8. first for the unfeigned care I have for the things that concern the king, and secondly because I have regard also to mine own fellow-citizens: for, through the unadvised dealing of those of whom I spoke before, our whole race is in no small misfortune.
9. But do you, O king, having informed yourself of these things severally, take thought both for our country and for our race, which is surrounded by foes, according to the gracious kindness with which you receive all.
10. For as long as Judas remains alive, it is impossible that the state should find peace.
11. And when he had spoken such words as these, at once the rest of the king’s Friends, having ill will against Judas, inflamed Demetrius yet more.
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.