2 Maccabees 2:29-31

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition

²⁹ For as the master builder of a new house must be concerned with the whole construction, while the one who undertakes its painting and decoration has to consider only what is suitable for its adornment, such in my judgement is the case with us. ³⁰ It is the duty of the original historian to occupy the ground, to discuss matters from every side, and to take trouble with details, ³¹ but the one who recasts the narrative should be allowed to strive for brevity of expression and to forego exhaustive treatment.