2 Maccabees 6:17-19

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition

¹⁷ Let what we have said serve as a reminder; we must go on briefly with the story.

The Martyrdom of Eleazar

¹⁸ Eleazar, one of the scribes in high position, a man now advanced in age and of noble presence, was being forced to open his mouth to eat swine’s flesh. ¹⁹ But he, welcoming death with honour rather than life with pollution, went up to the rack of his own accord, spitting out the flesh,