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8
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.
9
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.
10
For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should be quiet.
11
This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king's friends, being maliciously set
against Judas, did more incense Demetrius.
12
And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor
over Judea, he sent him forth,
13
Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were with him, and to make Alcimus
high priest of the great temple.
14
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.
15
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.
16
So at the commandment of the captain they removed straightways from thence, and came
near unto them at the town of Dessau.
17
Now Simon, Judas' brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited
through the sudden silence of his enemies.
18
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.
19
Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias, to make peace.
20
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,
21
And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and when the day came, and stools
were set for either of them,
22
Ludas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some treachery should be suddenly
practised by the enemies: so they made a peaceable conference.
23
Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people that came flocking
unto him.
24
And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for he love the man from his heart
25
He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so he married, was quiet, and took
part of this life.
26
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.
1282
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