9:16. The holy temple also, which before he had spoiled, he promised to
adorn with goodly gifts, and to multiply the holy vessels, and to allow
out of his revenues the charges pertaining to the sacrifices.

9:17. Yea also, that he would become a Jew himself, and would go through
every place of the earth, and declare the power of God.

9:18. But his pains not ceasing, (for the just judgment of God was come
upon him) despairing of life, he wrote to the Jews, in the manner of a
supplication, a letter in these words:

9:19. To his very good subjects the Jews, Antiochus, king and ruler,
wisheth much health, and welfare, and happiness.

9:20. If you and your children are well, and if all matters go with you
to your mind, we give very great thanks.

9:21. As for me, being infirm, but yet kindly remembering you, returning
out of the places of Persia, and being taken with a grievous disease, I
thought it necessary to take care for the common good:

9:22. Not distrusting my life, but having great hope to escape the
sickness.

9:23. But considering that my father also, at what time he led an army
into the higher countries, appointed who should reign after him:

9:24. To the end that if any thing contrary to expectation should fall
out, or any bad tidings should be brought, they that were in the
countries, knowing to whom the whole government was left, might not be
troubled.

9:25. Moreover, considering that neighbouring princes, and borderers,
wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be the event, I have
appointed my son, Antiochus, king, whom I often recommended to many of
you, when I went into the higher provinces: and I have written to him
what I have joined here below.

9:26. I pray you, therefore, and request of you, that, remembering
favours both public and private, you will every man of you continue to
be faithful to me and to my son.

9:27. For I trust that he will behave with moderation and humanity, and
following my intentions, will be gracious unto you.

9:28. Thus the murderer and blasphemer being grievously struck, as
himself had treated others, died a miserable death in a strange country,
among the mountains.

9:29. But Philip, that was brought up with him, carried away his body:
and out of fear of the son of Antiochus, went into Egypt to Ptolemee
Philometor.

2 Machabees Chapter 10

The purification of the temple and city. Other exploits of Judas. His
victory over Timotheus.

10:1. But Mac