3 Maccabees 1:17-19

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹⁷ those who remained behind in the city were agitated and hurried out, supposing that something mysterious was occurring.^{(A) 18} Young women who had been secluded in their chambers rushed out with their mothers, sprinkled their hair with dust,^[a] and filled the streets with groans and lamentations.^{(B) 19} Those women who had recently been arrayed for marriage abandoned the bridal chambers^[b] prepared for wedded union and, neglecting proper modesty, in a disorderly rush flocked together in the city.^(C)