Et vidit Jonathas quia tempus eum juvat, et elegit viros, et misit eos Romam statuere et renovare cum eis amicitiam:

Here was a posture of affairs suited Jonathan well enough; yet would he send delegates to confirm and renew his alliance with the Romans;

And Jonathan saw that the time served him, and he chose certain men and sent them to Rome, to confirm and to renew the amity with them:

et ad Spartiatas, et ad alia loca misit epistolas secundum eamdem formam:

Lacedaemon, too, and other countries should have letters of the same tenour.

And he sent letters to the Spartans, and to other places according to the same form.

et abierunt Romam, et intraverunt curiam, et dixerunt: Jonathas summus sacerdos, et gens Judæorum miserunt nos, ut renovaremus amicitiam et societatem secundum pristinum.

To Rome, then, his messengers went, gained audience of the senate, and told how the high priest Jonathan and the Jewish people had sent them to renew their old treaty of friendship;

And they went to Rome, and entered into the senate house, and said: Jonathan the high priest, and the nation of the Jews have sent us to renew the amity, and alliance as it was before.

Et dederunt illis epistolas ad ipsos per loca, ut deducerent eos in terram Juda cum pace.

and the Romans gave them such letters of recommendation to this country or that, as should bring them home to Juda under safe conduct.

And they gave them letters to their governors in every place, to conduct them into the land of Juda with peace.

Et hoc est exemplum epistolarum, quas scripsit Jonathas Spartiatis:

The message Jonathan sent to the men of Sparta was in these terms following.

And this is a copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:

Jonathas summus sacerdos, et seniores gentis, et sacerdotes, et reliquus populus Judæorum, Spartiatis fratribus salutem.

The high priest Jonathan, with the elders and priests and all the people of the Jews, to their brethren the Spartans, greeting.

Jonathan the high priest, and the ancients of the nation, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, to the Spartans, their brethren, greeting.

Jampridem missæ erant epistolæ ad Oniam summum sacerdotem ab Ario, qui regnabat apud vos, quoniam estis fratres nostri, sicut rescriptum continet, quod subjectum est.

Long since, your king Arius wrote to our own high priest, Onias, claiming kinship between us, as witness the copy here subjoined;

There were letters sent long ago to Onias the high priest from Arius who reigned then among you, to signify that you are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.

Et suscepit Onias virum, qui missus fuerat, cum honore: et accepit epistolas, in quibus significabatur de societate et amicitia.

an honourable welcome Onias gave to this messenger of yours, and accepted the proposal of friendly alliance.

And Onias received the ambassador with honour: and received the letters wherein there was mention made of the alliance, and amity.

Nos cum nullo horum indigeremus, habentes solatio sanctos libros, qui sunt in manibus nostris,

For ourselves, we have little need of such friendship; seek we comfort, it is in the sacred books committed to our charge.

We, though we needed none of these things, having for our comfort the holy books that are in our hands,

maluimus mittere ad vos renovare fraternitatem et amicitiam, ne forte alieni efficiamur a vobis: multa enim tempora transierunt, ex quo misistis ad nos.

Yet we thought it best to treat with you for the renewal of this brotherly compact, before any estrangement should arise between us; your embassy to us is of long ago.

Chose rather to send to you to renew the brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers to you altogether: for there is a long time passed since you sent to us.

Nos ergo in omni tempore sine intermissione in diebus solemnibus, et ceteris, quibus oportet, memores sumus vestri in sacrificiis quæ offerimus, et in observationibus, sicut fas est, et decet meminisse fratrum.

Never feast-day passes, nor day apt for remembrance, but you are remembered, as brothers should be, in sacrifice and prayer we offer;

We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our festivals, and other days, wherein it is convenient, remember you in the sacrifices that we offer, and in our observances, as it is meet, and becoming to remember brethren.

Lætamur itaque de gloria vestra.

renown of yours is pride of ours still.

And we rejoice at your glory.

Nos autem circumdederunt multæ tribulationes, et multa prælia, et impugnaverunt nos reges qui sunt in circuitu nostro.

In wars and calamities much involved of late, powerful kings for our neighbours and our enemies,

But we have had many troubles and wars on every side, and the kings that are round about us, have fought against us.

Noluimus ergo vobis molesti esse, neque ceteris sociis et amicis nostris in his præliis:

we would not embroil you, nor other allies of ours, in these quarrels.

But we would not be troublesome to you, nor to the rest of our allies and friends in these wars.

habuimus enim de cælo auxilium, et liberati sumus nos, et humiliati sunt inimici nostri.

Now, by the grace of heaven, we are delivered; our enemies lie crushed;

For we have had help from heaven, and we have been delivered, and our enemies are humbled.

Elegimus itaque Numenium Antiochi filium, et Antipatrem Jasonis filium, et misimus ad Romanos renovare cum eis amicitiam et societatem pristinam.

delegates of ours, Numenius son of Antiochus and Antipater son of Jason, are on their way to Rome, friendship and alliance of former days to confirm afresh;

We have chosen therefore Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son of Jason, and have sent them to the Romans to renew with them the former amity and alliance.

Mandavimus itaque eis ut veniant etiam ad vos, et salutent vos, et reddant vobis epistolas nostras de innovatione fraternitatis nostræ.

and should we send them with no errand to you, no greeting, no word from us of brotherhood revived?

And we have commanded them to go also to you, and to salute you, and to deliver you our letters, concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.

Et nunc benefacietis respondentes nobis ad hæc.

Pray you, send us fair answer in your turn.

And now you shall do well to give us an answer hereto.

Et hoc est rescriptum epistolarum quod miserat Oniæ:

And, for Arius’ letter to Onias, thus the copy of it ran,

And this is the copy of the letter which he had sent to Onias:

Arius rex Spartiatarum Oniæ sacerdoti magno salutem.

Arius, king of the Spartans, to the high priest Onias, greeting.

Arius king of the Spartans to Onias the high priest, greeting.

Inventum est in scriptura de Spartiatis, et Judæis, quoniam sunt fratres, et quod sunt de genere Abraham.

Spartan and Jew, written record shews it, come of one blood, Abraham’s.

It is found in writing concerning the Spartans, and the Jews, that they are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham.

Et nunc ex quo hæc cognovimus, benefacitis scribentes nobis de pace vestra.

Apprised of this, we would fain know how you do; pray tell us.

And now since this is come to our knowledge, you do well to write to us of your prosperity.

Sed et nos rescripsimus vobis: Pecora nostra, et possessiones nostræ, vestræ sunt: et vestræ, nostræ: mandavimus itaque hæc nuntiari vobis.

And take this message in return, Cattle and whatever else is ours, is yours, and yours ours; of that, the bearer of this letter brings you assurance.

And we also have written back to you: That our cattle, and our possessions are yours: and yours, ours. We therefore have commanded that these things should be told you.

Et audivit Jonathas quoniam regressi sunt principes Demetrii cum exercitu multo supra quam prius, pugnare adversus eum:

Then came news to Jonathan that the chiefs of Demetrius’ faction were returning to the attack, and in greater force than ever;

Now Jonathan heard that the generals of Demetrius were come again with a greater army than before to fight against him.

et exiit ab Jerusalem, et occurrit eis in Amathite regione: non enim dederat eis spatium ut ingrederentur regionem ejus.

so out he marched, and met them in the Amathite country; respite he would not give them, to invade his own.

So he went out from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amath: for he gave them no time to enter into his country.

Et misit speculatores in castra eorum: et reversi renuntiaverunt quod constituunt supervenire illis nocte.

Spies of his went out into the enemy’s camp, and reported, all was ready for a night attack;

And he sent spies into their camp, and they came back and brought him word that they designed to come upon them in the night.

Cum occidisset autem sol, præcepit Jonathas suis vigilare, et esse in armis paratos ad pugnam tota nocte: et posuit custodes per circuitum castrorum.

so, when the sun was down, Jonathan would have his men keep watch, ready armed all night for battle, and posted sentries round his lines.

And when the sun was set, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms all night long ready to fight, and he set sentinels round about the camp.

Et audierunt adversarii quod paratus est Jonathas cum suis in bello: et timuerunt, et formidaverunt in corde suo: et accenderunt focos in castris suis.

The enemy, hearing of such preparedness on their part, took alarm and let cowardly counsels prevail; they were at pains to leave watchfires burning in their camp,

And the enemies heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, and they were struck with fear, and dread in their heart: and they kindled fires in their camp.

Jonathas autem, et qui cum eo erant, non cognoverunt usque mane: videbant autem luminaria ardentia,

so that Jonathan and his men, deceived by the glow of light, knew nothing of their plans till morning;

But Jonathan and they that were with him knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning.

et secutus est eos Jonathas, et non comprehendit eos: transierant enim flumen Eleutherum.

and when he gave chase, it was too late to catch them; already they had crossed the river Eleutherus.

And Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they had passed the river Eleutherus.

Et divertit Jonathas ad Arabas, qui vocantur Zabadæi: et percussit eos, et accepit spolia eorum.

Thereupon he turned his attack against the Zabadeans, an Arabian tribe, defeating them and taking spoils from them;

And Jonathan turned upon the Arabians that are called Zabadeans: and he defeated them, and took the spoils of them.

Et junxit, et venit Damascum, et perambulabat omnem regionem illam.

and so, harnessing his waggons, pressed on to Damascus, patrolling all the country round about.

And he went forward, and came to Damascus, and passed through all that country.

Simon autem exiit, et venit usque ad Ascalonem, et ad proxima præsidia: et declinavit in Joppen, et occupavit eam

Meanwhile, Simon had marched out to Ascalon and the neighbouring strongholds; thence he turned aside to Joppe, and took possession of it;

Simon also went forth, and came as far as Ascalon, and the neighbouring fortresses, and he turned aside to Joppe, and took possession of it,

(audivit enim quod vellent præsidium tradere partibus Demetrii), et posuit ibi custodes ut custodirent eam.

rumour had reached him, the townsfolk would yield the citadel to Demetrius’ party, and he must have a garrison there of his own.

(For he heard that they designed to deliver the hold to them that took part with Demetrius,) and he put a garrison there to keep it.

Et reversus est Jonathas, et convocavit seniores populi, et cogitavit cum eis ædificare præsidia in Judæa,

When Jonathan returned, he summoned the elders of the people, and took counsel with them, how best to raise strongholds in Judaea,

And Jonathan came back, and called together the ancients of the people, and he took a resolution with them to build fortresses in Judea,

et ædificare muros in Jerusalem, et exaltare altitudinem magnam inter medium arcis et civitatis, ut separaret eam a civitate, ut esset ipsa singulariter, et neque emant, neque vendant.

and build up walls in Jerusalem itself. Height these must have, above all, between the Citadel and the rest of the town; he would have it cut off from the rest, standing by itself, with no opportunity to buy and sell.

And to build up walls in Jerusalem, and raise a mount between the castle and the city, to separate it from the city, that so it might have no communication, and that they might neither buy nor sell.

Et convenerunt ut ædificarent civitatem: et cecidit murus qui erat super torrentem ab ortu solis, et reparavit eum, qui vocatur Caphetetha:

A great muster there was for the city’s rebuilding; and where the wall had tumbled down, over the ravine on the east, he made it good; it is the part called Caphetetha.

And they came together to build up the city: for the wall that was upon the brook towards the east was broken down, and he repaired that which is called Caphetetha:

et Simon ædificavit Adiada in Sephela, et munivit eam, et imposuit portas et seras.

Meanwhile, Simon rebuilt Adiada in the Sephela and fortified it; bolt and bar it should have thenceforward.

And Simon built Adiada in Sephela, and fortified it, and set up gates and bars.

Et cum cogitasset Tryphon regnare Asiæ, et assumere diadema, et extendere manum in Antiochum regem:

And what of Tryphon? Lordship of all Asia he coveted, and a royal crown; it should be Antiochus’ turn next.

Now when Tryphon had conceived a design to make himself king of Asia, and to take the crown, and to stretch out his hand against king Antiochus:

timens ne forte non permitteret eum Jonathas, sed pugnaret adversus eum, quærebat comprehendere eum, et occidere. Et exsurgens abiit in Bethsan.

The danger was, Jonathan would refuse his assent, and resort to arms; Jonathan first he must seize and put to death. So he moved his quarters to Bethsan,

Fearing lest Jonathan would not suffer him, but would fight against him: he sought to seize upon him, and to kill him. So he rose up and came to Bethsan.

Et exivit Jonathas obviam illi cum quadraginta millibus virorum electorum in prælium, et venit Bethsan.

where Jonathan came out to meet him with forty thousand men, picked warriors all of them, at his back.

And Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for battle, and came to Bethsan.

Et vidit Tryphon quia venit Jonathas cum exercitu multo ut extenderet in eum manus: timuit,

Here was a great retinue; and Tryphon, daunted by this show of force,

Now when Tryphon saw that Jonathan came with a great army, he durst not stretch forth his hand against him,

et excepit eum cum honore, et commendavit eum omnibus amicis suis, et dedit ei munera: et præcepit exercitibus suis ut obedirent ei, sicut sibi.

was fain to give him an honourable welcome. He would admit Jonathan among his closest friends, and bestow gifts on him; let Jonathan give orders, and Tryphon’s soldiers would obey.

But received him with honour, and commended him to all his friends, and gave him presents: and he commanded his troops to obey him, as himself.

Et dixit Jonathæ: Ut quid vexasti universum populum, cum bellum nobis non sit?

Then he asked, What needs it, such a host of men should go campaigning, when threat of war is none?

And he said to Jonathan: Why hast thou troubled all the people, whereas we have no war?

et nunc remitte eos in domos suas: elige autem tibi viros paucos, qui tecum sint, et veni mecum Ptolemaidam, et tradam eam tibi, et reliqua præsidia, et exercitum, et universos præpositos negotii: et conversus abibo: propterea enim veni.

It were better to disband them, and choose out a few for thy own retinue. That done, bear me company to Ptolemais; city and strongholds and troops and officers I will hand over into thy charge and so get me gone home; it was on that errand I came.

Now therefore send them back to their own houses: and choose thee a few men that may be with thee, and come with me to Ptolemais, and I will deliver it to thee, and the rest of the strong holds, and the army, and all that have any charge, and I will return and go away: for this is the cause of my coming.

Et credidit ei, et fecit sicut dixit: et dimisit exercitum, et abierunt in terram Juda.

What did Jonathan? He fell into the trap, sent his men back to Juda,

And Jonathan believed him, and did as he said: and sent away his army, and they departed into the land of Juda:

Retinuit autem secum tria millia virorum: ex quibus remisit in Galilæam duo millia: mille autem venerunt cum eo.

and kept but three thousand under arms; of these, he left two thousand in Galilee, and took but a thousand in his company.

But he kept with him three thousand men: of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.

Ut autem intravit Ptolemaidam Jonathas, clauserunt portas civitatis Ptolemenses, et comprehenderunt eum: et omnes qui cum eo intraverant, gladio interfecerunt.

No sooner had he entered Ptolemais than the townsfolk shut the gates behind him, secured his person, and put his retinue to the sword.

Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates of the city, and took him: and all them that came in with him they slew with the sword.

Et misit Tryphon exercitum et equites in Galilæam et in campum magnum, ut perderent omnes socios Jonathæ.

Horse and foot Tryphon sent out to Galilee, to find the rest of his followers in the Great Plain, and make an end of them;

Then Tryphon sent an army and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain to destroy all Jonathan’s company.

At illi cum cognovissent quia comprehensus est Jonathas, et periit, et omnes qui cum eo erant, hortati sunt semetipsos, et exierunt parati in prælium.

but these, hearing that Jonathan and his men had been caught and murdered, resolved to put a bold front on it, and marched in battle array.

But they, when they understood that Jonathan and all that were with him were taken and slain, encouraged one another, and went out ready for battle.

Et videntes hi qui insecuti fuerant, quia pro anima res est illis, reversi sunt:

Finding them ready to sell their lives dearly, their pursuers abandoned the chase,

Then they that had come after them, seeing that they stood for their lives, returned back.

illi autem venerunt omnes cum pace in terram Juda. Et planxerunt Jonathan, et eos qui cum ipso fuerant, valde: et luxit Israël luctu magno.

and all reached Juda safe and sound. For Jonathan and his companions they made great dole, and loudly all Israel echoed their lament.

Whereupon they all came peaceably into the land of Juda. And they bewailed Jonathan, and them that had been with him, exceedingly: and Israel mourned with great lamentation.

Et quæsierunt omnes gentes quæ erant in circuitu eorum conterere eos: dixerunt enim:

Neighbouring people was none but went about to overthrow them, and no wonder;

Then all the heathens that were round about them, sought to destroy them. For they said:

Non habent principem et adjuvantem: nunc ergo expugnemus illos, et tollamus de hominibus memoriam eorum.

their chieftain, their champion gone, now was the time to fall upon them, and rid earth of their memory.

They have no prince, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take away the memory of them from amongst men.