4 Maccabees 8:4-6

Common English Bible

⁴ The tyrant looked at them as they stood grouped around their mother like a chorus, and was pleased with them. He was struck by their physical appearance and obvious dignified character, and so he smiled at them and invited them to come closer. He said, ⁵ “Young men, I feel nothing but admiration and favor for each and every one of you, and I have great respect for the size and beauty of your family. Not only would I counsel you not to express the same insanity as that old man who was just tortured, but I would encourage you to obey me now and so enjoy the privileged life^[a] I can offer you. ⁶ I can be generous to those who obey me in the same way as I can punish those who disobey me.