12. And forthwith appointing Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor of Judaea, he sent him forth,
13. giving him written instructions to make away with Judas himself and to scatter them that were with him, and to set up Alcimus as high priest of the great temple.
14. And those in Judaea that had before driven Judas into exile thronged to Nicanor in flocks, supposing that the misfortunes and calamities of the Jews would be successes to themselves.
15. But when the Jews heard of Nicanor’s inroad and the assault of the heathen, they sprinkled earth upon their heads and made solemn supplication to him who had established his own people for evermore, and who always, making manifest his presence, upholdeth them that are his own portion.
16. And when the leader had given his commands, he straightway sets out from thence, and joineth battle with them at a village called Lessau.
17. But Simon, the brother of Judas, had encountered Nicanor, yet not till late, having received a check by reason of the sudden consternation caused by his adversaries.
18. Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that were with Judas, and their courage in fighting for their country, shrank from bringing the matter to the decision of the sword.
19. Wherefore he sent Posidonius and Theodotus and Mattathias to give and receive pledges of friendship.
20. So when these proposals had been long considered, and the leader had made the troops acquainted therewith, and it appeared that they were all of like mind, they consented to the covenants.
21. And they appointed a day on which to meet together by themselves. And a litter was borne forward from each army; they set chairs of state;
22. Judas stationed armed men ready in convenient places, lest haply there should suddenly be treachery on the part of the enemy; they held such conference as was meet.