1. Simon, the high priest, son of Onias: in his life, he propped up the house, and in his days, he strengthened the temple.
2. Even the height of the temple was established by him: the double building and the high walls of the temple.
3. In his days, waters flowed out from the wells, and these were full beyond measure, like the sea.
4. He cared for his nation, and he freed it from perdition.
5. He prevailed, so as to enlarge the city. And he obtained glory by his behavior among the people. And he enlarged the entrance of the house and of the atrium.
6. He shined in his days like the morning star through the midst of a cloud, and like the full moon.
7. And he shined forth in the temple of God in this manner: like the sun when it shines brightly,
8. and like a rainbow shining amid clouds of glory, and like flowering roses in the days of spring, and like lilies along the water's edge, and like sweet smelling frankincense in the days of summer,
9. like a fire shining brightly, and like frankincense burning within a fire,
10. like a vessel of solid gold, adorned with every precious stone,
11. like an olive tree producing buds, and like a cypress tree lifting itself on high, when he received the robe of glory and was vested with the consummation of virtue.
12. He gave glory to the vestment of sanctity, when he ascended to the holy altar.