Secondo libro dei Maccabei 4

BIBBIA RICCIOTTI	DOUAI-RHEIMS
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 But Simon, of whom we spoke before, and of his country, spoke ill of Onias, as though he had incited Heliodorus to do these things, and had been the promoter of 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 And he presumed to call him a traitor to the kingdom, who provided for the city, and defended his nation, and wed zealous for the law of God.
3 Ora, poiché le Inimicizie crescevano a tal segno che da alcuni satelliti di Simone furon anche commessi omicidi,	3 But when the enmities proceeded so far, that murders also were committed by some of Simon's friends:
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 considering the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, who was the governor of Celesyria and Phenicia, was outrageous, which increased the malice of Simon, went to the king,
5 non come accusatore dei concittadini ma in vista del comune vantaggio di tutta la nazione.	5 Not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but with a view to the common good of all the people.
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, except the king took care, it was impossible that matters should be settled in peace, or that Simon would cease from his folly.
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, who was called the Illustrious, had taken possession of the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias ambitiously sought the high priesthood:
8 Presentatosi al re, gli promise treccntosessanta talenti di argento, e su altri cespiti altri ottanta;	8 And went to the king, promising him three hundred and sixty talents of silver, and out of other revenues fourscore 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 Besides this he promised also a hundred and fifty more, if he might have license to set him up a place for exercise, and a place for youth, and to entitle them, that were at Jerusalem, 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 the rule into his hands, forthwith he began to bring over his countrymen to the fashion of the heathens.
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 abolishing those things, which had been decreed of special favour by the kings in behalf of the Jews, by the means of John the father of that Eupolemus, who went ambassador to Rome to make amity and alliance, he disannulled the lawful ordinances of the citizens, and brought in fashions that were perverse.
12 Ardi infatti di istituire un ginnasio sotto la stessa cittadella, e di mettere nei lupanari i giovinetti migliori.	12 For he had the boldness to set up, U under the very castle, a place of exercise, and to put all the choicest youths in brothel houses.
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 this was not the beginning, but an increase, and progress of heathenish and foreign manners, through the abominable and unheard of wickedness of Jason, that impious wretch and no 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 Insomuch that the priests were not now occupied about the offices of the altar, but despising the temple and neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of the games, and of the unlawful allowance thereof, and of the exercise of the discus.
15 e reputando per nulla quel che i loro padri avevano onorato, stimavano migliori le glorie dei Greci.	15 And setting nought by the honours of their fathers, they esteemed the Grecian glories for the best:
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 For the sake of which they incurred a dangerous contention, and followed earnestly their ordinances, and in all things they coveted to be like them, who were their enemies and murderers.
17 Agire invero da empii contro le leggi divine, non si fa impunemente, ed il tempo avvenire lo dimostrerà.	17 For acting wickedly against the laws of God doth not pass unpunished: but this the time following will declare.
18 Celebrandosi dunque in Tiro i giuochi quinquennali alla presenza del re,	18 Now when the game that was used every fifth year was kept at Tyre, 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 The wicked Jason sent from Jerusalem sinful men to carry three hundred didrachmas of silver for the sacrifice of Hercules; but the bearers thereof desired it might not be bestowed on the sacrifices, because it was not necessary, but might be deputed 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 So the money was appointed by him that sent it to the sacrifice of Hercules: but because of them that carried it was employed for the making of galleys.
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 Mnestheus was sent into Egypt to treat with the nobles of king Philometor, and Antiochus understood that he was wholly excluded from the affairs of the kingdom, consulting his own interest, he departed thence and came to Joppe, 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 received in a, magnificent manner by Jason, and the city, and came in with torch lights, and with praises, end from thence he returned with his army into Phenicia.
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 afterwards Jason sent Menelaus, brother of the aforesaid Simon, to carry money to the king, and to bring answers from him concerning certain necessary affairs.
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 recommended to the king, when he had magnified the appearance of his power, got the high priesthood for himself, by 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 having received the king's mandate, he returned bringing nothing worthy of the high priesthood: but having the mind 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 himself undermined, was driven out a fugitive 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 Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money he had promised to the king he took no care, when Sostratus the governor of the castle called for
28 al quale spettava l’esazione delle tasse. Perciò furon ambedue citati davanti al re.	28 For to him appertained the gathering of the taxes: 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 And Menelaus was removed from the priesthood, Lysimachus his brother succeeding: and Sostratus was made 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 When these things were in doing, it fell out that they of Tharsus and Mallos raised a sedition, because they were given for a gift to Antiochis, the king's concubine.
31 Venne dunque in fretta il re a sedarli, lasciando a sostituirlo Andronico, uno del suoi compagni.	31 The king therefore went in all haste to appease them, leaving Andronicus, one of his nobles, 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 Then Menelaus supposing that he had found a convenient time, having stolen certain vessels of gold out of the temple, gave them to Andronicus, and others he had sold at Tyre, and in the neighbouring cities.
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 understood most certainly, he reproved him, keeping himself in a safe place at Antioch beside Daphne.
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 Whereupon Menelaus coming to Andronicus, desired him to kill Onias. And he went to Onias, and gave him his right hand with an oath, and (though he were suspected by him) persuaded him to come forth out of the sanctuary, and immediately slew him, without any regard to 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 which cause not only the Jews, but also the other nations, conceived indignation, and were much grieved for the unjust murder of so great a 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 back from the places of Cilicia, the Jews that were at Antioch, and also the Creaks went to him: complaining of the unjust murder of Onias.
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 Antiochus therefore was grieved in his mind for Onias, and being moved to pity, shed tears, remembering the sobriety and modesty of the deceased.
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 inflamed to anger, he commanded Andronicus to be stripped of his purple, and to be led about through all the city: and that in the same place wherein he had committed the impiety against Onias, the sacrilegious wretch should be put to death, the Lord repaying him his deserved punishment.
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 by Lysimachus in the temple by the counsel of Menelaus, and the rumour of it was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together against Lysimachus, a great quantity 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 Wherefore the multitude making an insurrection, and their minds being filled with anger, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and began to use violence, one Tyrannus being captain, a man far gone both in age, and in madness.
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 But when they perceived the attempt of Lysimachus, some caught up stones, some strong clubs: and some threw ashes upon Lysimachus,
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 And many of them were wounded, and some struck down to the ground, but all were put to flight: and as for the sacrilegious fellow himself, they slew him beside the treasury.
43 Di tutte queste cose fu cominciato ad accusare Menelao.	43 Now concerning these matters, an accusation was laid against Menelaus.
44 E venuto il re in Tiro, a lui fu deferito l’affare da tre uomini spediti a ciò dagli anziani [di Gerusalemme].	44 And when the king was come to Tyre, three men were sent from the ancients to plead 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 Menelaus being convicted, promised Ptolemee to give him much money to persuade the king to favour him.
46 Tolomeo dunque, se ne andò dal re in un vestibolo come per prender aria, e lo rimosse dalla sua sentenza ;	46 So Ptolemee went to the king in a certain court where he was, as it were to cool himself, and 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 So Menelaus who was guilty of all the evil, was acquitted by him of the accusations: and those poor men, who, if they had pleaded their cause even before Scythians, should have been judged innocent, were 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 prosecuted the cause for the city, and for the people, and the sacred vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.
49 Della qual cosa indignati gli stessi cittadini di Tiro, dettero loro una magnifica sepoltura.	49 Wherefore even the Tyrians being moved with indignation, were liberal towards their burial.
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 in power, Menelaus continued in authority, increasing in malice to the betraying of the citizens.