Igitur cum sancta civitas habitaretur in omni pace, leges etiam adhuc optime custodirentur, propter Oniæ pontificis pietatem, et animos odio habentes mala,

Time was, the holy city was a home of content; ever the laws of it were well kept; such a high priest they had, Onias, a devout man, and one that hated evil.

Therefore when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws as yet were very well kept, because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and the hatred his soul had of evil,

fiebat ut et ipsi reges et principes locum summo honore dignum ducerent, et templum maximis muneribus illustrarent:

In those days, king and chieftain held the place much in reverence, and with rich gifts endowed the temple;

It came to pass that even the kings themselves, and the princes esteemed the place worthy of the highest honour, and glorified the temple with very great gifts:

ita ut Seleucus Asiæ rex de redditibus suis præstaret omnes sumptus ad ministerium sacrificiorum pertinentes.

did not Seleucus, king of Asia, defray all the cost of maintaining its sacrifices?

So that Seleucus king of Asia allowed out of his revenues all the charges belonging to the ministry of the sacrifices.

Simon autem de tribu Benjamin, præpositus templi constitutus, contendebat, obsistente sibi principe sacerdotum, iniquum aliquid in civitate moliri.

Yet one citizen there was, Simon the Benjamite, the temple governor, that had lawless schemes afoot, do the high priest what he would to gainsay him.

But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was appointed overseer of the temple, strove in opposition to the high priest, to bring about some unjust thing in the city.

Sed cum vincere Oniam non posset, venit ad Apollonium Tharsææ filium, qui eo tempore erat dux Cœlesyriæ et Phœnicis:

And at last, when overcome Onias he might not, what did he? To Apollonius he betook himself, the son of Tharseas, that was then in charge of Coelesyria and Phoenice,

And when he could not overcome Onias he went to Apollonius the son of Tharseas, who at that time was governor of Celesyria and Phenicia:

et nuntiavit ei pecuniis innumerabilibus plenum esse ærarium Jerosolymis, et communes copias immensas esse, quæ non pertinent ad rationem sacrificiorum: esse autem possibile sub potestate regis cadere universa.

and gave him great news indeed; here was the treasury at Jerusalem stocked with treasures innumerable, here was vast public wealth, unclaimed by the needs of the altar, and nothing prevented but it should fall into the king’s hands.

And told him, that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of immense sums of money, and the common store was infinite, which did not belong to the account of the sacrifices: and that it was possible to bring all into the king’s hands.

Cumque retulisset ad regem Apollonius de pecuniis quæ delatæ erant, illæ accitum Heliodorum, qui erat super negotia ejus, misit, cum mandatis ut prædictam pecuniam transportaret.

No sooner did Apollonius find himself in the royal presence than he told the story of the rumoured treasure; and at that, the king sent for Heliodorus, that had charge of his affairs, and despatched him with orders to fetch the said money away.

Now when Apollonius had given the king notice concerning the money that he was told of, he called for Heliodorus, who had the charge over his affairs, and sent him with commission to bring him the foresaid money.

Statimque Heliodorus iter est agressus, specie quidem quasi per Cœlesyriam et Phœnicen civitates esset peragraturus, re vera autem regis propositum perfecturus.

This Heliodorus set out on his journey without more ado, under colour of making a progress through the towns of Coelesyria and Phoenice, but with the king’s business still in mind.

So Heliodorus forthwith began his journey, under a colour of visiting the cities of Celesyria and Phenicia, but indeed to fulfil the king’s purpose.

Sed cum venisset Jerosolymam, et benigne a summo sacerdote in civitate esset exceptus, narravit de dato indicio pecuniarum, et cujus rei gratia adesset, aperuit: interrogabat autem si vere hæc ita essent.

And when he reached Jerusalem, and there received a gracious welcome from the high priest, he made no secret of the information he possessed, or of his errand, and he would know the truth about these moneys.

And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received in the city by the high priest, he told him what information had been given concerning the money: and declared the cause for which he was come: and asked if these things were so indeed.

Tunc summus sacerdos ostendit deposita esse hæc, et victualia viduarum et pupillorum:

A plain account the high priest gave him; some were moneys deposited on trust, for the maintenance of widows and orphans;

Then the high priest told him that these were sums deposited, and provisions for the subsistence of the widows and the fatherless.

quædam vero esse Hircani Tobiæ viri valde eminentis, in his quæ detulerat impius Simon: universa autem argenti talenta esse quadringenta, et auri ducenta:

there were some, too, belonging to Hyrcanus son of Tobias, a man of repute. The information was maliciously laid, nor did the whole sum amount to more than four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold.

And that some part of that which wicked Simon had given intelligence of,belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity: and that the whole was four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold:

decipi vero eos qui credidissent loco et templo quod per universum mundum honoratur pro sui veneratione et sanctitate, omnino impossibile esse.

Men had reposed their confidence in a city and a temple renowned throughout the world, for the high opinion they had of its sanctity; and should he play them false? It was not to be thought of.

But that to deceive them who had trusted to the place and temple which is honoured throughout the whole world, for the reverence and holiness of it, was a thing which could not by any means be done.

At ille pro his quæ habebat in mandatis a rege, dicebat omni genere regi ea esse deferenda.

But Heliodorus stood upon the terms of his commission; delivered to the king the money must be, there was no other way of it.

But he, by reason of the orders he had received from the king, said that by all means the money must be carried to the king.

Constituta autem die, intrabat de his Heliodorus ordinaturus. Non modica vero per universam civitatem erat trepidatio.

So the appointed day came, when he would visit the temple and take order in the matter; what a stir there was then in the city!

So on the day he had appointed, Heliodorus entered in to order this matter. But there was no small terror throughout the whole city.

Sacerdotes autem ante altare cum stolis sacerdotalibus jactaverunt se, et invocabant de cælo eum qui de depositis legem posuit, ut his qui deposuerant ea salva custodiret.

Priests, in their sacred vesture, cast themselves down before the altar, and cried out upon heaven; would not he, whose law enjoined safe-keeping, keep property safe for its rightful owners?

And the priests prostrated themselves before the altar in their priests’ vestments, and called upon him from heaven, who made the law concerning things given to be kept, that he would preserve them safe, for them that had deposited them.

Jam vero qui videbat summi sacerdotis vultum, mente vulnerabatur: facies enim et color immutatus declarabat internum animi dolorem:

And for the high priest himself, the very aspect of him was heart-rending; such a change of look and colour betrayed his inward feelings;

Now whosoever saw the countenance of the high priest, was wounded in heart: for his face, and the changing of his colour declared the inward sorrow of his mind.

circumfusa enim erat mœstitia quædam viro, et horror corporis, per quem manifestus aspicientibus dolor cordis ejus efficiebatur.

grief and horror were stamped on his features, and to all that saw him he seemed a broken man.

For the man was so compassed with sadness and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them that beheld him, what sorrow he had in his heart.

Alii etiam gregatim de domibus confluebant, publica supplicatione obsecrantes, pro eo quod in contemptum locus esset venturus.

Folk streamed out of their houses in droves, to make public intercession over the affront that should be put on the holy place;

Others also came flocking together out of their houses, praying and making public supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.

Accinctæque mulieres ciliciis pectus, per plateas confluebant: sed et virgines quæ conclusæ erant, procurrebant ad Oniam, aliæ autem ad muros, quædam vero per fenestras aspiciebant:

sackcloth about their waists, the women thronged the streets, and maids that might not go abroad must yet run to the housetops, or peer out at windows, to see Onias pass.

And the women, girded with haircloth about their breasts, came together in the streets. And the virgins also that were shut up, came forth, some to Onias, and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.

universæ autem protendentes manus in cælum, deprecabantur:

Heavenward they raised their hands, each one of them, in prayer;

And all holding up their hands towards heaven, made supplication.

erat enim misera commistæ multitudinis, et magni sacerdotis in agone constituti exspectatio.

and pity it was to see how common folk about him were sharing the high priest’s agony of suspense.

For the expectation of the mixed multitude, and of the high priest who was in an agony, would have moved any one to pity.

Et hi quidem invocabant omnipotentem Deum, ut credita sibi his qui crediderant, cum omni integritate conservarentur.

Here, then, was a whole city praying Almighty God, no loss might befall the men who had trusted them;

And these indeed called upon almighty God, to preserve the things that had been committed to them, safe and sure for those that had committed them.

Heliodorus autem, quod decreverat, perficiebat eodem loco ipse cum satellitibus circa ærarium præsens.

and here was Heliodorus carrying out his design, already arrived at the treasury with his body-guard in attendance.

But Heliodorus executed that which he had resolved on, himself being present in the same place with his guard about the treasury.

Sed spiritus omnipotentis Dei magnam fecit suæ ostensionis evidentiam, ita ut omnes qui ausi fuerant parere ei, ruentes Dei virtute, in dissolutionem et formidinem converterentur.

All at once the spirit of God, the omnipotent, gave signal proof of its presence; daunted by the divine power they trembled and stood irresolute, these ministers of wrong.

But the spirit of the almighty God gave a great evidence of his presence, so that all that had presumed to obey him, falling down by the power of God, were struck with fainting and dread.

Apparuit enim illis quidam equus terribilem habens sessorem, optimis operimentis adornatus: isque cum impetu Heliodoro priores calces elisit: qui autem ei sedebat, videbatur arma habere aurea.

What saw they? A horse, royally caparisoned, that charged upon Heliodorus and struck him down with its fore-feet; terrible of aspect its rider was, and his armour seemed all of gold.

For there appeared to them a horse with a terrible rider upon him, adorned with a very rich covering: and he ran fiercely and struck Heliodorus with his fore feet, and he that sat upon him seemed to have armour of gold.

Alii etiam apparuerunt duo juvenes virtute decori, optimi gloria, speciosique amictu: qui circumsteterunt eum, et ex utraque parte flagellabant, sine intermissione multis plagis verberantes.

Two other warriors they saw, how strong of limb, how dazzling of mien, how bravely clad! These stood about Heliodorus and fell to scourging him, this side and that, blow after blow, without respite.

Moreover there appeared two other young men beautiful and strong, bright and glorious, and in comely apparel: who stood by him, on either side, and scourged him without ceasing with many stripes.

Subito autem Heliodorus concidit in terram, eumque multa caligine circumfusum rapuerunt, atque in sella gestatoria positum ejecerunt.

With the suddenness of his fall to the ground, darkness had closed about him; hastily they caught him up and carried him out in his litter;

And Heliodorus suddenly fell to the ground, and they took him up covered with great darkness, and having put him into a litter they carried him out.

Et is, qui cum multis cursoribus et satellitibus prædictum ingressus est ærarium, portabatur nullo sibi auxilium ferente, manifesta Dei cognita virtute:

a helpless burden now, that entered yonder treasury with such a rabble of tipstaves and halberdiers! Here was proof of God’s power most manifest.

So he that came with many servants, and all his guard into the aforesaid treasury, was carried out, no one being able to help him, the manifest power of God being known.

et ille quidem per divinam virtutem jacebat mutus, atque omni spe et salute privatus.

There he lay, by heaven’s decree speechless and beyond hope of recovery;

And he indeed by the power of God lay speechless, and without all hope of recovery.

Hi autem Dominum benedicebant, quia magnificabat locum suum: et templum, quod paulo ante timore ac tumultu erat plenum, apparente omnipotente Domino, gaudio et lætitia impletum est.

and all around men were praising the Lord, for thus vindicating the honour of his sanctuary. In the temple, where all had been anxiety and turmoil until heaven showed its almighty power, all was rejoicing and contentment now.

But they praised the Lord because he had glorified his place: and the temple, that a little before was full of fear and trouble, when the almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.

Tunc vero ex amicis Heliodori quidam rogabant confestim Oniam, ut invocaret Altissimum ut vitam donaret ei qui in supremo spiritu erat constitutus.

It was not long before friends of Heliodorus were entreating Onias to call down mercy from the most High, on one that was now at death’s door.

Then some of the friends of Heliodorus forthwith begged of Onias, that he would call upon the Most High to grant him his life, who was ready to give up the ghost.

Considerans autem summus sacerdos ne forte rex suspicaretur malitiam aliquam ex Judæis circa Heliodorum consummatum, obtulit pro salute viri hostiam salutarem.

This was anxious news for the high priest; what if the king should suspect the Jews of foul play? Offer sacrifice he did for the man’s recovery, and with good effect.

So the high priest considering that the king might perhaps suspect that some mischief had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice of health for the recovery of the man.

Cumque summus sacerdos exoraret, iidem juvenes eisdem vestibus amicti astantes Heliodoro, dixerunt: Oniæ sacerdoti gratias age: nam propter eum Dominus tibi vitam donavit.

He was yet at his prayers, when those two warriors, in the same brave attire, stood by Heliodorus again; Thanks thou owest, they said, to the high priest Onias; at his instance, the Lord grants thee life;

And when the high priest was praying, the same young men in the same clothing stood by Heliodorus, and said to him: Give thanks to Onias the priest: because for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life.

Tu autem a Deo flagellatus, nuntia omnibus magnalia Dei, et potestatem. Et his dictis, non comparuerunt.

God’s scourge thou hast felt, God’s wondrous power be ever on thy lips. And with that, they were seen no more.

And thou having been scourged by God, declare unto all men the great works and the power of God. And having spoken thus, they appeared no more.

Heliodorus autem, hostia Deo oblata, et votis magnis promissis ei qui vivere illi concessit, et Oniæ gratias agens, recepto exercitu, repedabat ad regem.

Be sure this Heliodorus offered God sacrifice; ay, and made vows a many for his preservation, and thanked Onias besides; then he marched his army back to the king.

So Heliodorus after he had offered a sacrifice to God, and made great vows to him, that had granted him life, and given thanks to Onias, taking his troops with him, returned to the king.

Testabatur autem omnibus ea quæ sub oculis suis viderat opera magni Dei.

Everywhere he testified how great a God was this, what strange things his own eyes had witnessed;

And he testified to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his own eyes.

Cum autem rex interrogasset Heliodorum, quis esset aptus adhuc semel Jerosolymam mitti, ait:

and when the king himself asked what manner of emissary he should next send to Jerusalem,

And when the king asked Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once more to Jerusalem, he said:

Si quem habes hostem, aut regni tui insidiatorem, mitte illuc, et flagellatum eum recipies, si tamen evaserit: eo quod in loco sit vere Dei quædam virtus.

Why, said he, some enemy of thine, some rebel that plots against the kingdom. Escape he with his life, I warrant he will come back to thee soundly beaten. Past doubt, there is some divine influence haunts yonder place;

If thou hast any enemy or traitor to thy kingdom, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him again scourged, if so be he escape: for there is undoubtedly in that place a certain power of God.

Nam ipse, qui habet in cælis habitationem, visitator et adjutor est loci illius, et venientes ad malefaciendum percutit ac perdit.

watch and ward he keeps over it, that has his dwelling in heaven, to be the plague and the undoing of all who come that way upon an errand of mischief.

For he that hath his dwelling in the heavens, is the visitor, and protector of that place, and he striketh and destroyeth them that come to do evil to it.

Igitur de Heliodoro et ærarii custodia ita res se habet.

Such is the tale of Heliodorus, and of the treasury’s preserving.

And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury fell out in this manner.