23. It was God who did it, God who created the universe, the human race, and all that exists. He is merciful and he will give you back life and breath again, because you love his laws more than you love yourself.”
24. Antiochus was sure that the mother was mocking him, so he did his best to persuade her youngest son to abandon the traditions of his ancestors. He promised not only to make the boy rich and famous, but to place him in a position of authority and to give him the title “Friend of the King.”
25. But the boy paid no attention to him, so Antiochus tried to persuade the boy's mother to talk him into saving his life,
26. and after much persuasion she agreed to do so.