4 Maccabees 9:2-4

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

² we are obviously putting our forebears to shame unless we practise ready obedience to the law and to Moses^[a] our counsellor. ³ Tyrant and counsellor of lawlessness, in your hatred for us do not pity us more than we pity ourselves.^{[b] 4} For we consider this pity of yours, which ensures our safety through transgression of the law, to be more grievous than death itself.