46. Ptolemy then asked the king to go outside the courtroom with him, as though to get some fresh air, and there he persuaded him to change his mind
47. and declare Menelaus innocent of the charges against him. So Menelaus was set free, although he had caused all the trouble; but the three men, whom even the cruel Scythians would have declared innocent, were sentenced to death.
48. The three men had spoken in defence of Jerusalem, its people, and the sacred utensils stolen from the Temple, but they were quickly and unjustly executed.
49. Some of the people of Tyre, however, showed their disgust with this crime and their respect for these men by giving them a splendid funeral.
50. Menelaus stayed on in his position because of the greed of those in power. He grew more evil every day and became the worst enemy of his own people.