9. But do you, O king, having informed yourself of these things severally, take thought both for our country and for our race, which is surrounded by foes, according to the gracious kindness with which you receive all.
10. For as long as Judas remains alive, it is impossible that the state should find peace.
11. And when he had spoken such words as these, at once the rest of the king’s Friends, having ill will against Judas, inflamed Demetrius yet more.
12. And forthwith appointing Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor of Judaea, he sent him forth,
13. giving him written instructions to make away with Judas himself and to scatter them that were with him, and to set up Alcimus as high priest of the great temple.
14. And those in Judaea that had before driven Judas into exile thronged to Nicanor in flocks, supposing that the misfortunes and calamities of the Jews would be successes to themselves.
15. But when the Jews heard of Nicanor’s inroad and the assault of the heathen, they sprinkled earth upon their heads and made solemn supplication to him who had established his own people for evermore, and who always, making manifest his presence, upholdeth them that are his own portion.
16. And when the leader had given his commands, he straightway sets out from thence, and joineth battle with them at a village called Lessau.
17. But Simon, the brother of Judas, had encountered Nicanor, yet not till late, having received a check by reason of the sudden consternation caused by his adversaries.
18. Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that were with Judas, and their courage in fighting for their country, shrank from bringing the matter to the decision of the sword.
19. Wherefore he sent Posidonius and Theodotus and Mattathias to give and receive pledges of friendship.
20. So when these proposals had been long considered, and the leader had made the troops acquainted therewith, and it appeared that they were all of like mind, they consented to the covenants.
21. And they appointed a day on which to meet together by themselves. And a litter was borne forward from each army; they set chairs of state;
22. Judas stationed armed men ready in convenient places, lest haply there should suddenly be treachery on the part of the enemy; they held such conference as was meet.
23. Nicanor tarried in Jerusalem, and did nothing to cause disturbance, but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered together.
24. And he kept Judas always in his presence; he had gained a hearty affection for the man;