3 Maccabees 5:19-21

Revised Standard Version

¹⁹ But when he, with the corroboration of his friends, pointed out that while it was still night he had carried out completely the order given him, ²⁰ the king,^[a] possessed by a savagery worse than that of Phalaris, said that the Jews^[b] were benefited by today’s sleep, “but,” he added, “tomorrow without delay prepare the elephants in the same way for the destruction of the lawless Jews!” ²¹ When the king had spoken, all those present readily and joyfully with one accord gave their approval, and each departed to his own home.