Chapter 11 _{15 Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.16 For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:17 John and Absolom, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the contents thereof.18 Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might be.19 And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good.20 But of the particulars I have given order both to these and the other that came from me, to commune with you.21 Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.22 Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:23 Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may attend upon his own affairs.24 We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause they require of us, that we should suffer them to live after their own laws.25 Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.26 Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant them peace, that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.27 And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council, and the rest of the Jews:28 If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health.29 Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your own business:30 Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.31 And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done.32 I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.33 Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.}