11:15. Then Machabeus consented to the request of Lysias, providing for the common good in all things; and whatsoever Machabeus wrote to Lysias, concerning the Jews, the king allowed of. 11:16. For there were letters written to the Jews from Lysias, to this effect: Lysias, to the people of the Jews, greeting. 11:17. John, and Abesalom, who were sent from you, delivering your writings, requested that I would accomplish those things which were signified by them. 11:18. Therefore whatsoever things could be reported to the king, I have represented to him: and he hath granted as much as the matter permitted. 11:19. If, therefore, you will keep yourselves loyal in affairs, hereafter also I will endeavour to be a means of your good. 11:20. But as concerning other particulars, I have given orders by word both to these, and to them that are sent by me, to commune with you. 11:21. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the four and twentieth day of the month of Dioscorus. In the year 148... Viz., according to the computation followed by the Greeks; which was different from that of the Hebrews, followed by the writer of the first book of Machabees. However, by this date, as well as by other circumstances, it appears that the expedition of Lysias, mentioned in this chapter, is different from that which is recorded, 1 Mac. 6. 11:22. But the king's letter contained these words King Antiochus to Lysias, his brother, greeting. 11:23. Our father being translated amongst the gods we are desirous that they that are in our realm should live quietly, and apply themselves diligently to their own concerns. 11:24. And we have heard that the Jews would not consent to my father to turn to the rites of the Greeks but that they would keep to their own manner of living and therefore that they request us to allow them to live after their own laws. 11:25. Wherefore being desirous that this nation also should be at rest, we have ordained and decreed, that the temple should be restored to them, and that they may live according to the custom of their ancestors. 11:26. Thou shalt do well, therefore, to send to them, and grant them peace, that our pleasure being known, they may be of good comfort, and look to their own affairs. 11:27. But the king's letter to the Jews was in this manner: King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews, and to the rest of the Jews, greeting. 11:28. If you are well, you are as we desire: we ourselves also are well. 11:29. Menelaus came to us, saying that you desired to come down to your countrymen, that are with us. 11:30. We grant, therefore, a safe conduct to all that come and go, until the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus, 11:31. That the Jews may use their own kind of meats, and their own laws, as before: and that none of them any manner of ways be molested for things which have been done by ignorance. 11:32. And we have sent also Menelaus to speak to you.