2 Maccabees 4

KING JAMES BIBLE	BIBBIA RICCIOTTI
1 This Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having been a betrayer of the money, and of his country, slandered Onias, as if he ha terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these evils.	1 - Quel medesimo Simone che aveva tradito la patria e svelata l’esistenza del tesoro, sparlava di Onia, quasi avesse egli istigato Eliodoro, e fosse stato causa di quei mali
2 Thus 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.	2 e così osava chiamar insidiatore del regno quegli che era la provvidenza della sua città, il difensore della sua nazione, lo zelatore della legge di Dio.
3 But when their hatred went so far, that by one of Simon's faction murders were committed,	3 Ora, poiché le Inimicizie crescevano a tal segno che da alcuni satelliti di Simone furon anche commessi omicidi,
4 Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did rage, and increase Simon's malice,	4 considerando Onia il pericolo della discordia, e come Apollonio, in qualità di prefetto della Celesiria e della Fenicia, insanamente fomentava la malizia di Simone, ricorse al re,
5 He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all, both publick and private:	5 non come accusatore dei concittadini ma in vista del comune vantaggio di tutta la nazione.
6 For he saw that it was impossible that the state should continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless the king did look thereunto.	6 Vedeva infatti che senza un intervento del re, era impossibile rimetter le cose in pace, e ritrarre Simone dalla sua empietà.
7 But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured underhand to be high priest,	7 Ma essendo morto [il re] Seleuco, ed avendo assunto il regno Antioco detto il Nobile, Giasone fratello d * Onia ambiva il sommo sacerdozio.
8 Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty talents:	8 Presentatosi al re, gli promise treccntosessanta talenti di argento, e su altri cespiti altri ottanta;
9 Beside 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.	9 inoltre, gliene prometteva altri centocinquanta, se gli dava facoltà di erigersi un ginnasio ed una efebia, e di conferire la cittadinanza antiochena a quei di Gerusalemme.
10 Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten into his hand the rule he forthwith brought his own nation to Greekish fashion.	10 Avendo ciò ottenuto dal re, e conseguito il principato, subito si mise a tirar i suoi connazionali ai costumi de’gentili.
11 And 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:	11 Messe da parte le concessioni che i re avevan fatto a titolo di benevolenza a’ Giudei, per mezzo di Giovanni, padre di quell’ Eupolemo che fu mandato ambasciatore ai Romani per far con loro società ed alleanza, calpestando i legittimi diritti de’cittadini, introduceva usanze perverse.
12 For 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.	12 Ardi infatti di istituire un ginnasio sotto la stessa cittadella, e di mettere nei lupanari i giovinetti migliori.
13 Now 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;	13 Questo non era già il principio ma una conseguenza ed un accrescimento del modo di vivere gentilesco e straniero, dovuto alla nefanda ed inaudita scelleratezza dell’empio falso sacerdote Giasone.
14 That 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;	14 Talmente che i sacerdoti non attendevano agli uffici, correvano a prender parte a’ giuochi della palestra, alle sue illecite attrattive, ed agli esercizi del disco;
15 Not setting by the honours of their fathers, but liking the glory of the Grecians best of all.	15 e reputando per nulla quel che i loro padri avevano onorato, stimavano migliori le glorie dei Greci.
16 By 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.	16 Per amor delle quali facevano tra di loro pericolose gare, volendo emulare le istituzioni e farsi in tutto simili a quelli ch’erano stati i loro nemici e distruttori.
17 For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God: but the time following shall declare these things.	17 Agire invero da empii contro le leggi divine, non si fa impunemente, ed il tempo avvenire lo dimostrerà.
18 Now when the game that was used every faith year was kept at Tyrus, the king being present,	18 Celebrandosi dunque in Tiro i giuochi quinquennali alla presenza del re,
19 This 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.	19 l’empio Giasone mandò da Gerusalemme uomini iniqui, a portarvi trecento dramme d’argento, per sacrifizi ad Ercole; quelli però che le avevano portate, chiesero che non andassero spese nei sacrifizi, non stando ciò bene, ma fossero destinate ad altro uso.
20 This 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.	20 Erano veramente state offerte per il sacrifizio di Ercole, da chi le avevano mandate; ma per riguardo ai latori furon impiegate nella costruzione di navi triremi.
21 Now 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:	21 Antioco poi, avendo Inviato in Egitto Apollonio figlio di Mnesteo a causa della prima proclamazione come re del re Tolomeo Filometore, accortosi d’esser ormai considerato estraneo agli affari di quel regno, per provveder al proprio vantaggio se ne parti, e venne in Joppe, e quindi in Gerusalemme.
22 Where 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.	22 Accolto magnificamente da Giasone e dai cittadini, entrò al lume delle fiaccole e tra canti di lode. Di li poi volse l’esercito nella Fenicia.
23 Three years afterward Jason sent Menelans, the aforesaid Simon's brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put him in mind of certain necessary matters.	23 Tre anni dopo, Giasone mandò Menelao, fratello del sopra nominato Simone, al re, a portargli danari e riceverne risposta su affari importanti.
24 But 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.	24 Ma quegli, ingraziositosi il re con l’esaltare la sua potenza, ed offrendo trecento talenti d’argento più che Giasone, ritorse su se medesimo il sommo pontificato,
25 So 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.	25 e ricevutane dal re l'investitura tornò, nulla avendo di degno del sacerdozio, e portando anzi in sè le disposizioni di un crudele tiranno, e l’ira d’una bestia selvaggia.
26 Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the country of the Ammonites.	26 Giasone pertanto, che aveva soppiantato il proprio fratello, tradito ora egli stesso e fuggiasco, fu cacciato nel paese degli Ammoniti.
27 So Menelans 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:	27 Menelao poi ebbe si il principato; ma di dare al re le somme promesse non fece nulla, quando le richiese Sostrato prefetto della cittadella,
28 For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs. Wherefore they were both called before the king.	28 al quale spettava l’esazione delle tasse. Perciò furon ambedue citati davanti al re.
29 Now Menelans left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the Cyprians.	29 Menelao fu rimosso dal sacerdozio, succedendogli Lisimaco suo fratello. Sostrato poi fu mandato prefetto a Cipro.
30 While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos made insurrection, because they were given to the king's concubine, called Antiochus.	30 Mentre queste cose accadevano, avvenne che i cittadini di Tarso e di Mallo si ribellarono, perchè erano stati assegnati in dote ad Antiochide concubina del re.
31 Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.	31 Venne dunque in fretta il re a sedarli, lasciando a sostituirlo Andronico, uno del suoi compagni.
32 Now Menelans, 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.	32 Menelao allora, giudicando esser venuto per lui il momento opportuno, sottratti dal tempio alcuni arredi d’oro, li dette ad Andronico, ad altri ne vendè in Tiro ed in città vicine.
33 Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by Antiochia.	33 Il che avendo con tutta certezza risaputo Onta, ne lo rimproverava, stando però In luogo sicuro a Dafne presso Antiochia.
34 Wherefore Menelans, 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.	34 Menelao dunque ricorse ad Andronico, e gli chiese che mettesse a morte Onia. E quegli venuto ad Onia, e datesi con giuramento le destre, sebbene gli fosse sospetto, lo persuase ad uscire dal luogo d’asilo, e subito l’uccise senza riguardo alla giustizia.
35 For 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.	35 Della qual cosa s’indignarono non solo i Giudei, ma anche le altre genti, e non potevan sopportare l'ingiusta uccisione d’un tant’uomo.
36 And 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.	36 Perciò, tornato il re dai luoghi dalla Cilicia, gli si presentarono insieme In Antiochia e Giudei e Greci, protestando contro l’iniqua uccisione d'Onia.
37 Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that was dead.	37 Contristato dunque nell’animo Antioco a causa d'Onia e mosso a compassione, pianse su lui ricordando la saviezza e modestia del defunto;
38 And 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.	38 poi, acceso di sdegno, comandò che Andronico spogliato della porpora fosse condotto in giro per tutta la città, e che nel luogo stesso ove il sacrilego aveva commesso sopra Onia quell'iniquità, fosse messo a morte, ricevendo cosi da Dio la meritata pena.
39 Now when many sacrileges had been committed in the city by Lysimachus with the consent of Menelans, and the fruit thereof was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together against Lysimachus, many vessels of gold being already carried away.	39 Ora, essendo stati perpetrati da Lisimaco nel tempio molti sacrilegi ad istigazione di Menelao e sparsane la voce, il popolo insorse contro Lisimaco che aveva già trafugato molt’oro.
40 Whereupon 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.	40 Tumultuando la turba, ed essendo irritati gli animi, Lisimaco armò circa tremila uomini, con a capo un certo tiranno avanzato del pari in età e in malizia, e cominciò a far violenze.
41 They 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.	41 Ma quando gli altri videro il tentativo di Lisimaco, chi prese sassi e chi nodosi bastoni, e chi gettava contro Lisimaco della polvere.
42 Thus 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.	42 Così molti furon feriti, molti anche uccisi, e tutti gli altri messi in fuga; lui stesso, il sacrilego, fu ucciso presso l’erario.
43 Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid against Menelans.	43 Di tutte queste cose fu cominciato ad accusare Menelao.
44 Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before him:	44 E venuto il re in Tiro, a lui fu deferito l’affare da tre uomini spediti a ciò dagli anziani [di Gerusalemme].
45 But Menelans, being now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes to give him much money, if he would pacify the king toward him.	45 Menelao, vistosi a mal partito promise a Tolomeo di dargli molti danari se riuscisse a persuadere il re [in suo favore].
46 Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king aside into a certain gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of another mind:	46 Tolomeo dunque, se ne andò dal re in un vestibolo come per prender aria, e lo rimosse dalla sua sentenza ;
47 Insomuch that he discharged Menelans 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.	47 ed il re assolvè da ogni delitto quel Menelao reo d’ogni iniquità, e quei [tre] miseri, i quali, anche se avessero perorato la loro causa innanzi agli Sciti, sarebbero stati giudicati innocenti, li condannò a morte.
48 Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.	48 Così senza indugio subirono l’ingiusta pena quelli che avevan difesa la causa della loro città e nazione, e de’ sacri arredi.
49 Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.	49 Della qual cosa indignati gli stessi cittadini di Tiro, dettero loro una magnifica sepoltura.
50 And so through the covetousness of them that were of power Menelans remained still in authority, increasing in malice, and being a great traitor to the citizens.	50 Menelao intanto, per l’avarizia di quelli ch'erano al potere, si manteneva In autorità, e cresceva in malizia a danno de' cittadini.