4 Maccabees 14:12-14

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

¹² for the mother of the seven young men bore up under the rackings of each one of her children.

¹³ Observe how complex is a mother’s love for her children, which draws everything towards an emotion felt in her inmost parts. ¹⁴ Even unreasoning animals, as well as human beings, have a sympathy and parental love for their offspring.