3 Maccabees 6:22-24

Common English Bible

²² The king’s anger was changed into pity and tears because of the schemes that he had previously devised. ²³ When he heard the loud cry and saw the Jews all lying on the ground awaiting destruction, he wept and violently threatened his friends, saying, ²⁴ “You have used your power badly and acted more savagely than tyrants. You are now attempting to rob even me, your benefactor, of my rule and my life. Secretly you devise things that are of no advantage to the kingdom.