12. But the Romans have kept friendship with their allies and those who rely on them. They have subdued kings far and near, and as many as have heard of their reputation have feared them.
13. Those whom they wish to help come to power, they make kings. Those whom they wish, they bring down. The Romans have been greatly exalted.
14. Yet even with all this, not one of them has put on a crown or worn purple as a mark of pride.
15. Instead, they built for themselves a senate chamber. Daily, three hundred twenty senators plan constantly concerning their people in order to govern them well.
16. They trust one man each year to rule over them and to control all their land. All listen to this one man, and there is no envy or jealousy among the Romans.
17. So Judas chose Eupolemus son of John and grandson of Accos, and also Jason, Eleazar’s son. He sent them to Rome to establish friendship, alliance,
18. and also to free the Jewish people from oppression. They observed that the Greek kingdom was completely enslaving Israel.
19. They took the long journey to Rome. They entered the senate chamber, and they spoke:
20. "Judas, called Maccabeus, along with his brothers and the Jewish people, has sent us to you to establish alliance and peace with you. We seek to be enrolled as your allies and friends."
21. This proposal pleased the Romans.
22. This is a copy of the letter that they wrote in reply on bronze tablets, which they sent to Jerusalem to remain with them there as a memorial of peace and alliance:
23. May all go well with the Romans and with the nation of the Jews at sea and on land forever. May sword and enemy stay away from them.
24. If war comes first to Rome or to any of their allies throughout their territory,