2 Maccabees 5:3-5

New Catholic Bible

³ squadrons of cavalry in battle order, charges and counter-charges in this direction and that, with brandished shields, massed spears, and hurled javelins, and gold accoutrements and armor of all kinds glittering brightly. ⁴ Therefore, everyone prayed that these apparitions might prove to be a good omen.

⁵ However, when a false rumor began to circulate that Antiochus had died, Jason^[a] commandeered no fewer than a thousand men and launched a surprise attack on the city. When the defenders on the walls were driven back and the city was on the verge of being taken, Menelaus took refuge in the citadel.