28. I beg you, child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see all that is in them; then you will know that God did not make them out of existing things. In the same way humankind came into existence.
29. Do not be afraid of this executioner, but be worthy of your brothers and accept death, so that in the time of mercy I may receive you again with your brothers.”
30. She had scarcely finished speaking when the youth said: “What is the delay? I will not obey the king’s command. I obey the command of the law given to our ancestors through Moses.
31. But you, who have contrived every kind of evil for the Hebrews, will not escape the hands of God.
32. We, indeed, are suffering because of our sins.
33. Though for a little while our living Lord has been angry, correcting and chastising us, he will again be reconciled with his servants.
34. But you, wretch, most vile of mortals, do not, in your insolence, buoy yourself up with unfounded hopes, as you raise your hand against the children of heaven.
35. You have not yet escaped the judgment of the almighty and all-seeing God.
36. Our brothers, after enduring brief pain, have drunk of never-failing life, under God’s covenant. But you, by the judgment of God, shall receive just punishments for your arrogance.
37. Like my brothers, I offer up my body and my life for our ancestral laws, imploring God to show mercy soon to our nation, and by afflictions and blows to make you confess that he alone is God.
38. Through me and my brothers, may there be an end to the wrath of the Almighty that has justly fallen on our whole nation.”
39. At that, the king became enraged and treated him even worse than the others, since he bitterly resented the boy’s contempt.
40. Thus he too died undefiled, putting all his trust in the Lord.
41. Last of all, after her sons, the mother was put to death.
42. Enough has been said about the sacrificial meals and the excessive cruelties.