18. and so that they would take away from them the yoke of the Grecians, for they saw that they oppressed the kingdom of Israel with servitude.
19. And they went to Rome, a very long journey, and they entered the senate house, and they said,
20. "Judas Maccabeus, and his brothers, and the people of the Jews, have sent us to you to establish with you an alliance and peace, and so that we may be registered among your associates and friends."
21. And the word was pleasing in their sight.
22. And this is a copy of the writing, which they rewrote on tablets of brass and sent to Jerusalem, so that it would be with them in that place as a memorial of the peace and alliance:
23. "May all be well with the Romans and with the nation of the Jews, at sea and on land, forever, and may sword and enemy be far away from them.
24. But if a war is instituted against the Romans first, or against any of their allies in all their dominions,
25. the nation of the Jews will bring help to them, just as the situation shall direct, whole-heartedly.
26. And those who do battle, they need not provide with supplies of wheat, or arms, or money, or ships, just as it seems good to the Romans, and they shall obey their orders, while taking nothing from them.
27. But in like manner also, if war will have fallen upon the nation of the Jews first, the Romans shall help them willingly, just as the situation permits them.
28. And those who give assistance will not be provided with wheat, or arms, or money, or ships, just as it seems good to the Romans. And they shall obey their orders without deceit.
29. According to these words, the Romans have made an agreement with the people of the Jews.
30. And, if after these words, one or another would want to add anything to, or take anything from these, they may do as they propose. And whatever they add or take away, it shall be ratified.
31. Moreover, concerning the evils that king Demetrius did to them, we have written to him, saying, 'Why have you made your yoke heavy upon our friends and allies, the Jews?
32. If, therefore, they come again to us against you, we will render judgment for them, and we will make war against you by sea and by land.' "