Secondo libro dei Maccabei 4

BIBBIA RICCIOTTI	KING JAMES BIBLE
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	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.
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.	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.
3 Ora, poiché le Inimicizie crescevano a tal segno che da alcuni satelliti di Simone furon anche commessi omicidi,	3 But when their hatred went so far, that by one of Simon's faction murders were committed,
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,	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,
5 non come accusatore dei concittadini ma in vista del comune vantaggio di tutta la nazione.	5 He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all, both publick and private:
6 Vedeva infatti che senza un intervento del re, era impossibile rimetter le cose in pace, e ritrarre Simone dalla sua empietà.	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.
7 Ma essendo morto [il re] Seleuco, ed avendo assunto il regno Antioco detto il Nobile, Giasone fratello d * Onia ambiva il sommo sacerdozio.	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,
8 Presentatosi al re, gli promise treccntosessanta talenti di argento, e su altri cespiti altri ottanta;	8 Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty talents:
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.	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.
10 Avendo ciò ottenuto dal re, e conseguito il principato, subito si mise a tirar i suoi connazionali ai costumi de’gentili.	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.
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.	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:
12 Ardi infatti di istituire un ginnasio sotto la stessa cittadella, e di mettere nei lupanari i giovinetti migliori.	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.
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.	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;
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;	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;
15 e reputando per nulla quel che i loro padri avevano onorato, stimavano migliori le glorie dei Greci.	15 Not setting by the honours of their fathers, but liking the glory of the Grecians best of all.
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.	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.
17 Agire invero da empii contro le leggi divine, non si fa impunemente, ed il tempo avvenire lo dimostrerà.	17 For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God: but the time following shall declare these things.
18 Celebrandosi dunque in Tiro i giuochi quinquennali alla presenza del re,	18 Now when the game that was used every faith year was kept at Tyrus, the king being present,
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.	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.
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.	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.
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.	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:
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.	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.
23 Tre anni dopo, Giasone mandò Menelao, fratello del sopra nominato Simone, al re, a portargli danari e riceverne risposta su affari importanti.	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.
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,	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.
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.	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.
26 Giasone pertanto, che aveva soppiantato il proprio fratello, tradito ora egli stesso e fuggiasco, fu cacciato nel paese degli Ammoniti.	26 Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the country of the Ammonites.
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,	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:
28 al quale spettava l’esazione delle tasse. Perciò furon ambedue citati davanti al re.	28 For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs. Wherefore they were both called before the king.
29 Menelao fu rimosso dal sacerdozio, succedendogli Lisimaco suo fratello. Sostrato poi fu mandato prefetto a Cipro.	29 Now Menelans left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the Cyprians.
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.	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.
31 Venne dunque in fretta il re a sedarli, lasciando a sostituirlo Andronico, uno del suoi compagni.	31 Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.
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.	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.
33 Il che avendo con tutta certezza risaputo Onta, ne lo rimproverava, stando però In luogo sicuro a Dafne presso Antiochia.	33 Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by Antiochia.
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.	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.
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.	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.
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.	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.
37 Contristato dunque nell’animo Antioco a causa d'Onia e mosso a compassione, pianse su lui ricordando la saviezza e modestia del defunto;	37 Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that was dead.
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.	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.
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.	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.
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.	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.
41 Ma quando gli altri videro il tentativo di Lisimaco, chi prese sassi e chi nodosi bastoni, e chi gettava contro Lisimaco della polvere.	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.
42 Così molti furon feriti, molti anche uccisi, e tutti gli altri messi in fuga; lui stesso, il sacrilego, fu ucciso presso l’erario.	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.
43 Di tutte queste cose fu cominciato ad accusare Menelao.	43 Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid against Menelans.
44 E venuto il re in Tiro, a lui fu deferito l’affare da tre uomini spediti a ciò dagli anziani [di Gerusalemme].	44 Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before him:
45 Menelao, vistosi a mal partito promise a Tolomeo di dargli molti danari se riuscisse a persuadere il re [in suo favore].	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.
46 Tolomeo dunque, se ne andò dal re in un vestibolo come per prender aria, e lo rimosse dalla sua sentenza ;	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:
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.	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.
48 Così senza indugio subirono l’ingiusta pena quelli che avevan difesa la causa della loro città e nazione, e de’ sacri arredi.	48 Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.
49 Della qual cosa indignati gli stessi cittadini di Tiro, dettero loro una magnifica sepoltura.	49 Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.
50 Menelao intanto, per l’avarizia di quelli ch'erano al potere, si manteneva In autorità, e cresceva in malizia a danno de' cittadini.	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.