3 On discovering this, so incensed was the wicked king, that he no longer confined his rage to the Yehudim in Alexandria. Laying his hand more heavily on those who lived in the country, he gave orders that they should be quickly collected into one place, and most cruelly deprived of their lives. 2 While this was going on, a hostile rumour was uttered abroad by men who’d banded together to injure the Jewish race. The pretext of their charge was that the Yehudim kept them away from the ordinances of the law. 3 Now the Yehudim always maintained a feeling of unwavering loyalty towards the kings, 4 yet, as they worshipped God and observed his law, they made certain distinctions, and avoided certain things. Hence they appeared hateful to some people, 5 although, as they adorned their conversation with works of righteousness, they’d established themselves in the good opinion of the world. 6 What all the rest of mankind said was, however, disregarded by the foreigners, 7 who said much of the exclusiveness of the Yehudim with regard to their worship and meats. They alleged that they were unsociable men, hostile to the king’s interests, refusing to associate with him or his troops. By this way of speaking, they brought much hatred on them. 8 This unexpected uproar and sudden gathering of people was observed by the Hellains (Greeks) who lived in the city, about men who’d never harmed them. Yet to aid them wasn’t in their power, since all was oppression around, but they encouraged them in their troubles, and expected a favourable turn of affairs. 9 He who knows all things won’t, they said, disregard so great a people. 10 Some of the neighbours, friends, and business associates of the Yehudim even called them secretly to an interview, pledged them their assistance, and promised to do their very utmost for them.