will be his servants, that our souls may live, and not see the death of our infants before our eyes, nor our wives nor our children to die.


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We take to witness against you the heaven and the earth, and our God and Lord of our fathers, which punisheth us according to our sins and the sins of our fathers, that he do not according as we have said this day.


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Then there was great weeping with one consent in the midst of the assembly; and they cried unto the Lord God with a loud voice.


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Then said Ozias to them, Brethren, be of good courage, let us yet endure five days, in the which space the Lord our God may turn his mercy toward us; for he will not forsake us utterly.


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And he dispersed the people, every one to their own charge; and they went unto the walls and towers of their city, and sent the women and children into their houses: and they were very low brought in the city.


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Now at that time Judith heard thereof, which was the daughter of Merari, the son of Ox, the son of Joseph, the son of Ozel, the son of Elcia, the son of Ananias, the son of Gedeon, the son of Raphaim, the son of Acitho, the son of Eliu, the son of Eliab, the son of Nathanael, the son of Samael, the son of Salasadal, the son of Israel.


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For as he stood overseeing them that bound sheaves in the field, the heat came upon his head, and he fell on his bed, and died in the city of Bethulia: and they buried him with his fathers in the field between Dothaim and Balamo.


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And she made her a tent upon the top of her house, and put on sackcloth upon her loins and ware her widow's apparel.


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And she fasted all the days of her widowhood, save the eves of the sabbaths, and the sabbaths, and the eves of the new moons, and the new moons and the feasts and solemn days of the house of Israel.


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She was also of a goodly countenance, and very beautiful to behold: and her husband Manasses had left her gold, and silver, and menservants and maidservants, and cattle, and lands; and she remained upon them.


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Now when she heard the evil words of the people against the governor, that they fainted for lack of water; for Judith had heard all the words that Ozias had spoken unto them, and that he had sworn to deliver the city unto the Assyrians after five days;


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Then she sent her waitingwoman, that had the government of all things that she had, to call Ozias and Chabris and Charmis, the ancients of the city.


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And they came unto her, and she said unto them, Hear me now, O ye governors of the inhabitants of Bethulia: for your words that ye have spoken before the people this day are not right, touching this oath which ye made and pronounced between God and you, and have promised to deliver the city to our enemies, unless within these days the Lord turn to help you.


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And now who are ye that have tempted God this day, and stand instead of God among the children of men?


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For ye cannot find the depth of the heart of man, neither can ye perceive the things that he thinketh: then how can ye search out God, that hath made all these things, and know his mind, or comprehend his purpose? Nay, my brethren, provoke not the Lord our God to anger.


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For if he will not help us within these five days, he hath power to defend us when he will, even every day, or to destroy us before our enemies.


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Do not bind the counsels of the Lord our God: for God is not as man, that he may be threatened; neither is he as the son of man, that he should be wavering.


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Therefore let us wait for salvation of him, and call upon him to help us, and he will hear our voice, if it please him.


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For there arose none in our age, neither is there any now in these days neither tribe, nor family, nor people, nor city among us, which worship gods made with hands, as hath been aforetime.


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For the which cause our fathers were given to the sword, and for a spoil, and had a great fall before our enemies.


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For if we be taken so, all Judea shall lie waste, and our sanctuary shall be spoiled; and he will require the profanation thereof at our mouth.


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And the slaughter of our brethren, and the captivity of the country, and the desolation of our inheritance, will he turn upon our heads among the Gentiles, wheresoever we shall be in bondage; and we shall be an offence and a reproach to all them that possess us.


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Now therefore, O brethren, let us shew an example to our brethren, because their hearts depend upon us, and the sanctuary, and the house, and the altar, rest upon us.


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Remember what things he did to Abraham, and how he tried Isaac, and what happened to Jacob in Mesopotamia of Syria, when he kept the sheep of Laban his mother's brother.


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For he hath not tried us in the fire, as he did them, for the examination of their hearts, neither hath he taken vengeance on us: but the Lord doth scourge them that come near unto him, to admonish them.


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Then said Ozias to her, All that thou hast spoken hast thou spoken with a good heart, and there is none that may gainsay thy words.


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For this is not the first day wherein thy wisdom is manifested; but from the beginning of thy days all the people have known thy understanding, because the disposition of thine heart is good.


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But the people were very thirsty, and compelled us to do unto them as we have spoken, and to bring an oath upon ourselves, which we will not break.


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Therefore now pray thou for us, because thou art a godly woman, and the Lord will send us rain to fill our cisterns, and we shall faint no more.


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Then said Judith unto them, Hear me, and I will do a thing, which shall go throughout all generations to the children of our nation.


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Ye shall stand this night in the gate, and I will go forth with my waitingwoman: and within the days that ye have promised to deliver the city to our enemies the Lord will visit Israel by mine hand.


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But enquire not ye of mine act: for I will not declare it unto you, till the things be finished that I do.


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Then said Ozias and the princes unto her, Go in peace, and the Lord God be before thee, to take vengeance on our enemies.


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Judith fell upon her face, and put ashes upon her head, and uncovered the sackcloth wherewith she was clothed; and about the time that the incense of that evening was offered in Jerusalem in the house of the Lord Judith cried with a loud voice, and said,


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O Lord God of my father Simeon, to whom thou gavest a sword to take vengeance of the strangers, who loosened the girdle of a maid to defile her, and discovered the thigh to her shame, and polluted her virginity to her reproach; for thou saidst, It shall not be so; and yet they did so:


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Wherefore thou gavest their rulers to be slain, so that they dyed their bed in blood, being deceived, and smotest the servants with their lords, and the lords upon their thrones;


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And hast given their wives for a prey, and their daughters to be captives, and all their spoils to be divided among thy dear children; which were moved with thy zeal, and abhorred the pollution of their blood, and called upon thee for aid: O God, O my God, hear me also a widow.


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For thou hast wrought not only those things, but also the things which fell out before, and which ensued after; thou hast thought upon the things which are now, and which are to come.


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Yea, what things thou didst determine were ready at hand, and said, Lo, we are here: for all thy ways are prepared, and thy judgments are in thy foreknowledge.


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For, behold, the Assyrians are multiplied in their power; they are exalted with horse and man; they glory in the strength of their footmen; they trust in shield, and spear, and bow, and sling; and know not that thou art the Lord that breakest the battles: the Lord is thy name.


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Throw down their strength in thy power, and bring down their force in thy wrath: for they have purposed to defile thy sanctuary, and to pollute the tabernacle where thy glorious name resteth and to cast down with sword the horn of thy altar.


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Behold their pride, and send thy wrath upon their heads: give into mine hand, which am a widow, the power that I have conceived.


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Smite by the deceit of my lips the servant with the prince, and the prince with the servant: break down their stateliness by the hand of a woman.


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For thy power standeth not in multitude nor thy might in strong men: for thou art a God of the afflicted, an helper of the oppressed, an upholder of the weak, a protector of the forlorn, a saviour of them that are without hope.


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I pray thee, I pray thee, O God of my father, and God of the inheritance of Israel, Lord of the heavens and earth, Creator of the waters, king of every creature, hear thou my prayer:


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And make my speech and deceit to be their wound and stripe, who have purposed cruel things against thy covenant, and thy hallowed house, and against the top of Sion, and against the house of the possession of thy children.


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And make every nation and tribe to acknowledge that thou art the God of all power and might, and that there is none other that protecteth the people of Israel but thou.


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Now after that she had ceased to cry unto the God of Israel, and bad made an end of all these words.


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She rose where she had fallen down, and called her maid, and went down into the house in the which she abode in the sabbath days, and in her feast days,


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And pulled off the sackcloth which she had on, and put off the garments of her widowhood, and washed her body all over with water, and anointed herself with precious ointment, and braided the hair of her head, and put on a tire upon it, and put on her garments of gladness, wherewith she was clad during the life of Manasses her husband.


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And she took sandals upon her feet, and put about her her bracelets, and her chains, and her rings, and her earrings, and all her ornaments, and decked herself bravely, to allure the eyes of all men that should see her.


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Then she gave her maid a bottle of wine, and a cruse of oil, and filled a bag with parched corn, and lumps of figs, and with fine bread; so she folded all these things together, and laid them upon her.


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Thus they went forth to the gate of the city of Bethulia, and found standing there Ozias and the ancients of the city, Chabris and Charmis.


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And when they saw her, that her countenance was altered, and her apparel was changed, they wondered at her beauty very greatly, and said unto her.


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The God, the God of our fathers give thee favour, and accomplish thine enterprizes to the glory of the children of Israel, and to the exaltation of Jerusalem. Then they worshipped God.


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And she said unto them, Command the gates of the city to be opened unto me, that I may go forth to accomplish the things whereof ye have spoken with me. So they commanded the young men to open unto her, as she had spoken.


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And when they had done so, Judith went out, she, and her maid with her; and the men of the city looked after her, until she was gone down the mountain, and till she had passed the valley, and could see her no more.


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And took her, and asked her, Of what people art thou? and whence comest thou? and whither goest thou? And she said, I am a woman of the Hebrews, and am fled from them: for they shall be given you to be consumed:


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And I am coming before Holofernes the chief captain of your army, to declare words of truth; and I will shew him a way, whereby he shall go, and win all the hill country, without losing the body or life of any one of his men.


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Now when the men heard her words, and beheld her countenance, they wondered greatly at her beauty, and said unto her,


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Thou hast saved thy life, in that thou hast hasted to come down to the presence of our lord: now therefore come to his tent, and some of us shall conduct thee, until they have delivered thee to his hands.


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And when thou standest before him, be not afraid in thine heart, but shew unto him according to thy word; and he will entreat thee well.


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Then they chose out of them an hundred men to accompany her and her maid; and they brought her to the tent of Holofernes.


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Then was there a concourse throughout all the camp: for her coming was noised among the tents, and they came about her, as she stood without the tent of Holofernes, till they told him of her.


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And they wondered at her beauty, and admired the children of Israel because of her, and every one said to his neighbour, Who would despise this people, that have among them such women? surely it is not good that one man of them be left who being let go might deceive the whole earth.


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And they that lay near Holofernes went out, and all his servants and they brought her into the tent.


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Now Holofernes rested upon his bed under a canopy, which was woven with purple, and gold, and emeralds, and precious stones.


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And when Judith was come before him and his servants they all marvelled at the beauty of her countenance; and she fell down upon her face, and did reverence unto him: and his servants took her up.


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Then said Holofernes unto her, Woman, be of good comfort, fear not in thine heart: for I never hurt any that was willing to serve Nabuchodonosor, the king of all the earth.


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Now therefore, if thy people that dwelleth in the mountains had not set light by me, I would not have lifted up my spear against them: but they have done these things to themselves.


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But now tell me wherefore thou art fled from them, and art come unto us: for thou art come for safeguard; be of good comfort, thou shalt live this night, and hereafter:


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For none shall hurt thee, but entreat thee well, as they do the servants of king Nabuchodonosor my lord.


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Then Judith said unto him, Receive the words of thy servant, and suffer thine handmaid to speak in thy presence, and I will declare no lie to my lord this night.


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And if thou wilt follow the words of thine handmaid, God will bring the thing perfectly to pass by thee; and my lord shall not fail of his purposes.


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As Nabuchodonosor king of all the earth liveth, and as his power liveth, who hath sent thee for the upholding of every living thing: for not only men shall serve him by thee, but also the beasts of the field, and the cattle, and the fowls of the air, shall live by thy power under Nabuchodonosor and all his house.


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For we have heard of thy wisdom and thy policies, and it is reported in all the earth, that thou only art excellent in all the kingdom, and mighty in knowledge, and wonderful in feats of war.


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Now as concerning the matter, which Achior did speak in thy council, we have heard his words; for the men of Bethulia saved him, and he declared unto them all that he had spoken unto thee.


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Therefore, O lord and governor, respect not his word; but lay it up in thine heart, for it is true: for our nation shall not be punished, neither can sword prevail against them, except they sin against their God.


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And now, that my lord be not defeated and frustrate of his purpose, even death is now fallen upon them, and their sin hath overtaken them, wherewith they will provoke their God to anger whensoever they shall do that which is not fit to be done:


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For their victuals fail them, and all their water is scant, and they have determined to lay hands upon their cattle, and purposed to consume all those things, that God hath forbidden them to eat by his laws:


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And are resolved to spend the firstfruits of the the tenths of wine and oil, which they had sanctified, and reserved for the priests that serve in Jerusalem before the face of our God; the which things it is not lawful for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands.


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For they have sent some to Jerusalem, because they also that dwell there have done the like, to bring them a licence from the senate.


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Now when they shall bring them word, they will forthwith do it, and they shall be given to thee to be destroyed the same day.


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Wherefore I thine handmaid, knowing all this, am fled from their presence; and God hath sent me to work things with thee, whereat all the earth shall be astonished, and whosoever shall hear it.


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For thy servant is religious, and serveth the God of heaven day and night: now therefore, my lord, I will remain with thee, and thy servant will go out by night into the valley, and I will pray unto God, and he will tell me when they have committed their sins:


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And I will come and shew it unto thee: then thou shalt go forth with all thine army, and there shall be none of them that shall resist thee.


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And I will lead thee through the midst of Judea, until thou come before Jerusalem; and I will set thy throne in the midst thereof; and thou shalt drive them as sheep that have no shepherd, and a dog shall not so much as open his mouth at thee: for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and they were declared unto me, and I am sent to tell thee.


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There is not such a woman from one end of the earth to the other, both for beauty of face, and wisdom of words.


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Likewise Holofernes said unto her. God hath done well to send thee before the people, that strength might be in our hands and destruction upon them that lightly regard my lord.


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And now thou art both beautiful in thy countenance, and witty in thy words: surely if thou do as thou hast spoken thy God shall be my God, and thou shalt dwell in the house of king Nabuchodonosor, and shalt be renowned through the whole earth.


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Then he commanded to bring her in where his plate was set; and bade that they should prepare for her of his own meats, and that she should drink of his own wine.


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And Judith said, I will not eat thereof, lest there be an offence: but provision shall be made for me of the things that I have brought.


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Then Holofernes said unto her, If thy provision should fail, how should we give thee the like? for there be none with us of thy nation.


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Then said Judith unto him As thy soul liveth, my lord, thine handmaid shall not spend those things that I have, before the Lord work by mine hand the things that he hath determined.


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Then the servants of Holofernes brought her into the tent, and she slept till midnight, and she arose when it was toward the morning watch,


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And sent to Holofernes, saving, Let my lord now command that thine handmaid may go forth unto prayer.


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Then Holofernes commanded his guard that they should not stay her: thus she abode in the camp three days, and went out in the night into the valley of Bethulia, and washed herself in a fountain of water by the camp.


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And when she came out, she besought the Lord God of Israel to direct her way to the raising up of the children of her people.


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And in the fourth day Holofernes made a feast to his own servants only, and called none of the officers to the banquet.


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Then said he to Bagoas the eunuch, who had charge over all that he had, Go now, and persuade this Hebrew woman which is with thee, that she come unto us, and eat and drink with us.


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For, lo, it will be a shame for our person, if we shall let such a woman go, not having had her company; for if we draw her not unto us, she will laugh us to scorn.


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Then went Bagoas from the presence of Holofernes, and came to her, and he said, Let not this fair damsel fear to come to my lord, and to be honoured in his presence, and drink wine, and be merry with us and be made this day as one of the daughters of the Assyrians, which serve in the house of Nabuchodonosor.


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Then said Judith unto him, Who am I now, that I should gainsay my lord? surely whatsoever pleaseth him I will do speedily, and it shall be my joy unto the day of my death.


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So she arose, and decked herself with her apparel and all her woman's attire, and her maid went and laid soft skins on the ground for her over against Holofernes, which she had received of Bagoas far her daily use, that she might sit and eat upon them.


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Now when Judith came in and sat down, Holofernes his heart was ravished with her, and his mind was moved, and he desired greatly her company; for he waited a time to deceive her, from the day that he had seen her.


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So Judith said, I will drink now, my lord, because my life is magnified in me this day more than all the days since I was born.


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And Holofernes took great delight in her, and drank more wine than he had drunk at any time in one day since he was born.


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Now when the evening was come, his servants made haste to depart, and Bagoas shut his tent without, and dismissed the waiters from the presence of his lord; and they went to their beds: for they were all weary, because the feast had been long.


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And Judith was left along in the tent, and Holofernes lying along upon his bed: for he was filled with wine.


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Now Judith had commanded her maid to stand without her bedchamber, and to wait for her. coming forth, as she did daily: for she said she would go forth to her prayers, and she spake to Bagoas according to the same purpose.


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So all went forth and none was left in the bedchamber, neither little nor great. Then Judith, standing by his bed, said in her heart, O Lord God of all power, look at this present upon the works of mine hands for the exaltation of Jerusalem.


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For now is the time to help thine inheritance, and to execute thine enterprizes to the destruction of the enemies which are risen against us.


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Then she came to the pillar of the bed, which was at Holofernes' head, and took down his fauchion from thence,


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And approached to his bed, and took hold of the hair of his head, and said, Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, this day.


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And tumbled his body down from the bed, and pulled down the canopy from the pillars; and anon after she went forth, and gave Holofernes his head to her maid;


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And she put it in her bag of meat: so they twain went together according to their custom unto prayer: and when they passed the camp, they compassed the valley, and went up the mountain of Bethulia, and came to the gates thereof.


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Then said Judith afar off, to the watchmen at the gate, Open, open now the gate: God, even our God, is with us, to shew his power yet in Jerusalem, and his forces against the enemy, as he hath even done this day.


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Now when the men of her city heard her voice, they made haste to go down to the gate of their city, and they called the elders of the city.


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And then they ran all together, both small and great, for it was strange unto them that she was come: so they opened the gate, and received them, and made a fire for a light, and stood round about them.


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Then she said to them with a loud voice, Praise, praise God, praise God, I say, for he hath not taken away his mercy from the house of Israel, but hath destroyed our enemies by mine hands this night.


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So she took the head out of the bag, and shewed it, and said unto them, behold the head of Holofernes, the chief captain of the army of Assur, and behold the canopy, wherein he did lie in his drunkenness; and the Lord hath smitten him by the hand of a woman.


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As the Lord liveth, who hath kept me in my way that I went, my countenance hath deceived him to his destruction, and yet hath he not committed sin with me, to defile and shame me.


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Then all the people were wonderfully astonished, and bowed themselves and worshipped God, and said with one accord, Blessed be thou, O our God, which hast this day brought to nought the enemies of thy people.


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Then said Ozias unto her, O daughter, blessed art thou of the most high God above all the women upon the earth; and blessed be the Lord God, which hath created the heavens and the earth, which hath directed thee to the cutting off of the head of the chief of our enemies.


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For this thy confidence shall not depart from the heart of men, which remember the power of God for ever.


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And God turn these things to thee for a perpetual praise, to visit thee in good things because thou hast not spared thy life for the affliction of our nation, but hast revenged our ruin, walking a straight way before our God. And all the people said; So be it, so be it.


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Then said Judith unto them, Hear me now, my brethren, and take this head, and hang it upon the highest place of your walls.


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And so soon as the morning shall appear, and the sun shall come forth upon the earth, take ye every one his weapons, and go forth every valiant man out of the city, and set ye a captain over them, as though ye would go down into the field toward the watch of the Assyrians; but go not down.


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Then they shall take their armour, and shall go into their camp, and raise up the captains of the army of Assur, and shall run to the tent of Holofernes, but shall not find him: then fear shall fall upon them, and they shall flee before your face.


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But before ye do these things, call me Achior the Ammonite, that he may see and know him that despised the house of Israel, and that sent him to us as it were to his death.


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Then they called Achior out of the house of Ozias; and when he was come, and saw the head of Holofernes in a man's hand in the assembly of the people, he fell down on his face, and his spirit failed.


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But when they had recovered him, he fell at Judith's feet, and reverenced her, and said, Blessed art thou in all the tabernacles of Juda, and in all nations, which hearing thy name shall be astonished.


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Now therefore tell me all the things that thou hast done in these days. Then Judith declared unto him in the midst of the people all that she had done, from the day that she went forth until that hour she spake unto them.


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And when she had left off speaking, the people shouted with a loud voice, and made a joyful noise in their city.


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And when Achior had seen all that the God of Israel had done, he believed in God greatly, and circumcised the flesh of his foreskin, and was joined unto the house of Israel unto this day.


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And as soon as the morning arose, they hanged the head of Holofernes upon the wall, and every man took his weapons, and they went forth by bands unto the straits of the mountain.


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But when the Assyrians saw them, they sent to their leaders, which came to their captains and tribunes, and to every one of their rulers.


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So they came to Holofernes' tent, and said to him that had the charge of all his things, Waken now our lord: for the slaves have been bold to come down against us to battle, that they may be utterly destroyed.


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Then went in Bagoas, and knocked at the door of the tent; for he thought that he had slept with Judith.


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But because none answered, he opened it, and went into the bedchamber, and found him cast upon the floor dead, and his head was taken from him.


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Therefore he cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and sighing, and a mighty cry, and rent his garments.


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After he went into the tent where Judith lodged: and when he found her not, he leaped out to the people, and cried,


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These slaves have dealt treacherously; one woman of the Hebrews hath brought shame upon the house of king Nabuchodonosor: for, behold, Holofernes lieth upon the ground without a head.


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When the captains of the Assyrians' army heard these words, they rent their coats and their minds were wonderfully troubled, and there was a cry and a very great noise throughout the camp.


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And fear and trembling fell upon them, so that there was no man that durst abide in the sight of his neighbour, but rushing out all together, they fled into every way of the plain, and of the hill country.


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They also that had camped in the mountains round about Bethulia fled away. Then the children of Israel, every one that was a warrior among them, rushed out upon them.


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Then sent Ozias to Betomasthem, and to Bebai, and Chobai, and Cola and to all the coasts of Israel, such as should tell the things that were done, and that all should rush forth upon their enemies to destroy them.


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Now when the children of Israel heard it, they all fell upon them with one consent, and slew them unto Chobai: likewise also they that came from Jerusalem, and from all the hill country, (for men had told them what things were done in the camp of their enemies) and they that were in Galaad, and in Galilee, chased them with a great slaughter, until they were past Damascus and the borders thereof.


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And the residue that dwelt at Bethulia, fell upon the camp of Assur, and spoiled them, and were greatly enriched.


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And the children of Israel that returned from the slaughter had that which remained; and the villages and the cities, that were in the mountains and in the plain, gat many spoils: for the multitude was very great.


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Then Joacim the high priest, and the ancients of the children of Israel that dwelt in Jerusalem, came to behold the good things that God had shewed to Israel, and to see Judith, and to salute her.


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And when they came unto her, they blessed her with one accord, and said unto her, Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem, thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing of our nation:


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Thou hast done all these things by thine hand: thou hast done much good to Israel, and God is pleased therewith: blessed be thou of the Almighty Lord for evermore. And all the people said, So be it.


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And the people spoiled the camp the space of thirty days: and they gave unto Judith Holofernes his tent, and all his plate, and beds, and vessels, and all his stuff: and she took it and laid it on her mule; and made ready her carts, and laid them thereon.


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Then all the women of Israel ran together to see her, and blessed her, and made a dance among them for her: and she took branches in her hand, and gave also to the women that were with her.


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And they put a garland of olive upon her and her maid that was with her, and she went before all the people in the dance, leading all the women: and all the men of Israel followed in their armour with garlands, and with songs in their mouths.


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Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord with a good (heart,) and in simplicity of heart seek him.


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For he will be found of them that tempt him not; and sheweth himself unto such as do not distrust him.


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For the holy spirit of discipline will flee deceit, and remove from thoughts that are without understanding, and will not abide when unrighteousness cometh in.


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For wisdom is a loving spirit; and will not acquit a blasphemer of his words: for God is witness of his reins, and a true beholder of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue.


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For the Spirit of the Lord filleth the world: and that which containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice.


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Therefore he that speaketh unrighteous things cannot be hid: neither shall vengeance, when it punisheth, pass by him.


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For inquisition shall be made into the counsels of the ungodly: and the sound of his words shall come unto the Lord for the manifestation of his wicked deeds.


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Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and refrain your tongue from backbiting: for there is no word so secret, that shall go for nought: and the mouth that belieth slayeth the soul.


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Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon yourselves destruction with the works of your hands.


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For he created all things, that they might have their being: and the generations of the world were healthful; and there is no poison of destruction in them, nor the kingdom of death upon the earth:


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But ungodly men with their works and words called it to them: for when they thought to have it their friend, they consumed to nought, and made a covenant with it, because they are worthy to take part with it.


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For the ungodly said, reasoning with themselves, but not aright, Our life is short and tedious, and in the death of a man there is no remedy: neither was there any man known to have returned from the grave.


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For we are born at all adventure: and we shall be hereafter as though we had never been: for the breath in our nostrils is as smoke, and a little spark in the moving of our heart:


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Which being extinguished, our body shall be turned into ashes, and our spirit shall vanish as the soft air,


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And our name shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall have our works in remembrance, and our life shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and shall be dispersed as a mist, that is driven away with the beams of the sun, and overcome with the heat thereof.


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For our time is a very shadow that passeth away; and after our end there is no returning: for it is fast sealed, so that no man cometh again.


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Come on therefore, let us enjoy the good things that are present: and let us speedily use the creatures like as in youth.


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Let none of us go without his part of our voluptuousness: let us leave tokens of our joyfulness in every place: for this is our portion, and our lot is this.


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Let us oppress the poor righteous man, let us not spare the widow, nor reverence the ancient gray hairs of the aged.


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Therefore let us lie in wait for the righteous; because he is not for our turn, and he is clean contrary to our doings: he upbraideth us with our offending the law, and objecteth to our infamy the transgressings of our education.


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He is grievous unto us even to behold: for his life is not like other men's, his ways are of another fashion.


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We are esteemed of him as counterfeits: he abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness: he pronounceth the end of the just to be blessed, and maketh his boast that God is his father.


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For if the just man be the son of God, he will help him, and deliver him from the hand of his enemies.


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Let us examine him with despitefulness and torture, that we may know his meekness, and prove his patience.


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As for the mysteries of God, they kn ew them not: neither hoped they for the wages of righteousness, nor discerned a reward for blameless souls.


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Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it.


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And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for himself.


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And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble.


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They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.


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They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him: for grace and mercy is to his saints, and he hath care for his elect.


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But the ungodly shall be punished according to their own imaginations, which have neglected the righteous, and forsaken the Lord.


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For whoso despiseth wisdom and nurture, he is miserable, and their hope is vain, their labours unfruitful, and their works unprofitable:


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Their offspring is cursed. Wherefore blessed is the barren that is undefiled, which hath not known the sinful bed: she shall have fruit in the visitation of souls.


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And blessed is the eunuch, which with his hands hath wrought no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against God: for unto him shall be given the special gift of faith, and an inheritance in the temple of the Lord more acceptable to his mind.


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As for the children of adulterers, they shall not come to their perfection, and the seed of an unrighteous bed shall be rooted out.


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For though they live long, yet shall they be nothing regarded: and their last age shall be without honour.


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Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue: for the memorial thereof is immortal: because it is known with God, and with men.


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When it is present, men take example at it; and when it is gone, they desire it: it weareth a crown, and triumpheth for ever, having gotten the victory, striving for undefiled rewards.


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But the multiplying brood of the ungodly shall not thrive, nor take deep rooting from bastard slips, nor lay any fast foundation.


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For though they flourish in branches for a time; yet standing not last, they shall be shaken with the wind, and through the force of winds they shall be rooted out.


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The imperfect branches shall be broken off, their fruit unprofitable, not ripe to eat, yea, meet for nothing.


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For children begotten of unlawful beds are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their trial.


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For honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years.


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Yea speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul.


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For the bewitching of naughtiness doth obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of concupiscence doth undermine the simple mind.


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This the people saw, and understood it not, neither laid they up this in their minds, That his grace and mercy is with his saints, and that he hath respect unto his chosen.


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Thus the righteous that is dead shall condemn the ungodly which are living; and youth that is soon perfected the many years and old age of the unrighteous.


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For they shall see the end of the wise, and shall not understand what God in his counsel hath decreed of him, and to what end the Lord hath set him in safety.


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They shall see him, and despise him; but God shall laugh them to scorn: and they shall hereafter be a vile carcase, and a reproach among the dead for evermore.


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For he shall rend them, and cast them down headlong, that they shall be speechless; and he shall shake them from the foundation; and they shall be utterly laid waste, and be in sorrow; and their memorial shall perish.


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And when they cast up the accounts of their sins, they shall come with fear: and their own iniquities shall convince them to their face.


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Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his labours.


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When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond all that they looked for.


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And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall say within themselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverb of reproach:


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Therefore have we erred from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness hath not shined unto us, and the sun of righteousness rose not upon us.


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We wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and destruction: yea, we have gone through deserts, where there lay no way: but as for the way of the Lord, we have not known it.


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And as a ship that passeth over the waves of the water, which when it is gone by, the trace thereof cannot be found, neither the pathway of the keel in the waves;


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Or as when a bird hath flown through the air, there is no token of her way to be found, but the light air being beaten with the stroke of her wings and parted with the violent noise and motion of them, is passed through, and therein afterwards no sign where she went is to be found;


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Or like as when an arrow is shot at a mark, it parteth the air, which immediately cometh together again, so that a man cannot know where it went through:


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Even so we in like manner, as soon as we were born, began to draw to our end, and had no sign of virtue to shew; but were consumed in our own wickedness.


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For the hope of the Godly is like dust that is blown away with the wind; like a thin froth that is driven away with the storm; like as the smoke which is dispersed here and there with a tempest, and passeth away as the remembrance of a guest that tarrieth but a day.


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But the righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the most High.


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Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord's hand: for with his right hand shall he cover them, and with his arm shall he protect them.


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He shall take to him his jealousy for complete armour, and make the creature his weapon for the revenge of his enemies.


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His severe wrath shall he sharpen for a sword, and the world shall fight with him against the unwise.


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Then shall the right aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from the clouds, as from a well drawn bow, shall they fly to the mark.


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And hailstones full of wrath shall be cast as out of a stone bow, and the water of the sea shall rage against them, and the floods shall cruelly drown them.


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Yea, a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and like a storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the mighty.


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For power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the Highest, who shall try your works, and search out your counsels.


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Because, being ministers of his kingdom, ye have not judged aright, nor kept the law, nor walked after the counsel of God;


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Horribly and speedily shall he come upon you: for a sharp judgment shall be to them that be in high places.


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For he which is Lord over all shall fear no man's person, neither shall he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he hath made the small and great, and careth for all alike.


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For they that keep holiness holily shall be judged holy: and they that have learned such things shall find what to answer.


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Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away: yea, she is easily seen of them that love her, and found of such as seek her.


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To think therefore upon her is perfection of wisdom: and whoso watcheth for her shall quickly be without care.


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For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, sheweth herself favourably unto them in the ways, and meeteth them in every thought.


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And love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed unto her laws is the assurance of incorruption;


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If your delight be then in thrones and sceptres, O ye kings of the people, honour wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore.


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As for wisdom, what she is, and how she came up, I will tell you, and will not hide mysteries from you: but will seek her out from the beginning of her nativity, and bring the knowledge of her into light, and will not pass over the truth.


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But the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the world: and a wise king is the upholding of the people.


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I myself also am a mortal man, like to all, and the offspring of him that was first made of the earth,


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And in my mother's womb was fashioned to be flesh in the time of ten months, being compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and the pleasure that came with sleep.


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And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, which is of like nature, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do.


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Wherefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.


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Neither compared I unto her any precious stone, because all gold in respect of her is as a little sand, and silver shall be counted as clay before her.


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I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for the light that cometh from her never goeth out.


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And I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom goeth before them: and I knew not that she was the mother of them.


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For she is a treasure unto men that never faileth: which they that use become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts that come from learning.


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God hath granted me to speak as I would, and to conceive as is meet for the things that are given me: because it is he that leadeth unto wisdom, and directeth the wise.


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For he hath given me certain knowledge of the things that are, namely, to know how the world was made, and the operation of the elements:


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The beginning, ending, and midst of the times: the alterations of the turning of the sun, and the change of seasons:


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The natures of living creatures, and the furies of wild beasts: the violence of winds, and the reasonings of men: the diversities of plants and the virtues of roots:


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For wisdom, which is the worker of all things, taught me: for in her is an understanding spirit holy, one only, manifold, subtil, lively, clear, undefiled, plain, not subject to hurt, loving the thing that is good quick, which cannot be letted, ready to do good,


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Kind to man, steadfast, sure, free from care, having all power, overseeing all things, and going through all understanding, pure, and most subtil, spirits.


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For wisdom is more moving than any motion: she passeth and goeth through all things by reason of her pureness.


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For she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty: therefore can no defiled thing fall into her.


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For she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his goodness.


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And being but one, she can do all things: and remaining in herself, she maketh all things new: and in all ages entering into holy souls, she maketh them friends of God, and prophets.


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For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the order of stars: being compared with the light, she is found before it.


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I loved her, and sought her out from my youth, I desired to make her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty.


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In that she is conversant with God, she magnifieth her nobility: yea, the Lord of all things himself loved her.


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If riches be a possession to be desired in this life; what is richer than wisdom, that worketh all things?


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And if a man love righteousness her labours are virtues: for she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude: which are such things, as en can have nothing more profitable in their life.


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If a man desire much experience, she knoweth things of old, and conjectureth aright what is to come: she knoweth the subtilties of speeches, and can expound dark sentences: she foreseeth signs and wonders, and the events of seasons and times.


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Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with me, knowing that she would be a counsellor of good things, and a comfort in cares and grief.


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For her sake I shall have estimation among the multitude, and honour with the elders, though I be young.


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When I hold my tongue, they shall bide my leisure, and when I speak, they shall give good ear unto me: if I talk much, they shall lay their hands upon their mouth.


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Moreover by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, and leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after me.


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Horrible tyrants shall be afraid, when they do but hear of me; I shall be found good among the multitude, and valiant in war.


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After I am come into mine house, I will repose myself with her: for her conversation hath no bitterness; and to live with her hath no sorrow, but mirth and joy.


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Now when I considered these things in myself, and pondered them in my heart, how that to be allied unto wisdom is immortality;


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And great pleasure it is to have her friendship; and in the works of her hands are infinite riches; and in the exercise of conference with her, prudence; and in talking with her, a good report; I went about seeking how to take her to me.


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Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise obtain her, except God gave her me; and that was a point of wisdom also to know whose gift she was; I prayed unto the Lord, and besought him, and with my whole heart I said,


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And ordained man through thy wisdom, that he should have dominion over the creatures which thou hast made,


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And order the world according to equity and righteousness, and execute judgment with an upright heart:


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For I thy servant and son of thine handmaid am a feeble person, and of a short time, and too young for the understanding of judgment and laws.


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For though a man be never so perfect among the children of men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded.


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Thou hast commanded me to build a temple upon thy holy mount, and an altar in the city wherein thou dwellest, a resemblance of the holy tabernacle, which thou hast prepared from the beginning.


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And wisdom was with thee: which knoweth thy works, and was present when thou madest the world, and knew what was acceptable in thy sight, and right in thy commandments.


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O send her out of thy holy heavens, and from the throne of thy glory, that being present she may labour with me, that I may know what is pleasing unto thee.


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For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and she shall lead me soberly in my doings, and preserve me in her power.


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So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I judge thy people righteously, and be worthy to sit in my father's seat.


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For the corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the earthy tabernacle weigheth down the mind that museth upon many things.


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And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth, and with labour do we find the things that are before us: but the things that are in heaven who hath searched out?


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For so the ways of them which lived on the earth were reformed, and men were taught the things that are pleasing unto thee, and were saved through wisdom.


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She preserved the first formed father of the world, that was created alone, and brought him out of his fall,


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But when the unrighteous went away from her in his anger, he perished also in the fury wherewith he murdered his brother.


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For whose cause the earth being drowned with the flood, wisdom again preserved it, and directed the course of the righteous in a piece of wood of small value.


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Moreover, the nations in their wicked conspiracy being confounded, she found out the righteous, and preserved him blameless unto God, and kept him strong against his tender compassion toward his son.


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When the ungodly perished, she delivered the righteous man, who fled from the fire which fell down upon the five cities.


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Of whose wickedness even to this day the waste land that smoketh is a testimony, and plants bearing fruit that never come to ripeness: and a standing pillar of salt is a monument of an unbelieving soul.


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For regarding not wisdom, they gat not only this hurt, that they knew not the things which were good; but also left behind them to the world a memorial of their foolishness: so that in the things wherein they offended they could not so much as be hid.


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When the righteous fled from his brother's wrath she guided him in right paths, shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him knowledge of holy things, made him rich in his travels, and multiplied the fruit of his labours.


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She defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait, and in a sore conflict she gave him the victory; that he might know that goodness is stronger than all.


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When the righteous was sold, she forsook him not, but delivered him from sin: she went down with him into the pit,


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And left him not in bonds, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: as for them that had accused him, she shewed them to be liars, and gave him perpetual glory.


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She entered into the soul of the servant of the Lord, and withstood dreadful kings in wonders and signs;


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Rendered to the righteous a reward of their labours, guided them in a marvellous way, and was unto them for a cover by day, and a light of stars in the night season;


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Therefore the righteous spoiled the ungodly, and praised thy holy name, O Lord, and magnified with one accord thine hand, that fought for them.


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They went through the wilderness that was not inhabited, and pitched tents in places where there lay no way.


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When they were thirsty, they called upon thee, and water was given them out of the flinty rock, and their thirst was quenched out of the hard stone.


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For a manifest reproof of that commandment, whereby the infants were slain, thou gavest unto them abundance of water by a means which they hoped not for:


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For when they were tried albeit but in mercy chastised, they knew how the ungodly were judged in wrath and tormented, thirsting in another manner than the just.


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For these thou didst admonish and try, as a father: but the other, as a severe king, thou didst condemn and punish.


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For when they heard by their own punishments the other to be benefited, they had some feeling of the Lord.


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For whom they respected with scorn, when he was long before thrown out at the casting forth of the infants, him in the end, when they saw what came to pass, they admired.


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But for the foolish devices of their wickedness, wherewith being deceived they worshipped serpents void of reason, and vile beasts, thou didst send a multitude of unreasonable beasts upon them for vengeance;


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For thy Almighty hand, that made the world of matter without form, wanted not means to send among them a multitude of bears or fierce lions,


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Or unknown wild beasts, full of rage, newly created, breathing out either a fiery vapour, or filthy scents of scattered smoke, or shooting horrible sparkles out of their eyes:


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Whereof not only the harm might dispatch them at once, but also the terrible sight utterly destroy them.


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Yea, and without these might they have fallen down with one blast, being persecuted of vengeance, and scattered abroad through the breath of thy power: but thou hast ordered all things in measure and number and weight.


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For thou canst shew thy great strength at all times when thou wilt; and who may withstand the power of thine arm?


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For the whole world before thee is as a little grain of the balance, yea, as a drop of the morning dew that falleth down upon the earth.


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But thou hast mercy upon all; for thou canst do all things, and winkest at the sins of men, because they should amend.


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For thou lovest all the things that are, and abhorrest nothing which thou hast made: for never wouldest thou have made any thing, if thou hadst hated it.


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And how could any thing have endured, if it had not been thy will? or been preserved, if not called by thee?


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Therefore chastenest thou them by little and little that offend, and warnest them by putting them in remembrance wherein they have offended, that leaving their wickedness they may believe on thee, O Lord.


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For it was thy will to destroy by the hands of our fathers both those old inhabitants of thy holy land,


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And also those merciless murderers of children, and devourers of man's flesh, and the feasts of blood,


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With their priests out of the midst of their idolatrous crew, and the parents, that killed with their own hands souls destitute of help:


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That the land, which thou esteemedst above all other, might receive a worthy colony of God's children.


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Nevertheless even those thou sparedst as men, and didst send wasps, forerunners of thine host, to destroy them by little and little.


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Not that thou wast unable to bring the ungodly under the hand of the righteous in battle, or to destroy them at once with cruel beasts, or with one rough word:


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But executing thy judgments upon them by little and little, thou gavest them place of repentance, not being ignorant that they were a naughty generation, and that their malice was bred in them, and that their cogitation would never be changed.


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For it was a cursed seed from the beginning; neither didst thou for fear of any man give them pardon for those things wherein they sinned.


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For who shall say, What hast thou done? or who shall withstand thy judgment? or who shall accuse thee for the nations that perish, whom thou made? or who shall come to stand against thee, to be revenged for the unrighteous men?


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For neither is there any God but thou that careth for all, to whom thou mightest shew that thy judgment is not unright.


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Forsomuch then as thou art righteous thyself, thou orderest all things righteously: thinking it not agreeable with thy power to condemn him that hath not deserved to be punished.


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For thy power is the beginning of righteousness, and because thou art the Lord of all, it maketh thee to be gracious unto all.


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For when men will not believe that thou art of a full power, thou shewest thy strength, and among them that know it thou makest their boldness manifest.


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But thou, mastering thy power, judgest with equity, and orderest us with great favour: for thou mayest use power when thou wilt.


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But by such works hast thou taught thy people that the just man should be merciful, and hast made thy children to be of a good hope that thou givest repentance for sins.


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For if thou didst punish the enemies of thy children, and the condemned to death, with such deliberation, giving them time and place, whereby they might be delivered from their malice:


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With how great circumspection didst thou judge thine own sons, unto whose fathers thou hast sworn, and made covenants of good promises?


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Therefore, whereas thou dost chasten us, thou scourgest our enemies a thousand times more, to the intent that, when we judge, we should carefully think of thy goodness, and when we ourselves are judged, we should look for mercy.


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Wherefore, whereas men have lived dissolutely and unrighteously, thou hast tormented them with their own abominations.


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For they went astray very far in the ways of error, and held them for gods, which even among the beasts of their enemies were despised, being deceived, as children of no understanding.


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Therefore unto them, as to children without the use of reason, thou didst send a judgment to mock them.


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But they that would not be reformed by that correction, wherein he dallied with them, shall feel a judgment worthy of God.


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For, look, for what things they grudged, when they were punished, that is, for them whom they thought to be gods; [now] being punished in them, when they saw it, they acknowledged him to be the true God, whom before they denied to know: and therefore came extreme damnation upon them.


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Surely vain are all men by nature, who are ignorant of God, and could not out of the good things that are seen know him that is: neither by considering the works did they acknowledge the workmaster;


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But deemed either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circle of the stars, or the violent water, or the lights of heaven, to be the gods which govern the world.


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With whose beauty if they being delighted took them to be gods; let them know how much better the Lord of them is: for the first author of beauty hath created them.


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But if they were astonished at their power and virtue, let them understand by them, how much mightier he is that made them.


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But yet for this they are the less to be blamed: for they peradventure err, seeking God, and desirous to find him.


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For being conversant in his works they search him diligently, and believe their sight: because the things are beautiful that are seen.


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For if they were able to know so much, that they could aim at the world; how did they not sooner find out the Lord thereof?


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But miserable are they, and in dead things is their hope, who call them gods, which are the works of men's hands, gold and silver, to shew art in, and resemblances of beasts, or a stone good for nothing, the work of an ancient hand.


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Now a carpenter that felleth timber, after he hath sawn down a tree meet for the purpose, and taken off all the bark skilfully round about, and hath wrought it handsomely, and made a vessel thereof fit for the service of man's life;


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And taking the very refuse among those which served to no use, being a crooked piece of wood, and full of knots, hath carved it diligently, when he had nothing else to do, and formed it by the skill of his understanding, and fashioned it to the image of a man;


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Or made it like some vile beast, laying it over with vermilion, and with paint colouring it red, and covering every spot therein;


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For he provided for it that it might not fall, knowing that it was unable to help itself; for it is an image, and hath need of help:


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Then maketh he prayer for his goods, for his wife and children, and is not ashamed to speak to that which hath no life.


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For health he calleth upon that which is weak: for life prayeth to that which is dead; for aid humbly beseecheth that which hath least means to help: and for a good journey he asketh of that which cannot set a foot forward:


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And for gaining and getting, and for good success of his hands, asketh ability to do of him, that is most unable to do any thing.


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Again, one preparing himself to sail, and about to pass through the raging waves, calleth upon a piece of wood more rotten than the vessel that carrieth him.


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But thy providence, O Father, governeth it: for thou hast made a way in the sea, and a safe path in the waves;


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Nevertheless thou wouldest not that the works of thy wisdom should be idle, and therefore do men commit their lives to a small piece of wood, and passing the rough sea in a weak vessel are saved.


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For in the old time also, when the proud giants perished, the hope of the world governed by thy hand escaped in a weak vessel, and left to all ages a seed of generation.


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But that which is made with hands is cursed, as well it, as he that made it: he, because he made it; and it, because, being corruptible, it was called god.


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Therefore even upon the idols of the Gentiles shall there be a visitation: because in the creature of God they are become an abomination, and stumblingblocks to the souls of men, and a snare to the feet of the unwise.


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For the devising of idols was the beginning of spiritual fornication, and the invention of them the corruption of life.


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For by the vain glory of men they entered into the world, and therefore shall they come shortly to an end.


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For a father afflicted with untimely mourning, when he hath made an image of his child soon taken away, now honoured him as a god, which was then a dead man, and delivered to those that were under him ceremonies and sacrifices.


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Thus in process of time an ungodly custom grown strong was kept as a law, and graven images were worshipped by the commandments of kings.


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Whom men could not honour in presence, because they dwelt far off, they took the counterfeit of his visage from far, and made an express image of a king whom they honoured, to the end that by this their forwardness they might flatter him that was absent, as if he were present.


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Also the singular diligence of the artificer did help to set forward the ignorant to more superstition.


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For he, peradventure willing to please one in authority, forced all his skill to make the resemblance of the best fashion.


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And so the multitude, allured by the grace of the work, took him now for a god, which a little before was but honoured.


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And this was an occasion to deceive the world: for men, serving either calamity or tyranny, did ascribe unto stones and stocks the incommunicable name.


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Moreover this was not enough for them, that they erred in the knowledge of God; but whereas they lived in the great war of ignorance, those so great plagues called they peace.


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For whilst they slew their children in sacrifices, or used secret ceremonies, or made revellings of strange rites;


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They kept neither lives nor marriages any longer undefiled: but either one slew another traiterously, or grieved him by adultery.


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So that there reigned in all men without exception blood, manslaughter, theft, and dissimulation, corruption, unfaithfulness, tumults, perjury,


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Disquieting of good men, forgetfulness of good turns, defiling of souls, changing of kind, disorder in marriages, adultery, and shameless uncleanness.


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For either they are mad when they be merry, or prophesy lies, or live unjustly, or else lightly forswear themselves.


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For insomuch as their trust is in idols, which have no life; though they swear falsely, yet they look not to be hurt.


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Howbeit for both causes shall they be justly punished: both because they thought not well of God, giving heed unto idols, and also unjustly swore in deceit, despising holiness.


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For it is not the power of them by whom they swear: but it is the just vengeance of sinners, that punisheth always the offence of the ungodly.


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For if we sin, we are thine, knowing thy power: but we will not sin, knowing that we are counted thine.


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For neither did the mischievous invention of men deceive us, nor an image spotted with divers colours, the painter's fruitless labour;


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The sight whereof enticeth fools to lust after it, and so they desire the form of a dead image, that hath no breath.


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Both they that make them, they that desire them, and they that worship them, are lovers of evil things, and are worthy to have such things to trust upon.


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For the potter, tempering soft earth, fashioneth every vessel with much labour for our service: yea, of the same clay he maketh both the vessels that serve for clean uses, and likewise also all such as serve to the contrary: but what is the use of either sort, the potter himself is the judge.


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And employing his labours lewdly, he maketh a vain god of the same clay, even he which a little before was made of earth himself, and within a little while after returneth to the same, out when his life which was lent him shall be demanded.


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Notwithstanding his care is, not that he shall have much labour, nor that his life is short: but striveth to excel goldsmiths and silversmiths, and endeavoureth to do like the workers in brass, and counteth it his glory to make counterfeit things.


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Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul, and breathed in a living spirit.


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But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a market for gain: for, say they, we must be getting every way, though it be by evil means.


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For this man, that of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels and graven images, knoweth himself to offend above all others.


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And all the enemies of thy people, that hold them in subjection, are most foolish, and are more miserable than very babes.


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For they counted all the idols of the heathen to be gods: which neither have the use of eyes to see, nor noses to draw breath, nor ears to hear, nor fingers of hands to handle; and as for their feet, they are slow to go.


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For man made them, and he that borrowed his own spirit fashioned them: but no man can make a god like unto himself.


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For being mortal, he worketh a dead thing with wicked hands: for he himself is better than the things which he worshippeth: whereas he lived once, but they never.


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Yea, they worshipped those beasts also that are most hateful: for being compared together, some are worse than others.


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Neither are they beautiful, so much as to be desired in respect of beasts: but they went without the praise of God and his blessing.


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Instead of which punishment, dealing graciously with thine own people, thou preparedst for them meat of a strange taste, even quails to stir up their appetite:


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To the end that they, desiring food, might for the ugly sight of the beasts sent among them lothe even that, which they must needs desire; but these, suffering penury for a short space, might be made partakers of a strange taste.


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For it was requisite, that upon them exercising tyranny should come penury, which they could not avoid: but to these it should only be shewed how their enemies were tormented.


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For when the horrible fierceness of beasts came upon these, and they perished with the stings of crooked serpents, thy wrath endured not for ever:


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But they were troubled for a small season, that they might be admonished, having a sign of salvation, to put them in remembrance of the commandment of thy law.


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For he that turned himself toward it was not saved by the thing that he saw, but by thee, that art the Saviour of all.


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For them the bitings of grasshoppers and flies killed, neither was there found any remedy for their life: for they were worthy to be punished by such.


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But thy sons not the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame: for thy mercy was ever by them, and healed them.


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For they were pricked, that they should remember thy words; and were quickly saved, that not falling into deep forgetfulness, they might be continually mindful of thy goodness.


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For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaister, that restored them to health: but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things.


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A man indeed killeth through his malice: and the spirit, when it is gone forth, returneth not; neither the soul received up cometh again.


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For the ungodly, that denied to know thee, were scourged by the strength of thine arm: with strange rains, hails, and showers, were they persecuted, that they could not avoid, and through fire were they consumed.


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For, which is most to be wondered at, the fire had more force in the water, that quencheth all things: for the world fighteth for the righteous.


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For sometime the flame was mitigated, that it might not burn up the beasts that were sent against the ungodly; but themselves might see and perceive that they were persecuted with the judgment of God.


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And at another time it burneth even in the midst of water above the power of fire, that it might destroy the fruits of an unjust land.


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Instead whereof thou feddest thine own people with angels' food, and didst send them from heaven bread prepared without their labour, able to content every man's delight, and agreeing to every taste.


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For thy sustenance declared thy sweetness unto thy children, and serving to the appetite of the eater, tempered itself to every man's liking.


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But snow and ice endured the fire, and melted not, that they might know that fire burning in the hail, and sparkling in the rain, did destroy the fruits of the enemies.


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For the creature that serveth thee, who art the Maker increaseth his strength against the unrighteous for their punishment, and abateth his strength for the benefit of such as put their trust in thee.


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Therefore even then was it altered into all fashions, and was obedient to thy grace, that nourisheth all things, according to the desire of them that had need:


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That thy children, O Lord, whom thou lovest, might know, that it is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth man: but that it is thy word, which preserveth them that put their trust in thee.


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That it might be known, that we must prevent the sun to give thee thanks, and at the dayspring pray unto thee.


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For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter's hoar frost, and shall run away as unprofitable water.


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For when unrighteous men thought to oppress the holy nation; they being shut up in their houses, the prisoners of darkness, and fettered with the bonds of a long night, lay [there] exiled from the eternal providence.


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For while they supposed to lie hid in their secret sins, they were scattered under a dark veil of forgetfulness, being horribly astonished, and troubled with [strange] apparitions.


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For neither might the corner that held them keep them from fear: but noises [as of waters] falling down sounded about them, and sad visions appeared unto them with heavy countenances.


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No power of the fire might give them light: neither could the bright flames of the stars endure to lighten that horrible night.


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Only there appeared unto them a fire kindled of itself, very dreadful: for being much terrified, they thought the things which they saw to be worse than the sight they saw not.


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As for the illusions of art magick, they were put down, and their vaunting in wisdom was reproved with disgrace.


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For they, that promised to drive away terrors and troubles from a sick soul, were sick themselves of fear, worthy to be laughed at.


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For though no terrible thing did fear them; yet being scared with beasts that passed by, and hissing of serpents,


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For wickedness, condemned by her own witness, is very timorous, and being pressed with conscience, always forecasteth grievous things.


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And the expectation from within, being less, counteth the ignorance more than the cause which bringeth the torment.


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But they sleeping the same sleep that night, which was indeed intolerable, and which came upon them out of the bottoms of inevitable hell,


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Were partly vexed with monstrous apparitions, and partly fainted, their heart failing them: for a sudden fear, and not looked for, came upon them.


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For whether he were husbandman, or shepherd, or a labourer in the field, he was overtaken, and endured that necessity, which could not be avoided: for they were all bound with one chain of darkness.


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Whether it were a whistling wind, or a melodious noise of birds among the spreading branches, or a pleasing fall of water running violently,


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Or a terrible sound of stones cast down, or a running that could not be seen of skipping beasts, or a roaring voice of most savage wild beasts, or a rebounding echo from the hollow mountains; these things made them to swoon for fear.


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Over them only was spread an heavy night, an image of that darkness which should afterward receive them: but yet were they unto themselves more grievous than the darkness.


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Nevertheless thy saints had a very great light, whose voice they hearing, and not seeing their shape, because they also had not suffered the same things, they counted them happy.


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But for that they did not hurt them now, of whom they had been wronged before, they thanked them, and besought them pardon for that they had been enemies.


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Instead whereof thou gavest them a burning pillar of fire, both to be a guide of the unknown journey, and an harmless sun to entertain them honourably.


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For they were worthy to be deprived of light and imprisoned in darkness, who had kept thy sons shut up, by whom the uncorrupt light of the law was to be given unto the world.


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And when they had determined to slay the babes of the saints, one child being cast forth, and saved, to reprove them, thou tookest away the multitude of their children, and destroyedst them altogether in a mighty water.


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Of that night were our fathers certified afore, that assuredly knowing unto what oaths they had given credence, they might afterwards be of good cheer.


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For wherewith thou didst punish our adversaries, by the same thou didst glorify us, whom thou hadst called.


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For the righteous children of good men did sacrifice secretly, and with one consent made a holy law, that the saints should be like partakers of the same good and evil, the fathers now singing out the songs of praise.


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But on the other side there sounded an ill according cry of the enemies, and a lamentable noise was carried abroad for children that were bewailed.


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The master and the servant were punished after one manner; and like as the king, so suffered the common person.


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So they all together had innumerable dead with one kind of death; neither were the living sufficient to bury them: for in one moment the noblest offspring of them was destroyed.


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For whereas they would not believe any thing by reason of the enchantments; upon the destruction of the firstborn, they acknowledged this people to be the sons of God.


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Thine Almighty word leaped down from heaven out of thy royal throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a land of destruction,


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And brought thine unfeigned commandment as a sharp sword, and standing up filled all things with death; and it touched the heaven, but it stood upon the earth.


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Then suddenly visions of horrible dreams troubled them sore, and terrors came upon them unlooked for.


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For the dreams that troubled them did foreshew this, lest they should perish, and not know why they were afflicted.


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Yea, the tasting of death touched the righteous also, and there was a destruction of the multitude in the wilderness: but the wrath endured not long.


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For then the blameless man made haste, and stood forth to defend them; and bringing the shield of his proper ministry, even prayer, and the propitiation of incense, set himself against the wrath, and so brought the calamity to an end, declaring that he was thy servant.


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So he overcame the destroyer, not with strength of body, nor force of arms, but with a word subdued him that punished, alleging the oaths and covenants made with the fathers.


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For when the dead were now fallen down by heaps one upon another, standing between, he stayed the wrath, and parted the way to the living.


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For in the long garment was the whole world, and in the four rows of the stones was the glory of the fathers graven, and thy Majesty upon the daidem of his head.


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Unto these the destroyer gave place, and was afraid of them: for it was enough that they only tasted of the wrath.


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As for the ungodly, wrath came upon them without mercy unto the end: for he knew before what they would do;


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How that having given them leave to depart, and sent them hastily away, they would repent and pursue them.


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For whilst they were yet mourning and making lamentation at the graves of the dead, they added another foolish device, and pursued them as fugitives, whom they had intreated to be gone.


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For the destiny, whereof they were worthy, drew them unto this end, and made them forget the things that had already happened, that they might fulfil the punishment which was wanting to their torments:


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For the whole creature in his proper kind was fashioned again anew, serving the peculiar commandments that were given unto them, that thy children might be kept without hurt:


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As namely, a cloud shadowing the camp; and where water stood before, dry land appeared; and out of the Red sea a way without impediment; and out of the violent stream a green field:


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Wherethrough all the people went that were defended with thy hand, seeing thy marvellous strange wonders.


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For they went at large like horses, and leaped like lambs, praising thee, O Lord, who hadst delivered them.


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For they were yet mindful of the things that were done while they sojourned in the strange land, how the ground brought forth flies instead of cattle, and how the river cast up a multitude of frogs instead of fishes.


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But afterwards they saw a new generation of fowls, when, being led with their appetite, they asked delicate meats.


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And punishments came upon the sinners not without former signs by the force of thunders: for they suffered justly according to their own wickedness, insomuch as they used a more hard and hateful behaviour toward strangers.


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For the Sodomites did not receive those, whom they knew not when they came: but these brought friends into bondage, that had well deserved of them.


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And not only so, but peradventure some respect shall be had of those, because they used strangers not friendly:


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But these very grievously afflicted them, whom they had received with feastings, and were already made partakers of the same laws with them.


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Therefore even with blindness were these stricken, as those were at the doors of the righteous man: when, being compassed about with horrible great darkness, every one sought the passage of his own doors.


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For the elements were changed in themselves by a kind of harmony, like as in a psaltery notes change the name of the tune, and yet are always sounds; which may well be perceived by the sight of the things that have been done.


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For earthly things were turned into watery, and the things, that before swam in the water, now went upon the ground.


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The fire had power in the water, forgetting his own virtue: and the water forgat his own quenching nature.


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On the other side, the flames wasted not the flesh of the corruptible living things, though they walked therein; neither melted they the icy kind of heavenly meat that was of nature apt to melt.


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For in all things, O Lord, thou didst magnify thy people, and glorify them, neither didst thou lightly regard them: but didst assist them in every time and place.


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Jesus of the same name with him: this man therefore lived in the latter times, after the people had been led away captive, and called home a again, and almost after all the prophets. Now his grandfather Jesus, as he himself witnesseth, was a man of great diligence and wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather the grave and short sentences of wise men, that had been before him, but himself also uttered some of his own, full of much understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the first Jesus died, leaving this book almost perfected, Sirach his son receiving it after him left it to his own son Jesus, who, having gotten it into his hands, compiled it all orderly into one volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling it both by his own name, his father's name, and his grandfather's; alluring the hearer by the very name of Wisdom to have a greater love to the study of this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark sentences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly stories of men that pleased God; also his prayer and song; moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed his people, and what plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also.


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Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps, for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing: my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom; to the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are addicted to these things, might profit much more in living according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem to come short of some words, which we have laboured to interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and travail to interpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in that space to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn, being prepared before in manners to live after the law.


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[Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest? and who hath understood her great experience?]


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Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death.


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The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him.


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Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding standing, and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast.


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The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.


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Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in the midst of the congregation, because thou camest not in truth to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.


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Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate.


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Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon him?


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For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction.


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They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well, pleasing unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with the law.


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Saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.


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For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children, and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.


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Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children; and when he maketh his prayer, he shall be heard.


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He that honoureth his father shall have a long life; and he that is obedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother.


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He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do service unto his parents, as to his masters.


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For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations.


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For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children.


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And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and despise him not when thou art in thy full strength.


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For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up.


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In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered; thy sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.


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Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength.


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But what is commanded thee, think thereupon with reverence, for it is not needful for thee to see with thine eyes the things that are in secret.


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For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.


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In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him.


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The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.


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And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.


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Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and give him a friendly answer with meekness.


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Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the oppressor; and be not fainthearted when thou sittest in judgment.


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Be as a father unto the fatherless, and instead of an husband unto their mother: so shalt thou be as the son of the most High, and he shall love thee more than thy mother doth.


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Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations: and he that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely.


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If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her; and his generation shall hold her in possession.


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For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways, and bring fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her discipline, until she may trust his soul, and try him by her laws.


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Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me? for the Lord is longsuffering, he will in no wise let thee go.


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And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his indignation resteth upon sinners.


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Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth, and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the day of vengeance.


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Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.


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Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.


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Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.


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Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue.


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Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]


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A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.


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Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.


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Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.


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Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.


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If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,


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And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.


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Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart, and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire.


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Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity; lest at any time thou fear the person of the mighty, an stumblingblock in the way of thy uprightness.


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Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou shalt not cast thyself down among the people.


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Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept it.


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Whereas thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil. nor the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee.


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Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou have performed a weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding.


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Remember that thou wast begotten of them; and how canst thou recompense them the things that they have done for thee?


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Fear the Lord, and honor the priest; and give him his portion, as it is commanded thee; the firstfruits, and the trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, and the sacrifice of sanctification, and the firstfruits of the holy things.


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Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.


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Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.


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Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer as need requireth.


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Rise not up [in anger] at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words


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Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.


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Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.


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Look not round about thee in the streets of the city, neither wander thou in the solitary place thereof.


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Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman, and look not upon another's beauty; for many have been deceived by the beauty of a woman; for herewith love is kindled as a fire.


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Sit not at all with another man's wife, nor sit down with her in thine arms, and spend not thy money with her at the wine; lest thine heart incline unto her, and so through thy desire thou fall into destruction.


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Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to him: a new friend is as new wine; when it is old, thou shalt drink it with pleasure.


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Delight not in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in; but remember they shall not go unpunished unto their grave.


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Keep thee far from the man that hath power to kill; so shalt thou not doubt the fear of death: and if thou come unto him, make no fault, lest he take away thy life presently: remember that thou goest in the midst of snares, and that thou walkest upon the battlements of the city.


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For the hand of the artificer the work shall be commended: and the wise ruler of the people for his speech.


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As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers; and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are all they that dwell therein.


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An unwise king destroyeth his people; but through the prudence of them which are in authority the city shall be inhabited.


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The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due time he will set over it one that is profitable.


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In the hand of God is the prosperity of man: and upon the person of the scribe shall he lay his honour.


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Because of unrighteous dealings, injuries, and riches got by deceit, the kingdom is translated from one people to another.


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Why is earth and ashes proud? There is not a more wicked thing than a covetous man: for such an one setteth his own soul to sale; because while he liveth he casteth away his bowels.


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For pride is the beginning of sin, and he that hath it shall pour out abomination: and therefore the Lord brought upon them strange calamities, and overthrew them utterly.


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He took some of them away, and destroyed them, and hath made their memorial to cease from the earth.


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They that fear the Lord are a sure seed, and they that love him an honourable plant: they that regard not the law are a dishonourable seed; they that transgress the commandments are a deceivable seed.


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The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority: but roughness and pride is the losing thereof.


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It is not meet to despise the poor man that hath understanding; neither is it convenient to magnify a sinful man.


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Great men, and judges, and potentates, shall be honoured; yet is there none of them greater than he that feareth the Lord.


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Unto the servant that is wise shall they that are free do service: and he that hath knowledge will not grudge when he is reformed.


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Better is he that laboureth, and aboundeth in all things, than he that boasteth himself, and wanteth bread.


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Who will justify him that sinneth against his own soul? and who will honour him that dishonoureth his own life?


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He that is honoured in poverty, how much more in riches? and he that is dishonourable in riches, how much more in poverty?


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Boast not of thy clothing and raiment, and exalt not thyself in the day of honour: for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and his works among men are hidden.


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My son, meddle not with many matters: for if thou meddle much, thou shalt not be innocent; and if thou follow after, thou shalt not obtain, neither shalt thou escape by fleeing.


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Again, there is another that is slow, and hath need of help, wanting ability, and full of poverty; yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate,


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Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the Lord: love, and the way of good works, are from him.


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Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners: and evil shall wax old with them that glory therein.


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Whereas he saith, I have found rest, and now will eat continually of my goods; and yet he knoweth not what time shall come upon him, and that he must leave those things to others, and die.


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Marvel not at the works of sinners; but trust in the Lord, and abide in thy labour: for it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich.


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The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and suddenly he maketh his blessing flourish.


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In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulness of affliction: and in the day of affliction there is no more remembrance of prosperity.


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The affliction of an hour maketh a man forget pleasure: and in his end his deeds shall be discovered.


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Like as a partridge taken [and kept] in a cage, so is the heart of the proud; and like as a spy, watcheth he for thy fall:


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For he lieth in wait, and turneth good into evil, and in things worthy praise will lay blame upon thee.


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Take heed of a mischievous man, for he worketh wickedness; lest he bring upon thee a perpetual blot.


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Do good to the godly man, and thou shalt find a recompence; and if not from him, yet from the most High.


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Do well unto him that is lowly, but give not to the ungodly: hold back thy bread, and give it not unto him, lest he overmaster thee thereby: for [else] thou shalt receive twice as much evil for all the good thou shalt have done unto him.


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For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment.


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Though he humble himself, and go crouching, yet take good heed and beware of him, and thou shalt be unto him as if thou hadst wiped a lookingglass, and thou shalt know that his rust hath not been altogether wiped away.


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Set him not by thee, lest, when he hath overthrown thee, he stand up in thy place; neither let him sit at thy right hand, lest he seek to take thy seat, and thou at the last remember my words, and be pricked therewith.


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An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he imagineth how to throw thee into a pit: he will weep with his eyes, but if he find opportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood.


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If adversity come upon thee, thou shalt find him there first; and though he pretend to help thee, yet shall he undermine thee.


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He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith; and he that hath fellowship with a proud man shall be like unto him.


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Burden not thyself above thy power while thou livest; and have no fellowship with one that is mightier and richer than thyself: for how agree the kettle and the earthen pot together? for if the one be smitten against the other, it shall be broken.


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The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he threateneth withal: the poor is wronged, and he must intreat also.


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If thou have any thing, he will live with thee: yea, he will make thee bare, and will not be sorry for it.


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If he have need of thee, he will deceive thee, and smile upon thee, and put thee in hope; he will speak thee fair, and say, What wantest thou?


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And he will shame thee by his meats, until he have drawn thee dry twice or thrice, and at the last he will laugh thee to scorn afterward, when he seeth thee, he will forsake thee, and shake his head at thee.


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Affect not to be made equal unto him in talk, and believe not his many words: for with much communication will he tempt thee, and smiling upon thee will get out thy secrets:


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But cruelly he will lay up thy words, and will not spare to do thee hurt, and to put thee in prison.


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Observe, and take good heed, for thou walkest in peril of thy overthrowing: when thou hearest these things, awake in thy sleep.


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A rich man beginning to fall is held up of his friends: but a poor man being down is thrust away by his friends.


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When a rich man is fallen, he hath many helpers: he speaketh things not to be spoken, and yet men justify him: the poor man slipped, and yet they rebuked him too; he spake wisely, and could have no place.


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When a rich man speaketh, every man holdeth his tongue, and, look, what he saith, they extol it to the clouds: but if the poor man speak, they say, What fellow is this? and if he stumble, they will help to overthrow him.


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The heart of a man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good or evil: and a merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.


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A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in prosperity; and the finding out of parables is a wearisome labour of the mind.


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Blessed is the man that hath not slipped with his mouth, and is not pricked with the multitude of sins.


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Blessed is he whose conscience hath not condemned him, and who is not fallen from his hope in the Lord.


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He that gathereth by defrauding his own soul gathereth for others, that shall spend his goods riotously.


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A covetous man's eye is not satisfied with his portion; and the iniquity of the wicked drieth up his soul.


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Remember that death will not be long in coming, and that the covenant of the grave is not shewed unto thee.


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Do good unto thy friend before thou die, and according to thy ability stretch out thy hand and give to him.


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All flesh waxeth old as a garment: for the covenant from the beginning is, Thou shalt die the death.


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As of the green leaves on a thick tree, some fall, and some grow; so is the generation of flesh and blood, one cometh to an end, and another is born.


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Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things in wisdom, and that reasoneth of holy things by his understanding. ing.


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He shall be stayed upon her, and shall not be moved; and shall rely upon her, and shall not be confounded.


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She shall exalt him above his neighbours, and in the midst of the congregation shall she open his mouth.


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Say not thou, It is through the Lord that I fell away: for thou oughtest not to do the things that he hateth.


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Trust not thou in their life, neither respect their multitude: for one that is just is better than a thousand; and better it is to die without children, than to have them that are ungodly.


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For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate.


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In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.


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And if there be one stiffnecked among the people, it is marvel if he escape unpunished: for mercy and wrath are with him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure.


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The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his powerful works might be known to the world.


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His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath separated his light from the darkness with an adamant.


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Say not thou, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember me from above? I shall not be remembered among so many people: for what is my soul among such an infinite number of creatures?


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Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, and all that therein is, shall be moved when he shall visit.


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The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling, when the Lord looketh upon them.


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Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure them? for his covenant is afar off, and the trial of all things is in the end.


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He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolish man erring imagineth follies.


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The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the beginning: and from the time he made them he disposed the parts thereof.


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He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the chief of them unto all generations: they neither labour, nor are weary, nor cease from their works.


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With all manner of living things hath he covered the face thereof; and they shall return into it again.


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They received the use of the five operations of the Lord, and in the sixth place he imparted them understanding, and in the seventh speech, an interpreter of the cogitations thereof.]


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He gave them to glory in his marvellous acts for ever, that they might declare his works with understanding.


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And he said unto them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he gave every man commandment concerning his neighbour.


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Every man from his youth is given to evil; neither could they make to themselves fleshy hearts for stony.


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For in the division of the nations of the whole earth he set a ruler over every people; but Israel is the Lord's portion:


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Whom, being his firstborn, he nourisheth with discipline, and giving him the light of his love doth not forsake him.


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But the Lord being gracious and knowing his workmanship, neither left nor forsook them, but spared them.


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The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye, and give repentance to his sons and daughters.


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Turn again to the most High, and turn away from iniquity: for he will lead thee out of darkness into the light of health, and hate thou abomination vehemently.


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Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is not: the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord.


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How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his compassion unto such as turn unto him in holiness!


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What is brighter than the sun? yet the light thereof faileth; and flesh and blood will imagine evil.


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Who governeth the world with the palm of his hand, and all things obey his will: for he is the King of all, by his power dividing holy things among them from profane.


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As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground of them be found out.


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As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravelstone in comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity.


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The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and teacheth and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock.


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Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face.


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When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when thou art rich, think upon poverty and need.


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From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord.


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A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe time.


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They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.


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If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee.


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Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life, and be talked on.


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A labouring man that A is given to drunkenness shall not be rich: and he that contemneth small things shall fall by little and little.


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Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he that cleaveth to harlots will become impudent.


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He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded; and he that sinneth shall offend against his own soul.


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Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life.


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He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he that hateth babbling shall have less evil.


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Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men's lives; and if thou canst without offence, reveal them not.


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There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his heart; and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue?


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Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him; and not being angry, give place to the law of the most High.


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The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.


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The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.


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If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him.


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He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the most High.


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There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust; and there is one that turneth aside to make judgment appear; and there is a wise man that justifieth in judgment.


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Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he is not known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be aware.


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And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning, yet when he findeth opportunity he will do evil.


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A man may be known by his look, and one that hath understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest him.


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It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.


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There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becometh hateful.


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Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.


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A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time.


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He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.


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The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it; neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looketh to receive many things for one.


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He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth like a crier; to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.


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The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.


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How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knoweth not aright what it is to have; and it is all one unto him as if he had it not.


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To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.


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A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.


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There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled.


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There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons overthroweth himself.


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A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall have destruction to heritage.


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A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he that hath understanding will please great men.


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He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity.


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Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.


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He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart.


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He that buildeth his house with other men's money is like one that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.


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The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together: and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them.


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He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.


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The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and his counsel is like a pure fountain of life.


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The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth.


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If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it, it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.


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The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace shall be found in the lips of the wise.


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They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.


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As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.


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It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door: but a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.


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The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance.


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A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill: every man that takes it up will shake his hand.


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An evilnurtured man is the dishonour of his father that begat him: and a [foolish] daughter is born to his loss.


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A wise daughter shall bring an inheritance to her husband: but she that liveth dishonestly is her father's heaviness.


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A tale out of season [is as] musick in mourning: but stripes and correction of wisdom are never out of time.


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Whoso teacheth a fool is as one that glueth a potsherd together, and as he that waketh one from a sound sleep.


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He that telleth a tale to a fool speaketh to one in a slumber: when he hath told his tale, he will say, What is the matter?


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But children, being haughty, through disdain and want of nurture do stain the nobility of their kindred.


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Weep for the dead, for he hath lost the light: and weep for the fool, for he wanteth understanding: make little weeping for the dead, for he is at rest: but the life of the fool is worse than death.


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Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead; but for a fool and an ungodly man all the days of his life.


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Talk not much with a fool, and go not to him that hath no understanding: beware of him, lest thou have trouble, and thou shalt never be defiled with his fooleries: depart from him, and thou shalt find rest, and never be disquieted with madness.


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As timber girt and bound together in a building cannot be loosed with shaking: so the heart that is stablished by advised counsel shall fear at no time.


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Pales set on an high place will never stand against the wind: so a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool cannot stand against any fear.


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He that pricketh the eye will make tears to fall: and he that pricketh the heart maketh it to shew her knowledge.


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Whoso casteth a stone at the birds frayeth them away: and he that upbraideth his friend breaketh friendship.


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Though thou drewest a sword at thy friend, yet despair not: for there may be a returning [to favour.]


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If thou hast opened thy mouth against thy friend, fear not; for there may be a reconciliation: except for upbraiding, or pride, or disclosing of secrets, or a treacherous wound: for for these things every friend will depart.


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Be faithful to thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayest rejoice in his prosperity: abide stedfast unto him in the time of his trouble, that thou mayest be heir with him in his heritage: for a mean estate is not always to be contemned: nor the rich that is foolish to be had in admiration.


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Who shall set a watch before my mouth, and a seal of wisdom upon my lips, that I fall not suddenly by them, and that my tongue destroy me not?


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O Lord, Father and Governor of all my whole life, leave me not to their counsels, and let me not fall by them.


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Who will set scourges over my thoughts, and the discipline of wisdom over mine heart? that they spare me not for mine ignorances, and it pass not by my sins:


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Lest mine ignorances increase, and my sins abound to my destruction, and I fall before mine adversaries, and mine enemy rejoice over me, whose hope is far from thy mercy.


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O Lord, Father and God of my life, give me not a proud look, but turn away from thy servants always a haughty mind.


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Turn away from me vain hopes and concupiscence, and thou shalt hold him up that is desirous always to serve thee.


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Let not the greediness of the belly nor lust of the flesh take hold of me; and give not over me thy servant into an impudent mind.


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Hear, O ye children, the discipline of the mouth: he that keepeth it shall never be taken in his lips.


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The sinner shall be left in his foolishness: both the evil speaker and the proud shall fall thereby.


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For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be without a blue mark: so he that sweareth and nameth God continually shall not be faultless.


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A man that useth much swearing shall be filled with iniquity, and the plague shall never depart from his house: if he shall offend, his sin shall be upon him: and if he acknowledge not his sin, he maketh a double offence: and if he swear in vain, he shall not be innocent, but his house shall be full of calamities.


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There is a word that is clothed about with death: God grant that it be not found in the heritage of Jacob; for all such things shall be far from the godly, and they shall not wallow in their sins.


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Remember thy father and thy mother, when thou sittest among great men. Be not forgetful before them, and so thou by thy custom become a fool, and wish that thou hadst not been born, and curse they day of thy nativity.


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Two sorts of men multiply sin, and the third will bring wrath: a hot mind is as a burning fire, it will never be quenched till it be consumed: a fornicator in the body of his flesh will never cease till he hath kindled a fire.


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A man that breaketh wedlock, saying thus in his heart, Who seeth me? I am compassed about with darkness, the walls cover me, and no body seeth me; what need I to fear? the most High will not remember my sins:


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Such a man only feareth the eyes of men, and knoweth not that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun, beholding all the ways of men, and considering the most secret parts.


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He knew all things ere ever they were created; so also after they were perfected he looked upon them all.


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This man shall be punished in the streets of the city, and where he suspecteth not he shall be taken.


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For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought children by another man.


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And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord.


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So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and he that made me caused my tabernacle to rest, and said, Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel.


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I was exalted like a palm tree in En-gaddi, and as a rose plant in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and grew up as a plane tree by the water.


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I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh, as galbanum, and onyx, and sweet storax, and as the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle.


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As the turpentine tree I stretched out my branches, and my branches are the branches of honour and grace.


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I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and holy hope: I therefore, being eternal, am given to all my children which are named of him.


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All these things are the book of the covenant of the most high God, even the law which Moses commanded for an heritage unto the congregations of Jacob.


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Faint not to be strong in the Lord; that he may confirm you, cleave unto him: for the Lord Almighty is God alone, and beside him there is no other Saviour.


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I said, I will water my best garden, and will water abundantly my garden bed: and, lo, my brook became a river, and my river became a sea.


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In three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both before God and men: the unity of brethren, the love of neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.


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Three sorts of men my soul hateth, and I am greatly offended at their life: a poor man that is proud, a rich man that is a liar, and an old adulterer that doateth.


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There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be happy, and the tenth I will utter with my tongue: A man that hath joy of his children; and he that liveth to see the fall of his enemy:


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Well is him that dwelleth with a wife of understanding, and that hath not slipped with his tongue, and that hath not served a man more unworthy than himself:


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But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination: he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?


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[Give me] any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:


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And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.


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All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman: let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.


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As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of words to a quiet man.


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A wicked woman abateth the courage, maketh an heavy countenance and a wounded heart: a woman that will not comfort her husband in distress maketh weak hands and feeble knees.


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If she go not as thou wouldest have her, cut her off from thy flesh, and give her a bill of divorce, and let her go.


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Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward the Lord, he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance.


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There be three things that mine heart feareth; and for the fourth I was sore afraid: the slander of a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude, and a false accusation: all these are worse than death.


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But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue which communicateth with all.


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If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty.


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She will open her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he hath found a fountain, and drink of every water near her: by every hedge will she sit down, and open her quiver against every arrow.


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A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.


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As the sun when it ariseth in the high heaven; so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house.


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When thou hast gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow it with thine own seed, trusting in the goodness of thy stock.


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An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a tower against death to her husband.


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A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly woman is given to him that feareth the Lord.


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A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of all; but she that dishonoureth him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all.


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There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third maketh me angry: a man of war that suffereth poverty; and men of understanding that are not set by; and one that returneth from righteousness to sin; the Lord prepareth such an one for the sword.


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As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones; so doth sin stick close between buying and selling.


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The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed; so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.


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The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears.


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Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou betrayest his secrets, follow no more after him.


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As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again


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As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there may be reconcilement: but he that betrayeth secrets is without hope.


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When thou art present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire thy words: but at the last he will writhe his mouth, and slander thy sayings.


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They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.


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He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins [in remembrance.]


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Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest.


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Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; [remember] corruption and death, and abide in the commandments.


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Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour: [remember] the covenant of the Highest, and wink at ignorance.


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As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man's strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger riseth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more they will be inflamed.


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If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.


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A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.


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Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.


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It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall they be burned with the flame thereof.


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Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall burn in them, and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard.


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He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.


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Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for thee.


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Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them.


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Till he hath received, he will kiss a man's hand; and for his neighbour's money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time.


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If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him disgrace.


