2 Macabeus 4

1Este Simão, de quem falamos acima, tendo sido delator do dinheiro e da pátria, caluniava Onias, como se ele tivesse assustado Heliodoro e fosse o autor destes males.

1This Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having been a betrayer of the money, and of his country, slandered Onias, as if he had terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these evils.

2Assim ousava chamar traidor ao benfeitor da cidade, ao protetor dos seus compatriotas e zeloso das leis.

2Thus was he bold to call him a traitor, that had deserved well of the city, and tendered his own nation, and was so zealous of the laws.

3Mas, quando o ódio chegou a tal ponto que por um dos partidários de Simão se cometeram assassinatos,

3But when their hatred went so far, that by one of Simon’s faction murders were committed,

4Onias, vendo o perigo desta contenda, e que Apolônio, governador da Celessíria e da Fenícia, se enfurecia e aumentava a malícia de Simão,

4Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did rage, and increase Simon’s malice,

5foi ter com o rei, não para acusar os seus concidadãos, mas buscando o bem de todos, tanto público como particular;

5He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all, both publick and private:

6pois via que era impossível que o estado ficasse em paz, e que Simão deixasse a sua loucura, se o rei não interviesse.

6For he saw that it was impossible that the state should continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless the king did look thereunto.

7Mas, depois da morte de Selêuco, quando Antíoco, chamado Epífanes, tomou o reino, Jasão, irmão de Onias, procurou às ocultas o sumo sacerdócio,

7But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured underhand to be high priest,

8prometendo ao rei, numa entrevista, trezentos e sessenta talentos de prata, e oitenta talentos de outra renda;

8Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty talents:

9além disso, prometeu pagar mais cento e cinquenta, se lhe fosse permitido construir um ginásio e formar a juventude segundo os costumes dos gentios, e inscrever os de Jerusalém como antioquenos.

9Beside this, he promised to assign an hundred and fifty more, if he might have licence to set him up a place for exercise, and for the training up of youth in the fashions of the heathen, and to write them of Jerusalem by the name of Antiochians.

10Tendo o rei consentido, e tendo ele tomado o poder, logo levou os da sua nação aos costumes gregos.

10Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten into his hand the rule he forthwith brought his own nation to Greekish fashion.

11E aboliu os privilégios reais concedidos por especial favor aos judeus por meio de João, pai de Eupolemo, que fora como embaixador a Roma para tratar de amizade e aliança; e, suprimindo as instituições conformes à lei, introduziu novos costumes contrários à lei.

11And the royal privileges granted of special favour to the Jews by the means of John the father of Eupolemus, who went ambassador to Rome for amity and aid, he took away; and putting down the governments which were according to the law, he brought up new customs against the law:

12Pois construiu com prazer um ginásio junto à própria cidadela, e sujeitou os jovens mais nobres, fazendo-os usar o chapéu grego.

12For he built gladly a place of exercise under the tower itself, and brought the chief young men under his subjection, and made them wear a hat.

13Tal era o auge dos costumes gregos e o avanço dos costumes pagãos, pela excessiva impiedade de Jasão, esse ímpio e não sumo sacerdote,

13Now such was the height of Greek fashions, and increase of heathenish manners, through the exceeding profaneness of Jason, that ungodly wretch, and no high priest;

14que os sacerdotes já não tinham ânimo para servir ao altar; mas, desprezando o templo e descuidando os sacrifícios, apressavam-se a participar dos exercícios ilícitos da palestra, logo que o sinal do disco os chamava;

14That the priests had no courage to serve any more at the altar, but despising the temple, and neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of the unlawful allowance in the place of exercise, after the game of Discus called them forth;

15não fazendo caso das honras de seus pais, e estimando acima de tudo as glórias dos gregos.

15Not setting by the honours of their fathers, but liking the glory of the Grecians best of all.

16Por isso sobreveio-lhes grave calamidade; pois tiveram por inimigos e vingadores aqueles mesmos cujos costumes seguiam com tanto empenho e a quem desejavam assemelhar-se em tudo.

16By reason whereof sore calamity came upon them: for they had them to be their enemies and avengers, whose custom they followed so earnestly, and unto whom they desired to be like in all things.

17Pois não é coisa leve proceder impiamente contra as leis de Deus; mas o tempo seguinte o mostrará.

17For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God: but the time following shall declare these things.

18Ora, celebrando-se em Tiro os jogos que se faziam a cada cinco anos, estando presente o rei,

18Now when the game that was used every fifth year was kept at Tyrus, the king being present,

19o ímpio Jasão enviou de Jerusalém embaixadores, que eram antioquenos, para levar trezentas dracmas de prata para o sacrifício de Hércules; mas os próprios portadores julgaram que não convinha empregá-las no sacrifício, por não ser decente, mas reservá-las para outras despesas.

19This ungracious Jason sent special messengers from Jerusalem, who were Antiochians, to carry three hundred drachms of silver to the sacrifice of Hercules, which even the bearers thereof thought fit not to bestow upon the sacrifice, because it was not convenient, but to be reserved for other charges.

20Assim, este dinheiro, pela intenção de quem o enviou, destinava-se ao sacrifício de Hércules; mas, por causa dos portadores, foi empregado na construção de galeras.

20This money then, in regard of the sender, was appointed to Hercules’ sacrifice; but because of the bearers thereof, it was employed to the making of gallies.

21Quando Apolônio, filho de Menesteu, foi enviado ao Egito para a coroação do rei Ptolomeu Filométor, Antíoco, entendendo que este não era favorável aos seus negócios, tratou da sua própria segurança; por isso foi a Jope e dali a Jerusalém,

21Now when Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt for the coronation of king Ptolemeus Philometor, Antiochus, understanding him not to be well affected to his affairs, provided for his own safety: whereupon he came to Joppa, and from thence to Jerusalem:

22onde foi recebido magnificamente por Jasão e pela cidade, e entrou à luz de tochas e com grandes aclamações; e depois disso partiu com o seu exército para a Fenícia.

22Where he was honourably received of Jason, and of the city, and was brought in with torch alight, and with great shoutings: and so afterward went with his host unto Phenice.

23Três anos depois, Jasão enviou Menelau, irmão do já mencionado Simão, para levar o dinheiro ao rei e tratar com ele de alguns negócios urgentes.

23Three years afterward Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid Simon’s brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put him in mind of certain necessary matters.

24Mas este, apresentado ao rei, depois de o lisonjear pela glória do seu poder, obteve para si o sumo sacerdócio, oferecendo trezentos talentos de prata a mais do que Jasão.

24But he being brought to the presence of the king, when he had magnified him for the glorious appearance of his power, got the priesthood to himself, offering more than Jason by three hundred talents of silver.

25Assim veio com as ordens do rei, sem trazer nada digno do sumo sacerdócio, mas com o furor de um tirano cruel e a ira de uma fera selvagem.

25So he came with the king’s mandate, bringing nothing worthy the high priesthood, but having the fury of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.

26Então Jasão, que suplantara o seu próprio irmão, suplantado por outro, foi forçado a fugir para a terra dos amonitas.

26Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the country of the Ammonites.

27Assim Menelau obteve o poder; mas quanto ao dinheiro que prometera ao rei, não tomou nenhuma providência, embora Sóstrato, comandante da cidadela, o exigisse;

27So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money that he had promised unto the king, he took no good order for it, albeit Sostratis the ruler of the castle required it:

28pois a ele pertencia a cobrança dos tributos. Por isso ambos foram chamados diante do rei.

28For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs. Wherefore they were both called before the king.

29E Menelau deixou em seu lugar no sacerdócio seu irmão Lisímaco; e Sóstrato deixou Crates, governador dos cipriotas.

29Now Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the Cyprians.

30Enquanto estas coisas se passavam, os de Tarso e de Malos se revoltaram, porque haviam sido dados de presente a Antioquide, concubina do rei.

30While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos made insurrection, because they were given to the king’s concubine, called Antiochus.

31Então o rei veio a toda pressa para apaziguar a situação, deixando como seu substituto Andrônico, homem de autoridade.

31Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.

32Então Menelau, julgando ter achado ocasião favorável, furtou alguns vasos de ouro do templo, e deu alguns a Andrônico, e vendeu outros em Tiro e nas cidades vizinhas.

32Now Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a convenient time, stole certain vessels of gold out of the temple, and gave some of them to Andronicus, and some he sold into Tyrus and the cities round about.

33Onias, sabendo isto com certeza, o repreendeu, e se retirou para um lugar de asilo em Dafne, que fica junto de Antioquia.

33Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by Antiochia.

34Por isso Menelau, tomando Andrônico à parte, pediu-lhe que se apoderasse de Onias; e ele, persuadido, foi ter com Onias com engano, deu-lhe a mão direita com juramentos, e, embora suspeito, persuadiu-o a sair do asilo; e logo o matou, sem nenhum respeito pela justiça.

34Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed him to get Onias into his hands; who being persuaded thereunto, and coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right hand with oaths; and though he were suspected by him, yet persuaded he him to come forth of the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut up without regard of justice.

35Por isso não só os judeus, mas também muitos de outras nações, se indignaram muito e se afligiram com a morte injusta daquele homem.

35For the which cause not only the Jews, but many also of other nations, took great indignation, and were much grieved for the unjust murder of the man.

36E, quando o rei voltou das regiões da Cilícia, os judeus que estavam na cidade, e alguns dos gregos que também detestavam o crime, queixaram-se de que Onias fora morto sem razão.

36And when the king was come again from the places about Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city, and certain of the Greeks that abhorred the fact also, complained because Onias was slain without cause.

37Então Antíoco se entristeceu profundamente, e, movido de compaixão, chorou, por causa da prudência e da grande moderação do defunto.

37Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that was dead.

38E, inflamado de ira, logo tirou a púrpura a Andrônico, e rasgou-lhe as vestes, e, levando-o por toda a cidade até aquele mesmo lugar onde cometera a impiedade contra Onias, ali matou o assassino maldito. Assim o Senhor lhe deu o castigo que merecia.

38And being kindled with anger, forthwith he took away Andronicus his purple, and rent off his clothes, and leading him through the whole city unto that very place, where he had committed impiety against Onias, there slew he the cursed murderer. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had deserved.

39Ora, tendo Lisímaco cometido muitos sacrilégios na cidade com o consentimento de Menelau, e divulgando-se a notícia, a multidão se reuniu contra Lisímaco, quando já muitos vasos de ouro tinham sido levados.

39Now when many sacrileges had been committed in the city by Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus, and the fruit thereof was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together against Lysimachus, many vessels of gold being already carried away.

40Levantando-se então o povo, cheio de ira, Lisímaco armou cerca de três mil homens e começou a usar de violência, tendo por chefe um certo Aurano, homem avançado em anos e não menos em loucura.

40Whereupon the common people rising, and being filled with rage, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and began first to offer violence; one Auranus being the leader, a man far gone in years, and no less in folly.

41Vendo eles o ataque de Lisímaco, uns pegaram pedras, outros paus, e outros, tomando punhados do pó que estava ali perto, lançaram tudo junto sobre Lisímaco e os que os atacavam.

41They then seeing the attempt of Lysimachus, some of them caught stones, some clubs, others taking handfuls of dust, that was next at hand, cast them all together upon Lysimachus, and those that set upon them.

42Assim feriram a muitos deles, e derrubaram alguns, e puseram todos em fuga; e ao próprio sacrílego mataram junto ao tesouro.

42Thus many of them they wounded, and some they struck to the ground, and all of them they forced to flee: but as for the churchrobber himself, him they killed beside the treasury.

43Destas coisas, pois, foi movida uma acusação contra Menelau.

43Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid against Menelaus.

44E, quando o rei chegou a Tiro, três homens enviados pelo conselho dos anciãos defenderam a causa diante dele.

44Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before him:

45Mas Menelau, já convencido, prometeu a Ptolomeu, filho de Dorímenes, dar-lhe muito dinheiro, se aplacasse o rei a seu favor.

45But Menelaus, being now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes to give him much money, if he would pacify the king toward him.

46Então Ptolomeu, levando o rei à parte para uma galeria, como para tomar ar, fê-lo mudar de parecer;

46Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king aside into a certain gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of another mind:

47de modo que absolveu das acusações Menelau, causa de todo o mal, e condenou à morte aqueles infelizes, que, se tivessem defendido a sua causa até mesmo diante dos citas, teriam sido julgados inocentes.

47Insomuch that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations, who notwithstanding was cause of all the mischief: and those poor men, who, if they had told their cause, yea, before the Scythians, should have been judged innocent, them he condemned to death.

48Assim os que defendiam a cidade, e o povo, e os vasos sagrados, sofreram logo um castigo injusto.

48Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.

49Por isso até os de Tiro, movidos de indignação por esse crime, os sepultaram honrosamente.

49Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.

50E assim, pela cobiça dos poderosos, Menelau permaneceu no poder, crescendo em malícia e sendo o grande traidor dos seus concidadãos.

50And so through the covetousness of them that were of power Menelaus remained still in authority, increasing in malice, and being a great traitor to the citizens.