4 Maccabees 14:18-20

Common English Bible

¹⁸ But why is it necessary to demonstrate the fact that animals without understanding have sympathy for their young? ¹⁹ When it is time to build their hive, even the bees defend themselves against those who come too close. They sting like an iron dart anyone who comes near the hive, and fight even to the death. ²⁰ But the young men’s mother wasn’t moved by sympathy for her children. She had the same heart as Abraham.