37. And he summoned Hermon to his presence, and said, with threats, How often, O wretch, must I repeat my orders to you about these same persons?
38. Once more, arm the elephants against the morrow for the extermination of the Jews.
39. His kinsmen, who were reclining with him, wondered at his instability, and thus expressed themselves:
40. O king, how long do you make trial of us, as of men bereft of reason? This is the third time that you have ordered their destruction. When the thing is to be done, you change your mind, and recall your instructions.